by Cindy Kirk
A stir of excitement ran through the film crew.
“Anita.” Jeremy stepped closer and tried to take her arm, but she shook him off.
Kyle’s arm slipped around Eliza’s waist.
“You should leave.” Kyle’s tone brooked no argument. “Nothing here concerns you.”
As Eliza expected, the comment was like tossing kerosene on a fire.
“Don’t you tell me what to do.” Anita’s brown eyes turned as sharp as her voice. “My daughter was pushed out by this conniving, back-stabbing bitch who pretended to be her friend.”
Beside her, Kyle began to vibrate.
Eliza clutched his arm and leveled the gaze that had brought many a Cherries member to her knees. “You’re making a fool of yourself, Anita. You need to go.”
“Everyone in Good Hope knows it’s always about you and what you want. You don’t care about Lindsay. All you care about is this competition.”
Steve Bloom suddenly appeared and took Anita’s arm.
The brunette started to pull away until she realized who it was beside her. Despite her vehement denials, everyone in Good Hope knew Anita still cared about this sweet, gentle man she’d once dated.
“Come with me, Anita.” Steve’s eyes were as soft and soothing as his voice. “Let’s go somewhere, get a cup of coffee.”
Eliza breathed a sigh of relief when Anita’s shoulders slumped. Then she whirled and that finger was in the air again, pointing from Eliza to Kyle.
“Mark my words, when this all comes out as being a sham, you two won’t be able to hold your heads up in this community.” With a half sob, Anita shook off Steve’s hand and took off, the film crew in hot pursuit.
Eliza stared down at the emerald-cut diamond with the elaborate filigree that Kyle had placed on her finger yesterday, “just for show.” She wasn’t sure where he’d picked up the ring that likely wasn’t even a real gemstone.
Surging emotion made rational thought impossible. Eliza might have walked off the set if Kyle hadn’t reached out and grabbed her hand. “Steady.”
Out of the corner of her eye, Eliza saw one camera swing to them, while the other remained trained on Anita, who was now shoving her way through the crowd.
“Take a deep breath.” Kyle’s voice remained low, for her ears only. “A few more photos and we can go home.”
Home.
For a second, Eliza imagined how nice it would be to sit in the parlor and share a glass of wine with him. Somehow, without her quite realizing how it had happened, he’d become incredibly precious to her.
Yet, what had she done? She’d put him in a situation where he would be embarrassed and ridiculed.
He might have volunteered, might have even suggested the charade. But she’d lived here her entire life, and Eliza knew the fallout Kyle could face when it came out they were just “pretending.” Especially with Anita determined to bring him down.
Eliza could handle whatever garbage Anita tossed her way. What she couldn’t stand was having the man she loved hurt…and knowing she was to blame.
Chapter 26
With more than a little impatience, Kyle watched the crew pack up and leave the barn, laughing and talking. Margo nearly floated out the door. For her and her crew, it had been a stellar day. Like a maraschino cherry atop a freshly made sundae, Anita’s tirade had been an unexpected sweet treat.
After Lindsay’s mother left, Margo zeroed in on Eliza, no doubt hoping for some theatrics. But the brunette was stoic and tight-lipped. They’d gotten all the drama they would get for today.
When Margo ordered one of her crew to finish with some closeups of Eliza, Kyle moved to the side and waited.
“I’ll make sure they’re gone.” Jeremy clapped Kyle on the back and gestured with his head toward Eliza. “She’s going to need you. She’s not nearly as cool about all this as she appears.”
No shit, Sherlock.
Thankful the barn was finally empty, Kyle crossed to where Eliza was pretending great interest in a few hairpins that had fallen to the floor.
She didn’t glance up as he approached.
When he bent over to pick up a pin she’d missed, she slowly straightened. “Anita was right, you know.”
There was an edge to her voice Kyle didn’t like. He’d caught Anita’s parting shot—it would have been impossible not to hear—and had felt Eliza stiffen from the impact.
“How do you figure?” He kept his voice easy.
“Being involved in this charade will make it difficult for both of us. I wasn’t thinking clearly when I decided on this course of action.”
Something was going on here, but darned if Kyle could figure out what it was. “It’s been a long day. We can discuss this later.”
“You should be doing a happy dance.” The smile she flashed, though bright, didn’t reach her eyes. “As of now, you’re off the hook.”
He inclined his head. “What do you mean? We still have the wedding filming to do.”
“Don’t worry.” She patted his hand. “I’ll handle it.”
While he watched, she slid the diamond off her left hand and pressed it into his palm. “Thanks for the loaner.”
While he was still trying to gather his thoughts, Eliza walked away, leaving him with a ring and a whole lot of questions.
Kyle’s phone rang just as he reached the truck. He was tempted to let it go to voice mail when he noticed it was his mother.
“Hi, Mom.” Thankful he no longer wore the tux, Kyle rested his back against the dusty vehicle. “What time are you getting in?”
“We’re already here.” His mother’s voice held the lilt that had been missing since he’d first confronted her with his suspicions. Then she lowered her voice for a moment, making him wonder who else was nearby. “Your father wants to speak with you as soon as possible.”
“Where are you now?”
“At your home. It’s gorgeous, Kyle, simply magnificent.” Erin continued to gush for another minute about his new house.
All he could think was it wasn’t his house, it was Eliza’s. Despite what the deed said, it belonged to her.
“Your father is very impressed. He now sees why you snatched it up.” His mother’s light tone suddenly turned serious as she whispered into the phone, “I told your father the full story. I should have told him last year when you first came to me. But I didn’t and that was my error. Now, at least, it’s no longer between us.”
Kyle heard the relief and hoped that meant his parents’ marriage hadn’t been irreparably damaged.
“Are you two settled in?”
“Oh, yes. Katherine has been a doll.” His mother gave a little laugh. “We hit it off right away. She’s going to introduce me to all her friends while I’m here.”
“You’ll like them.” Kyle slipped the ring back into his pocket. “Why don’t you tell Dad to meet me at the theater? It’s easy to find. Katherine can give him directions. I can show him what I’ve been doing while we talk.”
He drove straight to the theater. As parking was at a premium because of the Ready, Set, Wed crew being in town, Kyle was forced to park several blocks away. His battered heart clenched when he rounded the corner and caught sight of the man who’d taught him to catch a ball, dribble a basketball and swing a hammer. Scott Kendrick had not only been there for every Little League game, but for every bump in Kyle’s journey to manhood.
Dressed casually in jeans and a brown Henley, his father lifted a hand in greeting when he spotted Kyle. He was a tall man with wavy brown hair, bright blue eyes and an easy smile.
Though his gaze remained watchful, he greeted Kyle with a manly half hug that lasted a second longer than necessary. The gesture had a lump forming in Kyle’s throat.
For the first time, Kyle realized that, regardless of what he’d told Eliza, the confirmation that he was indeed someone else’s son had rocked him to the core.
“It’s good to see you, son.” Scott followed Kyle into the theater and waited while he flipped on
the lights. “Or am I not allowed to call you that anymore?”
It didn’t surprise Kyle that his dad got right down to business. His straightforwardness was a trait Kyle admired and had always tried to emulate.
“For me, this confirmation didn’t change anything.” Kyle’s voice hitched. “I hope nothing has changed between you and Mom.”
Though Kyle knew the truth had needed to come out, that didn’t stop him from worrying how the revelation might have affected his parents’ marriage.
“A couple doesn’t get through something this big unscathed.” Scott leaned casually against the concession bar, his expression guarded.
“You and Mom are getting a divorce?” The absolute horror of it had Kyle’s blood freezing.
“No. No. No. I love your mother and she loves me. That will never change.” Scott glanced down at the shiny wood of the concession bar and dragged one finger along the top.
After a moment, he lifted his gaze to meet Kyle’s. “Your mom didn’t cheat on me. We’d broken up before she went to Daytona for spring break. I was a fool. I let my buddies convince me I was too young to settle on one girl.”
Kyle wasn’t sure what to say, so he merely nodded.
“But once I had my freedom, I realized the only one I wanted was her.” Scott’s eyes grew distant with memories. “I was miserable. Telling Erin we should date other people was the worst decision I ever made.”
“What did you do when you realized your mistake?” This was a part of the puzzle Kyle didn’t have.
“I had a choice to make. Move on and try to live without her, or admit I was wrong and ask for her forgiveness.” The soft look that filled his eyes quieted the last remnant of Kyle’s fears. “I told her I’d been a schmuck and begged for another chance. I wasn’t sure how she’d react.”
“That must have been a difficult conversation.”
Scott gave a half chuckle. “Admitting you’re wrong is never easy.”
“Mom had some apologizing to do, too.” Kyle thought of what had happened during that week in Daytona.
“No.” His father’s tone brooked no argument. “Erin and I weren’t together when she met Ed Rakes.”
“But—”
“I was the one at fault, not her.” Scott’s steady gaze pinned Kyle. “I won’t have you thinking otherwise. Understood?”
Kyle nodded.
“Those weeks apart taught me a lot, helped me grow as a man.” Scott’s gaze grew thoughtful. “Not only did I learn not to let myself be influenced by others, but your mother taught me the art of graciously accepting a heartfelt apology.”
Kyle cleared his throat. “I’m glad you and she will get past this.”
Apparently done with discussing the incident, Scott narrowed his gaze on his son. “I don’t say it often, but I love you, Kyle. You having another man’s DNA doesn’t alter that fact or the fact that I consider you to be my son.”
Fighting hard against the emotion swamping him, Kyle only nodded.
“But you have another dad. One who, if he’s smart, will want to get to know you. I’m good with that.”
Once again, Kyle was amazed by his father’s generosity of spirit.
“I understand you also have a brother.”
Kyle finally found his voice. “Jeremy. He lives here in Good Hope.”
Shoulders relaxed, Scott raised a brow. “What’s he like?”
“He’s a nice guy.” Kyle’s lips curved as he thought of the affable mayor. “Given time, I believe we might become good friends.”
“Take that time.”
“I won’t be staying in Good Hope.” Kyle’s words sounded hollow in his ears. “Once the theater renovation was completed, my plan was to return to Kentucky.”
“Is that what you still want?” Scott’s tone remained conversational.
“Kendrick is based out of Lexington.” A chill settled over Kyle. “Unless you don’t want me to be a part of the family business anymore?”
“You’re my son.” His father’s hand settled on Kyle’s shoulder, squeezed. “Of course I want you to be a part of Kendrick. It’s just obvious you’ve been making a place for yourself here.”
Kyle lifted his jaw in a stubborn tilt. “I want to remain involved with the company.”
“That’s not a problem. You like bidding jobs, and you’re good at it. That can be done from here.” Scott glanced around the theater. “If this renovation is any indication of the skill of the crew you’ve assembled, take on some jobs. No reason Kendrick can’t expand into this part of the country.”
What his father was offering humbled Kyle. “You’d be okay with that?”
“I’ll be honest. Selfishly, your mother and I would like you close. But we want you happy.” Scott’s gaze met his. “Take time to get to know your family here. Your mom and me and Lolo, no matter where you live, we’ll be there for you.”
Kyle thought of Eliza and the dreams he’d spun in his head. Could he live in Good Hope without her? “Right now, I’m not certain what I’m going to do.”
“You’re a smart guy. You’ll figure it out.” His father slung an arm around his shoulders. “Now, let’s hunt up your mother. She can’t wait to see you.”
Once she left Rakes Farm, Eliza stopped by Hill House to change, then swung by the house that was no longer her home. But a strange car parked out front had her driving by without stopping.
She’d forgotten that Kyle’s parents were arriving today. There would be no chance to say good-bye to Katherine and Lolo. She sighed. It was probably for the best.
Eliza was still deciding where to go when her phone rang.
“Hello, dear brother.” Her smile faded as she listened to his words tumble out, terse and to the point. When he finally paused for breath, the Good Hope city limits had already come and gone. “I’ll be right there.”
Highway 42 spanned the entire length of the peninsula and would lead her directly to Sturgeon Bay. She’d visited friends in the hospital there several times. But never family.
Her father had been admitted with chest pains.
Though she was still furious with him, her heart swelled, filling her chest with an ache so strong it made breathing difficult. When tears blurred her vision, she determinedly blinked them back.
The past does not determine the future.
Eliza wasn’t sure why that particular phrase kept running through her mind. At this moment, all she knew was she didn’t want anything to happen to her dad.
She wheeled the car into the parking lot and pushed through the front door. “Eliza Shaw. My father, Donald Shaw, was admitted this afternoon.”
The woman, about the same age as Eliza’s mother, only with salt-and-pepper hair, glanced at her monitor. “Mr. Shaw is in Room 142. Go straight, then take your first right. It’s about—”
“Thank you.” Eliza took off running, her heels clicking a staccato beat against the shiny floor tile.
She spotted her mother and brother halfway down the hall speaking with a man in a white lab coat. When she drew close, she saw his name was embroidered on the jacket—Dr. Nolan Passmore.
The name was oddly familiar. He was about her age with short brown hair and shrewd hazel eyes.
Eliza turned to her brother. “How is he?”
“This is my sister, Eliza.” Ethan spoke to the doctor before returning his attention to her. “Dr. Passmore was just explaining that Dad didn’t have a heart attack.”
“Are you sure?” Eliza narrowed her gaze on the doctor.
The doctor’s lips tipped upward for a second. “What your father had was an esophageal spasm, which can feel very much like a heart attack.”
Ethan must have seen the question in her eyes, because he responded before she could voice the question. “Dad’s cardiac enzymes are normal, as was the ECG. His blood pressure is low and his heartbeat steady and regular.”
Though her brother had laid it out clearly, Eliza found it difficult to focus. “Esophageal spasm.”
“Heartburn.” Eliza’s mother spoke for the first time. She shook her head. “I told him not to eat that burger.”
“Burger?” Eliza lifted a brow. “A hamburger did this?”
“Not just any hamburger.” Ethan’s lips twitched. “A Latin burger with caramelized onion and jalapeño relish.”
“Don’t forget the red pepper mayonnaise he slathered on it.” Patricia’s lips pursed. “I told him he shouldn’t have it.”
“I had one.” Ethan smiled. “It was great.”
“You don’t have a problem with acid reflux.” Their mother’s cool blue eyes radiated irritation.
Eliza shifted her gaze to the doctor. “Will you be keeping him overnight?”
“No reason.” Dr. Passmore glanced at his watch. “He should be ready to discharge in a couple hours. I’ll be sending him home on some medications and advising him to check in with his doctor when he returns to Palm Springs.”
“I want to see him.” Eliza looked at her brother.
Ethan must have gotten her message, because he took their mother’s arm.
“The paperwork will take some time. Let’s you and I take a walk.” Ethan offered their mother a smile that Eliza knew she’d find difficult to resist. “Eliza can keep Dad company.”
“Thanks for taking care of him,” Eliza told the doctor when her brother and mother walked off. “I imagine he’s not been the most cooperative of patients.”
“I’m happy it wasn’t more serious.”
The noncommittal response told her that indeed her father had been a pain in the ass.
Eliza pushed open the door to his room. She didn’t expect to find her father in bed, and he didn’t disappoint.
He sat in a chair, wearing a blue hospital gown. Though his gaze was just as sharp, she was struck by how old he looked.
“Appears you’re going to live.” Eliza slipped into the chair closest to him.
Donald gave an impatient huff. “Did they tell you when they’re going to release me?”
“The doctor said he’s putting through the paperwork now.”
“Good. I’m ready to get out of here.”
