Her Handyman Hero

by Lorraine Beatty

  As the road stretched out ahead, Reid faced one of the hardest choices of his life. The I-55 interchange was ahead. If he merged onto I-55 North he would head toward Dover, where he could make sure Tori and Lily were all right. But if he took the exit ramp, it led him into Hammond and his brother, who was losing his battle and needed him now more than ever.

  His heart was wrenched in two.

  He took the exit to Hammond.

  * * *

  The smell of smoke and burnt wood stung her nostrils. Tori stood inside the doorway from the main house the next afternoon, taking in what was left of the tearoom. Blackened walls, charred remnants of tables and chairs, broken windows, the outside wall and most of the lower porch on that side were completely gone. The fire marshal speculated a faulty wire might have started the blaze, but he wouldn’t know for sure until the inspection was done.

  Thankfully, the insurance adjuster had assured her she was covered for all damages. But the time lost wasn’t recoverable. Her grand opening was on hold. Indefinitely. Turning away, she fought the tears welling up behind her eyes. Her beautiful house was scarred, and she was in danger of never fulfilling her dream. She wanted to yell. She wanted a hug.

  She wanted Reid. He always made her feel stronger. He made her believe that no matter what happened, she could succeed. She especially appreciated that Reid believed she was the perfect mother for Lily.

  She missed him. Lily had cried herself to sleep nearly every night he’d been gone. Tori had shed a few tears herself, but hers were more in worry for Reid and his safety for when he went back undercover. Mostly she missed having him close. Too late, she’d realized how much she loved him, and how deeply he was engrained into her life and her heart.

  The opening notes of her favorite hymn made her reach for her phone. She inhaled sharply when she saw the name of the nursing home. Eddie. “Hello?”

  “Is this Victoria Montgomery?”

  “Yes. Is this about Eddie?”

  “He left your number as a secondary name to notify in case of emergency. I’m afraid he’s not doing well. His condition has deteriorated.”

  Tori bit her lip. “How bad is it?”

  “A matter of days. All we can do now is make him comfortable.”

  “Thank you for letting me know.”

  Tori sank into the antique bench in the hallway, her mind weighed down with regret. She’d known Lily’s father was dying. It was the reason Reid had tracked them down. But now that his death was around the corner, her mind-set was shattered. How was Reid taking the news? Should she call him? He must be hurting. She knew the pain of losing a loved one. Her father had died suddenly over two years ago, and she’d responded by running away to stay with Judy. Losing Judy had been another blow.

  But despite the loss, her last moments with Judy had been tender. The day before her father died, they’d had lunch together and made plans for her next adventure. And what about Lily? She’d had a chance to say goodbye to her mother. Shouldn’t she have the same chance with her father? She still believed Lily was too young to know the whole truth, but Reid was right. One day she would ask, and how would Tori respond when Lily learned she had a father, but had been kept from him by a request from a bitter woman?

  What was the right thing to do? She’d made a promise to her friend. Loyalty was important, but she was Lily’s mother now. Lily even called her that. So whose wishes did she honor?

  She bowed her head, seeking guidance. Please Lord. Show me what to do. Like the sun suddenly appearing from behind the clouds, she realized what she’d been doing. Heat, hot and condemning, surged through her veins.

  All this time she’d prayed for strength and wisdom to raise Lily. She’d prayed for help with the house and her new business. She’d prayed for Lily and her broken heart, for her to know she was loved. She’d prayed for a peaceful passing for Eddie and comfort for Reid when the time came.

  But she’d never prayed for a solution to the conundrum she and Reid faced. Why? Because she had been afraid the Lord would tell her what to do, and it wouldn’t be what she wanted to hear.

  Once she agreed to a meeting with Eddie and set aside her promise to Judy, then she’d have to face the truth about a lot of things. Like her growing realization that she loved Reid Blackthorn. That her friend hadn’t been as sound of mind as she’d believed, and that Lily might be happier knowing about her dad. And she’d have to admit that having Reid around the old home was something she wanted to continue—forever.

  She began to fear her stubbornness, her dogged determination to keep her promise that had only widened the chasm between them. There’d been a point at which she thought they could have a relationship. But now it had gone on too long. Eddie was quickly reaching the end of his life. Reid would never forgive her if he died without ever seeing Lily.

  There was only one thing to do.

  * * *

  The sun was setting when Reid arrived at the hospital. His heart was still torn between losing his brother and his need to return to Dover, but his prayer now was that Eddie would hold on long enough for him to say goodbye and ask his forgiveness again.

  As he rounded the corner toward his brother’s room, he noticed the mother and child walking ahead of him. He stopped, questioning his eyesight. “Tori?” The woman turned around. The smile on her face sent his pulse racing.

  “Reid.”

  Lily squealed and raced toward him. “Uncle Reid! I missed you so much!” She launched herself into his arms, hugging his neck so tightly he found it hard to breathe.

  She smiled and started placing little kisses on his cheeks. Tori came to his side, her gaze locking with his.

  “What are you doing here?”

  “I’ve brought Lily to see—your brother.”

  Reid frowned.

  “I told Lily you’re her uncle. She’s very happy about that. I haven’t told her anything else yet.”

  “How did you know about Eddie’s condition?”

  “They called me. Apparently Eddie gave them my number as a backup.”

  He looked her over and scanned Lily, still in his arms. “The fire. Are you both okay?”

  “How did you find out?”

  “Jimmy Ray. How bad was it?”

  “We were lucky. The tearoom is gutted, and the porch is gone, but the rest of the house is fine.”

  He pulled her into his embrace, wanting to keep her there forever, safe from any harm. “I could have lost you both. I should have been there to protect you.”

  “That’s not important now. We can talk about it later. What matters is Eddie.” She laid her palm against his cheek. “I’m sorry it took me so long to do this. I thought I was honoring Judy’s wishes, but I realized all I was doing was continuing her bitterness. I don’t want that to be part of Lily’s future.”

  Reid placed his hand over hers before lifting it and kissing her palm. “Thank you. Let’s go see him together.”

  The room was silent, with only the soft beeping of monitors disturbing the quiet. A nurse sat beside the bed. She looked up and nodded as they entered. “Mr. Blackthorn. I’m glad to see you. He’s been asking about you. Is this your family?”

  It would be, if he had anything to say about it. But there was no time for explanations. He made the introductions and she left them alone. Tori’s fingers fluttered in his as they approached the bed. Was she as nervous as he was? Eddie seeing his daughter for the first time came with risks. Would his brother blurt out the truth? How would he react? He’d waited so long for this moment.

  “Eddie. I’ve brought Lily to see you.”

  Slowly the dark eyes opened, and Reid’s gut kicked at the deep pain he saw. He knew the medications being fed into Eddie’s body would ease his physical pain, but it was his emotional pain he saw now.

  “Lily?”

  Reid swallowed the grief scratching his th
roat. “Yes.” He sat in the chair and held his hand out to Lily. His next big concern was for her. Would she be scared seeing all the tubes and monitors? “Lily, this is my brother, Eddie.”

  She leaned in against Reid, studying the man in the bed. “Hi.”

  Eddie smiled, the darkness in his eyes coming to life again. “Hello. I’m very glad to meet you. Thank you for coming to see me. My brother has told me all about you.”

  Lily studied him a moment. “Are you sick like my mommy was?”

  Reid heard Tori’s soft gasp.

  “Yes. I am.”

  “My mommy went to live with Jesus. Is that where you’re going?”

  Eddie held out his frail hand to her. “I’m certain of it.”

  Lily placed her little hand in his and smiled. “I hope you like it there.”

  “I know I will.”

  “Eddie, this is Tori Montgomery. The woman I told you about.”

  “The one you talk about all the time, you mean. She’s much prettier than you let on, big brother.”

  Tori stepped forward. “I’m pleased to meet you, Eddie. I’m sorry it took me so long to agree to come.”

  “No need to explain.” Eddie drew in a slow, ragged breath. “Judy had every right to hate me. The thing is, I loved her more than anyone, but I was a coward, too afraid to stay and learn to be a husband and father.” He inhaled again. “I didn’t think I could handle it. So I walked way, and as a result she grew to despise me.”

  Tori laid a hand on his arm. “That’s not completely true. I found her journal, and in it she talked about how much she loved you and how much your leaving hurt. I think her bitterness grew from there, but deep down she loved you, too.”

  Eddie moved his gaze to Lily, who had wandered to the small table near the window and was scribbling away on a piece of paper. “Thank you for bringing her. Please don’t let her grow up hating me.”

  Tears blinded her. “I promise. And one day I’ll tell her all about you. Reid and I both will.”

  Lily returned to the bedside, paper in her hand. “Uncle Reid’s brother, will you give this to my mommy when you see her in Jesus’ house?”

  Eddie took the paper, his eyes closing briefly. “I’d be happy to.”

  Lily took Eddie’s hand. “Tell her I love her and I miss her, but I love my new mommy, too.”

  “You are a sweet little girl, Lily. Just like your mother. Thank you for coming to see me.”

  Reid saw the fatigue overtaking his brother. His breathing was becoming more labored. It was time to go. He patted Eddie’s shoulder. “You need to rest. I’ll be back to see you later today.”

  Eddie whispered, “No. Go home with your family. It’s where you belong.”

  Reid joined Tori and Lily in the hall, his heart torn to shreds. Why had he waited so long to find his brother again? Why had he been so blind to what really mattered? Eddie was right. He belonged with Tori and Lily, but despite the attraction between them, there was a river of differences he wasn’t sure they could overcome.

  “I like your brother, Uncle Reid.”

  “He liked you, too, Lily, and he’s very glad you visited him.” Reid looked at Tori. “I’ll follow you home. We need to talk about things.”

  Tori shook her head. “Not now. You need to be with Eddie. We can talk later. Floyd starts reconstruction tomorrow, and I need to be there.”

  Like taffy being pulled on a machine, Reid’s emotions were twisted and folded into knots. He wanted to go home to Dover with Tori, but he needed to be here. “All right. I’ll keep you updated on things.”

  “Take your time. We’ll be there waiting when you come home.”

  Her words gave Reid hope. He grabbed it with both hands and his whole heart. “Thank you for coming. I know how hard this must have been for you.”

  She smiled up at him, her blue eyes filled with delight. “Actually, it wasn’t as hard as I’d expected because I was doing it for someone I love.”

  She stood on tiptoe, kissed his lips briefly, then took Lily’s hand and walked away. He knew she had come because of her love for Lily. He was simply grateful that she’d made it in time for Eddie to see his little girl.

  * * *

  The weather was unusually warm and sunny for late November in Mississippi. Perfect porch-sitting weather, and Tori was taking advantage of it. She kept her gaze focused on the row of charming white rockers on the west end of the house, where a porch swing moved gently in the breeze. If she looked toward the other end and the ugly charred remains of the tearoom, she’d start to weep.

  Reconstruction had been delayed due to insurance red tape, but Floyd assured her he would start work the moment everything was settled. With no deadline looming, Tori had nothing pressing on her mind except for Reid. Eddie had passed away two days ago, and Reid’s brief phone call had left her concerned for his emotional state. He’d refused her offer to come down to the nursing home, since there would be no formal funeral per Eddie’s request. He promised her he’d come back to Dover as soon as possible.

  The sound of a familiar vehicle broke into her thoughts. Lightness flooded her chest and brought a smile to her face when she saw Reid’s truck pull to a stop at the curb. As she watched him come up the front sidewalk, her heart warmed with love. Oh, how she’d missed him. He looked incredibly handsome in his faded jeans and the pale green crewneck sweater that even from this distance called attention to his soft brown eyes.

  She met him halfway, wrapping him in a warm embrace. “I’m so sorry about Eddie.”

  He nodded silently, pulling her tighter against him. When he stepped back, his eyes were moist.

  “He’s okay now. No pain or regrets, but I miss him. How are you and Lily?”

  “Fine. Missing you. Buster will be thrilled you’re here. He’s inside with Lily.”

  Reid scanned the fire damage, pulling her against his side. “I’m so glad you weren’t hurt. I don’t know what I would do if anything happened to you.”

  “Buster was the hero again. He alerted us to the smoke.”

  “He’s turned out to be a pretty valuable mutt. When will Floyd start rebuilding?”

  “Soon.”

  He nodded, then looked into her eyes. “Can we talk?”

  “Sure.” She took his hand and strolled through the yard toward the giant willow near the edge of the property. Its weeping branches resembled golden raindrops as they spilled toward the ground. She stopped at the small bench near the edge of the tree, close to an old camellia bush heavy with red blossoms in full bloom. She sat and pulled him down beside her.

  “I’m glad you didn’t go back to work with the DEA. What will you do now?”

  He angled to face her. “You were right. I’m not the same as I was. I can’t live that life anymore. Which brings me to this. I have a proposition for you.”

  “Don’t you mean a proposal?”

  “What?”

  She smiled. “Never mind. Go on.” She slipped her arm in his, relishing the closeness. Everything was right in her world now. Reid was home.

  “I’d like to become a partner in the business. The money our parents left us has never been touched. It’s a considerable sum. It would give you financial stability and enable you to open for business on a sound footing.”

  “Partnership. Is that all you’re offering?”

  Reid blinked. “Well, I won’t interfere with any decisions you might make as far as the B and B is concerned. I’d be a silent partner only.”

  Tori stood, moving off a few steps, and crossed her arms over her chest, trying to hide her amusement. Was he really so clueless? “Nope. No deal.” She shouldn’t tease him like this, but it was fun to see her big strong agent flustered. She’d tell him later that Eddie had called the evening of her visit and told her Reid was in love with her but was too skittish to say anything. She’d have to
take the initiative. Well, that’s exactly she was doing.

  “Tori, I don’t think you understand. This would allow you to enjoy the bed-and-breakfast and never have to worry if the rooms were full or not.”

  She faced him, fighting to keep a smile from her face. “No. Out of the question. I’m not settling for halfway. I won’t accept anything other than full ownership.”

  He rose and came toward her, his forehead creased. “I don’t understand.”

  She smiled and stepped close, resting her hands on his chest. “I know you don’t. Which is why I have a proposal for you. I’m offering joint ownership in Camellia Hall with me, but only on a permanent basis.”

  “Permanent?”

  His gaze locked with hers, seeking an explanation. She’d teased him long enough. She touched his cheek. “Total commitment. With a ring and a marriage license and a wedding, and all the other things that go with a lifetime commitment.”

  Reid’s dark eyes brightened, and the smile she loved spread across his face. “Are you asking me to marry you?”

  “Us. Me and Lily. She loves you, too, you know.”

  “And I love her. And you.” He tugged her close and kissed her thoroughly. A kiss that held a promise for tomorrow and all the days ahead.

  He cradled her face in his hands. “I realized what I want is right here—keeping this old house together and taking care of you and Lily.”

  “I’m glad you finally came to your senses.”

  He kissed her temple. “When would you like this partnership to begin?”

  “I was thinking early next week. At the courthouse. Just the three of us.”

  He laughed. “You don’t waste any time, do you?”

  “Not when I know what I want.”

  “Won’t your family be disappointed we’re not having a real wedding?”

  She slipped her arm around his waist. “I’ve had three almost-real weddings of my own, and my brothers and sister have all gotten married in the last two years. They’ll probably be glad to be spared yet another one.”

  He captured her gaze. “Are you sure? You don’t need more time to think about this?”

  “Do you?”