Designing Love: An Inspirational Romance (Sunriver Dreams Book 3)

by Kimberly Rose Johnson

  “I got a call from Sierra this morning. What do you have?”

  “No leads, but whoever did this wanted to send a message. They aim to put the Belafontes out of business.”

  “Any idea why?”

  “Not yet.”

  “Did the homeowner have video surveillance?”

  “Yes, but the perp wore all black from head to toe. The only thing we can glean from the video is that it appears to be a woman or maybe a slight male between five-feet-five inches and five-eight. I’m leaning toward it being a woman.”

  “That’s more than they knew before. Interesting. Did she take anything?”

  “No. What stumps me is how she knew the Belafontes were working there. It was only directed at them. So why not spray paint Mona’s house or the office in Bend?”

  “Maybe they were afraid of being recognized.”

  “Dressed in all black?”

  “Be sure to show everyone associated with their business the video. I suspect they know this person.”

  “Already on it. I’m bringing it to the party tonight.”

  Sounds like tonight wouldn’t be much of a party after all. He felt bad about that for Bailey’s sake. Then again the point of tonight had been to bring up the problem. At least now they’d no longer be springing anything on Stephen and John. “Maybe the brothers could meet up at the station beforehand so the other guests don’t see the video.”

  “That would be best. I was trying to make it easier on everyone, though. I’ll see what I can arrange.”

  Spencer pocketed his phone. The Bible he’d purchased after attending the prophecy talk caught his eye. He’d read and reread all the verses the speaker had listed which had made him want to read more of the big book. The Bible intrigued him, although he didn’t understand everything in it. He was constantly drawn to its pages. He wanted what Mark and Sierra had. He saw peace in them, even when things weren’t going the way they desired. He needed that too. He’d had an appointment with the pastor earlier today at the church he’d visited and had been surprised when he’d given him a card entitled ‘The Sinners Prayer.’ Everything the pastor said made sense, but could it really be that easy?

  He prayed the prayer with the pastor, but was that seriously all there was to being a Christian? Mark would happily answer any questions he had, but he was a little embarrassed by his ignorance. Would Sierra welcome his questions? Hadn’t she said as much?

  He would love to discuss his newfound faith with her, but it felt so personal. Would she think he’d overstepped the boundaries she’d set? She’d made no secret of her desire to stay single. Not that answering Bible questions was romantic, but it would thrust them together more. He liked that idea, but wouldn’t use his ignorance or newfound faith as a device to get a woman.

  Even though he had the day off, he couldn’t sit and ponder this. He had things to do. Finishing his proposal for the mentor program was at the top of his list.

  For the next hour he outlined his plan. Finally satisfied, he emailed it to the captain. The rest was up to his boss.

  Sierra added tomatoes to the top of the salad. “Trey, our guests will be here any minute. Will you make sure your bathroom is neat and tidy?”

  She’d cleaned it earlier, but having him stand around doing nothing put her on edge.

  The doorbell pealed.

  “I’ll get it,” Trey hollered as he darted to the door.

  Sierra rinsed her hands then followed after him. “Welcome. Trey, you know my boss Bailey, and this is Stephen, her boyfriend.”

  Trey shook Stephen’s hand. “I met your brother John the other evening.”

  “Oh?” he asked.

  “Yeah. We met on the trail, running.”

  It sounded like John had made a good impression on her son. Maybe all Trey had wanted was a male in his life after all. It would be a relief to not have to deal with Randy. Trey hadn’t brought his father up since the other night, and she hoped the matter was dropped for good.

  She spotted Spencer, Sarah, Nicole, and Mark on the porch through the window and pulled open the door. “I’m glad you could all make it.” She stepped aside, allowing them to enter. “The lasagna will be ready soon. It looks like the only person we’re waiting on is John.”

  Stephen nodded. “My brother had to deal with something and will be a little late. He said not to wait.”

  Disappointment shot through her. “I hope everything is okay?”

  “There’s nothing to worry about,” Stephen said. “Our mom’s caregiver was running late.”

  “Oh. I see.” Was that really what kept him, or had there been a lead in finding out who had targeted the Belafontes, and that was what kept him? No. The men would have said something. She had it on good authority that Mark was the lead investigator on the case. She tried to shake off her disappointment and focus on the guests that were here.

  They filtered into the kitchen, dining, and living rooms. The ladies joined her in the kitchen. “Thanks for letting me leave early, Bailey. I never would have been able to pull this off otherwise.”

  “It wasn’t a problem. After what happened earlier, I wasn’t in a frame of mind to work, either. I ended up going home, too.”

  Relief washed over her. “Oh good. I was afraid I’d left you in the lurch.”

  “Not at all.”

  “Is there anything we can help you with?” Nicole asked. Nicole and Sarah were good friends, and from what she’d observed, they’d embraced Bailey as a friend. It seemed the three of them hung out together a lot.

  “Everything is pretty much done, but maybe you could put ice in the glasses?” She pointed to the glasses lined up on the counter. “We use the icemaker in the door. The water spigot is broken, so tap water will have to do.”

  “Will do.” Nicole got to work.

  The other ladies pitched in, and soon they had everything on the counter buffet style. A knock sounded on the door, then it swung open.

  John walked in. “Sorry I’m late.” His gaze found Sierra’s.

  Her insides warmed. “No problem. Dinner is just now ready.” She was happy he’d made it. At least now her son would have someone he felt comfortable visiting with.

  Spencer sidled up to her. “Trey looks like he hates me a little less than the last time I saw him.”

  She almost laughed but held it in, unwilling to answer the questions her outburst would surely bring. “Baby steps.” She patted his arm. “Okay, everyone. You can sit at any spot at the table. There’s bread, lasagna, salad, and dressing on the island and drinks by the fridge.” She offered a blessing for the food. “Amen. Enjoy!” She meandered to the end of the line and stood behind her son, who knew they always let their guests go first.

  He spoke softly out the side of his mouth. “Why’d you invite Spencer?”

  “He’s a friend, and he’s helping me with something.”

  Trey frowned. “You like him.” It wasn’t a question.

  She hesitated. Her feelings for Spencer had been rapidly changing. Could her son handle the truth? She looked him in the eye—yes, he might hold a grudge, but she had no doubt of her son’s love for her. She could be honest. “I do. He’s a nice man. And he’s been there for me several times since I’ve met him. People like that are hard to come by. I wish you—”

  “I know, Mom. I’m trying. He’s not a bad guy. But every time I see him I remember what happened.”

  She rubbed his arm. “I’m sorry about that. I blame myself. If I’d turned off the alarm it never would have happened.”

  Trey raised a brow and quirked a grin. “True. I think you owe me.”

  She playfully punched his shoulder. The line moved quickly, and they were soon all seated around Mrs. Drake’s huge dining room table.

  John cleared his throat. “I’m glad you’re all here tonight. This worked out well. I hope you ladies don’t mind me bringing up a work situation.” He addressed Nicole and Sarah.

  “No.” They said in unison.

  “Tha
nks. By now everyone has heard about the vandalism that took place at a client’s house. I spent much of the day trying to figure out who could be targeting us, and I’ve come up with a short list. Do any of you have someone to add?” He read off three names—one she recognized as a former client and the others were a mystery to her.

  Sierra shook her head. “I can’t think of any disgruntled clients.”

  Stephen rubbed his chin. “Dad had a nemesis once upon a time.”

  “Go on,” Spencer said.

  “It was a long time ago. The guy was younger than Dad, and I remember Dad calling him a go-getter. They often bid on the same jobs, but Dad was more established. I think the man left town.”

  “Then why bring it up?” Mark asked.

  “Because this is the kind of thing he’d do. He was furious Dad won a bid that he was desperate to get. Apparently his business was on the brink of bankruptcy, and he needed that job to stay solvent.”

  John nodded. “I remember now. The guy was kind of scary. Dad told us to call 911 if he ever approached us.”

  Spencer raised a brow. “Sounds worth checking out to me. What’s his name?”

  “Davis,” John said. He looked to Stephen. “Do you remember the rest of his name?”

  He shook his head. “Dad only called him Davis.”

  Mark tapped a finger on the table. “What about your mom? Would she know?”

  “Maybe,” Stephen said. “I can ask her later. I’ve been thinking about who it could be all day, and I can’t even come up with a disgruntled former client.”

  “It doesn’t have to be a disgruntled client,” Spencer said. “What about a former employee?”

  “Rick fired a gal and her boyfriend last fall for smoking pot on the job,” John said.

  “Get me their contact info, and I’ll look into their alibis,” Mark said.

  “Sure.”

  “Speaking of old employees,” Stephen said. “I saw a woman we interviewed to be Bailey’s assistant in the village today. Apparently she found a job working for a new interior design company here in Sunriver.”

  “What about the conversation concerned you?” Spencer asked.

  “Nothing really. Your question made me remember. I always like to see people succeed. It was nice to know she landed on her feet.”

  “I’m glad she found another job.” Bailey reached for her water goblet. “She looked great on paper, but in person she was like a whirlwind.”

  Mark chuckled. “I’ll check her out too,” Mark said. “What’s her name?”

  “Celia something.” Stephen pulled out his smart phone. He ran his fingers over it for a few seconds then frowned. “I thought I might have her info on my phone, but I guess not. I’ll have to look at her resume for her last name and contact info. But I don’t think it’s necessary to waste your time looking into her. She seemed quite happy.”

  “Nonetheless, will one of you text her contact info to me later?” Mark asked.

  John glanced at Bailey who looked like she’d eaten something rotten. “Can you get that to him?”

  “I didn’t save it. When we hired Sierra, I shredded Celia’s information.”

  Relief washed over Sierra. The family was finally taking the threat seriously and doing something about whoever was targeting them. Hopefully, Spencer and Mark would solve this mystery sooner than later.

  The house phone rang. “Please excuse me.” Sierra stood and reached for the house phone. “Hello?”

  “Sierra, dear. How are things going?” Mrs. Drake asked.

  “Fine. Your home is lovely. My son and I are enjoying our time here. How’s your vacation?” Laughter erupted from the direction of the dining room. She took the cordless as far away from the group as possible.

  “Do you have guests?” An accusatory tone filled Mrs. Drake’s voice. But why? It wasn’t as if she said no one else was allowed into her home.

  “Yes. I’m having a dinner party.”

  “How nice.” Syrup dripped from her voice.

  An uneasy feeling gripped Sierra’s stomach.

  “The reason I’m calling is to let you know that I will be returning sooner than I’d planned.”

  Sierra’s pulse accelerated. “Oh. When?”

  “One month. I have a business interest in Sunriver that needs my attention.”

  How was she supposed to uproot her son again in such a short amount of time? It wasn’t fair. “But you were supposed to be gone a year.” She heard the panic in her voice. She took a calming breath.

  “Plans change. Anyhoo, I need you to vacate in three weeks.”

  “But I thought you said a month.”

  “Yes, dear. But I’m having the house cleaned from top to bottom before I arrive, and I want it spotless when I get there. Toodles.”

  The line went dead. Of all the rotten things to do. She headed back to her guests who suddenly grew silent.

  “What’s wrong?” Spencer asked.

  “That was Mrs. Drake. She’s coming back early. We have to be out in three weeks.” What was she going to do?

  John sat on the sofa in Sierra’s living room, his hands fisted at his sides. It seemed one bad thing after another kept happening. His mom’s health was not improving, the business was being threatened by some wacko, and now Mrs. Drake was kicking Sierra out. When would it all stop?

  Sierra stood in the kitchen talking with Spencer. He wondered at the two of them. She claimed to not date, but when he watched them together there seemed to be a spark of something. If that was the case, he wished them both the best. As much as he’d hoped to be the one where Spencer stood, he got it—she wasn’t interested in him in that way. But they were well on their way to a solid friendship, and he would take all the friends he could get. Sierra deserved something good in her life, and if Spencer made her happy then he would be happy for her. Although he had to wonder what Trey thought about them.

  Sarah eased into the chair beside the sofa. “We haven’t officially met. I’m Sarah.”

  He noticed her left hand bore no rings. “I’m John. It’s nice to meet you.” He flashed a smile. Although he knew her name, she was correct in saying they’d never met. He’d heard one of the other ladies calling her Sarah earlier in the kitchen. “How do you know Bailey?”

  “She’s more of an acquaintance. A friend of a friend.” She looked around the room. “Have you noticed everyone here has coupled up?”

  His eyes widened—she was right! Stephen sat in a corner with his arm around Bailey talking with Mark and Nicole who held hands, and Spencer and Sierra still stood in the kitchen. Trey was nowhere to be seen. “Was this a set up?” Bailey wouldn’t do that, would she?

  She chuckled. “Surprisingly, no. But it kind of worked out that way. Nicole tells me you remodeled Spencer’s house.”

  He nodded. “My first.”

  “Wow. I heard it turned out nice.”

  “Thanks.” He’d have to thank Bailey later for thinking to invite an even number of men to women. Sarah was beautiful, nice, and saved him from sitting there alone. And bonus, she seemed interested in him. “We should get coffee sometime.”

  “I’d like that.” She flashed perfect teeth.

  His heart tripped. Yep, he definitely owed Bailey a huge thank you.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Spencer’s hands tightened around the steering wheel of his pickup. He’d expected nothing less from Mrs. Drake. He felt for Sierra and her son—moving wasn’t cheap. Finding a suitable place to live in three-weeks’ time while working fulltime would be a challenge.

  He wanted to help her but knew of no way. He had three bedrooms at his place, but knew she’d never go for that. Their dinner was probably off, too. He could sure do without the Mrs. Drakes of the world.

  He might not be able to help Sierra with her housing problem, but he could help the Belafontes by finding whoever was targeting their company. There had to be someone they’d angered that they weren’t remembering. He’d check into the Davis dude but didn�
�t expect that to go anywhere. Since the suspect who spray-painted their clients’ wall appeared to be female, the couple Rick had fired last fall sounded more promising—especially since there were no other female suspects. Then again someone could be randomly targeting them. But that made little sense.

  He pulled up to his house, killed the engine, then went inside. This place felt more like home, thanks to Sierra and John, and one way or another he would help them. The perpetrator had grown more brazen. What would be next?

  Monday morning Sierra sat at the computer beside Bailey looking for a new place to live. “I will never agree to long-term housesit again. That woman has no idea how much she’s set me back.” Both financially and personally. Although Trey played it cool, she could tell he was nervous about where they’d land next.

  “I agree. She’s clueless,” Bailey said. “I really like that you’re living in Sunriver. One of us is always either in Bend or here if we need to meet with a client. It’s convenient, and Sunriver is so much closer to La Pine. It’s really a nice central location.”

  “Yes. That’s an advantage, but I don’t see how I can afford to live here full time.”

  “I looked online this morning hoping to help you find a place, but the rental market is high. Seems to make more sense to buy if you can.”

  “Maybe.” After living these past weeks in a house, she had no desire to move back into an apartment. It was so nice not hearing her neighbors through the walls or be awakened at all hours of the night by someone vacuuming or playing loud music. “I suppose I have enough saved for a down payment on a small house, but I’d planned to put it toward Trey’s college fund.”

  “Didn’t you tell me he has a four point GPA?”

  Sierra nodded. “I know what you’re thinking, but there’s more to getting scholarships than good grades. He needs to score high on the ACT or SAT.”

  “Then get him in a prep course that will prepare him. As smart as Trey is, his college education shouldn’t cost you a house.”

  “You might be right. But there’s no way I will find a house in three weeks and have escrow close that fast.”