A Family for Thanksgiving (Love Inspired)

by Patricia Davids

  He aimed it at her again. “Try smiling this time.”

  She did. It wasn’t an award-winning grin, but at least she didn’t look so worried.

  Two other women arrived at the day-care door ahead of Nicki and Clay. They entered the room to the happy shouts of their children. “Mommy! Mommy!”

  Kasey hadn’t seen Nicki yet. She was playing with her favorite toy, the plastic pony. Clay fumbled with his cell phone, managed to find the video button and began to record her singing a senseless tune as she rocked back and forth.

  She looked up an instant later. A wide grin appeared on her face as she scrambled off the horse. “Hi. Hi, Mommy Ni Ni.”

  Nicki dropped to one knee and opened her arms. Kasey rushed to her and threw her arms around Nicki’s neck.

  Rising to her feet, Nicki held the child close. Love and tears glistened in her eyes as she turned to Clay. “Did you hear that? She called me Mommy. That’s the first time, ever.”

  “I heard,” Clay said, lowering the camera. A lump the size of Texas pushed up in his throat.

  They belong together, Lord. Please don’t separate them.

  As soon as the other women and their children departed, Josie came over with Kasey’s jacket and mittens. “Have you heard anything?”

  Shaking her head, Nicki took the coat Josie extended and put it on the squirming child.

  Josie looked at Clay. “It’s been almost a week. Surely, if she had any family the police would have found them by now.”

  Although no name was mentioned, they all knew Josie was referring to Dana Cassidy.

  “I’m trying not to get my hopes up,” Nicki replied as she lifted Kasey and settled the child on her hip.

  Josie smiled sadly. “We’re all praying for you.”

  “I know that, and I thank you.”

  With her head down, Nicki turned toward the door. Clay held it open and followed her outside the building. In the parking lot, he waited as she settled Kasey in her car seat, then he held the passenger’s-side door of Nicki’s car open and extended his hand for her keys.

  “You don’t have to keep driving me home.”

  “I like the company. How often does a footloose cowboy like me get to spend time with a pair of pretty fillies like you two?”

  “I hesitate to speculate, but I’m going to guess you’ve left a string of broken-hearted fillies behind you.”

  He shook a finger at her. “You’ve been talking to Sadie, haven’t you?”

  “Honestly, Clay, I’m fine. I can get myself home. I got myself here, didn’t I?”

  “You are fine. I hope you know that.” He cocked his head to the side and wagged his eyebrows as he admired her trim figure in a dark red sweater that was belted at the waist above a narrow black skirt.

  She shook her head at his foolishness. “Enough, Clay. Thank you for taking such good care of me this week.”

  “All right. You win.” He closed the car door.

  “How’s the gazebo coming?” Instead of leaving, she leaned against the car. She might say she was fine, but she clearly wasn’t ready to go home and read the waiting mail or listen to phone messages. With so many agencies involved in searching out Kasey’s family, Nicki had no idea who would contact her or how.

  “I should have it finished before Thanksgiving.”

  “It was a very nice gesture on your part to rebuild it.”

  “You said you missed it.”

  She blushed sweetly. “I’m sure I’m not the only one in town who does.”

  Before he could answer, a pickup pulled up next to them and Clay recognized Jesse behind the wheel. Rolling down the window, Jesse nodded to Nicki then sat silently staring at Clay for a long moment. Finally, he said, “I’ve been hearing that you’re doing a good job for Bill Porter.”

  “Bill’s a great guy to work for. He’s almost as laid back as I am. How have you been? How are the girls?”

  “We’ve been doing okay. A funny thing happened the day after you were there.”

  “Oh? What was that?”

  “A woman named Clara Binter called me and asked if I needed a nanny.” Jesse’s gaze switched to Nicki. “I don’t suppose you had anything to do with that?”

  Nicki shook her head. “No.”

  Clay looked down at his boots and tried not to smile. “That’s great. How’s it working out?”

  “So-so. Other funny things have been happening around the place, too,” Jesse continued. “My feed wagon had a flat tire that fixed itself overnight.”

  “That is odd,” Clay agreed.

  “Then a section of my south fence mysteriously got new wire strung, and two of my horses that were out in that pasture were reshod.”

  “Huh.”

  Nicki moved close to Clay’s side. “It sounds as if someone was just trying to help you the way you’ve helped others in the past, Jesse.”

  Clay saw the muscles in his brother’s jaw tighten. “It’s appreciated. Maya tells me she’s planning a big dinner for Thanksgiving. Are you going to be around for that, Clay?”

  “If that’s okay with you.”

  “Far be it from me to upset Maya’s plans.”

  Grinning in amusement, Clay replied, “A man could get hurt doing that.”

  “A man could get hurt doing a lot of foolish things. I understand you found the body out at the old trestle.”

  Clay’s amusement drained away. “Yeah.”

  “Maya told me Tommy was with you. I hope you weren’t putting hare-brained notions in his head about that place.”

  Even after all these years, Jesse couldn’t stop being the critical older brother. “I told him Grandpa took us fishing there. Remember that?”

  Jesse’s eyes softened. “I remember.”

  Inside the car, Kasey began to fuss at being strapped into her seat. Nicki looked from Jesse to Clay. “I really should get going. Jesse was there something you needed?”

  He opened his door and got out. “I was in town picking up some feed. One of the guys at the feed store said folks over in the next county found some stuff the tornado dropped in one of their corn fields and they brought it in yesterday. I thought I’d check the lost and found again for Marie’s ring.”

  Nicki laid a hand on his arm. “I hope you find it.”

  “Not much chance of that, but it doesn’t hurt to look.” He tipped his hat to her and walked away.

  As he opened the door to the church, Avery came dashing out. The teenager skidded to a halt and stared at Jesse, a startled expression on her face. A bright blush bloomed in her cheeks. She ducked her head and hurried away without speaking to any of them.

  When Jesse entered the building, Nicki said, “I wonder what’s wrong with Avery?”

  “I think she’s got a crush on my brother.”

  “You could be right. His situation is sad enough to tug at any woman’s heartstrings.”

  Clay transferred attention back to Nicki. He couldn’t imagine what Jesse had gone through. He couldn’t imagine what it would be like to lose the woman he loved.

  Nicki watched the turmoil of emotions play across Clay’s face. She wanted to know what he was thinking, what he was feeling. The warmth of his regard brought a rush of pleasure that sent her heart somersaulting. All of the sudden, she didn’t want to leave.

  “When did you find the time to do all those things for your brother?”

  He shrugged. “Mostly at night or very early in the morning. It’s been tough sneaking around. I was afraid one of his neighbors would call the cops on me. You should try shoeing a horse by the headlights of a truck. It ain’t easy.”

  “It was a wonderful thing to do.”

  “I could see he was falling behind with the ranch work. I did a few odd chores. It was nothing.”

  But to Nicki’s eyes, it was something special. It proved just how much the boy she used to know had matured. “I’ve changed my mind, Clay. Would you please drive me home?”

  He looked mildly surprised. “Sure.”

&n
bsp; They were both silent on the short drive. When they reached her apartment, Nicki got out and waited while he freed Kasey from the backseat.

  Clay hefted the little girl high into the air and settled her on his neck for a piggyback ride. “Better hold tight, sugar. We’re going for a gallop while Mommy gets the mail.”

  With Clay keeping Kasey occupied, Nicki had a few moments to compose herself before opening her mailbox at the curb. As she was gathering her courage, Lori Martin came out of her apartment intent on the same task. “Hey, Nicki, any word?”

  “Not yet.” Taking a deep breath, Nicki opened her box. She sighed with relief when she found only a grocery store ad and her electric bill.

  One more day without a letter from child services telling her she’d have to turn Kasey over to her real family was one more day to rejoice.

  Lori rubbed Nicki’s shoulder. “I’ve been praying for you both.”

  “Thanks.” It was good to know so many people cared.

  Lori glanced to where Clay was playing with Kasey. “Jesse’s brother seems to have a way with kids.”

  “Yes, he does.”

  “It must run in the family. Jesse was so good with his girls when they were in the hospital. I’ll never forget the look on his face the day he came to visit them after his wife died. It broke my heart.”

  She blushed slightly as she looked at Nicki. “You know what I mean. Everyone in the unit felt sorry for him.”

  “I know what you mean.”

  Gesturing over her shoulder with her thumb, Lori said, “I’ve got to run. I’m working an extra shift tonight. See you later, Nicki.”

  As Lori left, Clay came trotting back and stopped beside her. Kasey, her blond hair in disarray and her cheeks glowing pink, had a big smile on her face and a death grip on Clay’s head.

  “Anything?” he asked.

  Nicki held up the letters in her hand. “I never thought I’d be so happy to see my utility bill.”

  “That’s just because you haven’t opened it yet.”

  “True.”

  “I’ve been meaning to ask you something.”

  “Okay.” She waited, wondering why he suddenly seemed nervous.

  He cleared his throat. “I wanted to invite you, Kasey and your mother, of course, to the ranch for Thanksgiving. That is, if you don’t already have plans of your own. I understand if you do, but I hope you don’t.”

  “That’s very sweet, but Thanksgiving is a day for you and your family.”

  “It’s a day to give thanks. For family, for good food and especially for good friends. You’d better say yes. Maya is expecting you.”

  “I’ll think about it.”

  He nodded toward her door. “Time to check the message machine.”

  “Do I have to?”

  “Yes.”

  Heaving a sigh, she walked to the house and unlocked the door. She held it open as he went inside being careful to duck under the doorway so Kasey wouldn’t bump her head.

  Inside, Nicki immediately saw the light flashing on her answering machine. One message.

  Turning away from the sight, she fixed her sights on Clay. “Can’t we just get in my car and drive away? I’ve never been to Canada. We could go visit your friend Sadie.”

  Sadness filled his eyes. “You don’t mean that, Nicki.”

  She did—if only for an instant. Her shoulders slumped. “No. I don’t mean it. It was a foolish and cowardly thought.”

  Realizing what she’d just said, she clapped a hand to her mouth. “Oh, Clay, I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to imply—”

  “That I was foolish and cowardly to run out on everyone here. That’s not exactly news to me, Nicki. I figured that out about seven years too late.”

  Stepping close to him, she laid her palm over his heart. “You were wise and brave to return. It’s not our mistakes that define us, Clay, it’s what we do about them.”

  Kasey, having grown bored with her mount’s inactivity, pounded on Clay’s head. “Go, ’orsey man, go.”

  His gaze remained locked with Nicki’s. “’Orsey man wants to stay right where he is.”

  “I want you to stay, too.” Nicki whispered and bit her lip as she looked into his eyes knowing full well that she was laying her heart bare for him to see.

  The joy that sprang to his face nearly took her breath away, but as suddenly as it appeared, it faded. “I’ve got nothing to offer you, Nicki. I’ve been a drifter most of my life. I’m not father or husband material.”

  “I disagree and so does Kasey.”

  Nicki could sense how much he wanted to believe her. There was so much that needed to be said between them. She would have to tell him now, before their relationship went any further, that they would never have children of their own. Would it make a difference to him?

  Gathering her courage, she said, “I’m going to put Kasey down for her nap and then there are some things I need to tell you.”

  “Okaaay.” He lowered the child to the floor.

  She took her foster daughter by the hand, walked to the answering machine and pressed play.

  The message was from another teacher asking about her lesson plan. Relief pumped through Nicki’s body, making her knees wobbly. She looked to Clay and saw the same emotion mirrored in his eyes.

  “Would you like to stay for supper?” She wanted him to say yes.

  It took several long seconds before he answered. She held her breath afraid he’d refuse. Finally, he nodded. “I’d like that.”

  She relaxed. “Good.”

  After getting her Kasey settled for her usual rest period, Nicki closed her bedroom door softly and braced herself to finish her conversation with Clay without interruptions.

  He was sitting on the sofa looking as nervous as he had the night he’d shown up to take her to the prom. The memory softened her heart. She couldn’t be mistaken about his feelings. He did care about her.

  He rose to his feet. She crossed the room to stand in front of him. “There’s a reason I started fostering babies. When I was in college, I became ill and had to have surgery. There were complications. Afterward, the doctors told me I’d never bear children.”

  “Nicki, I’m so sorry.”

  “I thought you should know.”

  “That doesn’t change how I feel about you. I care for you so much. Both you and Kasey.”

  It was so hard to keep her practical thoughts in order when all she wanted was to be held in his arms, to feel his love surrounding her. “I care about you, too, Clay, but before we get more involved with each other, I have to know that you aren’t going to pick up and leave one day.”

  “I won’t. Not as long as you want me here.”

  “I’m not asking for a life-long commitment now, Clay. I’m only asking for a chance to see if these feelings we have are the real deal.”

  He smiled at her softly. “They must be because I’ve been thinking about doing this since the first day I got back in town.”

  He bent his head and kissed her. The gentle brush of his lips against hers filled her with longing and excitement. She circled his neck with her arms as he pulled her close.

  When he finally lifted his head, she pressed her cheek against his chest. “I’m so glad God brought you back into my life.”

  The sound of the front door opening startled both of them. Clay stepped away from her. Nicki turned to see her mother come rushing in. Clearly upset, Glenis didn’t seem to notice Nicki wasn’t alone. “You’ll never believe what’s happened. This is just terrible. How could I have been so misled?”

  “Mom, what’s wrong?” Nicki left Clay’s side.

  Pacing the room, Glenis dragged her fingers through her disheveled hair. “That electrical contractor I hired has taken the building committee’s money and skipped town. What’s more, he’s stolen money from a dozen other people, and it’s all my fault. What are we going to do?”

  Chapter Fourteen

  “Calm down, Mom.” Clay could hear the deep concern in N
icki’s voice.

  Glenis didn’t stop her pacing. “I can’t calm down. I just came from the bank. The man forged my signature and emptied the account. Of course, I knew it had to be some kind of mistake, so I went to the motel where he was staying, but he’d already checked out.”

  She paused as she caught sight of Clay. She glanced from him to Nicki with a deep scowl on her face. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know you had company.”

  “Have you called the police?” Clay asked.

  “Not yet,” she admitted.

  He pulled out his cell phone. “They may be able to find him before he gets too far.”

  She ignored his comment and turned to Nicki. “What am I going to tell the committee members? Everyone was counting on getting the building finished by Christmas. We needed that money. If we can’t get it back, I’ll never be able to hold up my head again.”

  Nicki patted her mother’s hand. “Clay’s right. Let’s see what Colt Ridgeway says before we do anything else.”

  Standing by the fireplace, Clay waited while Glenis spoke to the police. When she hung up, she dropped her head in her hands. “Colt is running a background check on the name I gave him, but he isn’t hopeful that we’ll get the money back. He wants me to come down and give a statement. How am I going to face Reverend Garrison, the mayor, the town council?”

  Nicki slipped an arm around her mother. “Michael will understand, Mom. I’ll drive you to the police station. You’re too upset to get behind the wheel. Give me a few minutes to get Kasey up.”

  “I can drive her,” Clay offered.

  “Would you?” Nicki sent him a grateful look.

  “Sure.”

  “Thank you. Mom, Clay’s going to drive you to the station. I’ll get a sitter to come stay with Kasey, and I’ll meet you there.”

  To Clay’s surprise, her mother agreed without protest.

  As he drove her car downtown, Glenis sat silently in the passenger’s seat. He searched for the words to reassure her that things would turn out all right, but realizing that might not be the case, he kept quiet. It didn’t take long to reach their destination.

  Pulling into the parking lot, Clay stopped near the building entrance and turned off the engine. Glenis made no move to get out. After a long moment, she looked in his direction. “Nicki is terrified she’s going to lose Kasey.”