“What can I do? Just tell me.”
“I don’t know. I want to grab my girls and run, but I know that’s ridiculous. But if she wants to fight for them, I can’t afford a court battle.”
“Lainie, you’re getting upset before you know the situation.” He pulled her into his arms. “I’ll be here beside you. Let’s hear what she wants first before we second-guess her motives.”
The letter had shattered her common sense. Her deep fear of losing her girls raged through her like a volcanic explosion. Lainie clung to him, needing the comfort he offered. “I have to be prepared. I have to be ready to show her I’m a good mother and I can provide for them, that I have a job—” She stilled. “Oh, Shaw, I might not have a job if the library doesn’t get done.”
“It will.”
“But what if it doesn’t? The flood could ruin the whole thing.” She pulled away, placing her hands on her cheeks as she saw her life from her mother-in-law’s perspective. “It all looks so bad right now. The town doesn’t want me here, the library might not be done and I’ll be unemployed. I’m living in the home of the town’s most notorious bachelor, accepting gifts of money from him. It’s a scene right out of a bad soap opera.”
Shaw smiled. “I don’t think I’m notorious. And you’re my tenant.”
She glared. “You know what I mean. My whole life right now looks shady. And we don’t even have a lease to show her.”
“I’ll draw one up. Tell me what you need me to do. I’ll do whatever you want. I won’t let her take the girls from you.”
“You don’t have any say in the matter.”
“But I have friends who can help. Some with powerful influence.”
Lainie shook her head, trying to think around the fear scraping every nerve raw. “I need to look in charge and competent. That I am providing the best loving environment for them. When I told Mrs. Forsythe what Craig had said about his parents, she suggested I get married again. Then there would be no way she could take the girls away.”
Shaw set his hands on his hips. “That’s an idea. If she questions your reputation, tell her we’re engaged. If she thinks you’re involved with someone able to provide a solid home, she won’t do anything.”
It was a silly idea, but Lainie was frantic, and at the moment, any idea was worth considering. She pressed her fingers to her temples. She had to get a grip. Shaw was right. She was panicking over something she didn’t know would happen. “No. Thanks, Shaw, but no one would believe you’re in love with me.” She looked into his eyes and thought she saw a flash of pain behind the dark blue. The notion sent a wave of longing zipping through her body. For a second, she let herself believe he did love her. But then she remembered he was a happy bachelor, and merely saw her and the girls as his obligation.
Shaw frowned. “Why not?”
“Dover’s most eligible single man and a mom with two kids. You said it yourself. You’re not the marrying kind.”
“Maybe I’ve changed my mind.”
Lainie didn’t want to think about what he might mean. “I don’t think this woman will be easily fooled. I’m afraid the only way to convince her would be to produce a marriage license.”
“Then let’s show her proof. Marry me.”
Her heart stopped before kicking into action again. He couldn’t be serious. He was taking his responsibility to the extreme. “Don’t be ridiculous. I’d do anything to protect my girls, but I stop short of marrying a man who—” The words doesn’t love me died on her lips. She swallowed and turned away. Oh, but how she wished he did.
“Lainie, it wouldn’t be real. I have a good friend at the courthouse. All we need is a piece of paper that shows we’re serious. I can get a marriage application or even a license. It won’t be legit, but it will look official to her.”
At her wit’s end, Lainie had to admit it wasn’t a bad idea. If Craig’s mother questioned her current situation, she would produce Shaw and the license. There would be nothing the woman could do.
“All right,” she said. “But just as a last resort.” Drained from worry and fear, Lainie sank onto a kitchen chair.
Shaw rested his hand on her arm. “Lainie, it’ll be all right. You’re scared and worn down from all the stress of the library. You’re not thinking clearly. I’ll be with you. Whatever she throws at us, we’ll tackle it together.”
“This isn’t your fight, but thank you. I couldn’t have handled any of this without you.”
“Nonsense. No one is more capable and determined than you. Or more beautiful.”
Lainie laughed, wiping the tears from her face. “Oh, right. Red eyed and weepy.”
“That’s the way you looked when I first saw you in the station. I thought the same thing then.” He touched her chin with his fingertips, his blue eyes intense and probing. “I told you I’d take care of you.”
His words pierced her heart, adding another pain to her already-tattered emotions. He hadn’t said he loved her. The girls scrambled in the door, shattering the moment.
“Mommy, we’re thirsty.”
She hid her hurt in the activity of fixing drinks, aware of Shaw moving toward the door.
“I’d better get back. We’ll talk more later. Don’t worry about anything.”
She nodded, afraid of speaking and losing control of her emotions. She made the girls a quick supper, keeping busy with getting her daughters ready for bed. Once again, Shaw had stepped in to fix her life and handle her problems. She didn’t want him to fix her life. She wanted him to care for her. Not because he felt obligated, but because he loved her.
Right now she needed to get prepared to meet her mother-in-law. But worrying didn’t solve anything. She’d do her part to make sure the library was done and trust that Shaw would keep his word to her and the town and meet the deadline.
* * *
Lainie scanned the bar code on the plastic library card then typed in the information written on the application. She’d wanted to have all the cards ready to hand out on opening day, but that was in three days, and she was behind. She’d decided to get the books ready before the cards. Of course, she was having trouble concentrating on anything since the letter had arrived from her mother-in-law yesterday.
The message had said she’d arrive sometime this week. The worst possible week to show up. Shaw was working like a madman trying to finish the last details on the library. She and Millie were trying to process and organize as many of the books as possible, but there were still far too many boxes sitting in Dutch’s warehouse. Along with chairs, tables, benches plus beanbags for the kids to sit on.
The tech guys were installing the computers today, but she still couldn’t start moving the books in until that final inspection was completed. Shaw had scheduled it for tomorrow.
She sighed and brushed her hair off her face. Her stomach was in knots, and she’d been unable to eat since the letter had arrived. She felt as if she was about to explode from the stress. It was near noon when she looked up to see Shaw coming in the door. The sight of him eased her tension. He had that effect on her.
He stopped at the worktable, pulling an envelope from his shirt pocket. “I have our marriage license.”
An odd rush of excitement made her light-headed. She stood, removing the paper from the envelope and studied it. Seeing their names on a very official-looking marriage license caused an odd tightness in her throat. “It looks real.”
“It is. The document, I mean. It wouldn’t be honored if we presented it at the courthouse, but it’s on official paper.”
“Do I want to know how you did this?”
“Nothing illegal, I promise.”
Lainie prayed the ruse would convince her mother-in-law that she and Shaw were serious and able to provide a stable home for the girls. A wave of fear increased her heart rate. She pressed her ha
nds to her face. “Oh, Shaw! What if she wants to take my girls?”
He pulled her against his chest. “I won’t let anyone take those girls from you. I promise.”
She wiggled out of his arms. No need to torment herself with something that couldn’t be. “I’m sorry. You have enough on your plate without worrying about my problems.”
“We’re getting close. Everything should be done for the inspection tomorrow. Let’s pray the inspector shows up on time.”
“This is nerve-racking. I can feel the clock ticking in the back of my mind. One for the library and one for my future.”
“Hang in there.” He held up the envelope, smiling confidently. “We have some ammunition.”
His plan was outrageous, and she should never have agreed to it. “Don’t take this the wrong way, but I hope we don’t have to use that.”
“Right. Me, too. We’ll wait and see what she wants before we produce our evidence.”
* * *
Friday afternoon slipped away, adding further to Lainie’s frustration. She’d planned on going to Dutch’s warehouse to check on the shipments of furniture that had been arriving. She needed to make sure each piece was what she’d ordered, but there hadn’t been time. Between her injured arm and the flood, she’d fallen over a week behind. She was trusting that none of the deliveries were wrong.
She and Millie had decided they’d make do as best they could. The library was required to have furniture and books in place. Blake had checked, and nothing in the specifications mentioned anything about being completely furnished and stocked. Thank God for loopholes.
Still, there was so much to do in only two days, and she was beginning to lose hope. She kept up a confident face for Millie and Shaw, but inside, her heart was breaking. She didn’t see any way it would happen.
The last thing she needed was a visit from her mother-in-law. In her present state of mind, Lainie wasn’t sure she could maintain a civil attitude with the woman.
Millie joined her at the computer. “How’s it going?” She looked at the box of newly scanned library cards, then flipped the edges of the stack of applications still waiting to be entered into the computer. “You want me to do this for a while? I’m waiting for Dutch to bring a few more boxes.”
Lainie opened her mouth to reply when her cell rang. She scooped it up, her heart turning to ice when she saw the name Hollingsworth. Craig’s real last name. Her mother-in-law was here. Paralyzed with fear, she stared at the name. Her whole life could change with this one call. She pushed the button and muttered a soft hello. She closed her eyes as the voice on the other end spoke. Heart pounding, she kept her responses short. Her hand trembled as she ended the call.
“Well?” Millie asked. “Was that her?”
“She’s coming by this evening. What if she wants to take my children away?”
“Don’t go borrowing trouble. Didn’t Shaw say he’d be with you when you met her?”
She nodded, pacing the small work area. She wasn’t sure she wanted Shaw with her now. She’d become too dependent on him, too quick to turn to him to fix things. She needed to face this woman on her own and let her know she was willing to fight for her family no matter what. If things became contentious, she’d call Shaw, and they’d present the evidence of their intentions. And dare her to challenge it.
“I’ve got to go.” She grabbed her purse and headed out. She pulled into the driveway at home with no recollection of having driven there. Inside, she flitted from one task to the next. Straightening the kitchen, checking her makeup, wondering whether to leave the girls at Gwen’s while the woman was here or have them with her. What was the right thing to do?
She picked up her cell to call Shaw and let him know, only to put it down again. She could do this. She was grateful for his help and his crazy marriage license plan—though she still doubted it would work—but she had to do this alone. She would show Mrs. Hollingsworth she was a strong, capable woman who wasn’t easily intimidated, and who could handle anything life threw at her. But what she really wanted was to call Shaw and have him come and hold her and assure her everything would be all right.
Her gaze landed on her Bible lying open on the kitchen table. But it wasn’t Shaw’s strength she should be seeking. Sinking onto the chair, she clasped her hands and bowed her head. Forgive me Father for my fear and doubt. For borrowing trouble. I am a good mother, a woman of faith. Give me courage and strength to face this woman. I know You’ll work it out for good.
The fear eased as she prayed, and her courage grew. She made her decision. She would bring the girls home from Gwen’s, tell them a little about their visitor, then face whatever was to come.
A short while later, Lainie was prepared. The girls were playing in the Princess Club, the house was straightened and everyone was presentable. There was nothing more she could do. According to the clock, Mrs. Hollingsworth should be arriving any minute. Panic rose and clogged her throat, flooding her mind. She couldn’t do this alone. She couldn’t. Grabbing her phone, she dialed Shaw’s number, gasping small breaths of air as she waited. Why didn’t he answer? She heard the click in her ear and didn’t wait for him to speak.
“She’s here. She’ll be at the house any second now.”
“Why didn’t you call me?”
“I thought I could do it alone, but I’m scared.”
“It’ll be okay. Stay calm. I’m in Sawyer’s Bend. I had to pick up some hardware. I’m on my way. Stall her as best you can.”
Lainie hung up the phone, feeling abandoned and defeated. Sawyer’s Bend. It would take him twenty minutes or more to get here. Lord forgive me for being so weak.
Opening her apartment door, she stepped into the hall to watch out the front door for her mother-in-law’s arrival. The silver car pulled to a stop at the curb in the front of the house. A woman got out and started up the sidewalk. Through the leaded glass panes, it was impossible to see what she looked like. With one more heartfelt prayer, Lainie opened the door at the first knock.
The woman she saw was nothing like what she’d expected. She’d envisioned Craig’s mother as tall and thin with a superior glare and impeccably groomed. But this woman was medium height, slightly plump, with gray hair and a pleasant face.
Lainie cleared her throat. “Mrs. Hollingsworth. Won’t you come in?”
“Thank you.” She stepped into the foyer and glanced around, her expression puzzled.
Lainie squelched the urge to explain about the old house. She motioned her toward the door on her side of the house.
Mrs. Hollingsworth stopped inside the living room and faced her. “You’re Lainie? My son’s wife.”
“Yes.”
“You’re not what I expected.” She raised her hand. “That came out wrong. I had formed a picture of you in my mind as cool and aloof, but I can see you’re nothing like that.”
Lainie wasn’t sure what to make of her comment. “Won’t you sit down?”
“Mommy?”
She’d almost forgotten about the girls. “Mrs. Hollingsworth, these are my daughters, Natalie and Chrissy.”
Mrs. Hollingsworth’s eyes grew moist. “Hello. I’ve waited a long time to meet you.”
The girls eyed the woman suspiciously, staying close to Lainie’s side. “Girls, go back and play while Mrs. Hollingsworth and I talk.”
Once they were settled on the sofa, Lainie decided to take command. “I have a lot of questions, Mrs. Hollingsworth. The main one being, what do you want here?”
“I wanted to meet my grandchildren and my daughter-in-law.”
“Is that all? Because if you’ve come to try and take my girls away, I will fight you with everything I have.”
Mrs. Hollingsworth’s face pressed into a deep frown. “I have no desire to do that. Whatever gave you such an idea?”
“Craig. He said if you ever tracked him down, and found out about our children, you’d stop at nothing to get them.”
Her mother-in-law hastily pulled a tissue from her purse and dabbed at her eyes. “I was afraid this might happen, but I’d hoped...” She composed herself. “What did my son tell you about his father and me?”
Her husband’s warnings echoed inside her head, but she was finding it hard to apply them to this woman. “That you lied to him. That he cut all ties and never wanted to have anything to do with you. That’s why he changed his name. He didn’t want you to track him down and force yourselves into our lives. He would get very angry when he spoke of you, though he mentioned you only a couple times when we were married.”
Mrs. Hollingsworth nodded, her hands twisting the tissue into knots. “I’d hoped he’d come to understand. But I think I knew when I learned he’d changed his name he would never forgive us.” She glanced at the girls before going on. “My husband and I couldn’t have children so we adopted Craig when he was three months old. We adored him and probably spoiled him more than we should have. We always planned to tell him he was adopted, but the time was never right and the years passed. When he graduated from high school, we realized we needed to let him know. He didn’t take it well. He was furious. We tried to explain, but he was so angry. He said some horrible things to us, and then he left. We tried to find him, but we couldn’t keep track. We finally gave up, hoping someday he would come to understand.”
“I had no idea. He never said anything.” Lainie could easily see her husband holding a grudge. He harbored resentment too long. “How did you find us?”
“From time to time, we’d hire a detective to search for him. One of them discovered he’d changed his name. It helped narrow the search.” She smiled. “I’m so glad to have found you. You’re lovely. I’m sure my son loved you very much.”
“He did. And his daughter. Chrissy was born after the accident.”
Mrs. Hollingsworth looked over at the girls playing in the corner. “They are so beautiful. I didn’t come here to disrupt your life, only to find you, and ask if perhaps I could come and see you and the children occasionally. They look so much like their father.”
Love Inspired May 2015 #1 Page 55
