Protection

by Linda Rettstatt

  She padded down the hall toward the voices. Her mother sat in the rocker with Amanda while Brooke did dishes. Heather’s stomach rumbled and she remembered she hadn’t eaten since lunch the previous day.

  “Hey, sleepy head. You ready for dinner?” Brooke asked.

  Heather rubbed her eyes. “Maybe coffee first. And breakfast?”

  “Sit. I’ll get it for you.”

  Heather sat on the sofa. From her grandmother’s lap, Amanda grinned and gurgled at her. Tears filled her eyes as she realized what was nearly lost. Brooke set a mug of coffee on the table in front of her, then sat down and rubbed soothing circles on her back. “Hey, it’s okay. You’re both okay now.”

  Heather drew in a shuddering breath. “I know. But that doesn’t mean everything’s over. Corinne Hastings could still push to take Amanda from me if she can convince a judge I signed that surrogacy agreement.”

  “That reminds me. Maggie called. She’ll be here in about an hour to meet with you. She has news. I was about to come and wake you when you came out here.”

  “Good news or bad news?”

  “She didn’t say, but she sounded upbeat.”

  Heather sipped her coffee. “I need to shower. I’ll take this with me.”

  “You should eat something,” her mother said.

  “I will after I shower.”

  Moments later as she stood under the warm stream from the shower, she let go of the tears she’d been holding in. Her body shook and she wrapped her arms across her bare breasts. It would take some time before she’d feel safe again.

  She dressed in jeans and a sweatshirt, despite the seventy-plus degrees outside. She couldn’t stop the chill that rattled through her. She was sitting at the table eating pancakes and bacon when Maggie arrived.

  The attorney embraced Heather, then gravitated to the baby. “Oh, she is just precious.”

  “Thank you.”

  Maggie took a seat opposite Heather at the dining table. “So, I have news.”

  Heather pushed her plate away and waited.

  “Suddenly both Corinne Hastings and her brother, Anthony, are insisting that Mark Hastings was behind everything. Corinne says it was Mark’s idea to push you to give over custody of the baby, that he concocted the idea of creating a false surrogacy agreement with a forgery of your signature. And she claims she only came to see you and gave you the ten grand because Mark told her that’s what you wanted. According to Anthony, Mark sent him here to get the baby with the understanding that you knew he was coming. He’s being magnanimous and saying he doesn’t hold you responsible for shooting him, that he did enter the apartment without your knowledge.”

  “In other words, they’re pinning everything on Mark and they’ll walk away scot free,” Heather said.

  Maggie frowned. “Unfortunately, you’re probably right. The good news is, I’ve already filed for a dismissal of all charges against you. If they’re going to claim that Mark was behind everything, then that leaves you in the clear. And since he’s deceased, there’s no one else to claim any rights to Amanda.”

  “Are you serious? This nightmare could come to an end?” Heather said.

  “We have to meet in Judge Henniker’s chambers tomorrow morning at ten. She already has my filing, as does the District Attorney.”

  Doris Carlson asked, “How likely is the judge to dismiss the charges without a trial?”

  “I’d say more likely than not, given the circumstances.” Maggie glanced at her watch. “You might want to turn on the TV. Governor Hastings is scheduled to give a press conference in a few minutes. I’m sure it’s made national news.”

  Brooke turned on the television and surfed through channels until she found one announcing the press conference. A few moments later, Corinne Hastings, wearing a black suit—the grieving widow—strode to a podium. She took a sip of water and cleared her throat. “As you all know, my husband suffered a mental break in the past few days. He was a very troubled man for some time, but I never believed he would become violent.” She took another sip. “I’m ashamed to say he got involved with a young woman and, when she became pregnant, Mark became obsessed with the idea of obtaining full custody of the baby in hopes I would raise the child with him.” She lifted her eyes to look directly into the cameras. “You all know my stance on pro-life and there was no way I would hold this innocent child responsible for the sins of her parents. So, of course, I agreed.”

  “God, she’s politicking standing on the body of her dead husband,” Brooke muttered.

  “I was never aware of my husband’s illegal activities in his effort to convince the woman to give over the baby. I want to clarify, also, that my brother, Anthony Baker, was equally duped by Mark into acting on his behalf. The alleged breakin at the home of Heather Carlson was a mistake, a matter of miscommunication between Anthony and Mark. I spoke with my brother earlier today. Neither of us holds Ms. Carlson responsible for her actions in believing she had to defend herself and her child when she shot Anthony. I would, no doubt, have acted in a similar defensive manner to protect my own child, had I been so blessed.”

  “And there it is—the tug of pro-life heartstrings,” Brooke said.

  “I want to apologize to you, my supporters, for allowing my husband’s mental health issues to cast a shadow over this office and over the great State of Missouri. You deserved better from us. I wish to announce that I will not be running for re-election in the coming year. I will finish my current term and serve the people of Missouri to the best of my ability. Thank you.”

  Brooke’s eyes widened. “She’s not running? Wow, I thought that speech was a set-up for another term.”

  “She’s afraid she’ll lose. And Corinne Hastings hates to lose. By choosing not to run, she has the control,” Maggie said. “And there is the matter of the Senate seat that just opened up.” She smiled at Heather. “Well, after that speech, I’d say my petition for dismissal of the charges against you will be a shoo in.” She stood. “I have to get back to Seattle. I’ll see you at the courthouse tomorrow morning.”

  Heather walked Maggie to her car. “Thank you so much for everything you’ve done.”

  “It’s my pleasure. See you tomorrow.”

  When she returned upstairs, Brooke grabbed her in a bear hug. “It’s over. It’s really over.”

  “Just about. I won’t breathe easy until the judge finalizes everything.” She sat beside her mother on the sofa and hugged her close. “Mom, I’m so sorry for all of this.”

  “It’s not your fault.” She tightened her hold. “I’m grateful both you and Amanda are okay.” Easing away, her mother asked, “Will you move back to Jefferson City now?”

  “I don’t know, Mom. I kind of like it here. It’s a beautiful place, the people are great. It might be nice to raise Amanda here. But if you need me….”

  Her mother shook her head. “No. You have to make a decision that’s best for you and Amanda. I kind of like it here, too. Your Aunt Rita wants me to move in with her in Uniontown, but I don’t want to be that far away from my granddaughter.”

  Heather broke into a smile. “You’d think of moving here?”

  “Wait a minute,” Brooke said. “You’re both going to leave me?”

  “You can visit any time,” Heather said. “I’m going to run downstairs and give Abe the good news. I hope he gets all of his bail money back.”

  Upon hearing her news, Abe hugged her as if she were his long lost granddaughter. “That’s wonderful.”

  “I should be back on schedule in a day or two and be of more help around here.”

  “We’ve managed okay. We can do so for a few more days. You need to get some rest.”

  As she stepped out onto Abe’s porch, a pickup truck pulled into the drive. She watched as Jake got out.

  *

  Heather descended the three steps from the porch and stopped. “Hi.”

  Jake stood by the truck. “Hi. I know you don’t want to talk to me. But I hope you’ll at least li
sten.”

  She opened her mouth to respond, but closed it again, crossing her arms over her chest and waiting.

  “You know everything?”

  “I don’t know that I know everything. I saw you on the news. It explained why you had some pull with Caleb to get documentation for me and the baby.” She studied him for a moment. “I would never have guessed you were a priest. I’d say you hid that pretty well.”

  He glanced away from her gaze. “I’m really sorry. You have to understand why I couldn’t tell you the truth.”

  “Oh, I understand. What I don’t understand is the fact that you made love to me. You let me think there could be something between us.”

  “There can be.”

  “I don’t see how.”

  “If you’ll just let me explain.”

  Anger flashed in her eyes. “There is no explanation, is there?” She pulled away and started up the steps.

  Jake raced after her. “Shannon!”

  She reached the landing at the top and whirled around. “I’m not Shannon. She doesn’t exist. She was as much fiction as you are.” She went inside and slammed the door.

  Jake climbed the few remaining steps, his feet heavy and his heart heavier. He stood there, weighing his options. If he walked away now, there would be no second chance. He knocked. An older woman opened the door. “Yes?”

  “I’m Jake Garber. May I please speak to Shann… to Heather?”

  “You were on the news. You’re the priest, aren’t you?”

  “I was.”

  She stepped out onto the landing, closing the door behind her. “She’s pretty upset right now. And I don’t want you to upset her even further.”

  Jake dragged a hand through his hair. “I only want to explain.”

  “I’m Doris Carlson, Heather’s mother. I was raised Catholic, so you’ll understand when I say I’m confused and disappointed.”

  “You’re not the only one who’s confused.”

  She stared at him. “This is very bad timing for you. She’s just been through an ordeal with the last man she trusted.”

  “I know. I don’t want to hurt her. I—I care about her and about Amanda.”

  Doris Carlson studied him for a long moment. “What do you want from Heather?”

  “I just want to explain some things. Do you think she’ll ever talk to me?”

  “That depends. What do you want to talk with her about?”

  What had Angie said to him—‘get out of your head and into your heart. That’s where the answer lies.’ Jake drew in a breath and exhaled. “I want to tell her that I’m no longer a priest, that this is where I belong, and I think it’s where she belongs, too. With me. I want to tell her I love her.”

  Doris stared into his eyes as if searching for a hint that he might be lying. “You mean that?”

  “With all my heart. I love her and I love Amanda. I’d like to see if Heather feels the same way and if we can have a future.”

  She opened the door. “Wait here. I’ll see what I can do.”

  While he waited, he noticed someone peeking between the curtains of the small kitchen window. A moment later the door opened and Heather stood before him. “My mother insists I listen to you.”

  “Can we go somewhere and talk? Privately.”

  “Where?”

  “Will you come with me to the falls?”

  “We can talk right here. The last time I took a ride up the mountain, it didn’t turn out so well.”

  “Heather, please. Just come with me. It’s beautiful up there and what I have to say….”

  “Fine. Let’s go.” She pushed past him and descended the steps in a rush. She was in his truck before he caught up with her.

  He climbed in and got the truck moving before she could change her mind. They rode in silence until he pulled into the parking lot at Snoqualmie Falls. He removed the key from the ignition, then faced her. “Before we have this conversation, there’s something you should know. I asked to be released from the priesthood.”

  “Good for you.”

  “I’m also no longer being hunted, so being with me won’t put you in danger. That worried me. The biker was looking for me, not you.”

  She nodded, but said nothing.

  He couldn’t read her face. “Walk with me?”

  She got out of the truck as quickly as she’d gotten in and strode purposefully to one of the observation platforms overlooking the falls. She leaned on the railing. The evening light glinted through the trees and shone like diamonds in her hair.

  Jake leaned beside her. “I often come up here when I need to think something through. It’s so peaceful.”

  She turned, staring up at him, her jaw set hard. “Why did you say you loved me when you left that message and took off?”

  “Because I do love you. I didn’t expect this. I don’t know what I expected. For two years, I’ve just gone through the motions of living. And then you showed up, literally crashed into my life, you and Amanda. It wasn’t long before you both had my heart tangled around your fingers.”

  “You could have trusted me, Jake. Or am I supposed to call you Steve?”

  “I’m Jake. I can’t go back. I want to move forward.” He met her gaze. “But I don’t want to do it without you.”

  “How do I know this isn’t temporary, like your attraction to the priesthood? Will you decide in ten years that Amanda and I aren’t right for you?”

  He flinched. “That’s a fair question, I suppose. I think I always knew I wasn’t meant to be a priest. I was good at it, but it was work.”

  “Relationships are work.”

  “I know. The thing is, being with you makes me want to work harder. You brought some part of me to life that I’d denied. I’m not talking about sex, either. Being with you and Amanda made me feel whole, complete.”

  She pressed her lips together and he saw the struggle in her eyes.

  He forged ahead, hoping to take advantage of her struggle. “Whatever happens, I want us to be together. That is, if it’s what you want, too.”

  Turning her back on him, she leaned once again on the railing. “My charges will likely be dismissed. We have a meeting with the judge tomorrow.”

  Jake wanted to touch her, to pull her into his arms, but knew he had to wait and let her give him the signal that it would be okay. Everything around him felt so fragile, he tried not to breathe.

  “I’m not returning to Missouri,” she said. “I’m staying here.” Then she turned around again to face him. “There can never be secrets or lies between us again. Not even the little ones.”

  “No secrets or lies. Ever.”

  “And I need time. I won’t rush into something when I have Amanda to consider.” Then she flushed. “What happened that night at my apartment was a mistake. It was wonderful, don’t get me wrong. But it shouldn’t have happened yet. I want to slow down, savor us getting to know one another.”

  “I can do that.” He fought to keep his voice even.

  “Okay, then.” She stared down and when she lifted her face, a smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. “God isn’t going to be mad at me, is He?”

  Jake laughed. “God will dance at our wedding. Some day.” He drew her into his arms, his lips claiming hers. Her arms closed around him, deepening the kiss.

  When they parted, she gazed up at him. “Do you think you can get used to calling me Heather?”

  He traced a finger along her jaw. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Heather.”

  She laughed and narrowed her eyes. “Haven’t we met before—Jake?”

  “Briefly. But now we’ll have a lifetime to get to know one another.” He kissed her again.

  They stood for a while, silent, watching the sunset. Jake stood behind her and wrapped his arms around her. “I’m in love with you, Heather Carlson.”

  She dropped her head back into the crook of his shoulder. “I love you, too,” she said.

  *

  When Jake escorted her into Rusty
’s the following evening, she was astonished to see a small group of friends and acquaintances, along with her mother and Brooke stand and applaud.

  “You did this?” she asked Jake.

  “Not me. It was Angie’s idea,” he said.

  Angie came out from behind the bar and hugged her. “Congratulations on being a free woman. I thought it was something worth celebrating.”

  “It is. Thank you.”

  Angie glanced at Jake, then back to Heather. “Maybe a time to celebrate a whole new beginning.”

  She grinned. “Could be.”

  “What do you mean ‘could be’?” Jake draped an arm around her shoulders and pulled her close.

  “Okay, everybody, it’s an open bar and buffet. Let’s get this party started.” Angie headed back behind the bar.

  Once everyone had their turn at congratulating Heather, they sat at tables and booths, enjoying the spread and chatting.

  Jake stood in front of the vintage jukebox. He dropped in coins and pressed buttons, then turned to Heather. “Dance with me?”

  The song began—Just the Way You Are by Bruno Mars.

  “A man who can cook and dance?” she marveled.

  He drew her into his arms. “Come here.”

  “That isn’t a slow dance.”

  “It is if we make it one. Just listen to the words.” They stood in the same spot, molded to one another, swaying until the song ended. Jake smiled down at her. “Amazing.” He lowered his face to hers, planting a firm kiss on her lips.

  Whistles and applause sounded from the men at the bar. Someone called out, “Go for it, Choirboy.”

  Jake laughed. “I’m trying, trust me.”

  Heather raised an eyebrow. “What exactly are you trying to do?”

  “Sweep you off your feet.”