A Hero for Her Heart (Truly Yours Digital Editions Book 885)

by Candice Miller Speare

  “I don’t have to, you know.”

  Shannon laughed. “Playing hard to get will just attract him more.”

  “Great,” Allie said. “I spent the last few days keeping my mind on the spiritual. I don’t need to start thinking about him again.”

  “I don’t think he’s going away,” Shannon said.

  Allie ignored that. “I can’t wait to see Danny and Ma. I felt a bit guilty about leaving her alone to care for Danny.”

  “She said she was going to take Danny to work with her on some days. I bet your mom sold more at my shop than I ever did. She’s so good with the customers.”

  “Yes. She’s just great with people.” Allie noticed a fast-food restaurant.

  “Hey, I’m starving,” Shannon said. “You want to stop?”

  “How about I make us something at home?” Allie smiled.

  “I know.” Shannon flashed her a grin. “You just want to get home to see Danny.”

  “You got it.” Allie eyed her house in the distance.

  Shannon slowed the truck and turned onto the long drive. “I prayed a lot for you while we were there. And I prayed that something would happen so you wouldn’t have to sell any land.”

  Allie had told Shannon everything on the way to the retreat. Paige, Luke, the checks.

  “I prayed about that, too.” She glanced at Shannon and shrugged. “It just seems impossible. Though some people might not think the debt Luke left is that bad, he wrote checks against our business credit card accounts. Add interest on top of the amount owed, and I’m not making the minimum payments.”

  “I know,” Shannon said. “But God does miracles.”

  “Yes, and there’s been a minor miracle in me. I prayed that your new business would succeed, and I wouldn’t be so selfish about missing you. I prayed and meant it from the heart.”

  “An hour trip back and forth isn’t bad. We can still have our Scrabble nights.”

  “Yes, we can.” But with so many things changing, Allie wondered what the future was going to hold.

  As they pulled up to the house, Danny ran out the front door to greet them, a broad smile on his face and his arm in a sling.

  “Guess what, Aunt Allie? I broke my arm.”

  ❧

  Derrick’s mom darted about the reception office of Owens Realty, her pasty face swollen. Derrick had no doubt she was crying in the night. The stately woman who’d worked beside Dad for the past thirty-five years had become a shadow of the vibrant woman she’d once been. He wondered if Sandy’s death had marked him, too.

  “Sorry to interrupt,” he said, “but where’s Dad? He left me a list of things to do, including going by the mortgage company to drop off some papers. I have a question, and he’s not answering his cell.”

  “Your father?” She set down a stack of files on the sleek reception desk. “He mentioned something about the Kents. . .buying land in. . .oh, I don’t know. I’m trying to straighten up, keep my mind occupied before I lose it.”

  How could Derrick be such a clod? “Mom.” He went to her side, leaned down, and gave her a hug. “I’m sorry. I understand.”

  “No more Sandy.” She sagged against his shoulder and sobbed. A first. He’d never seen her cry, and it tore at his heart. “Your kids are never supposed to go before you.”

  Derrick wrapped his arms around her and held her for a moment. When she finally pulled away, he tried to figure out a way to ask if Sandy had confessed to them about Danny. “Mom?”

  “Yes?” she murmured.

  “Did Sandy give you or Dad any last minute requests?”

  “Like what?” Mom stepped back and blinked. “Sandy could barely speak. Did you say you’re going to the accountant?”

  “No, the mortgage company.” Her series of questions caught him off guard. The past few days it seemed her thoughts followed no pattern, which added to his worry. All Mom needed was the shock of hearing she had a grandson—or did she already know?

  Derrick searched his mother’s eyes carefully for any clue that Sandy might’ve made a deathbed confession, but there were no signs.

  “So you don’t know where Dad is?”

  She perked up just slightly. “Since when has your father ever given me a detailed account of his whereabouts?”

  Had Mom taken issue with his dad’s long absences throughout the years like Sandy and himself? If she had, she’d kept it well hidden and stood by Dad’s side through every crisis and every business deal with never a complaint. She fanned her face and sighed. “Just the Kents, that’s all I remember.”

  “Okay.” Uneasiness still plagued him. If Sandy told Hank, would she have told someone else? Especially if she was under the influence of pain medication? He didn’t want to imagine his father driving to Walla Walla and intimidating the Vahns.

  Derrick kissed his mom on the cheek. He had to see Allie. “Will you be all right?”

  “Yes, of course. I’m going through these files. The work distracts me.” She smiled through her tears. “I’ve been around Hank too long.”

  Derrick shot out of the office and hurried to his car. He’d get to Allie and calmly explain all. He could only pray she’d give him a chance after that. She made it obvious on more than one occasion that she couldn’t abide lying, but maybe she’d find it in her heart to forgive him for avoiding the truth. Because of Sandy.

  He stuck the key in the ignition of his Silverado, and it roared to life. As he pulled onto the street toward the mortgage company, he yanked his cell phone from his belt, dialed Allie’s number, and waited.

  “Derrick!” Allie said after he greeted her. His heart sank at her panicked tone. Did she know? “Ma told me about your sister. I’m so sorry.”

  Relief. “Thank you,” he said. “I know you understand.”

  “I do.”

  Derrick wanted to blurt out everything right then and there, but he couldn’t. They needed to be face-to-face.

  “Oh, if you’re coming, you need to know. Danny broke his arm,” she said. “I feel like it’s my fault. I was away and left all the responsibility to Ma.”

  “How did he break his arm? Is he okay?” Worry twisted his stomach. He hadn’t been there for Danny, either.

  “Well, he’s fine.” Allie paused. “He fell out of a tree. That’s my fault, too.”

  “Why?” Derrick drove toward the mortgage company as fast as the speed limit allowed.

  “I taught him to climb that tree, and he was playing Spiderman.”

  Derrick couldn’t help himself. He chuckled.

  “I’m not sure it’s funny,” Allie said, but he could tell she was smiling.

  “You know how I got my scar?”

  “How?”

  “I fell out of a tree playing a superhero.”

  After a moment’s pause, Allie laughed. “You understand then.”

  “Absolutely. All young boys can fly.”

  “So. . .you called for a reason, right?” The laughter in her voice died.

  “Would it be all right if I came by tonight?” Derrick massaged his aching neck. She just had to agree. This couldn’t wait another day.

  “Um, sure. Is it about our property?”

  “No. But we need to talk.” No more half-truths.

  “Okay then, sure.” The tone in Allie’s voice made him realize she did care for him, and she’d probably missed the signs that should’ve told her he’d fallen for her. Too bad he was about to tear up her world.

  Derrick pulled into the parking lot. “I have one errand to run, then I’m on my way. I should be there in a little less than two hours, okay?”

  “Definitely okay.” Allie’s voice became muted. “Derrick, I’ve got to go now, somebody’s at the door. See you later.”

  “Later,” he said and fought the fear he couldn’t put a name to.

  Twenty

  With her heart pattering pleasantly, Allie stuffed her phone in her pocket and headed for the stairs. Derrick was coming to see her. Not about the property. She couldn�
�t help but feel a shiver of excitement.

  Murmurs of voices came from downstairs. Ma had gotten the door; Allie didn’t need to bother. She stood in front of her full-length mirror smiling and fluffed her hair. Then Danny came bounding into the room.

  “Aunt Allie, there’s a man at the door.”

  She turned toward him. “Who is it?”

  “I dunno.” Danny stared at her. “Why are you fixing up?”

  She smiled. “Just getting ready for—”

  “Allie?” Ma’s voice came up the stairs. “I think you should come down here.”

  Why so serious? Allie left the room and descended the stairs, followed by Danny.

  Ma stood in the living room, staring up at a tall man with dark hair. The man had his back to her, and Ma motioned her into the room.

  “You need me?” Allie picked up her pace.

  The man turned. Allie stepped back and stifled a gasp. An older version of Derrick studied her, then clasped his hands behind his back.

  “Allie. . .” Ma said. “This is Richard Owens. Derrick’s father.” His eyes, black like Derrick’s, skimmed over her.

  “Mr. Derrick has a father?” Danny stood next to Allie.

  Richard’s gaze flickered to Danny. His eyes warmed, and a tiny smile played in the corner of his mouth. “Yes, Derrick has a father.”

  “I’m sorry about your daughter,” Allie said.

  He finally looked at her again, and the semblance of warmth on his face died. “I appreciate the condolences.”

  “What happened to your arm, son?” Richard asked.

  Danny laughed. “I was Spiderman and fell out of the tree. I always climb that tree.”

  Richard frowned. “I see.”

  “Are you here about the property?”

  “Call me Richard,” he said. “And no. I’m not here about the property. That’s Derrick’s job.”

  “Then—”

  “I should get right to the point.” He took a deep breath. “I’m here about Danny.”

  “Me?” Danny asked, bouncing on the balls of his feet.

  Allie rested her hand on her nephew’s shoulder. “Danny? Why?” A bad feeling slammed into the pit of her stomach, and she turned to her nephew. “Honey, why don’t you go upstairs and wait for me to call you?”

  “But Mr. Derrick’s father said—”

  “Sweetie, listen to Aunt Allie,” Ma said. “Please go to your room now.”

  Danny must have picked up on her urgency. He left the room with no further argument.

  Richard’s eyes followed Danny with emotion Allie didn’t understand. She felt so totally discombobulated. Richard looked like an older version of Derrick, but the resemblance ended there. Except when he looked at Danny, Richard was coldly businesslike. No easy smile, no warmth in his coal black eyes.

  “Please sit.” Ma pointed to a chair, then she sat on the sofa.

  Allie eyed his fine clothing. He reeked of money. She hated feeling like she wanted to apologize for the worn furniture, which had seen its better days, but Richard Owens sank into a chair, seemingly unfazed.

  “So what’s this about Danny?” Allie sat beside Ma, and fear lodged in her chest, growing with each passing second.

  Richard crossed his legs. Even seated informally, his presence commanded attention. “In her last days when she was under the influence of painkillers, my daughter talked about having a son. After she died, I found photos and paperwork in her belongings, along with phone messages and texts from Derrick confirming the truth of her words. I immediately contacted my attorney.”

  A chill raised hairs on the back of Allie’s neck, and she opened her mouth to speak, but Ma grabbed her hand and squeezed, signaling her to allow Derrick’s father to finish.

  “The truth of the matter is that Danny is my grandson. Derrick was here to find him.”

  Allie clapped her hand over her mouth. The room spun. Danny’s eyes. . .and Derrick’s. The facts came together in a sickening flash of clarity.

  “So Derrick didn’t come to Walla Walla for land.” Her voice shook. She turned to her mom. “He lied to me. . .to us.” The words came out in a hoarse whisper.

  Richard scowled. “If it brings you any comfort, you’re not the only one my son lied to. He told his mother and me he was in town on business, then went about searching for Sandy’s son, investigating your family. I don’t know what Derrick hoped to accomplish, but—”

  Allie jumped to her feet, fists clenched. “Why are you here?”

  Richard held out a placating hand, like he was humoring her. “Please sit down. I’ll explain.”

  For a satisfying moment Allie imagined the little pony Eddieboy going after Richard Owens and clamping his eager mouth on the man’s arm. She felt the pressure of Ma’s hand, and the moment passed. “Sit, sweetheart. This will all work out.”

  Allie slumped onto the sofa. “Not if they intend to tell Danny his biological mom just died.” She glared at Richard. “Danny’s been through enough.”

  Richard sniffed. “Sandy, as well as the rest of my family, has also been through a lot. My daughter died never seeing her son. A son she was coerced into giving up for adoption.”

  “Coerced?” Allie shut her eyes and sank back onto the sofa. Don’t yell. Don’t cry. She continued to glare at Richard. She would not allow him to intimidate her. “How can you say that? My brother wouldn’t have participated in anything questionable.” Even as she spoke, she saw the illogic of her words. Luke had been having an affair with Paige, which was questionable to say the least. But. . .hadn’t Paige handled the adoption? A formless thought wriggled in the back of her brain, struggling for clarification.

  “Richard,” Ma said, “even if that were true and your daughter had somehow been coerced, where is this going?”

  “And what is it you want?” Allie asked.

  “My grandson.” He ran his hand down his tie, nodded, and tilted his head. “I’m open to shared custody. Danny is my daughter’s son. Possibly the only grandchild I’ll ever have.”

  Allie stared in disbelief. “Shared custody? Why would we agree to that? Danny doesn’t even know you.”

  “He does now. And he knows Derrick.”

  “I don’t think you have a legal leg to stand on, Mr. Owens.” Ma’s voice was sure and confident, and Allie drew strength from her.

  “Danny’s adoptive parents were killed in a car accident. He no longer has parents, just a legal guardian.” Richard stood and drew back his broad shoulders. “My wife and I and Derrick are family by blood. If you’re not agreeable to informal shared custody, we will do this through the courts. If we do that, you risk losing him altogether.”

  Allie leaped to her feet. Lose Danny? No! Of course they’d fight. But they had barely enough money for necessities lately, let alone legal fees. Frozen to the spot, strength drained out of her and she could only stare up at him.

  “We don’t want to confuse Danny or hurt him.” Ma stood and draped her arm around Allie. “We’ve nothing to be ashamed of, Mr. Owens. We love him with all our hearts.”

  “But it seems you’re in financial difficulty. My lawyer’s investigator discovered that. You’re selling off land. Perhaps you can’t provide for Danny like we can.” Richard’s gaze roamed the room. “Nor does it appear he’s well supervised based on his broken arm. I could make a case of that. Would you like to reconsider?” Richard crossed his arms over his chest.

  “Money doesn’t grow happy children.” Allie crossed her arms in imitation of his. “We may not have a fat bankbook, but Danny’s the happiest kid you’d ever want to meet.”

  “We probably should consult our own lawyer,” Ma said. “In the meantime, I think our discussion is over, Mr. Owens. I’ll see you to the door.”

  Richard’s face seemed to sag. “I’m sorry you feel that way. I can find my own way.”

  They watched as he walked from the room to the front door.

  The door closed with a snap, and Allie wheeled around to face her mother. “W
hat a nightmare.”

  “Yes, so it seems.” Ma rubbed her temples.

  “Should we have agreed to joint custody?”

  Ma shook her head. “No. At least not right now. We don’t know the truth for a certainty. And we don’t know the Owenses. Except Derrick, and now that’s in question. I just can’t believe he would deliberately deceive us.” Ma focused her eyes on her. “Last thing I want is your faith to be hurt more than it already has been.”

  “It’s not your fault.” Allie dropped into a chair, dead exhausted. “He played me, too.”

  “I’m not sure about that,” Ma said. “Time will tell. But one thing for sure, they can’t take our little boy.”

  “What if the adoption was illegal? They’ve got the money. They can hire hotshot attorneys who’ll make the case.”

  “He said coerced, not illegal,” Ma said with a slight smile. “If it had been illegal, a man like Richard Owens would have been here guns blazing. Besides, the Lord is in control.” She took a deep breath. “I’m going to make cookies and pray.”

  They both turned when they heard footsteps on the stairs. “Aunt Allie? Did Mr. Derrick’s father leave?”

  “Yes, he left.” Allie glanced at her mother for guidance.

  “I’m going to make a batch of chocolate chip cookies.” Ma held her hand out to Danny. “Come and help me.”

  “Goody!”

  “I’m going out to the barn,” Allie said.

  “Remember who is in control,” Ma said over her shoulder as she guided Danny to the kitchen. “We serve a good God.”

  Allie hated the thoughts that coursed through her head as she walked to the barn. Resentment and anger that flew in so many directions and at so many targets. The Lord, who hadn’t promised a rose garden as Ma always said. And there was Luke, the brother she’d looked up to all her life. What had he done? Participated in a questionable adoption? Betrayed his wife? Then there was her own romantic life, if it could even be called that. Michael the cheater and now Derrick the deceiver. Had he really gotten to know her—kissed her—just to get to Danny?

  Allie felt the tears start halfway to the barn. Once she was inside, she draped her arms around Pip’s neck and let the waterworks flow. The horse stood patiently as he had for so many years. When the tears finally dried, she felt drained of all emotion and went to the storeroom for her shovel and wheelbarrow. Then she retrieved two bales of straw and placed them in the aisle.