by Toni Shiloh
Goose bumps broke out on the back of her neck, causing a shiver to tingle down her spine. It had nothing to do with the temperature and everything to do with the man who had melted her insides like warm wax.
She leaned forward, resting her hand on his collar. “Text me so I know you made it home safely.”
He flashed a grin and goose bumps raced up her arms.
“I will.” He gently kissed her lips. “Go inside before you get us into trouble, girl.”
“Yes, sir.” She kissed him quickly and then crossed the threshold, hoping it would keep her rooted to the floor instead of going after him. She didn’t want him to leave, but her mind was telling her not to rush.
It was hard not to remember what had been. This time it needed to be done right.
Then tell him the truth.
She waved and closed the door, hoping the one to her mind would stay shut as well. Michelle didn’t want anything ruining her good mood.
“You’re home earlier than I thought you’d be.”
She whirled around. “Hey JoJo, I thought you were over at Evan’s.”
“I was,” Jo said. “But I need my beauty sleep before church. Besides, Guy’s girls were asleep, and Evan assured me he could handle it.”
“I’m sure he can. Those girls are precious.”
“Mmm, hmm. You have something you wanna share?”
The sparkle in Jo’s eyes made heat rush to Michelle’s face. “I don’t kiss and tell, Jo Ellen.”
“Ha, but you just did.”
“Whatever, chica. I’m going to bed.”
She walked down the hall toward her room.
“Did you tell him?” Jo called out.
Her feet froze. Michelle deliberately took her time turning around to meet her friend’s stare. “It’s unnecessary, Jo. It’s in the past.”
Jo moved forward, her face taking on a somber expression. “Not necessarily. Trust me, that’s something you need to tell him before it’s too late.”
“Why? What good will it do? It won’t change the past and it won’t bring the baby back.” She folder her arms, trying to keep the tremors at bay but her lip trembled anyway.
“I know, Michelle, but if you don’t tell him, you’re going to make a habit of not telling him important things, thinking you can handle it. It starts the relationship on the wrong footing.”
She wanted to argue, but deep down she knew Jo was right. And right now, she hated her for it.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Guy whistled as he walked through the Sheriff’s department. The cubicle bullpen style was set up to encourage everyone to communicate. In fact, the men and women of the Freedom Lake Sheriff Department had become more like a family. Granted, he was still considered an outsider since he had been gone so long, but they were slowly warming up to him. He paused as he came to his office.
Holly looked up with a smile on her face. “Good morning, Sheriff.”
“Morning, Holly.”
She sat back. “You’re awfully chipper this day. Good weekend?”
“Definitely.” He couldn’t help the look that stole across his face. Even though there had been tense moments at dinner with Michelle, the ending had definitely left on a high note. He couldn’t wait to see where their relationship went.
“Well, hopefully this news won’t rain on your parade. The mayor called. Apparently, some juveniles have spray painted the back of the grocery. I sent Conner out to handle it. The Mayor wants them caught immediately.”
He frowned. What was the big deal? Freedom Lake had their fair share of delinquents, but they had been safe from the gangs that seemed to hole up in the bigger cities. “Why is he so bent out of shape?”
She giggled. “Apparently they made a caricature of him.”
He stared at her. “Get Conner on the phone for me.”
She saluted smartly.
He opened his office door and picked up his desk phone. “Conner, did you canvas the place?”
“Sure did, Sheriff.”
“Did you take pictures?”
Conner snickered. “You bet.”
I have got to see this.
He hung up his office phone and his cell immediately rang. He glanced at the display and let out a long sigh. “Bonjou, Manman.”
“Bonjou, Guy Luc, how are my babies?”
“They’re good. They had a great weekend.”
“Reyèlman?”
“Really, Manman. They enjoyed Sunday school and I took them to the park.”
“You went to church? Oh, thank You Lord.”
She began to speak in rapid Haitian Creole and even though he grew up hearing it, Guy could barely keep up. He hadn’t realized how big of a deal it was that he didn’t go.
He shook his head. Who was he kidding? He knew, he just chose to ignore it like everything else that didn’t fit his agenda.
“How long have you been going?”
“This was my first time, but I’ve been to Bible study twice.”
“Oh, Guy, I am so happy. I knew you would be fine in Freedom Lake. Who does the Bible study?”
He sat back. “Everyone seems to take a turn doing a lesson. Just a group of us from high school.”
“Oh,” her voice lowered. “Girls, too?”
He grinned. Mother’s never changed. “Wi.”
“Who?”
“I don’t know if you remember them but Jo Baker, Chloe Smith, and Michelle Thomas.”
“Michelle?” She pronounced it the Haitian way.
He paused and looked at his cell. “Is something wrong?” Had she known they had dated? They had tried to keep it secret from everyone.
“No, no. I’m glad you’re going back to God, pitit gason.”
Something was off, but he didn’t have the energy to figure it out right now. “Me too, Manman. I need to go, but I’ll call you this weekend. The girls miss you.”
“Kiss and hug them for me.”
“Will do.”
Guy rubbed his face. It was a relief to talk to her without the usual tenseness. He could only thank God for that turn of events. Thank You, Lord. Please keep propelling me forward.
Since he was on the phone he dialed Michelle. He didn’t want to wait until the weekend to see her.
Her honeyed voice filled his ears. “Hey,” she answered softly.
“Hey, Chelle Belle.”
Silence greeted him, but Guy had a feeling she had a smile on her face. “I wanted to know if you would like to come over for dinner one day this week?”
“Definitely.”
“Fantastic. Any favorites?”
“Whatever you make is fine with me.”
“Even better.” Now he had to figure out what to cook since she had been so amicable. “How about Wednesday night?” Was two days too soon?
“That works.”
“Great, see you at five.”
“Bye.”
“Bye, Chelle Belle.”
His good mood soared higher. Today would be a good day.
MICHELLE SAT HER PURSE down on top of her office desk. Her bungalow had gone from a cozy sanctuary to a minefield. Ever since she came back from her date with Guy, Jo had been giving her the silent treatment. She had always feared that people would shun her if they knew she’d had an abortion. Who knew not talking about it would be grounds for harsh treatment as well.
She shook her arms and rolled her neck trying to ease the tension from her body. She missed her best friend. Missed being able to joke around or talk seriously if she needed to. What was she supposed to do? The irony wasn’t lost on her. In order to have her friend back, Michelle would have to tell Guy what happened a month after he left and risk him leaving all over again.
Michelle wasn’t naïve. No way Guy would take the news well. What man would? She just didn’t see why she had to bring it up now. They weren’t together when it happened and now that they were, the past needed to remain that way. The past.
She closed her eyes, weary from it all. It was
moments like this she was convinced no good could come of their relationship.
“Knock, knock.” Tanya stood in the doorway, a cup of coffee in her hand. “I thought you could use a cup. Usually, you’ve grabbed one by now, but you haven’t been by the coffee maker once.” She sat the coffee down on the desk. “Everything okay, boss?”
“Tanya,” she sighed. “It’s really okay to call me Michelle.”
Her nose wrinkled. “I can’t. I was raised to treat certain people with respect based on their occupation alone. And you’re my boss. I can call you Miss Thomas or boss.”
She shuddered. There had to be something better. Miss seemed so old. “We’ll argue about that later.” She studied her secretary. “What’s wrong with you?”
Tanya sat down in the office chair across her desk. “Nightmares.” She stared off then met her gaze. “Do you ever get them?” she asked softly.
She had told Tanya of her past experience. Michelle didn’t know why but she wanted Tanya to know she understood the anguish. “Too often.”
Tanya nodded. “I guess that means they’ll never stop.”
“I don’t know. I’m hoping they will. It’s one reason I’ve been talking to God lately. My friends swear that He’ll forgive me for anything, but I just don’t know.”
Forgive yourself.
She rubbed her arms, warding off the chill of the Voice. Forgiving herself was impossible. Didn’t that minimalize the horridness of her sin? She didn’t want to put herself in that predicament ever again. If...and it was a big if...if she ever got pregnant, she would carry the baby to term. Be the mother the child deserved. One who would give her all without a backward glance at life’s current circumstances.
Tanya offered a hesitant smile. “My mother told me I was going to hell and that I was no longer welcomed in their home. So I doubt your friends are right. God condemns people like us.”
“No.” The word shot out of her mouth like a clay target for skeet shooting. As much as she struggled with believing God could forgive her, somehow, she knew He didn’t condemn her. “I disagree.”
“But, I thought you weren’t sure.”
“I wasn’t, but when you said He condemns us, it just felt wrong.” Michelle rubbed her furrowed brow. “Tanya, would you like to come to one of the Bible studies? We get together every Friday. Maybe something will resonate within you.”
“Really? You wouldn’t mind?”
The hopeful look in Tanya’s eyes cemented her invite. “Not at all.”
“Thank you. I’d like that.”
“As soon as I know whose house it will be in this Friday, I’ll let you know.”
“Thanks, Boss. Back to work I go.”
She watched her walk away. There really had to be something better than boss.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Guy frowned as he turned onto his street. He had a clear shot straight down toward the center of the cul-de-sac where his house sat, and a minivan sat parked in his driveway. Was someone lost? There were no homes for sale on his street so there shouldn’t be any unknown cars.
He slowed down taking in the surrounding areas. Nothing looked out of place. Now that he was closer, he could see a rental sticker on the back of the car. His stomach dropped to his feet. Oh no, please no, Lord. Guy pulled into his driveway and glanced into the minivan.
Why, Lord?
His mother waved to him excitedly.
What was she doing here?
“Grann’s here, Papa!” Rachel exclaimed from the back seat.
“Grann!” Bekah shouted.
He was glad they were happy, but his feelings were the opposite. Why had he bought this big house? He couldn’t use the excuse of a lack of a guest room. The extra room had been made and ready for visitors after a couple of weeks of the big move. He had hoped his mother would change her mind and come help out with the girls, but now that she was here, he wanted to jump out of his skin.
His mother didn’t know the definition of balance. She was either meddling in every aspect of his life or ignoring him completely. There was no in between. He had a sinking feeling her visit would commence with matchmaking. He had asked her repeatedly to stop her schemes, but she couldn’t seem to help herself. She viewed every woman through a potential daughter-in-law lens, and if a woman didn’t make it, she made sure to let them know why. Her derogatory comments lacked no subtlety, allowing the potential women to know they had failed to gain her approval.
What would she think of Michelle? He opened his car door and got out.
“Guy, my son, how are you?”
“Bonjou, Manman.”
She wrapped him in a bear hug, squeezing his organs together. She was short in stature but made up for it in width.
“Can’t breathe,” he gasped.
“Sorry.” She stepped back and beamed. “Where are my girls?”
He pointed to the back seat. She quickly went around him and opened the door. “Rachel! Rebekah! You’ve grown so big!”
He watched as his daughters gave their grandmother hugs and kisses. Yes, they were definitely happy. He watched in dismay as he thought about the change this would bring. If Michelle came over, there would be war until his mother decided if she met all the requirements of a daughter-in-law. Would Michelle pass?
MICHELLE OPENED THE doors to LeeAnn’s Bakery. She was in desperate need of lunch. She had forgotten her snack and knew if she didn’t get something soon she would pass out or throw up from hunger. Hopefully she wouldn’t do either.
She sighed in relief as she saw the line was nonexistent. God must have known how desperate she was.
LeeAnn smiled at her. “Afternoon, Michelle. What will you have?”
“I’ll take the shrimp Caesar salad and a cup of your blonde roast.”
LeeAnn nodded.
She reached for her card, noticing her hands were shaking.
“You have diabetes, honey?”
She met LeeAnn’s concerned gaze. “No, low blood sugar.”
“How about a cookie, free of charge. That way you won’t faint while I make your salad.”
She chuckled. “Thank you so much, LeeAnn.”
The bakery owner winked. “My pleasure, sweetie. You like the oatmeal ones, right?”
Michelle nodded.
LeeAnn handed her a cookie wrapped in white tissue paper.
The first bite of blissful sugar and carbs didn’t do the trick but second one started to work. She rarely let her blood sugar get so low, but Michelle had been pouring over the mountain of information the D.A.’s office had sent her and lost track of time. They were trying to snowball her and prevent her from developing a well-placed argument for Tanya’s case.
The prosecutor’s tactics wouldn’t work with her. She was fairly certain Tanya would be found ‘not guilty,’ but Michelle wanted to ensure she had an iron-clad case. It would be great if she could get the lowest punishment possible for the driving while drunk charges.
She shook her head. It was strange to be on the other side of the court room. Her whole career had been spent ensuring drunk drivers would receive the maximum punishment. What is going on with me?
It was times like these she wished she could call up her mother and ask for advice. How could she safely navigate through life without wise counsel? Or more like trusted counsel. Not that she didn’t trust her girls. She trusted them to give her advice based on their life experiences. Unfortunately, that didn’t always work out well for her.
She needed someone who understood what it was like to have no family ties remaining. She needed someone to empathize first and judge later. Would Guy be someone she could turn to? Did he understand the complexities of her mind? Once upon a time she would have automatically believed in him. But now, not so much. They were no longer connected on every level.
But she wanted to be.
She wanted to be with him.
And the girls?
They had quickly melted her heart and she knew Guy was a package deal. Yet, could
a motherless woman fill the mother role? The girls were in a similar predicament as her but at least she had one for eighteen years.
“Here you go, dear.”
She took the bag LeeAnn offered. “Thanks, LeeAnn.”
“No problem, have a great day.”
She waved and headed for the door, but slowed when she saw Guy through the bakery windows headed inside. Her heart picked up speed as she watched him walk down the sidewalk. His stroll spoke of easy confidence. No longer were his shoulders hunch in defeat. He looked much better than when he first moved to town.
So why is he frowning?
She pushed the door open and stood in the street. “Hey, stranger.”
Guy winked at her, his brow smoothing out. “Hey, Chelle Belle. You on lunch break?”
“Yes, I needed something quick.”
He glanced at his watch. “You didn’t have any snacks today?”
Her heart fluttered as she took in the concern on his face. Concern for her. “I forgot. I’ve got an upcoming case and got bogged down with paperwork.”
He crooked his head. “Can I join you at your office?”
She smiled. She couldn’t help it. The man’s attentiveness made her want to turn into a puddle at his feet. She straightened up, trying to keep her emotions in check. “I would like that.”
“Great. I’ll be over as soon as I get my food.”
Michelle rushed across the street and headed for her office. She wanted a moment to freshen up her makeup. That’s ridiculous, he just saw your face.
She bit the insides of her lip. Would it be considered trying too hard? On a sigh, she opened her office door.
Tanya looked up with a greeting. “That was fast.”
“I got it to go.” Michelle held up her bag before glancing over her shoulder. “You know what...you can take your lunch now.”
Tanya raised an eyebrow. “You sure?”
Michelle nodded. She didn’t know why, but she didn’t want Guy to see Tanya. “Have a good lunch.”
“Thanks, boss.” Tanya grabbed her purse and headed out.
Her shoulders dropped in relief. She headed back toward her office so she could straighten up her desk. It was littered with papers and there was no place to set their lunch. Hopefully, she had a few minutes before Guy came in.
