by Judith Keim
Her cell rang. She checked caller I.D. and paused, wondering if she should answer. When it rang again, she picked it up.
“Hello, Ed,” she said warily.
“Hi, Carol Ann. Sorry, I couldn’t call you yesterday, but I was busy with something that was more or less for business.”
Carol Ann could well imagine what that might mean. Tears welled in her eyes as she remained silent, unable to speak with the lump in her throat.
“You there, Carol Ann?”
“Yes.”
“Look, I know we’d planned on meeting here this morning, but that can’t happen. I ...”
Carol Ann had no experience with relationships, but she’d read horror stories about people breaking up on the internet. At least Ed had had the decency to call her. Unwilling to hear the painful words she suspected were coming next, Carol Ann clicked off the call.
She dragged herself out of bed and went into the shower. Her tears mixed with the warm water washing over her body. She’d been a fool to think someone like Ed would really, truly be interested in her—a nothing person who was carrying a baby whose father she didn’t know. The worst part of this breakup would be having to work with him, knowing he had fallen for someone like Lee, who was so beautiful.
Carol Ann dried off and rested her hands on her baby bump. “What are we going to do, baby? I’ve never gone through something like this before.”
At the thrust of a little foot kicking inside her, she burst into another round of tears. What could she do? Absolutely nothing. She couldn’t stop a man from falling out of love with her, a man she’d come to love like no other.
She wrapped a towel around her and went to her closet. She’d just slipped on an oversized maternity tee shirt when she heard a pounding at her door. No doubt it was Ed, wanting his ring back. She slipped it off her finger and padded to the front door.
She opened it a mere crack and peered out at Ed. “Here.” She slid her hand through the crack and held out the ring.
“What’s this for?” said Ed. “What in the hell are you doing? Are you breaking up with me?”
“No, you’re breaking up with me,” said Carol Ann indignantly.
Ed pushed against the door. “Carol Ann, we need to talk. Let me in.”
Emitting a trembling sigh, Carol Ann stepped away from the door.
Ed walked inside and stood to stare at her. “Do you want to tell me what you mean by all this?”
Carol Ann drew herself up. “You might want to start by telling me what Lee was doing at your house so early yesterday morning. Had she spent the night? Was that it?”
Ed’s laughter shocked her. “What? You’re jealous?”
To Carol Ann, he sounded pleased.
“Is that what you think? Me and Lee? Are you nuts? You know how much I love you. Why would I do anything stupid like that?”
“But ... But ...” stammered Carol Ann. “I thought ... I felt ...”
“Come here,” said Ed, holding out his arms to her.
Carol Ann paused and then hurried into his embrace. In Ed’s arms, she felt safe and wanted. Clinging to him, she closed her eyes, reveling in the strength of his arms around her, holding her close.
Ed lifted her chin, forcing her to look at him. “I do have to talk to you about Lee.”
The euphoria she’d experienced disappeared. She stepped back. “Why was she at your house?”
“That’s what we need to talk about. C’mon, let’s sit down.”
He led Carol Ann over to the couch and sat beside her.
Carol Ann’s heart pounded with alarm as he studied her with a worried look. “We’re not going to be able to spend any time together at my house. At least not until after the baby comes and we’re married.”
“Why?”
“Because Lee is renting a condo in the same complex. She started moving in yesterday. That’s why she was at my place, to pick up information the real-estate agent left for her with me. I would normally say we tell Lee to go to hell and do our thing, but I know you’re all worried about your job and insurance.”
“Yes,” Carol Ann said, drawing herself up. “All right then. If we have to play by Lee’s silly rules, then you’ll have to stay here instead of my staying at your place. This apartment isn’t as nice as your place, but it’ll do. So there, Lee Fredericks!”
Ed’s lips curved. “That’s my girl.”
Carol Ann smiled. When he said things like that, she felt like anything was possible.
###
After making love in surprising new ways, Carol Ann lay on her back staring up at the ceiling. Never in all her dreams had she thought she’d know this kind of contentment. The sex was great, but more than that, the feeling of belonging to someone in this way touched her heart.
Ed rolled over, smiled at her, and stroked her swollen belly. “You are so amazing. And you’re going to make a good mom, too. Are we going to find out the sex of the baby? We talked about it.”
Carol Ann shook her head. “It will be a surprise for us, just as it’s been for me from the beginning.” She caressed his cheek. “You don’t mind, do you?”
“No. I’m just excited to be part of it.” His expression darkened. “Not long ago, I thought I’d never have children. Now I’ll have at least one child.”
“I love you, Ed,” Carol Ann murmured, cuddling up against him.
“Yeah, me too.” He laughed. “I mean, you too. I’d never do anything to hurt you. I want to make all your dreams come true.”
“Thanks,” said Carol Ann feeling as if she never wanted to wake up from the dream she was living.
CHAPTER FORTY-THREE
GRACE
After checking into the Holiday Inn, Grace and Bert headed to Kate’s house in the rental car Bert had arranged. Grace had decided not to warn Josh of her arrival, so she could learn what the real situation was with Misty.
“You nervous?” Bert asked her.
She nodded, but a case of nerves didn’t begin to define the way her stomach had knotted into a painful clump nor the way she could hardly catch her breath. Her biggest fear was that Misty had already decided she’d never want to be with her again.
When they pulled up to the front of Kate’s house, all appeared to be quiet. Taking a deep breath, Grace got out of the car and walked up to the front door. Uncertain what she’d do if nobody answered the door, she rang the bell.
All remained quiet.
Grace rang the doorbell again.
This time, she heard someone moving behind the door. Seconds later, the door was flung open.
Grace stared at her daughter. Red-eyed, hair hanging straight, Misty wore a white blouse and long black skirt, looking like the prim, sad girl she’d been at Christmas. Seeing Grace, Misty’s eyes widened in surprise.
“Mom! You came! Josh told me you’d decided not to bother with the funeral.”
Grace worked to control her anger. “Josh has been lying to you, Misty. God knows what else he’s said, but he’s full of lies. Is that why you haven’t called me like you promised?”
Misty’s cheeks flushed. “Josh took my phone away for sassing him back.”
Grace glanced around. “Where’s Josh now?”
“At the church, arranging the funeral. Why?”
Grace reached for her daughter’s hand. “Misty, I want you to come with me now. Quickly, gather your things. Bert and I will keep you safe.”
Misty pulled away. “I can’t leave. I promised I’d deliver a eulogy at the funeral service for Kate.”
Tears rushed to Grace’s eyes. “What has happened to you? Josh and his group have changed you back to the scared, cowed girl you were. Come back home with me, Misty. You have friends there who love you. Please. You can escape your life here.”
A look of surprise covered Misty’s face. “Okay. Give me a minute to pack a bag.”
Grace stood on the front porch, counting the seconds, eager to leave. A feeling of dread settled inside her when Josh drove into the driveway. �
�Hurry!” Grace shouted through the door to Misty.
Josh got out of the car and ran toward Grace. “What are you doing here? Get out right now!”
Grace stood her ground. “Not without my daughter. I trusted you and Kate to do the right thing by her. But, once again, you’ve lied to her about me.”
Misty appeared at the doorway in a pair of jeans and a sweater Grace had bought for her. She opened the door and stepped out onto the porch, carrying her suitcase.
“Where do you think you’re going?” Josh roared at Misty.
“Home. With my mother.” Misty’s voice quavered, but she took hold of Grace’s arm.
“I don’t think so,” said Josh, scowling at them.
“Oh, but I do,” said Bert, quickly approaching them.
“Mr. Collins? What are you doing here?” Misty’s voice squeaked with surprise.
“I’m helping your mother do the right thing by bringing you home,” he calmly replied. “Come, let’s go.”
Josh rushed at Bert.
“Look out, Bert!” Grace cried.
Misty dropped her suitcase and charged Josh. “Leave him alone!”
As Josh turned to fend Misty off, Bert caught one of Josh’s feet with a foot.
With a yelp, Josh stumbled to the ground.
“Okay, Grace and Misty, get in the car. We’re going home,” said Bert, urging them forward.
Grace picked up Misty’s suitcase and dashed for the car, relieved when Misty beat her to it and scrambled inside.
Bert slid behind the wheel and locked the car. He started up the engine with a roar. Ignoring Josh’s pounding on the windows, Bert pulled away from him and drove down the street.
Josh ran after the car until, giving up, he finally turned around and headed back to his house.
“Ladies, I suggest we pick up our luggage at the hotel and head for the airport. We don’t know what Josh is going to do now, so let’s get out of here.”
“Good idea,” said Grace. “I don’t want to stay here any longer than necessary. And I think deep down Kate would understand why we couldn’t attend her funeral.” She turned around to face Misty in the backseat. “Are you all right, sweetie?”
Tears rolled down Misty’s cheeks. “I will be. Right now, I’m just thankful to be out of that house. Until I saw you, I didn’t realize how trapped I’d been. Josh wanted to control everything I did. That’s why I couldn’t dress like I wanted.” She sank back against the seat of the car and closed her eyes. “In the end, I don’t think Kate liked him at all. She told me she was sorry for being so weak.”
“I’m sorry too,” Grace said. “What should have been a good thing turned so ugly. But now, we can begin to heal.”
“Right,” said Bert. He smiled at Misty through the car mirror. “A lot of people will be happy to see you.”
###
Sitting in the airport waiting to board the plane, Grace kept glancing around, half-expecting Josh to show up and cause a disturbance. It wasn’t until the plane was in the air that she finally relaxed enough to loosen her hands’ grip on the armrests on either side of her.
From the aisle seat across from her, Bert gave her an encouraging smile.
Returning it, Grace wasn’t at all sure how she felt about him and the way he’d rescued her and Misty. She’d learned not to rely on men. But he, a wounded warrior himself, had been a wonderful help. In fact, she didn’t think she could have done something like this without him.
Beside her, Misty slept. Grace stared out the window seeing nothing as she repeated a prayer of gratitude over and over in her mind. Having her daughter safe and with her was all she’d ever ask for.
After their uneventful flight, they disembarked and made their way through the airport before heading home in Bert’s SUV. Sitting in his car, Grace watched the scenery pass by in a blur. Home, she thought, was more than a place. It was also being with the friends who’d made it possible for her to stay in Williston.
When Bert dropped them off at Grace’s apartment complex, she searched for words to express her thanks. “Bert, I, uh, I ...”
He waved away her attempt. “It’s all right, Grace. I’m glad I could help.”
Grace smiled at him. In addition to paying Bert back for the tickets, she’d find another way to thank him someday.
Inside the apartment, Misty hurried into her room and picked up the old stuffed dog she’d left behind. Hugging it to her, she returned to the living room.
“Thanks, Mom, for coming for me, for everything.”
Grace nodded. “Come sit with me. I just want to be with you for a few quiet moments.”
Misty sat beside Grace on the couch and snuggled up to her. “Mom? I was scared, living with Josh.”
Grace felt the blood leave her face in a rush. “He didn’t hurt you, did he? He’s a lot bigger than you.”
“No,” said Misty. “But there were times when he looked at me in such a way it scared me. You know ...”
Grace’s arms tightened around her. “But nothing happened. Right?”
“Absolutely nothing. But I’m real glad you came to get me.”
“I’m glad you chose to come home with me,” said Grace. “I couldn’t bear to lose you again.”
Misty suddenly began to weep—deep, gut-wrenching sobs that tore at Grace. But through her own experiences, she realized it was good for Misty to do so. Holding back tears of her own, she rubbed Misty’s back and let her cry.
Later, after Misty had gone to sleep, Grace rose from her bed and tiptoed to her room to check on her. They’d sat on the couch and hugged and talked for hours, but Grace knew it would be a long time before either of them would be able to forget what had been another attempt to take Misty away from her.
Reassuring herself that Misty was all right, Grace climbed back into bed. Lying there, reviewing the last, frantic, twenty-four hours, she wondered how she could ever thank Bert Collins enough for stepping up to help her. It had felt so good to have him by her side.
CHAPTER FORTY-FOUR
SUKIE
Sukie headed to the library, pleased to have her part-time job, hoping the work would help to keep her mind off Sheri’s attempt to kidnap Chloe. The sheriff had warned Cam to forget the idea of paying Sheri to leave them alone. He’d told them he’d try to get Sheri into a substance abuse program run by the state—a very good facility south of Atlanta. Still, the thought of having Sheri even that close to them bothered Sukie. When Chloe was older, and the situation was under control, Chloe would have the right to know about her mother. But for now, Sheri presented a danger to them all.
Her thoughts turned to her own children and then to her grandson, Jonathan. He was bright, curious, and active—a pure joy to her. This summer he’d have a sibling. The idea thrilled her. She’d wanted lots of children. Though she was grateful for the two she had, she wished she’d had more. That was another reason Chloe was so precious to her. She was, in many ways, the chance for Sukie to raise another child. Some women her age shuddered at the idea of starting all over again, but Sukie loved it.
She pulled into a parking space. Checking her watch, Sukie hurried into the library. The Library Board met on the second Monday of every month, and she didn’t want to be late.
Julie Garrison, the head librarian, looked up from behind the circulation desk and smiled at her. Sukie hurried on by to get her notes for the report she was giving to the board as the acting children’s librarian. She quickly gathered her things and headed into the boardroom. Several board members were present, chatting easily to one another. Sukie started across the room to the coffee pot and paused when she was stopped by her nemesis, Edythe Aynsley.
Edythe gave her a sly smile. “I heard from my friend Muffy Wright. It seems she and Regard want to buy a property here in town. She wondered if I’d be willing to sell my house to her.” Edythe let out a little laugh. “As flattered as I was, I told her no. But I expect Muffy to find another prized property soon. She can’t wait to spend some time w
ith me. And her granddaughter, of course.”
Forcing a smile to her lips, Sukie said, “How nice. Excuse me, but I need an extra cup of coffee this morning. It’s such a cloudy, cool day.”
Sukie quickly moved away from Edythe. She was, Sukie thought, like a poisonous snake ready to strike when one least expected it. As she poured herself a cup of coffee, Sukie’s thoughts flew to Tiffany. It would be a disaster for her if Beau’s parents were around to interfere. At the thought of what it might mean, she couldn’t hold back a shudder.
“Are you all right?” asked Julie, coming up beside her.
Sukie smiled. “Just a chill.”
“Good,” said Julie, “because Edythe has found another candidate to take your place. Be prepared.”
Sukie couldn’t help the sigh that escaped her. Why on some days does everything seem such a struggle?
###
By the time Sukie left the meeting, she had a headache the size of Georgia.
Julie came to her desk. “I hope you’re not too upset by the idea of the board interviewing another candidate for the job. Everyone agrees you’re the best children’s librarian we’ve ever had. It’s just the matter of hiring someone with a degree in library science.”
Sukie waved away Julie’s concern. “No, it’s all right. Maybe everyone will like her as much as Edythe does.” She couldn’t hide the bitterness in her voice.
Julie snorted. “I doubt it. Edythe’s had it in for you from the beginning.”
A mother and toddler approached the desk.
“I’ll leave you to business,” Julie said before turning away.
Later, Cam called to ask Sukie to lunch. She quickly accepted.
Sitting across the table from him at Bea’s, Sukie let out a sigh. “My job might be in jeopardy again. Edythe has found a replacement for me.”
Cam gave her an encouraging smile. “Edythe tried to hire someone to take your place once before, and it didn’t work out. Maybe this one won’t either.”
“I haven’t met her, but the woman she proposed looks good on paper.”
