A Father's Promise

by Mindy Obenhaus

  The café door opened, and Wes jerked his head up to see Rae and two other women bustling Laurel and her baby inside. Just what he didn’t need.

  “Paisley, pull out that chair for her,” Rae instructed the tall redhead. “Laurel, I want you to sit down so we can make sure you truly are all right.”

  Still holding her child, Laurel complied. “For the thousandth time, I’m fine.”

  A woman with chin-length brown hair pulled out the industrial-style metal chair beside Laurel and sat down. “You say that now, but sometimes things are delayed.”

  “Christa is right.” The other woman with long red hair and a syrupy southern drawl peered down at Laurel. “Even if there’s nothing evident now, don’t be surprised if you wake up sore tomorrow.”

  Smiling, Laurel reached for the redhead’s hand. “I appreciate y’all’s concern. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

  “All right, what can I get for everyone?” While Rae awaited orders from her three friends, Wes glanced from the exposed brick wall opposite him to the wooden stairway at the back of the space. If he were quick enough, he might be able to escape to Rae’s apartment upstairs.

  Just then, Rae turned his way. “Wesley, come over here. I’d like you to meet my friends.”

  Great.

  Rag in hand, he sucked in a breath and forced his feet to move across the old wooden floor to join his sister at the front of the restaurant.

  “Ladies.” Nodding, he skimmed the three faces around the square table, trying not to linger on Laurel’s. Still, he couldn’t help noticing that she did seem a little shaken up, amplifying his concern for her well-being.

  “So, Rae’s little brother finally comes to Bliss.” The cute no-nonsense woman with short brown hair smiled up at him. “Christa Slocum.”

  “Christa owns Bliss Hardware,” Rae added.

  “That’s good to know.” He rocked back on the heels of his cowboy boots. “I’m going to be helping Rae make a few changes to her apartment—painting, removing a wall—so I’ll likely be paying you a visit.”

  “Well, I appreciate the business.” Her hazel eyes drifted to Rae. “Almost as much as your sister will appreciate having that kitchen wall gone.”

  “That’s for sure.” Rae motioned toward the next woman. “This statuesque redhead is Paisley Wainwright.”

  More reserved than Christa, the stylishly dressed woman simply smiled. “It’s nice to meet you, Wesley.”

  “You’ll find folks lining up down here every day for some of Paisley’s decadent desserts,” Rae added.

  Wes looked from his sister to Paisley. “Sounds like I’m in the right place, then.”

  “And our heroic Mama Bear—” Rae set her hands atop her friend’s shoulders “—is none other than the fabulous Laurel Donovan.” His doting sister reached for the baby’s cheek. “Along with Sarah-Jane.”

  Laurel Donovan. At least he got her last name this time. Albeit her married name.

  “Laurel.” He nodded, not knowing what else to say. He certainly wasn’t about to let on that they already knew each other.

  She tilted her head, sending her long hair spilling over one shoulder as she peered up at him curiously. “It really is you.” The corners of her mouth lifted ever so slightly. “For a second, I thought I’d hit my head.”

  “It’s a wonder you didn’t.” A nervous smile played at his lips. “Things could have turned out a lot worse.”

  A baffled Rae looked from Wes to Laurel and back again. “Um, why am I getting the feeling you two already know each other?”

  Laurel continued to watch him with those eyes that lived in his memory, as though studying every nuance of his face. “We met in Las Vegas a couple of years ago. We were both there for conventions.”

  Something Wes would never forget. Watching a frustrated Laurel plop down on the edge of that hotel pool in her all-business dress had been intriguing, to say the least.

  Turning away, she continued. “I mistook him for a waiter and asked him to bring me a soda.”

  “Oh no.” Christa put a hand to her mouth to cover a chuckle.

  “In her defense,” he said, “we were at the pool, and I was wearing shorts and a polo shirt. So it was an honest mistake.”

  “It wasn’t until I attempted to pay him that I realized he was another guest.” The color in her cheeks heightened, just the way it had that day by the pool.

  Again, she looked up at him through those thick lashes he remembered so well. “I never dreamed that Rae’s Wesley could be the Wes I’d met that day.”

  Hands perched on her hips, Rae continued to watch the two of them. “Yeah. Talk about a small world.”

  Laurel averted her attention then. “You’ll have to excuse me. I think I need to go home.”

  “I don’t like the sound of that.” The redhead promptly stood to help Laurel. “Are you feeling ill? Why don’t you let me drive you?”

  “Just a little shaky. But a ride would be wonderful.” Standing, Laurel held her daughter close and offered a weak smile. “I think I just need to rest for a little bit.”

  “Let me get that stroller for you.” The one who owned the hardware store shot to her feet and started for the door. “Pop the hatch on your SUV, Paise.” She waved toward Rae. “I’m going to head on back to the store.” She continued outside, pausing to grab the stroller that now sat in front of the window and aimed it toward a silver SUV.

  “Are you sure you don’t want to go to the hospital and get checked out?” Rae visually scrutinized her friend.

  “No, I’m okay. Just a little overwhelmed, that’s all.” Laurel glanced from Rae to Wes. “Thank you for coming to my daughter’s aid out there.”

  “No problem. I’m glad I was there to help.” Watching her, he wondered if she really was okay. Like her friends had said, sometimes things were delayed. She was obviously still dazed.

  No wonder Rae watched her like a hawk—or an overprotective mother—until Laurel again gave Rae her full attention. “I just need to rest for a little while.”

  “All right, sweetie.” Rae gave her a quick hug and kissed the baby’s cheek. “I’ll be by to check on you later.”

  Rae watched as the women emptied out of the shop before moving behind the counter to start a fresh pot of coffee. “I guess you and Laurel didn’t stay in touch, huh?”

  “Why would we?” He pushed in the vacated chairs and gave the table a quick wipe with the rag he still held. “We only met once.” Not that he wouldn’t have contacted her if he’d known how. Then again, with all of his regrets about that night, it was probably just as well.

  “When was that again? That the two of you met.”

  “A couple of years ago.” He started toward the counter. “Not long after I got out of the navy.”

  “I see.” As the coffee brewed, filling the café with its enticing aroma, Rae narrowed a scrutinizing gaze on him.

  “Why are you looking at me so weird?” Moving behind the counter, he handed her the rag.

  One capable shoulder lifted. “No reason.” She leaned her backside against the counter. “So, did anything happen after you and Laurel met, or did you just shake hands?”

  He shot her a warning look. “We had dinner, all right.” They were two lonely people in need of a friend. Laurel was easy to talk to. She made him smile. And stirred feelings in him that he’d never had problems ignoring before. “There’s no need to worry, though. I promise not to reveal anything to her husband.”

  “Husband?” Rae’s expression morphed into something incredulous. “Laurel isn’t married.”

  “She’s not?” Why did that bit of information spark hope inside him? “I mean, I just assumed, with the baby and all.”

  Rae continued to study him. “And all, huh?”

  “What is up with you? Why are you giving me the third—?” Wagging
a finger toward her, he dared a step closer. “Wait a minute. I don’t know what kind of cockamamie ideas are rolling around that pretty head of yours, Rae, but if you’re trying to play matchmaker, you can just forget it. Yes, Laurel is a sweet person. And, yes, she’s attractive, but I’m not interested in a relationship with Laurel or anyone else.”

  Scowling, she crossed her arms over her chest. “Because you think you’re not worthy of a family.”

  “No, because I know I’m not. Now, if you’ll excuse me—” he turned and started toward the stairs “—I have a wall to destroy.”

  Chapter Two

  Wes was in Bliss. And he was Rae’s brother?

  Wearing a path in the hardwood floors of her living room while Sarah-Jane played with her toys in her portable playard later that afternoon, Laurel was still trying to wrap her brain around the whole thing. All she knew was that coming face-to-face with Sarah-Jane’s father was something she’d never anticipated. Not in her wildest dreams. After all, when they’d met, she was living in Dallas and he was somewhere in Florida. Yet they both ended up in the tiny town of Bliss?

  Only God could orchestrate something that crazy.

  But why now? Laurel had built a life for herself and her daughter, one grounded in faith. Besides, according to Rae, Wes was moving to Iraq. Not only was that another country, it was the other side of the world. How unfair would it be to tell him he had a child when he was leaving?

  Shaking her head, she dropped her face in her hands. Why had she allowed that night to happen? But then, if it hadn’t, she wouldn’t have Sarah-Jane. And she couldn’t imagine life without her.

  She turned as her daughter picked up a small baby doll and hugged it against her chest. Laurel had two regrets in her life—never having known her father, and the knowledge that Sarah-Jane would never know hers. Now Laurel suddenly had the power to change Sarah-Jane’s life, to give her daughter the one thing Laurel never had. What would that look like, though? How would bringing Wes into their lives impact Sarah-Jane? She could only assume he was a Christian, given that he was working for a mission organization, but what if he wasn’t?

  A knock at the front door startled her. She pressed the pause button on her thoughts and crossed to the wooden door with arched glass at the top, her steps halting beside the pale blue sofa. What if it was Wes? What if he’d figured out that Sarah-Jane was his daughter? What would he say? What would he do?

  Easy, it’s not like you did anything wrong. You didn’t deliberately keep his daughter from him.

  True. Actually, there was a part of her that had always wanted to tell him. He was a nice guy. And even if he wasn’t interested in being a father, he deserved the opportunity to decide that for himself.

  But she hadn’t been able to do that because she’d known nothing about him. Including his last name.

  Another knock had her sucking in a deep breath. She took one more step and tugged open the antique door, relieved when she saw Rae on the other side.

  “I came to check on you.” Her curious friend held out a foam box. “And bring you some nourishment. Beef tips and noodles were today’s special.”

  “My favorite.” Smiling, Laurel swung the door wide. “You didn’t have to do that.”

  “Yes, I did.” Rae handed the food box to Laurel as she passed. “Because I need to talk to you.”

  Laurel’s insides tightened. Rae was her best friend, and a rather perceptive one at that.

  Closing the door, she went into the adjoining kitchen for a fork and napkin, while Rae scooped up Sarah-Jane.

  “You should know, I grilled my brother after you left.”

  Laurel’s steps slowed as she approached the living room. “About what?”

  “Your previous meeting.” Rae eased into the off-white glider near the large front window. “Look, I’m just going to cut to the chase.” She settled the baby in her lap before fixing her blue eyes on Laurel. “And I’m asking this as a friend, not Wesley’s sister.”

  Laurel nodded, her body tense as she prepared herself for—Wait, what was she preparing for? This was Rae. Her best friend. Laurel had nothing to be afraid of.

  “Is my brother Sarah-Jane’s father?”

  Okay, so she wasn’t afraid. However, she was definitely uncomfortable. Not once had she ever spoken to anyone about Sarah-Jane’s father or the night she met him. All this time, she’d kept it inside. Wes was different than most guys. He hadn’t gone out of his way to try to impress her or pretended to be someone he wasn’t. Perhaps it was because he was a little older. Whatever it was, she’d often wished she could see him again.

  But now that she had...

  Nodding, she set the foam container on the small, marble-topped peninsula that separated the cooking space from the dining area. “He figured it out, didn’t he?”

  “Are you kidding?” Rae puffed out a laugh. “My brother assumed you were married.” She smoothed a hand over Sarah-Jane’s soft blond hair, lifting a shoulder. “However, after seeing him and Sarah-Jane together, and narrowing down the timeline, I had my suspicions.”

  Laurel released a sigh and made her way to the couch. “Her eyes definitely belong to Wes.” She dropped onto the cushions, a tangled web of emotions closing in around her.

  Rae turned the child to face her. “They sure do.” She kissed Sarah-Jane’s chubby cheek. “You sweet baby. No wonder you’ve always held such a special place in my heart. I truly am your aunt.” The woman who had been Laurel’s birthing coach and was there to see Sarah-Jane take her first breath swiped away a tear.

  After a long moment, she addressed Laurel again. Yet while her gaze remained warm, it held an ache that hadn’t been there before. “Are you planning to tell him?”

  “Yes.” Grabbing the Pray More, Worry Less pillow beside her, Laurel hugged it against her middle. “Not that it’s going to be easy. I mean, ‘Congratulations, you’re a father’ isn’t something you just blurt out.” Chagrin washed over her, and her insides twisted. “It wasn’t like I was trying to hide it from him or anything. I mean, I had no way to get in touch with him. We didn’t exchange numbers or any personal information.” Just the way she’d wanted it. That was, until she was gone.

  Head cocked, Rae watched her intently. “Laurel, are you afraid?”

  She looked at her friend. “Not afraid—more like ashamed. That night. That wasn’t like me. But my grandmother had just died, I was fed up with my boss and, I guess, I just...needed someone. Something. And I think Wes did, too.”

  “Yeah, you needed Jesus.” Rae was nothing if not blunt, though her tone held no accusation.

  “I know that now. And it was in large part because of that night that I finally found Him. As I struggled to come to terms with the reality of my pregnancy, all those things my grandmother had tried to instill in me finally sank in. For years, I kept thinking I could rely on myself. Boy, was I wrong.” Restless, she tossed the pillow aside and resumed her pacing. Rubbing her suddenly chilled arms, she said, “What if Wes doesn’t believe me or thinks I expect money or something? What if he doesn’t want to be a part of Sarah-Jane’s life?”

  “I guess we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.” Standing, Rae settled Sarah-Jane back among her toys. “Though, honestly, I suspect Wesley is going to have a tough time coming to terms with this new reality.”

  “Who wouldn’t? Wes has built a life for himself. Now he’s about to learn he has a child.”

  Rae looked uncharacteristically distressed as she approached. “Laurel, my brother believes that he doesn’t deserve a family.”

  She halted her pacing and stared at her friend. “Why?”

  “Because he blames himself for our parents’ deaths.”

  “But that was years ago, right?”

  “Between Wesley’s sophomore and junior year of high school.”

  The ache that filled Laurel’s heart was unexp
ected. “Oh, Rae. That is so sad.”

  “It really is. Because it’s a lie that has dictated the rest of his life.” Rae eyed the baby once more. “Maybe God can use Sarah-Jane to free him from that lie.” She sniffed. “If you need me to watch her so you and Wesley can talk, just let me know.”

  “I will.” Laurel hugged her friend, knowing she had a monumental task before her—one that couldn’t wait. She could only pray that God would give her the words Wes needed to hear.

  * * *

  Wes did not want to think about Laurel. Yet no matter how hard he tried, she kept invading his brain. How did she end up in Bliss? Why wasn’t she married? And why had she left so suddenly yesterday? Was it because of the accident, like she said, or had his presence made her uncomfortable?

  His heart twisted. While Wes would never regret meeting Laurel, he’d definitely been humbled by his actions. He’d always tried to be an honorable man. For two years he’d wished for the opportunity to apologize to Laurel. Now God had actually presented him with that chance. But when? How? At least knowing she wasn’t married might make things a little easier.

  “Why are you torturing yourself, Bishop?” Standing in Rae’s living room, he swung his sledgehammer, knocking another two-by-four free. He’d been up before the sun, removing the Sheetrock from the wall that separated Rae’s kitchen and living spaces. Something he’d intended to do yesterday, but by the time he’d moved the furniture from the living room into the spare bedroom and covered the kitchen cupboards, appliances and countertops with plastic sheeting, it had been too late to get started.

  He tossed the wood aside. “You don’t do relationships, remember?” Even if he did, he was moving to Iraq, so what would be the point?

  As the ranchers finished their coffee downstairs at the café and headed back to their herds, Wes freed the last two-by-four and stood back to admire the new wide-open space. The living area sat at the front of the building, where a wall of windows overlooked the courthouse square and infused the space with natural light. The kitchen, however, had been closed off, leaving it dark, cramped and uninviting.