A Father's Promise

by Mindy Obenhaus

  Laurel leaned back in her chair, though she was anything but relaxed as she tried to envision a younger version of this man and her mother together. “Such as?”

  “I wanted to work in the oil industry. Wanted to build my own company. But then your mother got pregnant and couldn’t work for a while when the doctor put her on bed rest. I managed to pull some overtime with my warehouse job, but the company folded shortly after you were born, and your mother got let go from her job.” He met her gaze now. “My pride took a major hit when we had to move in with your grandmother. Don’t get me wrong, I was grateful to Sarah Corwin for giving us a roof over our heads, but I wanted to provide for my family, and those temporary jobs I’d been taking weren’t cutting it.” His expression clouded. “I got desperate and started selling drugs, thinking I could make some fast money. Ended up going to jail instead. I spent the next six months trying to come up with a way to take care of my family, but when you’re on the inside, the future doesn’t always look so bright. Then, shortly before I was released, your grandmother came to see me and made me an offer.”

  Laurel’s gaze narrowed. “What kind of offer?”

  “She said Brenda had told her about my desire to work in the oil fields and that she’d talked to a man who was willing to hire me as a roughneck. Said she’d cover my fine and pay for a bus ticket and two weeks’ worth of hotel, but I’d have to leave the moment I was released or else the fella would give the job to someone else.”

  Laurel recalled her grandmother’s handwriting on those envelopes. “You mean, you couldn’t even say goodbye to us?”

  “Your grandmother said there wasn’t time, that I had to be on that first bus out. So I thanked her and promised I wouldn’t let her down.” The way his voice trailed off made it seem as though that was the end of the story.

  Laurel gripped the arms of her chair. “Okay, so what happened then?”

  “Everything came together just the way your grandmother had said. I got out, moved to west Texas and became a roughneck.”

  “All right, but what about my mom and me?”

  Elbow on the arm of the settee, he rubbed a finger across his lips as tears again filled his eyes. “I never saw either one of you again.” His voice cracked, making his sorrow seem so deep and real.

  Despite the increasing thunder that seemed to insist she go inside, Laurel wasn’t ready. There were things she still needed to know. “Did my mother visit you while you were in jail?”

  He lifted a shoulder. “Not very often. But then, she had you to care for. After your grandmother’s visit, I wrote Brenda a letter, explaining the plan, and told her I’d bring the two of you out to be with me just as soon as I had a place for us to live.”

  Laurel was almost afraid to ask. “So why didn’t you send for us?”

  “I did.” He gave a slight shake of his head. “But the letter was returned just like the others.”

  Laurel’s head was swimming. She’d thought that hearing the whole story would help clarify things, but her mind kept going back to her grandmother’s handwriting on those envelopes. If what this man—Jimmy—said was true, then her grandmother had sabotaged her parents’ marriage. And everything Laurel had ever believed was a lie.

  The wind kicked up then, tinged with the smell of ozone.

  She needed to go inside before the storm hit. But not before she had the answer to one last question. “Why did you decide to find me now?”

  He stood, as though he was ready to evade the storm, too. “Because I’m dying.”

  Chapter Twelve

  Wes was up early Friday morning. Not that he’d gotten much sleep. He was worried about Laurel. Having her father show up after thirty-plus years had to be a huge shock—even more so than when Wes first appeared in Bliss.

  After the man left, Wes had remained at Laurel’s until the thunderstorm had passed. At least that had been his excuse. Truth was, he wanted to be there in case Laurel needed him. Instead, he’d spent his time entertaining Sarah-Jane and making sure both she and Laurel ate.

  What Laurel wanted, though, was to be alone. She’d been in a daze, no doubt processing the information she’d been given. Wes had no clue what was in those letters Jimmy Donovan gave Laurel, but there must have been some facts that were difficult to ignore, otherwise she wouldn’t have spent so much time talking with him.

  Wes was just glad he was there to take care of Sarah-Jane because, as of right now, Wes didn’t want that man anywhere near his daughter. After returning to Rae’s, Wes had spent the rest of the evening researching the person who claimed to be Laurel’s father. He even sent the photo he’d taken of Jimmy’s driver’s license to an old navy buddy who worked for the FBI, but Wes had yet to hear anything.

  Now, armed with two large Americanos, he headed to Laurel’s a little before eight. After he’d told Rae what had transpired last night, his sister had encouraged him to give Laurel time, saying she’d talk when she was ready. But he wanted to see for himself how she was doing. If nothing else, it would at least alleviate his anxiety.

  When he pulled up to the bluish-gray Craftsman-style home, he put his truck in Park and paused. Dear Lord, I know Laurel is confused and hurting right now. I pray that You will comfort her and give her wisdom to know the truth about this man who claims to be her father.

  Killing the engine, he grabbed the coffees and made his way up the walk. The morning sun filtered through the established trees. A few leaves littered the ground, the only evidence of last night’s storm. The one out here, anyway.

  At the door, he knocked, and Laurel opened it a few moments later with Sarah-Jane on her hip. Wearing black yoga pants and a two-sizes-too-large T-shirt, Laurel stared at him through puffy eyes. And her hair was a mess.

  “I wasn’t expecting you,” she said.

  “I know. But I thought you could use this.” He held out a cup. “One Americano, just the way you like it.” For a second, he thought she was going to turn him away. Then Sarah-Jane reached for him. “How about we trade?”

  She hesitated a split second before taking her drink, leaving him a free arm to grab Sarah-Jane.

  Following Laurel into the dining area, he dared to ask, “How are you doing?”

  “Fine. I’m just busy.” She set the cup on the counter and moved around the peninsula into the kitchen. “Sarah-Jane needs to eat so I can take her to the sitter.”

  “Oh. I thought she only went once a week?”

  Laurel plucked a banana from the bunch on the counter. “I called Mary Lou this morning to see if she could take her again.”

  “Why?”

  “Because I happen to have a job.” She hastily opened the cabinet, grabbed a small plate, then let the door slam closed. “As if it’s any of your business.”

  Oh, she was stressed, all right.

  His phone dinged then, so while Laurel prepared Sarah-Jane’s breakfast, he took his daughter into the living room to check the text he hoped was from his friend. Pulling the device from his pocket, he looked at the screen.

  Check your email.

  Just what Wes had been waiting for.

  Opening the screen, he tapped a few buttons to bring up his email, then quickly scanned the information.

  “Wes, I need Sarah-Jane in her high chair so she can eat.”

  “I’m on it.” Turning, he closed the screen and tucked the phone away. “Are you hungry, sweetheart?”

  She rubbed her chest.

  “Mommy’s gonna get you all fixed up.” He slid the child into her seat.

  “Wes, I appreciate the coffee, but I think you should go now.” She set the plate with cut-up banana on Sarah-Jane’s tray then moved back into the kitchen, pausing at the refrigerator to grab the milk.

  “Okay, but I’m a little confused as to why you’re in such a hurry. Do you have a video chat or something?” Or did she simply want to wallow in t
he turmoil that was, no doubt, raging inside her? Since things had gotten better between them, he’d thought she might talk to him. Obviously he was mistaken.

  “No.” She removed the lid from a sippy cup. “I just need you to leave, all right?” She began to pour the milk with a shaky hand.

  “Here—” he reached for the milk “—let me help you.”

  She jerked away, though, sending milk spilling onto the floor. Within seconds, her eyes filled with tears. She slammed the jug on the counter and grabbed a rag. “See what you made me do.”

  Wes quickly moved around the peninsula and tried to take the rag. “I can get this.”

  “No!” She jerked away again, but this time tears poured onto her cheeks. “I don’t need your help.” Her whole body shook. “I don’t need anybody.”

  Wes couldn’t take it anymore. Stepping over the small puddle, he wrapped his arms around Laurel.

  Her body was rigid at first, but he refused to let go.

  “Whether you need me or not, I’m here, Laurel. I’m here.” Stroking her hair, he continued to hold her.

  Finally, the tension seemed to flow from her, and she clung to him.

  “I don’t know what to believe.” Her words were muffled against his shirt. “I’m so confused.”

  “Confused about what?” He didn’t know if she’d confide in him or not, but he had to try.

  A whimper sounded from Sarah-Jane.

  “I must have scared her.” Sniffing, Laurel took a step back so she could see her daughter. “Mommy’s okay, baby.” She forced a smile.

  “Go sit with her,” Wes encouraged Laurel. “Drink your coffee while I get her drink and clean up.” To his surprise, Laurel nodded her agreement and went to sit by their daughter.

  A few minutes later, Wes handed Sarah-Jane her cup before joining them at the round table.

  “I’m sorry I went off on you like that.” Laurel wrapped her fingers around her cup. “You didn’t deserve it.”

  “No, but I also know you didn’t mean it, so we’re good. However, I have something I need to tell you.”

  Straightening, she lifted her cup. “Go ahead. I doubt it could be anything worse.”

  “I took a picture of Jimmy’s ID yesterday and sent it to a friend of mine who ran a background check.”

  Her suddenly wide eyes searched his. “And?”

  “From all appearances, Jimmy Donovan is a stand-up guy. He owns a drilling business out in the Permian Basin, and his only run-in with the law was over thirty years ago, when he served six months for possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance.”

  Nodding, she leaned back in her chair. “I guess he was telling the truth, then. At least about that part.”

  Did Wes dare press her to let him in? To tell him about what she’d learned yesterday?

  He took a deep breath. “What else did he have to say?”

  Over the next several minutes, Laurel opened up, revealing her grandmother’s offer to help Jimmy when he got out of jail and how his letters to her mother were not only returned but followed by divorce papers.

  “I feel like I’ve been lied to all my life. I can’t believe my grandmother would deliberately try to keep my parents apart. I thought she was the only person I could trust. Now it appears she was simply the puppeteer manipulating everyone else for the outcome she wanted.”

  While a part of him wanted to agree, he said, “I’m sure she had her reasons. Probably thought she was protecting you and your mother.”

  “By tearing apart my family?” She huffed. “What kind of person does that?”

  Of course, this was assuming Jimmy was telling the truth. But he also could have been trying to deflect responsibility. “Does Jimmy blame her?”

  Laurel thought for moment, emptied the last of her coffee. “If he does, he didn’t say it. He simply laid out what I assume are facts.”

  Wes had to give the guy credit for that.

  “I don’t understand why my grandmother would return those letters without ever giving them to my mother.”

  “I’m sorry to say, that’s something you’ll probably never know.”

  Her gaze drifted to Sarah-Jane. “Are you all finished, baby?”

  The child waved her hands in the air.

  Laurel chuckled. “Good girl.”

  Wes stood and went into the kitchen to dampen a paper towel, then came back to wipe off his daughter’s hands and face. When he was finished, he lifted Sarah-Jane out of her chair and set her on her feet. She promptly headed into the living room.

  “He said he’s dying, Wes.”

  He faced Laurel.

  Standing, she continued. “That’s why he wanted to find me.”

  “Wow.” He shoved a hand through his hair. “How do you feel about that?”

  “That’s just it—I don’t know how I feel. I mean, I thought I knew everything. I thought he walked out on me and my mother. I thought he rejected me. Now it appears that wasn’t the case at all.”

  “Do you plan to talk to him again?”

  “I don’t know. He said he’s staying at the Bliss Inn for a few days, in case I wanted to talk, and he gave me his number. But... I just don’t know.”

  “I understand your hesitation. However, you might want to ask yourself this. How are you going to feel if you don’t? Especially since you know he’s dying.”

  “I’ll probably regret it. But I’m not sure I want to expose Sarah-Jane to him. At least not yet. Not until I’m sure.”

  “I’m in complete agreement with you there. Why don’t you ask him to meet you for lunch somewhere so there will be other people around? I mean, you’re already taking Sarah-Jane to the sitter. And if you want me to go with you, I will.”

  She blinked at him. “You’d do that?”

  At this moment, there wasn’t a whole lot he wouldn’t do for her. He cupped her cheek. “In a heartbeat.”

  She pulled away then and smiled. “I appreciate that.” Drawing in a long breath, she continued, “But I’m afraid this is something I’m going to tackle alone.”

  He couldn’t say that he blamed her. Still, “In that case, I’m only a phone call away if you need me.”

  * * *

  Laurel opted to meet Jimmy at Rae’s Fresh Start Café. Given how difficult their conversation was likely to be, Laurel decided it might encourage her, at least, to have it in familiar territory. Not that her porch hadn’t been familiar. She knew what she was getting into today, though. Or hoped so, anyway. She wasn’t sure she could handle any more bombshells.

  She arrived early so she could inform Rae as to what was going on and then snagged a table near the back, where they weren’t as likely to be interrupted every time someone walked in the door. Finally, at 11:44 a.m., one minute before their designated meeting time, Jimmy Donovan walked into the restaurant. He was a handsome man and carried himself well. No wonder her mother had fallen for him.

  But there was something else about him. A sadness. Not just because of the current situation or his illness, but a deep-rooted ache. The kind that comes from a broken heart.

  Shaking off the notion, and as much of her sympathy as she could manage, she stood so he could see her.

  His smile grew wide when he did, albeit a tad tremulous. Moments later, he was beside her. Hands buried in the pockets of his jeans, he said, “I was kinda surprised to hear from you.”

  “A sleepless night left me with a lot of questions. Questions I’m hoping you can answer for me.”

  “I’ll do my best.”

  She motioned for him to sit down as she eased into her chair once again. Rae promptly brought them each water and a menu. After small talk and placing their orders, Laurel was ready to dive in.

  Arms crossed, she rested them on the wooden tabletop. “Tell me about my mother. What was she like?”

&n
bsp; A faraway look glimmered in his eyes. “She was the epitome of vivacious. Fun, full of energy, always saw the best in everyone and everything. Including me.” He shifted in his seat. “I’ll never forget the first time I saw her. It was at a high school football game. She was a cheerleader, you know. Had that cute little skirt and sweater.” His smile faded slightly, and he looked at Laurel. “She was the only person who ever believed in me, and I was determined to prove myself worthy. I ended up letting her down instead.”

  That last little tidbit had tears prickling Laurel’s eyes, but she managed to blink them away. Still, the way he talked about her mother... He really had loved her. Perhaps still did.

  “The investigator told me she’d passed on. How did she die?”

  Fingering the wrapper on her unopened straw, Laurel said, “Drugs.” A sigh escaped. “I was ten, so my memories of her are vague. I just remember that she was always leaving. I’d stay with my grandmother while Mom ran off with guy after guy. Then she’d come back a few weeks later, usually brokenhearted, promising that things were going to be different. Then, before I knew it, she’d be gone again.”

  Jimmy’s countenance grew distressed. “And all these years I just assumed she’d found love again.”

  “I think she kept looking, she just never found it.”

  A myriad of conversations, none of them intelligible, swirled through the sudden silence.

  Jimmy’s Adam’s apple bobbed up and down rapidly, and he seemed to struggle for composure. “I guess my leaving really messed her up.”

  “Perhaps. However, after taking in everything you told me, and looking at those letters, seeing my grandmother’s handwriting on the envelopes, I’m starting to get the feeling Mom never knew the reason why you left. Like me, I think she thought you’d abandoned us. And as much as it pains me to say this, I think that’s what my grandmother wanted us to believe.”