Drew hesitated before answering. Janie considered him as he looked up at the sky.
“Yes, this is where my family and I came every Sunday—if the weather permitted.”
Silence lingered before he spoke again. “This is the first time I’ve come back.” He locked his eyes on Janie. “I wanted it to be with you.” His voice a whisper.
Janie wasn’t prepared for this.
“I’m sorry. Is that too much? You’re right, though. I am at peace here, but I think a lot of it is because I’m here with you.”
The young Janie would have been thrilled to hear Drew speak those words, but that girl no longer existed. Grown-up Janie had too much baggage. Drew deserved someone who was capable of loving and trusting him. Not someone who believed they were no longer marriage material. If he knew the truth, he would have never brought her to this special place.
“Hey, Janie?” He placed his hand underneath her chin, tilting her face toward his. “Where did you go just now?”
Janie’s mind swirled with excuses. Admitting the truth could put a strain on their business relationship, as well as their friendship. Both things she cherished. She didn’t want Drew’s pity. She didn’t want him to ask why she didn’t leave the first time her ex-husband had raised his hand to her. How could she continue to work with someone who knew the truth about her past? She couldn’t. So she chose to remain silent.
Chapter Fourteen
As Drew poured his first cup of coffee on Monday morning, his cell phone chirped. With his hot beverage in hand, he walked to the kitchen table and picked up his device. “Hey, Skip. What’s up?” He glanced out the window, where the sun was barely peeking over the tree-lined property.
“We’ve got a little problem.” Skip’s breath sounded quick.
“Did you just run a marathon or something? I haven’t even had caffeine yet.” Drew braced himself for the problem, hoping it was one with an easy solution.
“I’m at the farm. I gave Janie a call last night to give her a heads-up that I’d be stopping by this morning. I had forgotten my toolbox in the barn last week,” he added. “I’m starting a job today at the Tuckers’ place. When I got to Janie’s, I noticed a portion of the fencing on the east side of the barn was compromised. Mark had let the horses out before I realized there was an issue with the fence.”
Drew breathed a sigh of relief. “That’s no big deal. I can take care of it before our ride this morning.”
“Well, that’s not the problem. Two of the horses have gotten loose. I know Janie has that group going out, but those animals are nowhere to be found.” The tension in Skip’s voice alarmed Drew.
Oh boy. Drew ran his hand through his hair. A sick feeling rolled through his stomach. Of all days, Janie had already been anxious about the ride today. She had learned that one of the kids who had signed up was the son of Tim O’Reilly, a well-known travel-magazine writer who planned on spending the morning riding with his child. Janie had hoped if the boy had a good time, the writer might do a piece on the camp. The last thing Drew wanted was for her to get wind of the escaped horses. “I’ll be right over. If you see Janie, don’t mention this.”
“You got it,” Skip quickly assured him.
Drew ended the call, squared his shoulders and headed outside.
Thirty minutes later Drew’s truck hugged the winding mountain road in search of the horses. Before leaving the house, he’d called several business owners around town to ask them to keep an eye out for the animals. He also suggested they mention the loose animals to their patrons. The more people who knew, the better the chances were the horses would be found unharmed. He reached for the water bottle in the cup holder and took a long pull.
After circling the downtown area twice, Drew sucked in a breath, realizing he’d have to tell Janie about the horses. He turned the wheel in the direction of the farm.
Within seconds of his arrival, Drew realized Janie already knew. Her front yard was buzzing with activity as townspeople huddled together, each pointing in different directions. When he spied Janie in the crowd, her expression was solemn.
He parked the vehicle, removed his key and swung his feet to the ground. As he approached the group he heard chatter about the police and fire department.
“Drew!” Janie called out when she saw him approaching. “Two of the horses have gone missing.”
Drew slid his hands into the front pockets of his jeans. “Yeah, Skip called me this morning. I’ve been driving around looking, but I didn’t see them.”
“Should I call the sheriff’s department?” Janie powered on her phone.
A collision between a horse and an automobile could have a bad ending. “Yes. Give them a description of the animals.” Drew turned to Mark before glancing at his watch. “What time did you feed them this morning?”
“It was around six o’clock,” the young man answered.
“They could be anywhere by now,” Janie cried out, scrolling for the number on her phone.
Minutes later, Skip rode up on one of the other horses. “I’m going to take a ride over toward the Millers’ place. They’ve got that large clearing on their property. In the past, wandering animals have headed over there.”
Drew agreed. He’d always heard the animals preferred an open area over the woods. “I’ll ride over with you. Let me run down to the barn.”
“I’ve got one of the horses saddled and ready to go,” Skip answered.
Skip was always one step ahead of the game, which Drew appreciated. “I’ll meet you at the gate,” Drew called out as he jogged through the field toward the stalls.
Ten minutes into the ride, Drew and Skip rode in silence, except for the clomping of hooves traipsing along the trampled grassy path. Despite a brilliant sun overhead, the low humidity made the air comfortable for the middle of July. It was a perfect day for Janie’s first official outing—if they could only find these animals.
Skip terminated the silence. “So this trail ride today is important to Janie?”
A successful ride today could help draw more business to the camp, and a writeup in a national magazine could boost business at the outdoor sporting center. “Actually, it’s important for both of us.” Drew explained about the special guest and how the event could lead to more business in the future.
“Well, we better speed up our search then.” Skip pushed his hips forward in the saddle.
Drew applied a little more pressure to the horse’s side with his legs to stay in pace with his friend.
Crowning the hill overlooking the Millers’ property, Drew’s shoulders relaxed. “You were right, Skip. There they are.” Drew pointed to the two animals grazing as though they were exactly where they belonged. “I’ll give the sheriff’s office a quick call to let them know all is well. Let’s hurry and get the horses home. The guests will be arriving soon.”
When they got back to the barn, Drew secured the two horses in their stalls. “Thanks for everything, Skip. Sorry if I made you late for your job.”
“No worries. I phoned the Tuckers earlier. They’d heard about the search, so they knew I’d be delayed.”
Drew laughed. “Of course—life in a small town, right?”
A smile touched the corners of Skip’s mouth. “See you later, bud. I hope today goes well.”
The sound of whistling brought Drew outside the barn and under the warmth of the sun. His heart melted when he spotted Riley skipping through the field. With her hair in two high ponytails, she advanced in his direction. She glanced up and an enormous smile spread across her face before she took off running toward him.
“Mr. Drew! Mr. Drew! Did you find the horses?” she yelled as she neared the barn. Panting, she stopped at his feet. “Are they okay?”
He ran his hand over the top of her head. “Yes, they are safe inside, munchkin.”
“Phew. I thought the day was going
to be ruined.” Riley looked up at Drew and her eyes widened.
“No, everything will be fine. Where’s your mother?”
With two fingers, Riley stretched a bright pink piece of bubblegum from her mouth. “She’s up at the house...worrying. She’s always worried about something.”
“Maybe we better head on up and give her the good news so she’ll stop fretting. I tried to call her, but it went straight to voicemail.” Truth be told, Drew had been a little concerned, as well. When Skip first called him this morning, he’d envisioned a much different outcome.
As the two strolled up the hill, Riley grabbed Drew’s hand. His eyes skimmed down and he smiled. Despite the rough start, today was going to be a wonderful day.
* * *
Janie sat at the kitchen table and stared at the laptop screen before slamming it closed. She pushed the computer as far as her arms could stretch with hopes it would make the email from her ex go away, as well. It didn’t. Following her attorney’s advice, she hadn’t responded to Randy’s numerous emails. It was obvious he had no intention of going through the proper legal avenues to see Riley, so all she could do was hit the delete key. How could she move on with her life if he constantly tried to make contact with her?
A gentle summer breeze blew the yellow, sheer curtains hanging over the window, creating a chill through her body. She pulled down the sleeves on her jacket, covering her hands. With the horses missing and now these emails, Janie’s day hadn’t started well. She tried to stay positive, but Randy’s belittling words kept repeating in her head, filling her with self-doubt.
“Mommy!”
Janie’s mood lifted at the sweet sound of her daughter’s voice. Turning, her chest was light at the sight of Drew entering the kitchen holding Riley’s hand. The look he gave Janie stirred something inside her. That something had to be nipped in the bud if they planned to work together.
“Mr. Drew and Mr. Skip found the horses!” She ran toward her mother with a look of concern. “You don’t have to worry anymore. Everything is going to be okay—Mr. Drew said so.”
Drew stepped toward Janie and placed his hand on her shoulder. “Are you okay? I tried to call.”
His easy smile warmed her. “Oh, I just took the phone off the charger. I’m fine now.” Drew didn’t appear convinced. At least one problem had been solved, but the bigger one still remained in her email account. “Thank you so much for tracking down the horses. I wasn’t sure how I’d be able to handle the tour today being two horses short.”
Janie rose from her chair. “Let me get you some coffee.”
“That sounds perfect.” Drew walked toward the counter. “Actually, you can thank Skip for finding the animals. He was the one who knew to look at the Millers’ place.”
She passed the cup to Drew. “Well, I’m just glad they’re back.” She headed to the table and took a seat.
“Mommy, what time are the people coming for the ride?” Riley did a half spin before jerking to a halt and smiling at Drew.
“Are you getting a little anxious, munchkin?” Drew sipped his brew.
Riley’s face scrunched up. “Just a little—plus, I’m bored.”
Janie planned to take care of some paperwork before the guests arrived, but Randy had thrown her off track. Glancing at the time, she turned her attention to Riley. “They should be here in about forty-five minutes. Why don’t you go down to the barn and see if Mark and Laura Marie need any help.”
“Cool!” Riley dashed out the back door with Frankie on her heels.
Drew raised a brow. “I don’t think I’ve ever had that much energy.”
Janie couldn’t get Randy out of her mind. Even divorced, he still controlled her.
“Janie? What’s up?” Drew slid into the chair next to hers. “I know you. Something is bothering you.”
Yes. He did know her. She found comfort in thinking about the number of years they’d been friends, but she wasn’t sure if she wanted to burden him with her personal issues. But wasn’t that what friends were for? To listen to each other’s problems and offer support. But she feared sharing too much could change the way Drew felt about her, so she’d only share a little. “It’s Randy...my ex.” Uneasiness spread through her gut. How could she stop giving him the power?
“What about him?” Drew’s eyes narrowed.
She swallowed hard, but her throat continued to tighten. “He wants to see Riley.”
Drew leaned in closer. “Has he called you?”
“No. He’s sending emails. My attorney told me to tell him to contact his attorney if he wants to file for custody or visitation. I did and I haven’t opened any of his emails since.” Janie splayed her hands across the table. “But he keeps writing.”
“Maybe if you continue ignoring him, he’ll get the hint and contact his lawyer. The man wants to see his child, but he needs to follow the law.”
Janie nodded. “I agree, but ignoring him won’t make him stop. I know him too well. He’s going to do things his way. He always has.”
Drew rubbed the back of his neck. “Do you think he’d come here to see Riley?”
Janie’s stomach squeezed. “He’s been here already.”
Drew’s back straightened. “When? At the farm?”
She explained how she thought she’d seen him at the fair, but it was confirmed when Randy started sending her emails. Janie watched Drew as his shoulders stiffened and his brow furrowed. “What is it, Drew?”
He mauled his face with his right hand. “The other day, when I was waiting for you here, after you got the keys to the house, a car came down the driveway. It stopped suddenly and then turned around.”
Janie picked up her glass of water to stop the trembling in her hands. “Why didn’t you tell me? Could you see who was behind the wheel?”
“No, the sun was reflecting off of the car and the windows were tinted. I couldn’t really see inside. Honestly, at the time, I didn’t think too much of it. I assumed someone made a wrong turn off the main road,” he explained.
“What kind of car was it?” Janie prepared herself for the answer she didn’t want to hear.
“It was a dark, older sedan.” He shook his head. “I couldn’t tell the exact make or model.”
Janie released a sigh of relief. “Randy drives a white SUV.” Her worries mounted again when she realized he could have been driving a rental car.
Drew reached for her hand. “Try not to worry. He’s probably back in Maryland.” He hesitated before speaking again. “I wonder if any of his unopened emails would give you answers as to whether or not he’s in Maryland or here.”
Janie didn’t see any harm in reading through the emails. For the safety of her daughter, wouldn’t it be wise to read the messages? She reached across the table and opened the laptop. After logging into her account, she retrieved the previously deleted messages before turning the machine toward Drew. “Here, you read them. I want to make sure Riley is safe, but I don’t want to hear anything Randy has to say.”
“Are you sure? There might be things he’s said that you rather I didn’t know.” Drew shifted in his chair.
Janie shook her head. “I’m done keeping secrets. Riley’s safety is all that matters.”
Drew slid the computer closer, and his eyes widened.
“What is it?” Her stomach grew queasy.
“He sure has sent a lot of emails.” Drew continued to hit the down arrow key.
“I know. I told you. He doesn’t like to be ignored.” Janie crossed her arms and leaned back into the chair. “Does he say anything about contacting his attorney?” She picked up her coffee cup. Even though it was cold, she clutched it between her hands.
Drew tapped on the keyboard. “Wait...he wants to see Riley without getting any lawyers involved. He says he’s only looking out for your best interest because he knows you don’t have the money fo
r legal fees.”
Janie shook her head and forced a fake laugh. The man had never cared about what was best for her. “What about being here in Whispering Slopes?”
“I don’t see anything. Most of the emails seem to be duplicates.” He pushed the computer off to the side. “So...what do you want to do about this?”
“Nothing now. Today is a big day. I want to head down to the stables and get the horses ready for our guests. Remember, we’ve got a famous writer coming along. We want to do everything we can to make sure he and his son have a wonderful time.”
Drew rose from his chair and smiled. “That sounds like a good plan to me.”
What more could she do? Then it dawned on her. If she allowed herself to continue to worry about this, Randy would still have all of the power. He would still be controlling her. Something he’d done for ten years because she allowed it. No more. She had a new business. A new life. She wasn’t the old, damaged Janie any longer. She’d just ignore his emails and hopefully Randy would go away.
Chapter Fifteen
Riding along the winding mountain trail, Drew couldn’t have been prouder of Janie. As a young girl, several years of riding lessons had made her more at ease on a horse than on a bicycle. Leading the group of nine children and three adults with an air of confidence he hadn’t seen since she won the Shenandoah National Spelling Bee when they were in the ninth grade.
A Home for Her Daughter Page 14
