A Home for Her Daughter

by Jill Weatherholt

  “One of the reasons I wanted to have dinner with you was to share some news.”

  Disappointment took hold. Maybe this wasn’t a date after all. Janie could only hope at least the news would be something good. “I hope it’s positive.”

  Drew leaned in closer. “Earlier, you said that life doesn’t always turn out the way we planned.”

  “Yeah, man plans, God laughs.” Something her grandmother had always said.

  “Well, that’s about ready to change, Janie. Things have gone as planned—actually better than we had hoped. I’ve been dying to tell you, but I wanted to share the news in private.”

  It was true. She was rarely alone with Drew. Between Riley, the children visiting the camp and the staff, there was no time for any in-depth conversation. Even when they were both working in their shared office space, they were so swamped with paperwork. There was little time to really talk. At first she was happy about that, but the more time they spent together, the more she’d started to crave moments like this—just the two of them. She’d tried to fight the feeling, but lately her attraction to Drew was growing stronger. Janie leaned back, pushing her back against the chair. “What’s the news?”

  When Drew’s lips parted into a smile that crossed his entire face, Janie couldn’t wait one more second. “Tell me!” she said in a tone that caused the group of kids at a nearby table to turn.

  Drew laughed and reached for her hands. “Tim wants to do a feature article for his magazine on the camp and the upcoming opening of the outdoor center.”

  Janie squealed and the kids looked over for a second time, laughing. She pulled a hand away from Drew’s grasp and covered her mouth, shaking her head. Placing her hand back between his fingers, she latched on to his gaze. “I can’t believe this, Drew. Are you sure?”

  “I’m positive. You really impressed him, Janie. The trail ride on Monday sealed the deal.” He squeezed her hand. “You impressed me, too. You’re a strong and capable woman. Don’t ever forget that.”

  As Michael approached with the pizza, Janie remained energized by the news. Never in her wildest dreams would she have imagined her life could take such a drastic turn. Drew’s words touched her deep inside her heart. She’d never thought of herself as strong, much less capable. Well, maybe before she met Randy, but he’d made sure he stole every ounce of her self-confidence during their marriage. Sitting here with Drew, celebrating the news of something they’d accomplished together, she felt more like a couple than she ever had during her ten years with Randy. When she looked into Drew’s eyes, an old flame, one she thought had been extinguished for years, suddenly ignited. She sat with her childhood friend, savoring the moment. Could she let go of the past and put her trust into another man?

  Chapter Sixteen

  “I knew we could do it,” Drew fell back against the booth, holding his distended belly. He’d enjoyed every second of the past two hours. They’d nibbled on their pizza as they discussed plans for the outdoor center and they’d also reminisced about their childhood. The crowd had thinned, but the soft Italian music still drifted through the restaurant. Drew could stay right here for a lifetime. But did Janie feel the same?

  “I think I got a second wind after the third piece.” Janie laughed, holding her stomach and looking down. “I’m not sure how long my zipper is going to hold, though.”

  Michael approached the booth and cleared the empty pizza pan. “Wow! I’m not sure I’ve ever seen two people eat the entire combo alone. Usually it will feed an entire family.” He removed their plates.

  Drew looked up at the young man. “Are you trying to blow your tip?” He laughed.

  “I’m just messing with you guys.” He placed the tray of dirty dishes on a nearby table and pulled out his pad and pencil. “Can I offer you some dessert? We’ve got a terrific tiramisu.”

  Janie looked adorable as she let out a painful groan. “I couldn’t eat another bite of anything, Michael. I think we’re good for the next week.”

  Sliding his pad back into his apron pocket, he nodded. “Okay, how about a nice strawberry gelato to cleanse your palate?”

  Drew raised a brow to Janie. “What do you think?”

  “Actually, that sounds perfect, Michael.” Janie played with a loose strand of hair.

  “One gelato, two spoons,” Drew ordered. “I think that’s a safe choice.”

  “Honestly, I don’t typically eat this much. I guess the exciting news worked up my appetite,” Janie confessed.

  “Well, you might need to go up another pant size because there is more excitement.” Drew’s telephone conversation with Tim on Thursday morning had set things into motion. “The photographer for the magazine plans to come to the farm on Monday.”

  “Oh my! Are you kidding, Drew?”

  Seeing Janie this excited made him happier than he could remember. “It’s true. When I told Tim you had booked another trail ride with a group of eight children, he thought it would be the perfect time to get some candid photos, rather than have posed pictures. Don’t worry, I can handle getting written permission from all of the parents, first.”

  Janie placed her hands to her blushing cheeks. “That makes sense, but I’ll be so nervous.”

  “You have nothing to be nervous about. Just do what you did last Monday and the photos will be spectacular.”

  Her eyebrows drew together. “Will you come on the ride, too?”

  After Tim had mentioned the photo shoot, Drew had hoped Janie would want him to be included. “Of course I will. They plan to do some photos of the both of us together to advertise the sporting center.”

  Janie rubbed her hand along her forehead. “This is all happening so fast. It’s hard to wrap my head around it.”

  Drew agreed. The camp and the center were both changing their lives, but it was more than that. Working at the camp with Janie had opened his eyes to a world he’d stepped away from following the accident. But after the past few weeks and especially after tonight, he understood what he wanted—a life with Janie and Riley.

  Later, after the couple shared their gelato and Drew paid the bill, he’d suggested they take a stroll around town to walk off their heavy meal.

  Outside, the full moon reflected off the nearby lake. Stars twinkled in the inky sky, proof of endless possibilities. “It’s a beautiful evening. The temperature couldn’t be more perfect.” He reached for Janie’s hand. “Let’s take a walk around the boardwalk.”

  Janie gazed out over the water before turning her attention to Drew. “The lake is absolutely gorgeous.” Her eyes sparkled in the evening light. “Thank you so much for bringing me here. This night has been perfect. I couldn’t think of a better place for you to share the wonderful news about the magazine piece.”

  With one hand, Drew guided Janie toward the railing. He cupped her chin, turning her face toward his. Tilting her head upward, he closed the distance between them. When she followed his lead, her warm breath tickled his skin. He slowly leaned in and brushed his lips against hers. Sweet as summertime strawberries, he lost himself in the gentleness of her kiss. He ran his fingers through her cascading hair as their kiss deepened and his heart hammered against his chest. Pulling back, his eyes fixed on hers.

  He paused for her reaction. Was this too much, too soon? Would kissing her jeopardize their business partnership? She responded with no words, but only a second kiss that left Drew hopeful for their future.

  * * *

  The group was twenty minutes into the trail ride and if Janie was nervous, she hid it well. She looked cool as a cucumber. Steve the photographer was a pro. He snapped candid shots discreetly. Was Janie even aware of his presence?

  “Can we head down toward the river?” Steve asked. “I’d like to get a group photograph with the Shenandoah in the background.”

  When they arrived at the riverbank, Janie turned to Steve, shielding them from the su
n filtering through the trees with her hand. “Would you like us to stay on our horses or stand as a group?”

  Steve looked around. “Let’s try both and see which one works best. Is that okay with you kids?”

  The children all cheered. Earlier, when the parents dropped their kids off for the day, Drew had let the adults know about the photographer and had obtained signed permission for the outing. He wanted to make sure they were okay with the possibility of their child’s picture turning up in a national magazine. None of the parents had any privacy concerns and the children were ecstatic.

  As the day passed, Drew’s face hurt from all of the smiling. Steve had finished with the camp photos and the children had gone with Mark and Laura Marie to get things ready for the cookout. Steve moved on to the shots with Drew and Janie to promote the sports center. Thankfully, the sign company had made a delivery late last week, so the new business partners were photographed standing in front of the towering sign that read Welcome to Rocky River Camp and Outdoor Adventures.

  Janie was glowing. Drew had never seen her happier. A part of him hoped some of her happiness was due to the kiss they’d shared Friday night, but since neither had spoken about it, he wasn’t sure. One thing he did know, he was looking forward to an encore performance. He planned to ask her out on a real date. No pretending it was to discuss the business. First he had to check Mrs. Buser’s schedule to make sure she’d be available to watch Riley.

  “I got some really great photographs to work with. Thank you both.” Steve packed his camera equipment into a leather case. “You’ll love the pictures with the two of you in front of the sign. I’m sure one of them will be used on the cover of the magazine.”

  Drew heard Janie gasp as she grabbed his arm. “We’re going to be on the cover?” Her voice shook.

  Steve smiled. “That’s Tim’s plan. He’d like to run the article as soon as possible. He wants to make sure you get exposure for your opening day.”

  Drew’s mind whirled from the news. “Don’t you have to schedule these stories months in advance?” He wasn’t quite sure how the publishing industry worked.

  “Typically, yes. Tim really believes in what you’re doing here for the kids and the community, so he’s bumping another cover story to a later date.”

  Janie squeezed Drew’s arm. “This is all so amazing. I don’t know how we can ever repay you and Tim.”

  “No need for that.” Steve adjusted the camera-case strap over his shoulder. “Our magazine is in the business of promoting the importance of outdoor life, especially for children. Your company is a great example. The next time I visit, I plan to leave my camera at home and bring my twin daughters along to spend the day.”

  Janie stepped forward, extending her hand. “You and your family are welcome anytime, Steve. Thank you for everything.” She turned and guided her horse up the path.

  Drew escorted Steve to his truck where he was told Tim would be in touch soon. Climbing on the horse, Drew headed back toward the activity building to get the grill fired up for a cookout. He paused and took in the moment. Things had changed so much in the weeks since Janie returned to Whispering Slopes. He was living once again. It was what his wife would have wanted. He gave thanks to God and made his way up the hill toward his future.

  “Hey, munchkin.” He halted the horse. “Where’s your mother?” Drew approached Riley and the buzzing group of children playing horseshoes with Laura Marie.

  “She’s still down at the stables. She said she wanted to clean out the stalls a little and would be right up. We offered to help, but she said she was fine.” Riley flung a horseshoe toward the stake.

  Drew watched as the shoe landed close. “Nice shot, munchkin. You guys keep playing and I’ll go down to check on your mother.”

  Minutes later, Drew’s horse slowed outside the barn. Inside, he heard Janie humming a tune he couldn’t quite recognize, but it was upbeat. She was as happy with the trail ride today as he had been.

  He climbed off the animal and slowly entered the structure. “Hey, you—”

  “Drew!” Janie’s eyes bulged. “What are you doing here?” she shouted in a tone unlike her.

  Something was different. He followed her gaze and spotted a jacket flung over a stall door. That was it. She wasn’t wearing her outerwear.

  “Please go!” she cried out, sucking in shaky breaths.

  He turned his focus back to Janie. She was cowered on the hay-covered ground with her arms wrapped tightly against her chest and her head down.

  “Please, Drew...just go.” She rocked back and forth.

  Straw crunched underneath his shoes as he moved closer. “Janie, what’s wrong? Let me help you.” He dropped to his knees. His breath caught in his throat when, for the first time, he saw her bare arms.

  * * *

  Why did I take off my jacket? Since Drew entered the stable, the question had replayed through Janie’s mind over and over. Earlier, she’d gotten overheated cleaning the stalls. No one was supposed to be here. She was safe, so she hung the coat over the door of the first stall. She should have known better. The only secure place was behind the locked door in her bedroom. Why did he have to come?

  Drew extended his hand. “Let me help you up.”

  Janie tried to cover her skin. “Please, I’m begging you...just leave me alone.”

  “What happened, Janie? You can tell me.” He sat down beside her. “You can trust me. I’ll always be here for you.”

  Her back stiffened. Trust. Something her husband had stolen from her, but Drew was different. He always had been. Unable to hold back any longer, more tears erupted. “I’m so ashamed. I didn’t want you to find out.” Knowing that her secret was exposed, she extended her arms out in front of her. “He burned me,” she whispered. The shame still seared.

  Drew lifted his hand as if to touch the scars, then dropped it to his side. “Your ex did this to you?”

  She nodded and looked into Drew’s eyes. He wiped away a tear running down his cheek.

  “Oh, Janie. I’m so sorry.” He opened his arms for her in invitation, and she went into his embrace.

  The warmth of his touch provided strength. She sucked in a breath and exhaled. “I should have never married him. There were signs, early on, but I ignored them. I deserved this.”

  “Don’t say that.” He held her arms, gently caressing them. “No one deserves this.”

  “I should have walked away. The first time he hit me, I should have ended our relationship, but I stayed. How pathetic does that sound?” She rubbed her watery eyes, barely able to look at Drew. “He struck me on our second date.”

  Janie recalled that horrible night. Randy had been angry when he picked Janie up at her dormitory. He said he’d been arguing with his father. He didn’t like the way his father treated his mother. Janie suggested perhaps his father should seek some help. Instead of agreeing, he’d backhanded her. He’d told her she needed to mind her own business.

  She shuddered at the memory. “I thought I could change him. But the longer I stayed, the more he tore down my self-esteem. He told me no one would ever want me because I couldn’t do anything right, not even care for our daughter. I tried to mold myself into the woman he wanted me to be, but it never was good enough.”

  Drew rocked her in his arms and stroked her hair. “You know that’s not true, don’t you? You’re a wonderful mother.”

  She shook her head. “No, I second-guess every decision I make when it comes to Riley.”

  “Every parent does that, Janie. Trust me. Your daughter is one of the most well-adjusted children I’ve ever met. And as for you, I wish you could see yourself as others do. Just look at all that you’ve accomplished since you’ve moved home.”

  Janie wanted to believe that, but doubt always won. “I couldn’t have done any of it without you. Just like Randy always said.”

  “T
hat’s not true, Janie. You need to forget the things Randy told you. What he said is not who you are. Not even close. He was only trying to control you. But he can’t anymore...you’re free of him.”

  A quick glance at her arms revealed the truth. It was branded into her skin. “I’ll never be free from him. He made sure of that.” Every time Randy came home late after a night of drinking, Janie would try to pretend to be asleep. That’s when he would light his cigar and push it into her arm. The first couple of times, the pain felt unbearable, but eventually, she became numb. When she started believing she deserved it, she knew she had to break free from her marriage, not only for herself, but for Riley.

  “You don’t need to hide your scars any longer,” Drew whispered. “Don’t let the past define who you are today.”

  With those words, Janie found comfort in Drew’s arms. A time to keep, and a time to cast away. She’d meditated on that verse during her divorce proceedings. Now she realized, she may have cast away her marriage, but she hadn’t done the same with the wounds Randy had inflicted upon her.

  Drew was right, not only had Randy been trying to control her throughout their marriage...he still was. No more. Her counselor in Maryland had told her she’d never be able to move on if she didn’t let go of the shame and hurt. She’d recommended Janie have a conversation with Riley to delicately share why her parents’ marriage ended. With all of the good happening in her life, Janie realized she needed to trust God with the new beginnings He was providing.

  Janie stayed in Drew’s arms, savoring the comfort he provided.

  “Mommy. Are you in here?”

  Janie jumped. Her pulse raced at the sound of Riley’s voice as she entered the barn.

  “Now’s the time,” Drew whispered into Janie’s ear.

  “Will you stay with me while I talk with her?” Janie wasn’t sure she had the strength to do this alone. With Drew beside her, she felt more confident.