by Elsie Davis
“How dare you?” Gemma snapped the book shut and jumped to her feet. She advanced towards Chad. “How dare you?” She poked him in the chest with her finger. “You were there. How could you not let me know? How could you do this to me? This,” she pointed to the book on the floor, “this is you getting what you want. But when did you ever think about what I would want? What I might need? To know you were there, so close, and yet just as far from me as if you were a million miles away. That hurts worse than knowing you didn’t want me because I can’t begin to understand.”
She couldn’t stop the flood of tears rolling down her face.
“I’m sorry. It’s not that I didn’t want to meet you. It wasn’t the right thing to do. I’m sorry.” The anguish in his voice did nothing to assuage the pain ripping through her body.
“Never mind. It’s too late. I’m leaving. You didn’t want to know me then, and I don’t want to know you now.” Gemma stormed past him, rage hounding every step she took back to her room. She slammed the door shut behind her and pulled out her duffel bag. Throwing in as much of her belongings as she could, she used the bags from her store purchases for the excess, packing everything in record time.
She was going home. Home to her mother, where she was wanted. She’d been a fool to come to Hallbrook looking for answers. Some doors were better left closed. Lucky for her, Chad was nowhere to be seen as she loaded Brody and all her belongings into the Jeep and drove down the driveway, her tires slipping on the gravel as she pressed the accelerator.
Gemma brushed the tears off her face, trying to focus on the road. Her heart hurt, but it was more than Chad and the betrayal. It was Jake and Kyle. She couldn’t leave like this. Wouldn’t leave like this. They deserved better from her.
Jake had touched her heart, and even though he wasn’t interested in anything other than friendship, it didn’t mean he controlled her feelings. Driving away, she was forced to face the truth. She’d fallen in love with him. And there was no way she would leave without saying goodbye, or without trying to let him know how she felt. People did long-distance relationships all the time. She understood his reservations, but he couldn’t deny the attraction they shared.
No matter how much she longed to put distance between her and Chad at this point, she had other people to consider. It was late, but she’d get a hotel in Lancaster and go back first thing in the morning to say goodbye to Kyle and Jake.
After checking into a room, she grabbed a few things from her bag and threw them on the chair in the corner. A hot shower and a cold, uneaten pizza later, Gemma paced back and forth, still unable to fathom her father had been so close all those years.
A text alert rang from her phone. It had better not be Chad. In fact, she needed to delete his number and block it. She never wanted to hear from him again.
Mom: Are you okay?
The one person she trusted the most and the one person she wished was here with her. She could use one of her warm, loving hugs.
They say mothers have some sixth sense about their children, but her message coming at this moment defied logic. Gemma didn’t care how or why, she just knew the timing was perfect, but she hit the call button instead of texting her back. The phone rang twice before her mother picked up.
“Gemma? Is everything okay?” Her mother’s voice was laced with concern and emotion. She wanted to tell her mom everything.
“No, it’s not. I wish I’d never come here. You have no idea what he’s done. He was there, Mom.”
“Slow down, Gemma. I don’t know what you mean. You need to catch me up. I thought things were going well. Talk to me, honey.”
She filled her mother in with everything she’d discovered, fighting back the tears the whole way.
“Gemma, things may not always be what they seem. I’m sorry you’re having to deal with this, especially after things were going so well. Where are you?” The hesitation in her mother’s voice captured Gemma’s attention.
“I’m at the Holiday Inn in Lancaster. Brody and I will hit the road first thing in the morning, and I should be home by one.”
“I’m not sure that’s the best idea, honey.”
“What? Of course, it is. There’s nothing to stick around here for. How did you know something was wrong?” Why would her mother want her to stick around after what she’d just told her? It wasn’t making any sense.
“There’s something I need to tell you.” The dread in her mother’s voice caused Gemma to stop pacing. She was almost afraid of what her mother was about to tell her.
“I’m sorry, Gemma. You need to listen. I had no idea at the time Chad would have a change of heart. The rodeo was in his blood, in a way at eighteen, I could never understand and never compete with. It was a way of life I didn’t understand, I didn’t trust, and I didn’t want. Not for you and not for me. I made Chad make a choice.” The last words were barely a whisper.
Gemma didn’t want to hear this. The person she trusted most was telling her she sent her father away. This couldn’t be happening. Her world tilted upside down in a matter of seconds.
“I waited twelve years for him to come back. But in all those years what I didn’t realize is that he would keep his promise to me, no matter what the cost to him personally. Chad’s an honorable man and I’m a fool.”
“Promise?” Gemma squeaked out. Her mother was telling her everything. She’d come to Hallbrook for answers, and it turned out they were in Syracuse the entire time.
“I made him promise if he walked away and went out west to follow the rodeo circuit that he would stay out of your life permanently. I knew it broke his heart, but the rodeo was calling his name, and it was his dream. He’d been planning on joining the circuit for years and years, almost every free second spent in training and on the back of a bull.
But it wasn’t a way of life I could embrace or one that I wanted for you. And so, I let him go. He was a fool to have left, but I was a fool to keep him away. I had no way of knowing he would care as much as he obviously does.”
“How could you? There was nothing I wanted more than to have him in my life. And now I find out he was there all along, and because of a promise he made to you, I never got to know him. How dare you make that decision for me!”
“I’m sorry. I don’t know what else to tell you. Maybe I was as young and dumb as he was. Naïve. But Gemma, you’re twenty-four years old, not naïve like I was at eighteen. And you’re a smart girl. Think this through. There are lots of people who don’t have fathers. Some because of divorce. Some because of death. Some by choice. And some who don’t even know who they are. And they all need to get on with their lives, or it can destroy them.
And then there are the people who have fathers. Some of their dads are workaholics. Some dads are abusive. Some dads don’t have the time of day for their child. Some kids live their entire life trying to live up to the expectations of their parents and failing. You, on the other hand, had more love than those kids. You had a happy home.”
“I don’t know what to think anymore.” It was all so confusing. Both her parents were to blame, but in the end, her mother was right. Her home had been filled with love. Even Mark had been a part of it. She didn’t understand at the time, how good she had it, but she did now.
And then there was Kyle. Jake could raise his son without a mother, and Kyle would survive. The same way she had.
“Life isn’t perfect, but this is your chance for a second chance with the dad you’ve always wanted. He may be to blame for walking away in the first place, but it’s not his fault he stayed away. And if he came back over and over to see you, that’s proof of a man who loves his daughter very much. How you react depends on what kind of an adult you’ve become. So, the question is, will you face and embrace the future with him, or will you run away?”
* * *
Brody was snuggled up close, giving the extra warmth she needed as daylight peeked through the window curtain at the cracks. Somewhere during the night, she’d come to a decisi
on. She was going back. Not just for Jake and Kyle, but for Chad.
Her mother had called him honorable. It was a character trait Gemma herself had witnessed repeatedly since she’d been in Hallbrook. And if everything her mother told her was true, then Chad’s only mistake was walking away in the first place. Her mother was right about one thing, she was being given a second chance, and there was no way she would be a fool and walk away. Her parents had made enough foolish decisions to last a lifetime.
She put on a couple layers of shirts and a sweater and took Brody out for a quick morning walk. She hoped her mom had called Chad back and let him know she was okay, otherwise, he would worry. Even though her mother hadn’t answered her question, there was only one way she would have known to check up on her last night.
Chad. Now that was a conversation she would have loved to hear.
Two hours later, she pulled into Whispering Pines and drove up the driveway. Brody thumped his tail in excitement, ecstatic to be back. Gemma took a deep breath and knocked on the door. She’d said some hateful things and was anxious to undo the damage she might have done to their growing relationship.
The door opened, and Chad stood there, relief evident on his face. He held out his arms but didn’t step closer. He was letting her make the decision.
Gemma stepped into his embrace, his arms coming around to pull her tight in a hug for the first time in her life. There was no need for words. Tears streamed down her face, soaking his blue-jean shirt.
Brody barked at their feet, his head nudging their legs. He wanted in on the special moment. Gemma pulled back and smiled, leaning down to pet Brody on the head, rubbing his ears with affection. She looked up at Chad, sniffing to keep her nose from running and making a fool of herself.
Chad’s eyes had also filled with tears, his wet cheeks matching her own.
“I’m glad you’re okay. And I’m glad you’re back.”
“Me too. I’m sorry. I didn’t know. Mom explained everything to me. I know about your promise. I wish you would’ve told me.”
“It wasn’t my place, honey.”
“I hate she did this. It was so wrong,” Gemma cried.
“Listen to me.” The tone of his voice grabbed her attention. “Don’t hate your mother. She did what was best for you. It was always about you. And she was right about me. I would’ve danced in and out of your life, and it would’ve been harder for you each time I left. It wasn’t fair to you, and it wasn’t fair to your mother. I made my choices, and yeah, I regret them, but we must live with our choices. Everything your mother did for you was because she loves you. Try seeing it from a loving, protective mother point of view.”
“Can I ask you something?” To hear both of her parents talk, each one trying to protect the other, reinforced her belief they still had feelings for one another.
“You can always ask me anything you want. The only thing I wouldn’t tell you was about the promise I made to your mother. Nothing else is off-limits.”
“Do you still love Mom? I was just wondering because of the picture you keep of her in your bedroom.”
Chad let out a deep sigh. “I was very much in love with your mother. A love like that never goes away. But it was a long time ago, sweetheart. Life goes on.”
“You’ve never married. Is she the one you were talking about in the interview?”
Chad tensed; uncertainty written across his face. Several seconds passed before he spoke. “Yes. And please, don’t say a thing to her. I need to do this my way.” Chad shifted from one side to the other, looking uncomfortable.
“You didn’t do such a hot job the first time around, maybe you need advice.”
“You wish.” He grinned and shook his head. “So, where do we go from here? I’d love for you to stay longer. You could move here, live with me. You could get a job close by, and my offer stands about working with the GiddyUp Kids fundraiser I mentioned. I’m sure we can make something work out. I feel a certain desperation to make up for the lost time.”
“I’ll think about it. It’s a huge decision. For now, we can spend the day together before I leave. I do have to get back to my job Monday morning.”
“Sure thing. Would you like breakfast?” Disappointment laced his words, matching the expression on his face.
“Sure thing, Dad. I’m starved. The word dad slid across her lips for the first time, and it felt wonderful. Forgiveness had brought her peace, and her childhood prayer had been answered.
His broad smile meant he not only heard what she said but approved. Wholeheartedly.
Chapter Sixteen
Jake was exhausted. The accident had been a horrific one that resulted in one person being airlifted to the hospital and two others taken by ambulance. The car was almost unrecognizable, and it was a wonder anyone survived. It was a reminder of the reason he’d committed to the rescue squad years ago when he first arrived back to town. It was an opportunity to use everything he learned as an ER doctor and put his skills to use out in the field, a place where he could make a difference between life and death.
Fast action saved the girl’s life after she’d been thrown from the vehicle, and Jake was grateful he’d been there to help. And thank goodness he had his father to watch Kyle when these types of situations happened. He pulled into the driveway, ready for a cup of hot coffee and a warm fire to ward off the chill that claimed his body through the long ordeal of the rescue.
He was surprised to see Gemma’s Jeep parked in front of the house. He glanced at his phone, hoping he hadn’t missed a call from his dad. He let out a sigh of relief, seeing none.
Kyle had been a handful last night, having been wound up from the carnival. And his conversation centered around Gemma. His son was more than smitten with her, and it was going to be tough to explain her absence starting tomorrow.
Not to mention his own confusion. It had been easier to dismiss his attraction to Gemma before the kiss. He loved being around her, wanted to know her better, and had started to dwell on how quiet his life would be after she left. But now, the kiss had forced him to think about her on a more personal level. He didn’t want her to go.
But he had to think of Kyle first, and Kyle wanted a new mother. Any relationship with Gemma would confuse his son, getting his hopes up for something that would never happen. Gemma’s life was in Syracuse, and he wouldn’t ask her to give it up. He wouldn’t be responsible for making her unhappy and then wanting to leave, destroying Kyle and him in the process when it happened. Jake didn’t want to admit what he knew in his heart to be true, because there was a good chance, he’d fallen in love with her.
The lengthy discussion he had with his dad this morning about leaving Kyle with Gemma at the carnival had clearly gone unheeded. Otherwise, Gemma wouldn’t be here now, and it was way past Kyle’s bedtime. His dad’s boldness knew no bounds, and he wasn’t helping Kyle or Jake in the slightest.
He'd pulled the collar of his jacket up around his neck. His pace quickened, knowing Gemma was inside. Jake had resisted kissing her for days, knowing once he did, it would change things between them. Take them to the point of no return. Gemma might have taken matters into her own hands, but they were both left to deal with the aftermath. A man could get lost in her embrace.
He let himself in the front door. The front room was empty. “Dad?” No answer.
Noises drifted toward him, the sounds coming from upstairs. With each step he took, the location of the sound became clearer, and the speaker’s voice indisputable. Gemma’s voice, soft and soothing, reading Kyle a bedtime story.
Jake paused at Kyle’s bedroom door. His heart did a somersault and then took flight when he caught of glimpse of what was going on. Gemma with a sock puppet, acting out the story, and Kyle laughing with each new sentence. Like mother and son. Homey.
Kyle seemed content. Happy.
But tomorrow, it was Jake who would be left to deal with his son’s tears. A tightness around his heart took hold, the idea of her leaving making him physica
lly hurt.
Jake coughed.
Gemma looked up; her cheeks flushed prettily.
Kyle’s face lit up when he noticed Jake. “Daddy, you home. Come sit wif us while Miss Gemma reads my bedtime story,” Kyle said, patting the edge of the bed.
Jake heard the words read and story rollout of his son’s mouth, filling him with pride. It was only a matter of time and he’d have his r’s down perfectly. Unable to resist the invitation, he slid onto the bed and snuggled up close to Kyle.
“Everything okay with my dad?” He shot Gemma a questioning glance over Kyle’s head.
“Yes, everything is fine.” Her gentle smile reassured him.
Jake relaxed and kissed his son on the head. “Don’t let me interrupt the story. Please continue.”
“We were almost finished.” Gemma started to close the book.
“No, go ahead, finish. I want to know what happens to Mr. Zucchini head. He sounds like he’s in a lot of trouble.”
“Yes, finish. Read, please?” Kyle asked, his voice soft and sweet.
“Great job with your r’s, buddy.” He ruffled the boy’s hair and tickled him. “Did Miss Gemma help you with those tonight?”
“Yup. We ran to the store and bought relish, raisins, raspberrrrys, and rice.” The words came out slow and methodical. Kyle grinned from ear to ear as he showed off his new-found ability to say the letter r.
He’d have to thank Gemma later, after Kyle had gone to bed and he found out why she was here. Not that he minded coming home to her. It felt right.
Gemma finished the story, and after several rounds of hugs and kisses, the happy-family scene ended, and a sleepy Kyle was tucked into bed for the night.
Downstairs, things were awkward without Kyle to act as a buffer. The kiss still stood between them, and they needed to talk about it. When neither one spoke, Jake took the initiative to break the silence.
“What are you doing here?” Probably not the greatest first line, but an important one.
