Читать книгу Gift-Wrapped Family - Lois Richer - Страница 9

Chapter Two

“I can’t be your legal adviser, Mia. I represent Family Ties. Our intent is to seek reparation from your husband’s estate for his daughter, Lily Jones.” Caleb swallowed. “I have a conflict of interest.”

Wasn’t that the truth? Caleb had been all gung ho to oppose Mia when he left his office this morning. Somehow in meeting her, hearing her side of the story and seeing how ill Trent had made her, he’d done an about-face. He now wanted to help Mia, but his own legal position combined with the loss and confusion filling her lovely face during their elevator ride to the twelfth floor made him feel utterly powerless.

“What are we doing here?” Mia asked.

“I have a very good friend, a lawyer, who is one of the best. That’s who we’re going to see. She’s straight as an arrow. You can trust her and I promise she’ll help you.” Caleb wished he could be the one to guide Mia through the difficult parts to come and reassure her each step of the way, though he wasn’t clear on why it suddenly seemed imperative for him to protect her. Maybe it was because he hated seeing the innocent conned and Mia was certainly innocent. He now had no doubt about that.

Bella Jourdain was the best in her field. If anyone could get Mia out of the mess her husband and his partner had made, Bella could. Once they were shown into her inner sanctum, he hugged the older woman heartily then leaned back to study her lined face.

“How come you never get older, Bella?” Caleb asked.

“Clean living, kiddo.” Her almost black eyes scanned Mia. “This is Pia’s daughter?”

Caleb introduced them. Then he laid out the problem for Bella, having received a text confirmation that his office had already faxed her most of the pertinent information on the case so she wouldn’t be completely in the dark.

“You believe the partner, Trent, has been embezzling?” Bella mused, scribbling madly.

“I suspect Harlan Granger was doing the same.” Caleb wished he could spare Mia when she frowned at him as if he’d betrayed her. He continued because it was the only path he knew to get Mia and Lily justice. “My assistant just dug up old court records indicating that Mia’s mother, Pia Standish, left an in-trust account for her daughter to be administered by Granger until Mia was twenty-one.”

“But I’m twenty-three and I’ve never heard of any account,” Mia protested.

“Exactly.” Caleb glanced at Bella, one eyebrow arched.

The older woman tapped a pencil against her lips for several seconds, then rose. “You’ll have to leave now, Caleb.”

“But I haven’t finished.” He glared at his old friend.

“You’ve finished here. You represent Family Ties and Granger’s child. We both know you can’t be privy to any further personal conferencing between me and my client. I appreciate your help, but I must protect my client and you. So it’s time for you to leave.” Bella walked to the door and pulled it open. “Sorry.”

Knowing she was right but frustrated that he hadn’t yet found the answers he sought for Lily, Caleb walked to the door.

“But he’s been helping me. I want Caleb to stay,” Mia said.

“Bella is your lawyer, Mia, and she’s very good at what she does. Her concern is your interest, and until she’s got things sorted out, you must listen to what she says,” Caleb reassured her. Funny how quickly he’d come to like Mia, how fast he’d moved from resenting her for Lily’s sake to trying to help her. “I’ll wait outside.”

“Okay.” Mia’s green gaze chided him for abandoning her.

Bella gave him an arch look before she closed the door behind him.

Caleb sat in the waiting room thinking about how vulnerable Mia seemed seated in that big austere office. Only this morning he’d been planning to try to coerce her into offering money for Lily’s care. He knew now that he wouldn’t force her into anything.

That change of heart confused Caleb. But one thing was for sure. He might feel empathy for Mia, want to help—even rescue her, but he couldn’t let any of those emotional responses sway his goal to obtain justice for Lily. She was the true innocent here. His concern for the lovely Mia, even though she’d been done wrong, could not affect his professional judgment. But why did God always allow the innocent to get hurt?

He texted his office for an update, glad to be away. Hours of fighting legal battles for clients who’d been wronged was the reason he’d chipped in for half the ranch with Lara. He’d seen it as a place to escape his work and since her death he’d been very grateful for the freedom it offered. His birth father’s appearance in Buffalo Gap last week had made him even more grateful because too many angry memories from the past now assailed him. The only way Caleb could exorcise his loathing for the man was with long horseback rides into the hills. As a kid he’d always gone out there to clear his mind. Some things never changed.

Only now when he rode the ranch he saw Lara. Would he ever forget her last words to him?

You’ve let bitterness take over your world so much, I think it’s wiped out your ability to love, Caleb. All I can feel is your hate for your father. It’s consuming you. Deepening our relationship with your hate for him between us isn’t going to work. You need to let forgiveness heal your heart before we can talk about a future together.

Forgiveness? Impossible when Caleb couldn’t rid his mind of the image of his father shoving his mom and her falling backward down the stairs. That was his last memory of her. An hour later she was dead, and his world had never been the same. Sometimes late at night, alone on the ranch, he could still hear her telling him about God, how He loved Caleb, how they had to forgive his drunken father as God forgave them.

Caleb couldn’t do it. How did a man who killed his wife deserve forgiveness? How could God forgive a sin like that? It didn’t matter that scripture insisted that God forgave no matter what. Caleb couldn’t forgive. That inability to reconcile with God ate at his soul like an acid that left only bitter wounds in its place.

His past drove Caleb to go beyond mere duty to ensure every child from Family Ties went to a home where love ruled. That was also what compelled him to find justice for sweet Lily, a delightful child whose father never bothered to know her. How could God forgive that?

Caleb’s phone chimed. He read the texted answer to his last question, then sent another. The stream of responses piqued his interest. Bella might try to shut him out of Mia’s affairs, but Caleb had contacts. He intended to use every one to find out the truth, because somewhere in this mess was Lily’s birthright.

“I can go now.”

Caleb looked up from his phone, surprised to see Mia standing in front of him. They walked to his car in relative silence, but once they were inside, the intensity of her clear green gaze focused on him.

“Thank you for taking me to Bella. She’s quite a character.” Mia continued to study him. “Is it rude to ask how you met?”

“I was her law clerk. She taught me a lot.” Caleb started the car before realizing he didn’t know where to take her. “Do you want to go home?”

“I suppose so.” The way Mia said it made Caleb think she did not relish a return to her dowdy home.

“What would you like to do?” he asked, curious about her thoughts. She looked slightly dazed, but then who wouldn’t after hearing they had a trust fund they’d never heard of, that her husband had betrayed her and that he’d left behind a child? And that wasn’t even mentioning the attempt to steal her inheritance, information that had just been confirmed.

“It’s kind of you, but I don’t want to take up any more of your time,” Mia said after a tiny hesitation. “I can take the bus from here. You don’t have to drive me home.”

“I don’t have to, no.” Caleb could see there was something on her mind. “I’m offering. Is there something else you’d like to do?”

“Yes.” The response spilled out in a rush. “I’d like to see this Riverbend Ranch you mentioned.” Her eyes softened to misty green. “A ride out of the city would be lovely. Space, freedom, nothing but green grass, hills and trees—it’s been so long since I’ve been away from home.” The light in her eyes faded. “But that’s too much to ask.”

“The place is yours. You should see it.” Caleb felt a smug satisfaction saying that. He wanted to be the one to show Mia Riverbend Ranch, to watch her eyes stretch wide with wonder, hear her breathy gasp when they drove up the circular driveway. Somehow he knew that Mia would appreciate everything about the ranch.

“Of all the things Bella explained to me, I understand this ranch business the least. Why would Harlan buy such a place and keep it a secret from me?” Her voice quavered. “I must have done something.”

“No. You did nothing, Mia.” Caleb clenched his hands on the wheel, wishing he had more to offer than paltry words to soothe her wounded heart. “It was Harlan. There was something wrong with him that made him go outside his marriage for companionship.”

“I can’t understand that, either. You’re sure he and Reba—?” Her tone told him she wanted it to be otherwise.

“I’m pretty sure. You saw the resemblance for yourself.” Caleb hated saying it, hated the hurt filling her eyes and the wash of tears. But he’d feel bad for any woman in this situation. “I’m sorry.”

“Our marriage was a sham.” Mia choked out the words. “I’d accepted that it was only because of my mother that he married me, but now I suspect he really married me to get her money.”

“Yes,” Caleb agreed.

“We had nothing in common. Harlan didn’t care about God or keeping His commandments, but this is so far from—” For a few moments she gave way to bitter tears.

Caleb wanted to fold her in his arms and soothe her, but that wouldn’t be proper. He barely knew Mia and yet he longed to make her world right? Silly and impossible. His own past had taught him that nothing could erase the betrayal she must be feeling. So he let her cry, knowing she needed the release.

“You said Lily is five?” Mia hiccupped a sob. “That means they’ve been together about as long as we’ve been married. Why stay married to me if he was in love with Reba?” She dashed a tear from her cheek. “Why not marry her? Create a family with her?”

“There’s no way you’ll ever know.” Caleb refused to restate the obvious lure of her money. He wasn’t sure she had an inkling of how much her mother had left her, but his sources told him the number was high, very high.

“He knew how much I love children,” Mia said on a sob. “I would have liked to meet Lily.” Suddenly she gulped and her eyes went dead. “I guess he thought I’d hurt—”

Caleb waited, curious about the comment.

Mia paused, licked her lips, then continued in a quieter voice, “Harlan said he never wanted to have children.”

“Judging by the amount of attention he paid Lily, I’m guessing that part was true.” Caleb frowned. I’d hurt—? Mia wouldn’t hurt a flea. He knew that for certain, though how he knew it was a question he’d ask himself later.

“If he didn’t want a child, then why—?” Her wounded voice died away.

“Maybe it was Reba’s idea. Maybe she hoped having Lily would solidify their relationship. Or maybe Lily was an accident.” He wanted to lift Mia’s spirits and wondered why it seemed so important to do that.

“I don’t believe any child is ever an accident,” Mia said firmly. “Every birth is a promise from God. I wish—I wish I could have a child.” She began to weep as though her heart was broken.

Caleb watched helplessly, thinking what a wonderful mother this caring woman would make. Somehow he knew that Mia was cut from the same cloth as his mother had been. Mia would welcome a child, make it feel loved, the most important person in her world. Mia would intrinsically know how and when to give a hug. Things Caleb lacked. Because of his father.

“May I give you some advice?” he asked when he couldn’t stand to watch her weep any longer.

“Of course.” Mia blinked away her sadness. Hope fluttered in its place.

“Harlan betrayed you. There’s nothing you can do about that. But he’s gone.” How odd it was to advise Mia to do what he couldn’t. “I’m sure you did your best to be his wife, but now you have to forget all the whys of the past and move on to what’s next.”

“What is next?” She frowned at him. “I doubt anything’s truly changed. I’ll continue designing. I like doing that. Maybe I’ll have some repairs done on the house if I can afford it.”

“Is that all?” Frustrated by her simple response, Caleb wanted Mia to widen her horizons, to think about the possibilities that could fill her life now.

“That’s quite a lot for me, actually,” Mia said pertly.

“But you could do much more.” Caleb turned off the highway toward Buffalo Gap and Riverbend Ranch. “You have opportunities now, Mia. You should take advantage of them.” When she didn’t immediately answer he glanced her way and found her studying him, a pensive look on her face.

“Opportunities like what?” she asked.

“Do you drive?”

“No. I don’t know how.” She shook her head, her amazing hair trembling with the motion. “My mother wasn’t in favor of me learning.”

“You were only seventeen then,” he reminded her. “Your mother probably thought she’d get you lessons later.”

“Maybe. Harlan didn’t want me to drive,” she said thoughtfully.

Caleb wasn’t surprised by that. Freedom to drive anywhere meant Harlan risked Mia seeing him with Reba.

“Why did you ask?” She studied him, her head tilted to one side.

“Wouldn’t now be a good time to take driving lessons? When you get your driver’s license you can buy a car.” Caleb watched her eyes flare, heard her gasp.

“I can’t afford a car!”

“I think if you ask Bella she’ll tell you that you can afford to buy a car,” he said, hiding his smile. So she still didn’t know. “Maybe two of them.”

“Why would I need two cars?” Though Mia frowned at him, she was clearly captivated by the possibility of learning to drive wherever she wanted to go. “I suppose I could learn to drive Harlan’s car, though it’s very big and fancy. I wouldn’t want fancy. I might ruin it.”

“A car can be fixed,” Caleb said, irritated that Mia was so willing to deny herself a simple thing that would bring her freedom. “If you like trees and open spaces, you should consider moving to the ranch.”

“I couldn’t do that.” Mia looked shocked by the idea. “It’s not mine.”

“It will be.” He took pity on her confusion. “I did some investigating. I was trying to figure out how to get some money for Lily from Harlan’s estate.”

“Oh.” Mia frowned at him, obviously troubled by his admission.

“I learned that the ranch is fully paid for. There is no mortgage or lien on it. Harlan is listed as the sole owner, so it will pass to you.” He paused for a moment. “If you lived there, you could have Lily visit.” He let out his pent-up breath, hoping she wouldn’t be repulsed by the idea of seeing her husband’s child.

“No, I couldn’t. I could never have Lily visit,” Mia said in a very firm tone.

Caleb stared, surprised by how adamant she sounded. He didn’t ask why. Mia’s world had already been turned upside down. He didn’t want to add to that now.

“Anyway, I thought you said she was being adopted?” she added.

“Actually, I didn’t say that. Abby Lebret runs Family Ties. She’s the one who will find Lily a home,” he said in his most calming tone. “I’m just trying to help. Don’t worry. Sooner or later Lily will have a family.”

“Everything is such a whorl.” Her confusion tugged at him. “Nothing is what I believed it to be, especially Harlan having an affair.” She blinked furiously. “I didn’t see that coming.”

“Because he didn’t want you to. Because you trusted him,” Caleb said. How could he have ever thought her capable of dissembling? “Don’t blame yourself. I’m sure he went to great lengths to make sure you didn’t suspect him.”

“Proof that I’ve been living in a fairy world.” Mia blew out a sigh that ruffled the hairs across her brow. “I feel like Alice in Wonderland after she fell down the rabbit hole. Everything is bewildering.” Fear crept across her face. “I should go home and wait until it’s all sorted out.”

“You can’t run away from the truth, Mia.” Caleb’s heart ached for her. It had to be horribly confusing to have your entire world turned upside down. “This is just a visit. You don’t have to decide anything. You’re only going to take a look at Riverbend.”

“I guess.” Mia gazed out the window with appreciation, repeatedly commenting on the glorious colors of the hillside foliage. “I wish I had my camera,” she said wistfully. “I’ll never remember these exact shades of red and orange.”

“Why do you need to?” Then Caleb remembered her paintings. “You can use my phone,” he offered, pulling to the side of the road. “I’ll email the pictures to you. You do have email?” he asked as an afterthought.

“Of course. I have to. That’s how I connect with my employers.” Mia’s impish grin made his heart rate pick up. “I don’t live completely in the Dark Ages, you know.”

“I never said—” Caleb took a second look at her face and chuckled. When he’d first met Mia he never expected her to be such a delight.

One that he wanted to know much better.

* * *

“I’ve probably drained your battery and clogged up your data space with all my pictures,” Mia said as she handed over Caleb’s phone. “But I just can’t get enough of these colors.”

“How will you transfer them to fabric?” he asked as he helped her back into his car.

“I’m not sure I can.” She smiled, feeling more carefree than she had felt in ages. “But I have to try. Those brilliant reds and oranges would make wonderful quilts combined with leafy greens and silvers, and those subtle shades of browns. Maybe if I—”

Realizing she was chattering, Mia went quiet, pretending to ignore Caleb’s searching look. He was a nice man, sometimes gruff and grouchy, but she was fairly certain that was a mask to hide his soft inside. She knew no one else who would have dived into her affairs, helped her find a lawyer and then taken her for this ride. With every mile her questions about Caleb Grant grew.

Suddenly Mia’s mind went blank as a lovely log home appeared before her, two stories with fence-post railings and a swing on the deck that exactly matched one she’d dreamed about in the days when dreams still seemed possible.

“Welcome to Riverbend Ranch,” Caleb said. She felt his stare even though she wasn’t looking at him.

“It’s so beautiful.” Mia gaped at the magnificent house. Set against a stand of dark green evergreens, the log home stood proudly, waiting to welcome whoever stepped through the massive door. She could feel its warmth and hospitality drawing her from here.

“Come on.” Caleb waited for her to exit the car, then shoved the door and grabbed her hand. “Let’s explore.”

Walking beside him, Mia felt funny, odd and yet somehow wonderful with her hand dwarfed in his. Tall, strong, dependable Caleb. Though leery of trusting anyone, she somehow felt Caleb Grant was the kind of man you could always depend on. Still, mistrust had taken root in the past few hours. She wasn’t going to depend on Caleb for anything more than some help.

“I grew up in a house like this.” He paused to gaze at the structure. “My parents still live there. I’ll take you to meet them sometime.”

Questions about Caleb’s family multiplied. Maybe someday she’d know him well enough to ask them. Her thoughts scattered at the sight of the roses climbing the railings.

“Aren’t they glorious?” Mia let go of his hand because his touch made her stomach woozy. She bent to inhale the scent of the whitest bloom. “Persians always smell the best.”

“You know roses?” Caleb looked surprised.

“I grow them in my back garden, though never as big as these.” She climbed the three front steps, turned and took in the view. “I can see for miles. So beautiful yet so odd.”

“Why odd?” Caleb sank down on one of the rockers.

“Harlan hated the outdoors, animals, anything not city. He liked sleek and modern, not oldie moldy, as he called it.” She shrugged. “Maybe he bought this place for Reba.” She turned to look at him. “Do you think so?”

“Why would he? Reba had a condo in Calgary. Besides, her name isn’t on the deed, only his. And he’s owned this place for several years.” He voiced his theory. “For the past three years there’s been an upswing in ranch sales around Buffalo Gap. I wonder if he hoped to resell this place for a nice profit over what he paid for it.”

Mia waited, realizing Caleb had something else to say.

“The local real estate agent commented that Harlan never went inside. She said he had a sheaf of papers. He walked the property while consulting his papers, then told her he’d take it.”

“Like I said—it’s odd.” Knowing Harlan hadn’t been inside made it easier for Mia to look through the windows. She gasped at the huge stone fireplace covering the end of one wall, a beautiful chandelier that sparkled in the sunlight and a lovely circular staircase. Suddenly conscious of how nosy she must seem, she backed away. “Excuse me,” she said, her cheeks burning.

“Why?” Caleb shrugged. “Don’t you want a closer look inside?”

Startled, she whirled around and asked, “Can we?”

“While you were soaking in the autumn colors I texted the caregiver and asked her to unlock it.” Caleb turned the knob, pushed the door open and waved a hand for her to enter.

“That was kind of you.” Mia walked past him, heart thudding. Caleb Grant was a very kind man, and very handsome, and very... Forcing her focus off him, she glanced around as the warmth of the house enfolded her like a comfortable quilt.

“Do you like it?” Caleb asked quietly.

“Who wouldn’t? This is what a real home feels like.” Mia ran her hands along a log, reveling in its satin smoothness. She gazed up at the vaulted ceiling. “The details are spectacular.”

“It’s big, I’ll say that.” Caleb strolled through the front room into a dining room and then the kitchen. Mia followed him, mentally placing her few precious items here and there. “Like it?” he asked, stopping in the kitchen.

“What’s not to like?” The big sunny room overlooked a backyard with a screened gazebo, a fountain and a child’s play set—for Lily, the child Harlan never wanted? The child she could never have. That hurt too much so Mia refocused. “The patio has a place for campfires and picnics.” Her mind immediately began envisioning a fall campfire and the scent of burning leaves.

“Look at this room.” Realizing Caleb had moved on, Mia followed his voice. “I think it’s a family room, but the windows give it amazing light. You could paint in here.”

“Plus, there’s another fireplace to make it cozy.” Riverbend was like the house Mia had once cut out of a magazine and dreamed of ever since, though she’d never dared pray for it. That was too much to ask when she didn’t have anyone to share it with, not even a husband now. “It’s a family home.”

“It could be.” Caleb insisted she inspect the four upstairs bedrooms. Each boasted a fantastic view. “It’s a nice place,” he said when they returned to the front porch.

“Nice?” His simple words jerked Mia from her bemusement. She sat on the porch swing and used her toe to push back and forth. “It’s amazing. But I can’t understand why Harlan bought it. It’s not his type of home at all.” She glanced at Caleb and felt her cheeks burn. “At least I didn’t think it was. I guess I didn’t really know him at all.”

“Forget Harlan. I’m starving. Let’s go have lunch.” A moment later they were heading down a gravel road into town. Caleb pointed out different houses and named neighbors. “I live about four miles in that direction,” he said, pointing.

“On a ranch.” Mia heard the squeak in her own voice. Caleb must have heard it, too, but he simply nodded. “I didn’t think of you as a rancher,” she said. “I guess that makes me a bad judge of character again.”

“Actually you’re right. I’m not a rancher.” He didn’t look at her as he said, “I bought the ranch with a friend, as a sort of investment. Lara was Reba’s sister.”

Mia jerked upright, surprised he’d known Harper’s secretary. Some suspicious gremlin in her head warned that Caleb was still a stranger.

“Lara was a veterinarian. The ranch was to be a refuge for injured or displaced animals.”

“It’s not that now?” Mia asked, sensing something had saddened him.

“It was Lara’s dream. I’ve tried to keep her dream going, but I’m failing. I finally took my mom’s advice and listed the place last week.” Caleb pulled into a parking space in the small town. “Brewsters is a good place to eat,” he said, his voice flat, emotionless.

Mia got out of the car, her mind trying to piece together the puzzle of Caleb Grant. This Lara must have been important to him. His voice had softened when he said her name, a trace of fondness lingering as he spoke of her.

Brewsters turned out to be a homey diner with tantalizing aromas filling the air. Most of the lunch crowd had left when a woman Caleb introduced as Paula Brewster greeted them and took their orders. Mia was about to sip her tea when an older woman bustled over and swallowed Caleb in a hug.

“You should have told me you’d be here, honey. I’d have changed my plans and shared lunch with you.” The woman turned sharp inquisitive eyes on Mia. “Hello.”

“This is Mia Granger, Mom. Mia, this is my mother and the town’s mayor, Marsha Grant.”

“Granger?” The woman frowned. “Any relation to Harlan Granger?”

“Mia was his wife.” Caleb shook his head at his mother so subtly that Mia almost missed it. It seemed like a warning. “We were just looking at Riverbend.”

“It’s a gorgeous place. Too bad no one’s living there. It needs a family.” Marsha fluttered her hand at someone near the door. “I’d love to stay and visit, but I have a council meeting. Welcome to Buffalo Gap, Mia. I’m sorry about your husband, but I hope you come back again. Bye, dear.” She brushed a kiss against Caleb’s bristly cheek and then hurried away.

“Your mother seems very nice,” Mia said politely.

“She’s actually my foster mother and she is nice. Also nosy. I’ll be inundated with questions about you later on.” Caleb didn’t seem worried. In fact, a small smile curved his lips.

Foster mother? Mia hesitated a moment, then asked, “Did your family have problems?”

“You could say that.” His harsh laugh shocked her but not as much as his words. “My father murdered my mother. Marsha became my foster mother. She and her husband, Ben, later adopted me. Your mother made sure my father could never get custody of me again.”

* * *

Caleb watched shock fill Mia’s face and wondered why he’d felt the need to tell her the truth so harshly. His personal story was bad enough, but there was no need to couch it in such bitter terms, except that for the third time this week he’d just glimpsed his birth father here in Buffalo Gap, this time right across the street from Brewsters. In a flash the same old anger had bubbled up inside and splashed all over poor Mia.

“I’m sorry.” Her lovely green eyes grew misty with suppressed emotion as she touched his hand in a brief gesture of sympathy. “That must have been very hard for you.”

“I managed.” No way was he going to dump the rest of his sordid life on her. “Marsha and Ben were a godsend. I even got a sister out of the deal. Cindy’s a social worker in Calgary. She and Abby have worked together on several cases at Family Ties.”

Their food arrived. Caleb dug into his soup and sandwich with gusto until he noticed Mia picking at hers.

“Is something wrong with it?” Feeling helpless at the sight of her tears, he said, “Mia—”

“I’m being silly.” She sniffed and forced a smile. “It’s just that I haven’t eaten out in such a long time. Harlan said we had to save money—” He saw anger flash in those green eyes before she looked down. “Anyway, it’s very nice of you to bring me here.”

Caleb’s heart pinched at those words. She was grateful for a meal out? It emphasized the solitary life Mia had led. How could Harlan Granger have treated this sweet woman so shabbily?

“Now I’ve ruined your lunch.” She groaned. “I’m sorry.”

“Nothing’s ruined.” He studied her for a moment. “I want to ask you something, Mia, but I don’t know if I should.”

Her smile flickered nervously. “What is it?”

“Since you’re here in Buffalo Gap anyway, would you like to visit Lily?” Caleb held his breath as he waited for her answer.

“I don’t know.” Mia’s fearful look returned.

“We wouldn’t have to tell her exactly who you are,” he reassured her. “It’s just that with her mother gone she gets lonely and...” He let it trail away, knowing he was asking too much when Lily was her husband’s child with another woman. “Never mind.”

“Actually, I think I would like to see her, as long as you’ll be there.” Mia played with her teacup. “Maybe seeing her would bring some sense to this strange day.”

“Great!” Caleb found himself grinning. “Lily’s a sweet girl. This was Reba’s hometown. She used to come back and visit Lara a lot, so folks in town got to know Lily. In fact, over the years almost everyone in town has taken a turn babysitting her.”

“Even you?” Mia studied him from beneath her lashes.

“Even me,” he agreed quietly, remembering the fun times he and Lara had spent with Lily. “Her aunt and I used to date so Lily calls me her uncle.”

“Used to date?” Mia stared at him, waiting.

“Lara died six months ago.” He met her gaze and saw questions widening her eyes.

“Oh. Where does Lily live now?” He thought Mia played with her cup to hide her expressions.

“Officially I’m her guardian. Lara and Reba lost their parents years ago, so Lily’s staying with a woman named Hilda Vermeer, a foster mother.” He grimaced. “She was a real tartar when I was a kid, but she’s mellowed a lot since. I think Lily feels safe with her.”

“Children should feel safe,” Mia murmured almost to herself.

“Your mother said that to me once.” Caleb figured it was unlikely that Harlan would talk about his former partner. He thought Mia must feel starved for details about her mother. Again that desire to protect her bloomed inside him.

“She protected you from your father,” Mia said thoughtfully. “Maybe that’s why she arranged for me to marry Harlan, to keep me safe.”

Not Pia’s best decision, Caleb mused, given the jerk Harlan turned out to be.

“It’s past three,” he said after checking his watch. “Lily will be home from kindergarten. I could phone Hilda, ask her if we could come over.” He waited, certain that if Lily and Mia could form a bond, chances were that Mia might agree to support Harlan’s child and legal action against the estate wouldn’t be necessary.

And you wouldn’t feel so guilty for not adopting Lily yourself.

“I don’t know.” Hesitation was written all over her face. But something dark and fearful also lurked in her eyes, something Caleb didn’t understand.

“It doesn’t have to be a long visit,” he encouraged. “I drop in to see her most days. You can say hello.” She didn’t look convinced, so he pushed harder. “Don’t you want to see Harlan’s child?”

“Yes, but—” A nerve ticked in her cheek “You don’t understand.” She glanced sideways at him, then sighed heavily. “Today has been full of surprises.”

“I know. It hasn’t been easy for you and this must have come as quite a shock. But surely meeting a five-year-old girl doesn’t scare you.” Caleb immediately regretted those words because it was clear Mia was panicking at meeting Lily. “I’ll be right there,” he soothed. “We can leave whenever you want.”

That seemed to ease her fears. “You’re sure?”

“It’s just a meeting, that’s all.”

“As long as you stay. I can’t be alone with her,” Mia said, her voice raspy.

“Hilda and I will both be there.” He smiled. “I’m so glad you’re doing this. You’ll love Lily.” Caleb made the call and after a few minutes’ drive they were at Hilda’s.

Caleb saw Mia’s face soften when she caught sight of the little girl sitting in a corner of the porch. She studied Lily intensely, taking in every detail of her stepdaughter.

“Welcome. I’ve made us some iced tea. It’s so lovely today we’ll drink it on the porch,” Hilda said after Caleb had introduced Mia.

He wasn’t surprised to see Lily hang back. Since her mother’s death she’d become unsure and tentative about most things. He hated the way the little girl clung to Hilda’s skirt as if fearing she’d be abandoned again. Caleb knew he wasn’t capable of giving her what she needed, but he had a hunch Mia could, if she would.

“Iced tea would be lovely. Thank you.” Mia smiled. The warmth in her words reached Hilda’s heart judging by Hilda’s wide smile.

“Have a seat. It won’t take me a minute.” The older woman bustled inside.

Caleb knew Lily would have preferred to follow Hilda, but that would have meant walking in front of Mia, thereby revealing her damaged leg. He felt his heart squeeze with regret, saddened to see the formerly bubbly child now standing silent in the corner, dark blue eyes riveted on Mia. He struggled to find a conversation opener and came up blank.

“It’s a lot of hair, isn’t it?” Mia mused aloud, reaching a hand to her head. Though she didn’t actually look at Lily, it was obvious the child was the target of her remark. “Sometimes I wish it was shorter like yours. Your hair is so pretty. Those ribbons are perfect.” Mia caught her own hair in her hand and tried to twist it into a ponytail like Lily’s.

“You look like a clown.” Lily promptly burst into the giggles.

“I know.” Mia pulled out a small tablet and a pen from her purse and began sketching a clown with big curly hair, a bulbous red nose and striped balloon pants. “Like this?” she asked, holding out the pad.

Clever, Caleb silently applauded. Why had Mia been afraid when she was so obviously at ease with children?

Mia held the drawing so that Lily had to move nearer to get a good look, which meant she awkwardly shifted her leg. Mia didn’t seem to notice. Instead, she kept drawing, adding to the sketch. In moments Lily was fully vested in the picture, pointing out areas that needed enhancement.

“Can you draw a dog, a brown one?” Lily asked.

“I’ll try.” Mia began sketching until under Lily’s tutelage the face of a chocolate Lab appeared.

“It’s perfect.” Lily grinned. “That’s the dog I want. And I’m going to call him Mr. Fudge.”

“That’s a great name,” Mia said. “Who doesn’t like fudge?”

The air left Caleb’s chest in a rush of relief. This relationship was going to be a success. Mia would make it so because that was the kind of woman she was: caring, gentle and full of love just waiting to be expressed. Maybe her fear had to do with Lily’s father, and yet he saw no fear in Mia now, just a sweet spirit that Lily was warming to. He’d been right to bring them together.

He studied the two heads, one so dark, one shimmering with light, just like her mother’s. He had a hunch that Mia would one day make some lucky child an incredible mother. Some child—like Lily?

Caleb seldom prayed anymore. God seemed too far away. But this afternoon the soundless plea slipped from his heart.

Can You find Lily a new mom, God?

As Lily’s giggles filled the air, Caleb couldn’t think of anyone he’d rather see her with than sweet, gentle Mia.