by Lynn Landes
Abby rushes downstairs and heads straight for Delta’s door. “Wait, Abigail. Delta needs her sleep, you'll have all day with her.” Abby frowns and grins in delight when Sasha hears her and rushes to get a hug.
“Who’s a good girl, Sasha is, yes you are,” Abby baby talks and Sasha flops down and rolls over for a belly rub. Daniel laughs at the two of them and takes a pan of cinnamon rolls out of the oven.
“Daddy, I think I'm gonna stay with you instead of flying to Moms. Would that be okay?” She asks, not looking at him. Daniel carefully places the hot cinnamon rolls on a plate and moves to look at her.
“Abby, your Mom has been planning this trip for months. Don’t you want to see her?” He asks, walking over with his coffee.
Not looking at him, Abby rubs the soft fur of Sasha’s chest. She picks up Sasha’s paw and stares at it. “I do, but what about you and Delta? What if you need me?”
Daniel smiles at her. “I will always need you. I need your beautiful smile to light my day, I need your perfect hugs to fill my soul, but what I need most is for you to experience life. To be happy and find joy, that fills a need that is important too. I would like for you to go on your trip and be with your Mom. When you get back, Delta will be healed, and perhaps we can talk her into a horseback trail ride?”
Abby's eyes light up. “Do you think so? Once she sees Montana country, she'll never leave.”
Daniel is surprised. “Would you like for her to stay?”
Abby shrugs her shoulders lightly. “I like her and Sasha, but I especially like the way you glow when you’re around her. She makes you happy, Daddy.”
Daniel doesn’t trust himself to speak. His daughter is so perceptive. “I’ll tell you a secret, Abigail.” He leans forward, “I like her too, and I hope she stays, we'll just have to do everything we can to make that happen.”
“She won't stand a chance against the Matthews charm,” Abby says with a laugh, and Daniel roars with laughter. He jerks her into his arms and tickles her while Sasha bounces around them, licking Abby and trying to get in on the action.
Delta closes the cracked door and leans against it as she whispers, “God, I know you're listening. Thank you for guiding me to these people. Help me to have an open heart and trust in your plan for my life.” She limps back to the bed and sits slowly on the edge. If she genuinely is going to give this a chance, she needs to trust them with her secrets and let them know who she really is.
A half hour later she joins them for breakfast and coffee. Abby asks her advice on what to pack. Daniel checks her bandage on her leg and helps her apply a fresh dressing. “Thank you,” Delta asks for her laptop when the security crew shows up.
From the kitchen, they go over the plans for the house. The crew will be adding wireless sensors to every window and door. Glass breakage for all the windows and they even goes over a plan for how the two keypads work. One is installed downstairs and one in the hallway upstairs. Daniel, Delta, and Abby are all given a chance to try it. After Daniel goes out to the barn to go over the plans for that building, Delta sits and works on her book for an hour.
Abby brings down her suitcase and one carry on backpack. “My flight is at ten in the morning. Mom is taking me to see the rodeo. I can’t wait.”
“I’ve never been to a rodeo, it must be exciting,” Delta says and saves the document before shutting down her computer.
“If you are here this fall, you could go with us to the one in town,” Abby says glancing at Delta.
“That’s really sweet of you. I will look at my schedule. I only rented Sarah Janes cabin until the beginning of October.”
“I’m sure Grandpa will let you stay longer,” Abby says quickly.
Delta grins at Abby, “Let’s ask him over dinner.”
“Okay, we should make some brownies. He loves a brownie sundae. Will you help me?” Abby asks.
“Of course. I love to bake, but my boys would rather eat, then cook.” Delta sits at the bar, with her leg elevated on a bar stool, while Abby follows her directions. Soon the house is filled with the scent of fresh brownies cooking.
“You have two sons?” Abby asks.
“Look,” Delta pulls out her cell phone and shows pictures of them to Abby.
“That’s cool. They look nice.”
“They’re awesome. I get to see them over Easter. They are flying here to be with me. You can meet them if you’d like.”
“I’d love that.”
Delta offers to French braid Abby’s hair and paints her nails while they wait. Daniel walks in and smiles at them. They are sitting together at the kitchen island and laughing over something. “What are you two conspiring over?” Daniel asks pressing a kiss to Abby’s head.
“Chocolate,” Delta says, smiling at him.
“Is that what I smell?” He moves into the kitchen to smell the brownies cooling on the counter. “Mmm, maybe I should test them and see if they are edible?”
“Trust me, they aren’t,” Delta grins and grabs her crutches to walk across to the door. Staring out at the crew working on the barn, she squeals when Daniel sweeps her up into his arms.
“Daniel! You scared me to death.”
Abby grabs the crutches to keep them from falling.
“I’m going to take you to the cabin to get your stuff while the security crew is here to watch over the house.”
“I’ll help!” Abby grabs the door and Sasha’s leash.
Delta is laughing with embarrassment when he steps through the door. “Put me down, I can walk, for goodness sake.” She should really protest more, but his mouth is so close, and his arms feel so good. “Daniel?” He turns to look at her and stops walking while Abby runs ahead.
“It’s been hours since you kissed me…” she teases and threads her hands in his hair.
“Can’t have that, can we?” His kiss pours through her soul and washes away all fear, worry, and regret. Soft, tender and full of promise, it's a perfect moment in time.
Daniel continues walking until they reach the deck. Abby waits, smiling and holds out her crutches. “Thanks, sweetie.”
“Let's get this done quickly,” Daniel states. Abby and Sasha race to the top of the stairs and down the hall as he follows Delta on her crutches.
“I only have two suitcases and two garment bags. You already moved my laptop.” She hops over to the bottom of the stairs, only to glance up and back at him. “Well?” She asks.
“Oh, so now you want to be in my arms?” He teases, as he picks her up gently.
“Always, Daniel.” She puts her head on his shoulder and sighs while he walks up the steps and into the room.
“That's the plan, beautiful,” he laughs at her startled look. Placing her on the bed, they carry out clothes while she packs up.
It only takes a few minutes to pack her two bags and grab the hanging bags. “I need the box out of the closet.” Daniel spies a box on the ground and carries it out to put on the bed next to Delta. She smiles at the curious look on their faces. What will they think? Resting a hand on top of the box she looks up at Daniel and then at Abby.
“Okay, so I haven't been completely honest with you.” Chewing on her bottom lip, she realizes that she is terrified to tell them. Her hands start to shake, and her stomach fills with butterflies.
Abby moves closer to her Dad and takes his hand. “You can tell us anything, Delta,” Abby says, “Right Dad?” she nudges him.
“Of course.”
“I'll need you to promise that what I'm about to tell you must be kept secret.” They both nod eagerly. Delta takes a deep breath and blows it out. She lifts the lid and inside is the fifteen original hardback copies of her books. Of all the things she could travel without, these are the one thing she didn’t want to go six months without.
Daniel frowns and looks at Abby. “Ooh, I love books,” Abby says, reaching inside and lifts one up.
“The Angel’s Covenant by D. D. Knight?” Daniel reads and then looks over at her and a slow smile sp
reads.
“No?” He gasps in disbelief.
Delta blushes and stands up without her crutches. He reaches into the box, lifting the book, after, book and glances at her. She has lost all the color in her face, and he realizes that she is waiting for him to say something.
“You’re telling me that you are the infamous, D. D. Knight? The bestselling author that the world is trying to discover?” Delta glances at Abby, who is looking at all the covers and back at Delta.
“I am. My name is Delta Dawn Knight. Knight is my grandmother's maiden name.”
“That’s incredible, Delta!” Daniel hugs her and laughs. “I can’t wait to tell my Dad. We love your books. We’ve had many arguments over who wrote them. This is unbelievable!”
Delta lets out a breath and looks at Abby. “I’m glad you think so. Only four people on this planet know my secret. Now there are six.”
“Why lie about it Delta?” Abby asks with a frown as she replaces the books in the box. Daniel is shocked at her question but waits for Delta to explain. He is curious too, why the secrecy?
Delta sits on the edge of the bed and lifts her book out. “When I first started writing, I never dreamed it would turn into something like this. When it became obvious that this series was a huge hit, I had two young boys, and I was afraid of what would happen to our lives if everyone knew. Phillip, my editor, warned me that 'with fame comes chains.' My boys didn't ask for this, but I've always wanted to be an author. It was my way of protecting our family. Do you understand?” Abby listens closely and smiles.
“Yes, I do.” Abby walks over and touches Delta’s cheek, “Thank you for sharing your secret with us. I promise not to tell anyone.” Delta’s heart falls hard for this little girl with her Daddy’s eyes. Tears fill her eyes as she hugs her close and thanks her.
“Hey, what about me?” Daniel says. Delta grabs his hand and laughs. “It feels good to tell you both.”
Later over brownie sundaes, Delta watches as Daniel tells Chase her secret. “Hey Dad, Delta has a secret to tell you.”
“Chase I wasn't really truthful when I told you that I was just a blogger,” Delta stutters, “I, I… this is harder than I thought it would be.”
“Delta is D. D. Knight, the famous author!” Abby squeals and jumps up and down. Chase's mouth drops open, and he stares at her in shock.
“Truly?” he asks.
“It’s true,” Delta answers.
“Yes!” Chase does a fist pump and glares at his son, “You owe me fifty bucks, boy. I knew D. D. Knight was a female!” Delta laughs until tears spill free.
He takes it really well, considering everything they've been through. Then he proceeds to badger her about book three. Delta can't remember when she's been so relaxed. “Are you gonna ask her?” Chase demands before he leaves for the night.
Daniel tries to shove him out the door before she can respond. “Ask me what?” Delta asks as Chase grins and pushes his son back.
“If you will autograph his copies of your books.” Daniel shoves him out and slams the door while Delta laughs out loud. When the door opens, Chase pops his head back through, “You owe me, son, I will collect tomorrow.” Daniel throws a pillow at the door while Chase laughs.
“I’ll take Abby to the airport tomorrow. Have her ready at seven,” he calls before he leaves.
Delta stares at him as he begins to straighten up the living room. “Daniel? Are you going to ask me?” She taunts him.
He glares at her and stomps into the kitchen to clean up, while she laughs. “I haven't laughed this much in years, thank you,” she says wiping her eyes. Daniel smiles at her and sets the alarm for the house before sitting next to her on the couch.
“Good. Now that we are finally alone,” he takes her hand, “when is book three coming out?”
Delta leans back with a laugh, but he isn't smiling. “I'm serious, when?” She bites her lip to keep from laughing. “Will the Covenant stand? Who lives?” he asks.
“If you’re a good boy, I might let you read the first ten chapters…” she traces a finger down his cheek.
“Name your price, woman,” he says leering at her. “How about a hot oil massage?” Delta’s smile fades.
“Don't tease me like that, Daniel. My whole body aches,” he just stares at her, before lifting her leg up onto his lap and begins rubbing her foot. Her groan of pleasure has him grinning.
Delta leans up and pokes him in the chest. “Feet, calves and shoulders?”
“You run a hard bargain, Delta. Where is it?” His lip curls in a satisfied smirk.
“Are you serious? Right now?” Delta laughs when he pushes her leg off his lap and glances at her laptop.
“Daniel, it's password protected,” he frowns slowly lifting her foot back into his lap.
“Work first, play later…” she teases and wiggles her toes. Daniel proved to be as good as his word. He rubs her calves and feet, and by the time he's done, she's nodding off in his lap.
“Delta, what’s your password?” He asks nudging her.
“Do I get a rain check?” She asks only to giggle when he pokes her foot. “It’s Shepherd39, the file is called “Blood Covenant,” she yawns, sitting up, she glances at him nervously while he settles down to read.
“This is a rough draft, Daniel.”
“Mmhmm,” he says, ignoring her.
“Very rough draft. I mean Phillip hasn’t even read it yet.” Delta is so nervous what if he hates it? Will he tell her the truth or sugar coat it? “I haven’t written in two years,” she scoots closer to him on the couch tempted to rip the computer from his lap.
“Delta, do you trust me?” Daniel asks quietly.
Her eyes fly open wide as she thinks about the question. “I just told you my greatest secret, of course, I do, but,”
“No buts, go to bed. I promise to be brutally honest.”
Delta wrings her hands together and reaches for her computer. “This is a bad idea, don’t you have to go to work tomorrow?”
Daniel grabs her hand and presses a kiss to one. “It’s only ten p.m. and Dad is going to handle my work for the next week. Go to bed Delta and let me read.” Daniel waits for her to make up her mind.
“Fine, but just remember that everything you say or do may be used against you in my next book.” She grabs her crutches and walks to the bedroom while he laughs softly.
“Sweet dreams, Delta.”
Chapter 11
Zach glares at Melody through the trees and sighs.
“Bitch! She needs to pay,” she sneers.
This is not how he planned to spend his Sunday morning. Mel snuck out of the hotel and had someone drop her off down the road from the Matthews family home. She hiked to watch from the cover of the trees as the security crew worked on the house and barn installing a high-tech system. When Daniel carried Delta laughing from his house Melody slams her binoculars into the tree shattering the glass in them.
“Mel, this has to stop!” Zach grabs her arm and begins dragging her back to the jeep. “What are you doing here?” He shoves her into the front seat and slams the door. Climbing into the front seat, he starts the engine and glances at her.
“She needs to bleed,” Melody hisses turning in her seat to try to see them.
“That's it! I'm taking you to see Dr. Michael.” He pulls onto the road and Melody whips around to look at him. Fear fills her eyes, and she shakes her head and moans, “No.”
“Do you want to go back to that place, Mel?” She presses her hands to her temples and pushes.
“No, please, Zach, I can’t go back there!” The last time she was institutionalized for six weeks for multiple issues, including schizophrenia. The medication works if she stays on it. Amazingly, it controls the delusions, but when she quits taking it, the symptoms grow worse.
“Okay, then let me help you,” he pleads. Zach’s family took care of her after her mother’s drug overdose when she was ten. He loves his cousin like a little sister, but he can’t take it a
nymore. This has to stop now before she truly hurts someone. Dropping off that woman in the woods was a stupid mistake. He knew it was the wrong thing to do, but he told himself that she would be fine. No more.
“I love you Zacky,” she whispers and reaches for his hand. He takes it and squeezes gently. “You’re always there for me. Please, let’s go to the hotel and get my meds. I just needed to see that they were okay. I never meant for anyone to get hurt, Zach. I had no way of knowing a bobcat was going to attack her.”
‘Too bad she didn’t bleed out on the mountain,’ the voices teases in her mind.
“What about the bear?” Zach asks.
“Do you really think I had a bear in my pocket? Come on Zach.” Her brown eyes are incredulous as she looks at him. “That's ridiculous. She left food outside. That's a typical city girl thing. I swear I had nothing to do with that. Tell me you believe me.”
“I don’t know what to think, anymore. I just want you to be happy, okay. I’m going to call Dr. Michaels.”
“I understand, but we can’t see him tonight anyway. Tomorrow is Monday, we can call his office for an appointment first thing in the morning.”
Zach nods his head in agreement. “Alright, good. You'll feel better after your medication.” He sighs in relief. “Maybe now we can move forward with things. I have a couple thousand saved up. It's time to make some changes and get a fresh start. I've been looking for a job in Colorado. You like to ski, right?” He grips her hand and squeezes it gently.
“Anything you want, Zach.” She closes her eyes and takes a deep breath. “Perhaps you’re right, it’s time for a change.”
Zach’s relief is instantaneous. “Good, I'm tired of shoveling horse shit, anyway.” Pulling back into the cheap drive up motel he smiles and parks. As soon as they get inside, he starts packing his bag. “Take your meds, while I load our stuff. In the morning we will check out, okay?” He gives her the pill and a bottle of water. “It isn't a bad drive to Colorado. We can find a nice rental near the resorts, and I'm sure you can get a job there.”
“Thanks, Zach.” Melody pops the pill, and when he turns around to grab his suitcase, she picks up the lamp and hits him across the back of his head. Zach crumples to the ground as she spits out the pill with a giggle.