“So what are we doing?” Gemma asked, fighting the tears and exhaustion that wanted to envelop her. All she wanted to do was rest for a moment. The shock of seeing Gianni’s girlfriend had kicked her adrenaline levels into the stratosphere and now she was experiencing a comedown which threatened to send her crashing to the floor.
“We are going to the museum and the library. I took a look at your necklace, it’s old, so maybe there’s a chance, as slim chance,” he warned, “that there might be a record of it here in Bear Creek. You said your father gave it to your mom?”
Gemma nodded. “Yes.”
“So if we trace your family, we might be able to link the necklace to them and then to you.” Simon looked pleased with himself.
“Or my dad could have picked it up in a pawn shop.”
“That is a possibility. But we have nothing to lose in trying.” He shrugged. “If that fails, I’ll just fight Gianni to the death.”
“Don’t even joke about that.” Gemma rubbed her hand over her stomach. “I don’t want anything to happen to you. My baby deserves a father and I choose you.”
“You think I’ll lose?” Simon asked with a wry smile.
“Yes. Whether you are the victor or not, you would lose either your life or your freedom.” They pulled into the parking lot outside the museum and as Simon switched off the engine, Gemma turned toward him and took hold of his hand. “I want you to solemnly swear you will not fight Gianni.”
“I can’t promise you that,” Simon insisted. “What if I have to fight him to protect you?”
“I’m not worth the risk,” she told him.
Simon shook his head. “I can’t promise you.” He stroked her cheek and leaned forward, kissing her lips. “I love you too much. You and the baby are everything to me.”
She sighed and nuzzled his neck, wanting this all to be over. “Just promise me you won’t do anything rash or hot-headed.”
“I can promise you that.” He kissed her again, a deep, longing kiss that spoke of promises of love and a future together. Gemma wished she could return his declaration of love, but she didn’t know how she felt. Could a person love someone in such a short space of time? Was it possible that she could open her heart to him and let him in without truly knowing him?
Or did she already know enough? Simon was willing to lay down his life for her and the baby.
“Then let’s go find the proof we need to get rid of Gianni without bloodshed.” Gemma pulled back from Simon, although she spent a long moment taking in his features, from his crow’s feet crinkles to his dark brown eyes, flecked with amber under his silver-wolf hair. That’s how she thought of him now. Not a silver fox, but a silver wolf.
Her silver wolf.
Simon wrapped an arm around her shoulders and held her close as they walked across the parking lot to the steps of the museum. The building, with its gargoyles looking down on them, was even more impressive in the light. She couldn’t imagine anyone living here, and yet this had once been someone’s home. Gemma much preferred the cozy, comfortable home she would share with Simon and the baby.
As they reached the top of the steps, Simon pushed open the large ornate doors and led her inside. In here, they hoped to find the answers they were looking for. If not, what would the future hold for them?
“This way.” Simon guided her toward the stairs leading up to the gallery. “I called Thorn, he and George are waiting for us.”
“They’ve agreed to help?” Gemma asked in relief.
“Yes, it didn’t take much arm twisting.” Simon grinned. “None at all, really. They like a good treasure hunt.”
“Only this one is in reverse.” Gemma took the steps one at a time, pausing halfway up as her stomach muscles tightened like a corset. “I need a moment.”
“Is the baby coming?” Simon held her hand and rubbed her back as she leaned on the stair rail.
“No, it’ll pass in a moment.” She breathed deeply in through her nose and out through her mouth.
Simon stood by her side, lending her strength with his presence. Gemma was glad she would not be doing this alone. To have the love and support of someone so kind and caring by her side would make labor a lot easier. She’d never admitted to herself just how terrifying the prospect of giving birth in a strange hospital in a strange town was.
“Ready?” Simon asked as Gemma straightened up.
She nodded, her knees trembling as she took a step forward and then began to climb the rest of the stairs. “Nearly there.” She focused on the top of the stairs, willing her body to keep going.
“Through here.” Simon guided her through the art gallery, not giving her a moment to stop and admire the paintings. One day she would love to come back and look at each one.
“More stairs.” Gemma groaned as she looked at the spiral staircase.
“I can ask them to come down here,” Simon suggested.
“No, I can do it.” She placed her hand on her lower back and then began the steep ascent.
“I could carry you,” Simon offered.
“Thanks for the offer, but I think I can manage.” Focusing on the curve of the wall, and intrigued to know what Thorn’s office looked like, she willed herself to put one foot in front of the other.
When they reached the top, Thorn stood in the doorway, beckoning them in. “Sorry you had to come up here, but it’s private and no one drops by just in passing.”
“I can see why.” Gemma took his offered hand and Thorn pulled her the rest of the way. “Thanks.”
“Come in and sit down.” Thorn indicated the two chairs across from his desk. George was seated in another chair to the side of the desk. They looked like members of a secret gang. “Simon told us you need to trace your father’s history.”
“I do.” Gemma glanced at Simon, unsure how much Simon had told his friends.
“Okay, Gemma, for us to help, we need all the information you can give us on your father and his time here in Bear Creek.” George picked up a pen and paper, ready to take notes. “Whatever you say stays between us.”
“My father’s name was Tyler Scarrow. From what my mom knew of him, he lived here in Bear Creek until he was in his twenties, then he moved away. He met my mom and they had a brief affair. My mom thought they would be together forever, then he broke off their relationship. When she found out she was pregnant, she tried to find him, but my dad had disappeared without a trace.” She gave a tight smile. “Sorry, that doesn’t help much.”
“It does,” George said gently. “We can figure out a timescale of when he was here, and we can start to trace his family.”
Thorn began working on the computer. “I’ve pulled up the museum records and the library archives. I’m going to start a search for Tyler Scarrow. It takes a few minutes to start collating the information.”
“We also have this.” Simon produced the necklace and set it down on the desk. “Tyler gave this to Gemma’s mom.”
George gave a low whistle as Thorn picked it up and took a closer look. “These are real diamonds and rubies.”
“It is valuable.” Thorn examined it closely.
Simon glanced across at Gemma and raised an eyebrow, as if asking for permission to tell the rest of the story. Gemma gave a brief nod. This was not the time for holding back. “Gianni’s girlfriend has come to town and implied that she sent this necklace to the animal shelter for the auction.” Simon watched Thorn’s and George’s reactions.
“She accused you, or the shelter, of stealing the necklace?” Thorn asked. “That could ruin both your reputation and that of the shelter.”
“Exactly.” Simon went on. “That’s why we’re here. We need to prove that the necklace and these matching earrings belonged to Gemma’s father. It would give us a direct link that anyone would find hard to refute.”
“Have you ever seen any photographs of a woman perhaps wearing these jewels?” Gemma asked hopefully.
George shook his head. “I’ve looked through every paintin
g and photograph in the museum, but I don’t recall seeing these before. Of course, that isn’t to say such a thing doesn’t exist. I may simply have forgotten or not thought it was important.”
“I have something,” Thorn said, excitement building in his voice.
“My father?” Gemma asked nervously.
“He went to school here in Bear Creek.” Thorn ran his finger along a list on the screen. “His parents are Carl and Rosita Scarrow. They lived on a farm near Downside. I believe the place is derelict now.”
“Are they still alive?” Gemma asked, unsure if they would want to meet her if they were alive and still living in Bear Creek.
“I need to search again for that information,” Thorn tapped on the keyboard again and waited for the results.
“What do we do about this Gianni character if we can’t prove the necklace and earrings belong to Gemma?” George, who Gemma had thought a mild-mannered gentleman, gripped his pen so tightly she could see the whites of his knuckles.
“Let’s decide that when we are out of all other options,” Simon said evasively.
Gemma was hoping that wasn’t going to happen anytime soon when Thorn suddenly said, “Mrs. Rosita Scarrow still lives in Bear Creek.”
“She does?” Gemma asked hoarsely, her voice robbed by the tension in her body as her stomach muscles contracted. The Braxton Hicks were getting more frequent. Maybe Dani was right about her being close to labor, or maybe the baby was fed up with all this excitement.
“Rosita lives in a retirement home between Bear Creek and Bear Bluff,” Thorn read off the computer.
“Then let’s go. We can show her the necklace and earrings.” Simon carefully picked up the jewelry and stood up, while Gemma wearily climbed to her feet.
Perhaps they would find answers with Rosita. Or perhaps this was another waste of time. There was only one way to know for sure.
“We’ll stay here and do more research,” Thorn offered. “Call us if you find out anything that might help.”
“Will do,” Simon said and escorted her out of the room.
At least gravity would help her walk down the stairs, Gemma thought as she gripped the handrail tight and began the descent, not knowing where this journey would take her.
Was she ready to find out the truth about her father?
Chapter Twelve – Simon
Simon walked slowly down the sweeping staircase, holding Gemma’s hand as she stepped down each stair with care. She was tired, he could see it in her pinched features and the way she hung on him for strength.
Anger surged within him. They should be at home, with her feet up, preparing for the birth of her child, not racing across the country in an attempt to clear her name. Okay, so it wasn’t exactly across the country, but it was a journey they should not have to take. One way or another, he was going to teach Gianni a lesson. One that would leave him in no doubt Gemma’s life was off limits.
“Why don’t I go alone?” Simon offered.
“No,” she said firmly. “I need to do this. I need to see her and hear her story.” Gemma placed her hand on her swollen stomach. “This little one needs to know where they came from.”
“All the baby needs to know is how strong his mom is.” Simon could not keep his pride and admiration from his voice. “Not many people would have had the strength to keep going.”
“I might not have the strength myself,” Gemma said breathlessly.
“Do you want to sit down?” Simon asked. His concern for his mate was growing. “We can leave this until tomorrow.”
“Nope. I can rest in the car.” Gemma reached the bottom of the staircase. “I don’t want to give Gianni the chance to make more trouble for you.”
“I can handle him,” Simon assured her.
“It’s not just you, though, is it? Think about the animal shelter.” Gemma’s voice of reason cut through his fears.
“You’re right.” He gave her a sheepish grin. “I was so caught up in my fear for you and the baby, it blinded me to the wider picture.”
“The baby and I are fine,” she assured him. “But we won’t be if you and your reputation are trashed.” She took hold of his hand and heat spread through him. He turned to her, wrapping his arms around her as she shivered, wanting to warm her against the December winds that rolled down from the mountain. Luckily the snow had held off, or the journey to the retirement home would not be possible.
“Thank you. For not letting me go off halfcocked.” He kissed her lips briefly. “Are you sure you don’t want me to carry you?”
She chuckled as she batted his cheek. “Not yet. I might before the day is out, though.”
He held her hand tightly as they crossed the parking lot back to his car. In no time they were on the main road heading back out of Bear Creek. The retirement home was in the same general direction as the animal shelter and he knew the roads well. However, the ice hidden in shady areas of the road where the sun had not warmed the air meant the journey was slower than usual.
With some frustration, and careful handling of the car, Simon finally got them to the retirement home. Beside him, Gemma sat looking uncomfortable. But she didn’t complain, and her firm expression told him not to ask if she was okay. She would tell him when she wasn’t. Or so he hoped.
“We should probably have called ahead first,” Gemma said as she waddled across the sidewalk to the retirement home.
“We probably should have. But since we are here, and you are family, they might let us see Rosita even if it’s not visiting hours.” Simon assumed a person would have to be a stickler for the rules if they turned away a heavily pregnant granddaughter of one of the people in their care.
“What’s our story?” Gemma asked as he held the door open for her.
“Our story?” Simon asked. “You are the long-lost granddaughter of Rosita Scarrow.”
Gemma smiled, her features relaxing for a moment. “We’re going with the truth.”
“Yes.” Simon scanned the small reception area and then approached the desk where a matronly woman was filling out paperwork.
“How can I help you?” she asked, looking up from her desk. She had kind eyes and a smear of red lipstick across her face, as if she wanted to brighten up the sterile surroundings.
“We’ve come to visit Rosita Scarrow,” Simon explained.
“You have?” the woman, whose name badge read, Gabbi, said.
“Yes,” Gemma replied. “You sound surprised.”
“Well, I am, no one comes to visit Rosita. She has no family.” Gabbi pulled a book toward her. It was filled with names and dates and signatures. “You’ll have to sign in and I’ll need to see some ID.”
“Sure.” Simon pulled out his wallet and took out his driver’s license.
“I’m also going to ask you why you want to see Rosita.” Gabbi’s friendly expression hid a firm, protective personality. If she wasn’t a shifter, he’d eat his shoe.
I hope you meant you, not me, his wolf told him.
I meant me, Simon slid his ID across the desk and glanced at Gemma who looked like a deer caught in the headlights.
“Do you have your purse?” Simon asked his mate, who swung her head around to stare at him.
“Purse.” Gemma dug her hand in her pocket. “I have some ID.”
Gemma passed it to Gabbi who looked at it and then looked at Gemma. “Thanks.” Gabbi looked down at Gemma’s baby bump. “You look fit to pop. You don’t get any prize if your water breaks here.”
“I know,” Gemma managed a smile.
“Okay, your ID is fine, so why are you here to see Rosita? You understand I have a duty to protect her from anyone who might be here to do her harm, either mental or physical.” Gabbi handed them their IDs back.
“It’s a long story,” Simon began.
“I believe Rosita is my grandmother,” Gemma blurted out.
“Grandmother.” Gabbi did not look certain about this new piece of information. “Rosita never talks about her family. I
figured there was some bad blood there since no one ever comes to visit.”
“I don’t think she knows about me,” Gemma admitted. “And while I don’t want to upset her...” Gemma’s emotions overflowed for a moment before she caught hold of them and bottled them back up. “As you can see, my baby is due soon and I believe Rosita is the only family I have left.”
Gabbi’s bottom lip trembled. “Oh, honey, that is a tough spot to be in. How do you know Rosita is your grandmother?”
“We did a search for Gemma’s father and his parents were listed as Carl and Rosita Scarrow.” Simon slid his arm around Gemma’s shoulders and hugged her close.
Gabbi sighed. “I’ll call someone to take you to her. Just promise me that if she gets upset, you’ll leave. This could be quite a shock for her. Even if you are right and she’s happy about you finding her, it will still be a shock.”
“We understand completely,” Simon said as Gabbi pressed a button on her phone and paged an assistant.
“She’s got all her faculties,” Gabbi told them as they waited for someone to take them to Rosita. “She’ll tell you if she thinks you are yanking her chain.”
Gemma smothered a smile. “We’ll make sure not to yank anyone’s chain.”
Gabbi laughed. “Listen, I truly hope she is your grandmother. It’s a lonely life here with no family.”
“Doesn’t she have any friends either?” Gemma asked.
“She talks about them, but I think most of them have passed.” Gabbi looked up as the door leading off the reception area opened, and a man came to greet them. “Rosita is in her nineties, you know.”
“Of course, I never thought how old she would be,” Gemma admitted.
“Still as sharp as a needle. I’m Keith.” The man held out his hand and Simon and Gemma both shook it. “Follow me. I’ll show you to Rosita’s room and hang around for a couple of minutes just to make sure she’s okay.”
The Wolf Wants a Wife (A Second Chance Christmas in Bear Creek Book 2) Page 8