Capture Me

by Sherry Kyle

  “He’s not home. Been away on business. He’s coming home tonight.”

  Ashley peeked around the corner into the family room. Madi had already claimed the overstuffed chair, fingering the latest Sunset magazine. “I’ll do the dishes while you eat. Get comfortable, and I’ll bring you some soup.”

  “Please eat with me.” Lauren situated herself on the couch and covered her bare calves with the blanket. “Being sick is the pits, and I’m tired of eating alone.”

  “If that’s what you want.”

  “Are you going to share the brownies, too?” Madi asked. The girl had already licked the beaters, ate one right after the batch came out of the oven, and had begged for another on the ride over. The girl was seriously addicted to chocolate.

  Ashley grabbed three bowls and ladled the hot broth, chicken, noodles, and vegetables into each one. She carried them one by one to the family room, along with napkins and three spoons.

  Madi pulled out the basket of bread from the bag and passed it around.

  “I wish I could smell.” Lauren held the bowl close, letting the steam hit her face.

  Ashley sat on the far side of the sofa and said a quick prayer of thanks. “Now let’s hope it tastes as good as it smells.” She dug her spoon in the bowl, blew on the soup, and brought it to her mouth. For her first time making her grandma’s specialty, it wasn’t half bad. Needed a little more salt and a dash of pepper, but otherwise decent. “I’ll be right back.” She went to the kitchen for the spices. As she reached into the cabinet, a note on her sister’s blackboard jumped out at her.

  SEND PHOTO.

  Was Lauren referring to her photo? The one of her and her baby sister? Why couldn’t Lauren hand deliver it to her? Perhaps she wanted to send it because she was sick and couldn’t make it last Sunday. Or maybe she had a lead on who the girl was. The thought made her heart pound.

  Then again, it could be a different photo altogether. Her sister worked at a real estate company, after all, and took pictures of vacation rentals all the time. Maybe she had a prospective client in search of a beach house.

  Halfway through the meal, Ashley couldn’t stand the suspense any longer. She had to know if Lauren had a lead or if she planned on giving the photo back. “So about the photo …” Ashley let her words dangle and eyed her sister.

  Lauren sneezed. She set her soup down, grabbed a tissue, and blew her nose. “I’m sorry. I don’t have any news for you.”

  “But the note on your blackboard?”

  Lauren coughed. She coughed some more. “I wish I had something to tell you.”

  “Do you still need the picture, or can I have it? I want to show Grandma the next time she comes for a visit.”

  “I’ll make sure you have it when Grandma’s here.” Lauren leaned her head in her hand. “Sorry, Ash, but I feel a nap coming on. I haven’t slept well all week—”

  “But the photo?”

  “Give me a little bit more time. I’m sure I can figure things out.”

  More time? How much more would her sister need? She hoped to get the photo back today. Then again, she’d be patient if Lauren could find out some information. Her sister had a natural ability to sniff out the truth. “All right, but you need to hurry up and get better.” She couldn’t help the urgency in her tone.

  “Thank you for the soup … and for caring. Mom’s been so busy helping Tori with the new baby. Did you hear? So far so good. No side effects from his birth. Of course, they’ll watch him closely and monitor his developmental milestones …” Lauren’s eyes misted—or were her eyes watering because of her bad cold?

  “Your day will come.”

  “I’ll never get pregnant if my husband stays away on business.” Lauren got to her feet, grabbed the box of tissue off the coffee table, and shuffled toward her bedroom. A loud sneeze echoed down the hall.

  “C’mon, Madi. Let’s clean the kitchen. It’ll be good to wash our hands so we don’t get sick.”

  Madi huffed. “Can we eat a brownie before we go?”

  “Yes, but after we clean.” Ashley collected the spoons and bowls and went into the kitchen, the note on the blackboard once again catching her eye.

  27

  Three days had passed since Ashley brought Lauren the pot of soup and arranged for Madi to go home for a visit. Ashley peeked into the girl’s bedroom. “Need help?”

  Madi frowned. “I don’t know if I can go home.”

  “Two days, that’s it. I’ll pick you up on Sunday night.”

  “Before dinner, right?” Madi fidgeted with the hem of her shirt.

  “Definitely before the family dinner. Tori’s girls would be so disappointed if you weren’t there.”

  “And if I need to be picked up before then?”

  “You can call me or Bryan anytime.”

  Madi’s jaw clenched. “Good, because if my mom gets on my case …”

  Ashley handed the girl her sweatshirt to put inside her duffle bag. “I’m sure your family misses you as much as you miss them. I hope you try your best to get along.”

  Madi shrugged a shoulder. “Who says I miss them?”

  Ashley didn’t want to argue. Of course Madi missed her family. It was evident in the way she brought them up in conversation. More so lately. “Come on. Your mom’s waiting.”

  She looked forward to dropping the teen off and spending time alone with Bryan.

  “We can’t forget the brownies,” Madi said.

  Ashley scrambled to the kitchen and snatched the foiled paper plate filled with what was left of the batch. They had baked a couple dozen the night before as incentive to work on the photo albums.

  Madi followed after her. “You sure you don’t want me to help you this weekend?”

  “Positive. You’ve been a big help, but I want what’s best for you.” Okay, and me and Bryan, too. She might have the chance to finally tell him about her biological sister.

  “You girls ready?” Bryan called from the doorway.

  Madi shuffled her feet as she walked to the door. “I guess.”

  Ashley would do everything in her power to make this weekend happen. Please, Lord, I need a break. She closed and locked the door.

  Bryan put Madi’s duffle bag and pillow in the back of the truck. He lingered before getting inside. There was tenderness in his eyes she hadn’t seen in a long time. Maybe the sentiment was true, and absence did make the heart grow fonder. A tingling sensation shot through her, and she sent him a warm smile.

  As they drove, Tanner stuck his nose out the opened window. The dog had become a regular part of their lives, and Ashley couldn’t imagine life without the Labrador.

  Tension filled the truck the closer they drove to Madi’s house. The teenager slunk down in her seat. “I changed my mind. Take me back.”

  Ashley looked at Bryan.

  His jaw flexed. “Your mom told me your brothers have been talking nonstop about this weekend. You’ll disappoint them if you don’t show up.”

  “They’ll want me home for ten minutes. Then they’ll go off and play. I’ll be left to deal with Mom’s accusations. I’m tired of her judging me.”

  “I hear what you’re saying, but give them a chance.” Bryan glanced up at Madi in the rearview mirror.

  Ashley clutched her hands in her lap, attempting to release the mounting stress. God, I need this weekend with Bryan. Please?

  The girl wrapped an arm around Tanner and stroked the dog’s ears. “I’ve lived with them my whole life. They’re not going to change.”

  “I know it’s been tough lately, but—”

  “Wait, I have an idea.” Madi leaned forward between the front seats. “Can Tanner come home with me? I know how to take care of him, and the boys will love it!”

  “I’m not so sure your mom will,” Bryan said. “We didn’t grow up with animals, and she’s always been a little nervous around dogs.”

  Last night, Bryan mentioned he’d had a long talk with Susan. Paul had moved back to the area. Apparentl
y, his new girlfriend hadn’t worked out. At the moment, he was weighing whether or not to pursue marriage counseling. In the meantime, he wanted to be a part of his kids’ lives. Said he missed them.

  Over the weekend, Susan planned on talking with her children about living arrangements. Felt cruel to add a dog to the mix, but Tanner might be an unexpected blessing. Dogs had a way of comforting people.

  Ashley nudged Bryan’s elbow. “But if she’s willing? You have the dog’s leash in the back, and we can stop by a convenience store to pick up some food. All he needs is a bowl for water and a blanket to sleep on. I’m sure Susan can supply those.”

  Bryan glanced her way, and she sent him a pleading look. He pulled up to the curb in front of Madi’s house. “Let me bring up the subject, and if she agrees, we’ll stop and buy dog food. I don’t want there to be a blowout before the weekend begins.”

  Madi’s mood brightened. “Thank you. I’ll take good care of him. You’ll see.”

  Twins, Zachary and Dylan, bounded out of the house. Ethan was close behind. In the blink of an eye, all three boys stood next to the truck, grins on their faces. Ethan tugged on the door handle. Thank goodness it was locked.

  Bryan grabbed the dog’s collar. “Keep Tanner inside the car with the windows rolled down until I talk with your mom.” He shot the words over his shoulder to Madi then unlocked the door.

  “They brought a dog!” Zachary attempted to climb in, but Madi blocked his path.

  Ashley stepped out of the truck. “Hi, boys. How about you greet your sister first? Bryan will let you pet Tanner later.”

  Dylan lifted a hand. “Hey, Madi. Want to ride bikes?”

  “Sure.” She ruffled her brother’s hair. “But I’d better say hi to Mom first before we take off.”

  Ethan wrapped his sister in an embrace. “Please come home. I don’t like being the oldest kid in the house.”

  Madi smirked and stepped back, leaving her hands to rest on her brother’s shoulders. “I totally get it. Most of the time, I don’t like being the oldest either.”

  As the baby in the family, Ashley never had to deal with the responsibilities expected of a firstborn. Then again, she was never given the chance. If her birthparents had raised her, she would’ve been the oldest child in the family. How strange that would be.

  “Where’s Mom?” Madi went to the back of the truck where Bryan was hoisting her things out of the back.

  “Inside.” Zachary pointed to the house. “She baked a carrot cake. The timer went off when you guys came.”

  Madi lifted her chin and her eyes widened. “Guess what I brought? Brownies.”

  Susan stood in the doorway. “Hi, Madison. Come on inside.” Had anyone else heard the strain in Susan’s voice? Had Madi?

  The teen rolled her eyes. “Does Mom have to sound so uptight?”

  Ashley rubbed Madi’s shoulder. “Give her a chance.” She grabbed the dessert off the front dashboard. A little peace offering might be needed.

  Susan stepped out of the house and met her daughter on the front steps. Madi leaned into her mom but kept her arms down by her sides. Susan pulled Madi close but quickly stepped back. “Will you and Bryan stay for dinner? Beef tacos, Madi’s favorite.” She eyed her daughter.

  The corners of Madi’s mouth turned up a little but, just as quickly, her grin faded. “Dylan asked me to ride bikes. May we go?”

  Susan nodded. “Go ahead, but be back in forty-five minutes for dinner.”

  The kids raced toward the garage.

  Bryan grabbed Ashley’s hand and pulled her near him. “We’d love to stay, but Ash and I have plans, don’t we, babe?”

  “Please, stay a while?” Susan asked. “At least until the kids come back? Paul may show up, and I don’t think I can handle being alone with him.”

  Ashley’s heart squeezed. She handed Susan the plate of brownies. “What’s forty-five minutes?”

  Bryan lifted a brow. “Only until the kids come back.”

  Susan let out a breath. “Thank you.” She led them into the house and set the plate of brownies on the dining room table.

  “Suz, there’s something Madi wanted me to ask you.” Bryan squeezed Ashley’s hand.

  Ashley squeezed back, her voice low. “Maybe we shouldn’t bring it up.”

  “Now I’m curious,” Susan said. “You might as well tell me.”

  “Madi would like Tanner to spend the weekend. He’s a good dog and loves Madi to pieces.” Bryan took a seat on the edge of the recliner chair. “You won’t have any trouble—”

  “Ha, there’s always trouble at my house. I have four kids, remember?” Susan plopped down on the sofa next to Ashley and folded her arms.

  “Tanner might be a good diversion, and Madi knows how to take care of him,” Ashley spoke up. “Plus, getting out of your usual routine might help the situation.”

  “Dogs make me nervous, and from what I could see, Tanner is a big, energetic dog.”

  “But he’s gentle and wouldn’t hurt a soul,” Ashley said.

  “Hey, I took your daughter home, and she’s way more complicated than a canine,” Bryan said. “If I can do it, so can you.”

  “Yeah, the animals at the shelter pale in comparison.” Ashley laughed.

  “Really?” Susan countered.

  Ashley sobered. Apparently now was not the time to make a joke.

  “Seriously, though, it took some coaxing to get Madi home.” Bryan leaned forward in his chair. “If you want her to stay the whole weekend, having Tanner around is one sure way to keep her here. She loves that dog.”

  Susan sucked in a breath. “I guess turnabout is fair play.”

  Bryan stood. “Want to meet him?”

  “As long as you keep him down. I can’t stand it when dogs jump on me.”

  “We’ve been working on it, but I can’t make any promises. If that happens, I’ll show you what to do.”

  Susan blew out air between puckered lips. “All right. I think I can do this.”

  “I’ll go get him.”

  Bryan’s assertiveness impressed Ashley. If only his boldness translated to their relationship. But the night wasn’t over yet. They still had their date.

  The minute he stepped out of the house to get the dog, Susan turned to Ashley, her voice a whisper. “Has he asked you yet?”

  Ashley’s heart pounded a strange rhythm. Could Susan read her mind? “Ask me what?” Feigning ignorance was better than admitting the truth. No, Bryan hadn’t asked her to marry him.

  “Ethan saw Bryan look at a diamond ring the night Madison went missing. But it’s been weeks. He hasn’t asked you to marry him yet?” Her features clouded.

  Is she really going to ask me that question again? Ashley shook her head. “Something’s holding him back, but I don’t know what it is.”

  Susan narrowed her eyes. “Bryan had a hard time getting over Shelly, and I’m sure my separation hasn’t helped—” She clamped her mouth shut when Bryan entered the house with Tanner.

  Shelly? As in Pete’s wife? From what Ashley had gathered, the two of them were old college friends. Had there been more between them? Why hadn’t Bryan told her? True, Shelly and Pete had only been attending their church the past year, but why would Bryan omit that fact? Her stomach twisted into a knot.

  “Here he is.” Bryan held tight to the red leash. Tanner tugged. Bryan stopped, grabbed the dog’s attention, and then continued toward them. They walked in unison until they were a couple of feet from Susan. He told the dog to sit. When Tanner obeyed, Bryan patted the dog’s head. “See, he’s easy to train.”

  Susan stuck out her hand in a tentative manner and let Tanner smell it before she rubbed his chin. “You sure I can handle a dog?” Her voice shook.

  “You’ll be fine.” Bryan nuzzled Tanner’s right ear. “And Madi knows what to do. Let her take charge.”

  Ashley watched the interaction, feeling as though she didn’t know the man in front of her. How could he control a classroom of thirty childr
en, offer to watch a fifteen-year-old girl, and become a dog whisperer within a short time and not tell her about a past relationship with someone they interacted with on a weekly basis? Was losing Shelly the reason he had a hard time committing?

  “Ashley?” Bryan’s voice pulled her back.

  “Sorry, I wasn’t paying attention.”

  “I asked if you’d mind running to the store to get the dog food. I left my keys in the entryway …”

  Mind? No, she didn’t mind. Fresh air and a reason to get away was exactly what she needed. “I’ll be right back.”

  “Thanks, babe.”

  A smile tipped up the corners of her mouth at the endearment, but the big question loomed. Why hadn’t he proposed? He’d had more than enough chances despite their hectic lives.

  “Take your time,” Susan called after her. “The kids won’t be home for another half hour.”

  Ashley’s legs shook as she made her way to Bryan’s extended cab pickup truck, her old fears of rejection worming their way inside. Didn’t Bryan love her? Was she not good enough?

  She sat in the driver’s seat, her mind whirling. How long would she wait before the truth smacked her in the face? Bryan gave himself to Shelly and was now a perpetual bachelor. The sooner she realized that fact, the better off she’d be.

  As she pulled away from the curb and down the street, she passed a white luxury car coming the opposite direction toward Susan’s house.

  Paul.

  Ashley rolled her eyes like she’d seen Madi do countless times. Perfect. Just perfect.

  28

  It wasn’t like her parents to be late. Kayla bobbed her leg up and down as she sat at the corner table at Top of the Mark, one of San Francisco’s premier restaurants located on the nineteenth floor of the InterContinental Mark Hopkins Hotel. The restaurant had a 360-degree panoramic view of the city skyline, Bay, and the Golden Gate Bridge, the perfect place to let her parents know her decision.

  Kayla chose her outfit carefully, wearing the one-shouldered eggplant-colored dress her mom said complemented her ivory skin and the simple, yet elegant diamond necklace her parents gave her on her twenty-first birthday.