A Long Way from Home (The Caldwells of Rebel Creek Book 1)

by Morris, T M

  She could not believe how she was behaving. No one in the store knew her, nor did they know her marital status. These days, most people wouldn’t give her unwed state a second thought. Nashville wasn’t a small town, not like back home.

  Lucy raced to the checkout line—she couldn’t spend another minute in the store than she had to—she needed to get home before someone she did know saw her. She didn’t want anyone—anyone she knew—to know there was even the slightest possibility of her being pregnant. She did not want to be fodder for any gossip mill. What would the people at church think?

  By the time Lucy had arrived home it was late. She kicked the mail away from the door as she carried her grocery sacks into the house. She hurried to unload the rest from her car. Then she locked herself in for the night.

  As she put the groceries away, she ate a ham and cheese sandwich along with some carrot sticks and a large glass of milk. If she were pregnant, good nutrition was going to have to become a priority for her. She should have bought some vitamins.

  With the groceries stored away, Lucy fed her cat, Slinky, before she turned her attention to the home pregnancy test. She read the instructions—three times. She decided to follow the instructions and take the test in the morning. She switched off the kitchen light and headed for the stairs. When she reached the bottom of the stairs she noticed the mail. She bent to pick up the three envelopes. Two were bills. She set them on the desk to pay in the morning. The third made her curious. It was a large manila envelope with no return address. Her name and address were typed on to a sticker placed in the center. Intrigued, she ripped open the end of the envelope.

  A cold chill ran over her, sending her into a state of panic as she read the cut and pasted together message on the single sheet of paper she had pulled from the envelope. It read:

  I AM WATCHING YOU

  Lucy felt a knot form in the pit of her stomach. Cold icy fear clenched her insides. Who was watching her and why? She flitted around her home checking to make sure the door and every window were locked and hidden behind the thick curtains. She stuffed the note back into its envelope and set it on the table with the bills.

  She turned out the light in the living room and carried her home test upstairs to the bathroom. Once she was ready for bed she checked the windows on the second floor.

  Lucy wandered around her bedroom for a couple of hours unable to sleep. She was scared to death. First her windows were smashed. The car crashes earlier were intentional and now she found this note in her mail.

  It was obvious whoever sent it did not want to give any indication as to who they were. Who was doing this? Who was terrorizing her and more importantly why were they doing this to her? For that matter, who was sending all the red roses with one white one in the center? Was there some significance, some hidden meaning or message she was supposed to understand with the flowers? They were now coming more often. All she could do was wonder, but she was getting tired of this nonsense. She crawled into bed and made a vain attempt to read. She had to clear her mind. A few hours passed before sleep overcame her worried mind.

  The next morning Lucy as she sat on the edge of the bathtub waiting for the result she was hit with a wave of nausea. Lucy threw up, rinsed her mouth and splashed cold water on her face.

  “I don’t know what the point is taking this test. What else could explain why I am so sick?” She said to herself as she checked the time. The waiting was over. It was time to check the results. She sat back down on the edge of the tub and with a shaking hand she picked up the test from the vanity counter. She took a deep breath and looked at the indicator window. She began to laugh and sob as tears of joy and sorrow streaked down her cheeks. “What am I going to do? How am I going to tell Devon?”

  She could no longer deny what she halfway knew for over a week. Now she had to figure out what she was going to do. How was she going to tell Devon or should she keep it from him? How was she going to take care of the baby once it was born? How was she supposed to do this all alone? Why was she always ending up alone? She didn’t have any answers. All she knew was she would wait a couple of weeks before she would make an appointment with the doctor.

  Lucy spent the rest of the morning lying in bed feeling sorry for herself. She managed to get up at noon to get ready to meet the rest of the James-Dalton family. Her nervousness added to the nausea which now seemed to have engulfed every waking moment of her life. She wondered why she was having morning sickness so soon. She wondered if it was not psychosomatic. She wasn’t at all sure when she was supposed to get morning sickness or when she was supposed to get cravings or anything. As an only child, she had never been around babies or expectant mothers. All the same to her though, she was glad she had not planned to try to accomplish anything today because she was pretty much useless.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Before she knew what had happened to the day, Devon was knocking on the front door. Her hands were trembling so much she struggled to open the door—hoping he wouldn’t notice she was different. If he did notice she prayed he wouldn’t guess the reason. He couldn’t find about the baby—at least not until she could figure out how she was going to tell him. She couldn’t just blurt out, ‘Devon, I’m pregnant.’ Now could she?

  “Hi. You look better than you have in a couple of days, sweetheart. You look...beautiful.” Devon smiled. “Are you about ready to go meet the rest of the family?”

  “Thank you, and yes. I need to turn on some lights and turn off the coffeepot. There’s a little left if you want some before we go.” Lucy called over her shoulder as she raced up the stairs to her bedroom to turn on the bedside lamp. When she descended the stairs Devon was waiting for her at the foot.

  “Lucy, I do believe you are positively glowing. You must feel better.” Devon continued to smile.

  Lucy faltered for a second but then she grinned. “Like you said, I haven’t been well for a couple of days and now I’m feeling much better,” she lied. “I am sure the difference is obvious. Let me turn off the coffee and I’ll be ready to leave.”

  Devon grabbed her hand to stop her. Her heart skipped a beat. He didn’t suspect she was lying did he? He smiled. “I’ve already turned off the pot. Grab your coat. Let’s go.”

  “Okay.” Lucy muttered as her nervousness about meeting the family rose again, replacing the trepidation she felt about Devon’s ‘glowing’ comment.

  Devon helped her into his truck. He rounded the back of it and paused for a moment before climbing into the driver’s seat. “What happened to the back end of your car?”

  “Oh. I was in an accident of sorts. I was hit three times by the same car at a stop sign last night and then they sped off as I was calling the police.”

  He turned and glared at her. “Why am I hearing about this now? Why didn’t you call me last night?”

  “What could you have done? Nothing. So I chose not to bother you. Just another weird thing to add to the list of weirdness that has become my life.”

  Devon stared forward taking deep breathes, trying to calm down. Lucy could make his blood boil but she had a point. “Fine. Let’s get going. We don’t want to be late.”

  They rode in near silence during their hour drive from Lucy’s condominium to his father’s home. When they pulled into the drive Lucy gasped in amazement. The house and grounds were beautiful. Well maintained, the house didn’t look to be over the one hundred years old she was told it was. Lucy breathed, “It’s so beautiful.”

  Devon smiled at her, “Do you like it?”

  Lucy paused for a moment before she said anything in response to his question. When she did answer she made sure her reaction was measured, “It’s a beautiful home. It’s huge. But if I were you and had my choice of where to live, I’d live in the cabin in Gatlinburg.”

  Devon stunned by her response asked, “Oh, really? Why?”

  “Because. You strike me as the type who doesn’t like to display his wealth. It’s obvious you come from money and you would rather
people didn’t know—then you could know they’re your friend because of you and not because of your money.” Lucy sputtered keeping her eyes on the house, not daring to look at him.

  “You do realize I will inherit this house, don’t you?” Devon asked.

  “It does figure doesn’t it, but why not Claire?”

  “You needn’t worry about Claire. My father has made sure she will want for nothing.” Devon stated.

  “And what about Sylvia? Never mind—it’s none of my business. I shouldn’t have asked.” Lucy flushed. How could she have forgotten her place?

  “It’s all right. No need to worry over Sylvia either. She will be set for life with an allowance from Dad’s estate, provided they are still married upon his death.” Devon muttered. “She doesn’t seem to be able to stay married when the going gets tough.” He killed the engine. But he made no attempt to get out of the truck.

  Lucy made a halfhearted attempt at humor to lighten the situation, “Are we going to sit out here all evening or are you ready to throw me to the lions?”

  “One thing before we go in darlin’,” Devon turned to her. He touched her chin with his fingertips and turned her face to meet his gaze.

  “What is it?” She asked, her heart skipping a beat.

  “This.” Devon leaned into her and kissed her with such passion her lips felt bruised. But she made no attempt to discourage him as he deepened his kiss. His tongue searched the depths of her mouth and she followed in kind. It was so easy for Lucy to get lost in his kisses. Her breathing became faster and shallower. She felt the heat rise in her lower belly. Lucy responded to Devon’s every move. Then just as suddenly as he had kissed her, he pushed her away saying, “We’d better get inside before I make love to you right here in the driveway.”

  Dazed, Lucy muttered as she climbed out something about people coming to the wrong conclusions.

  Devon’s response was to plant another kiss on her lips at the front door, “Are you sure they’re the wrong conclusions?”

  All Lucy could do was ask, “What has got into you, Devon? You’re acting strange.”

  Devon smiled and gave a low laugh, “How does it feel to have the rug pulled out from under you? Confused?”

  “Yes.” Lucy nodded. What is he up to now? She didn’t have time to ponder the change in him as the door was flung open and a beautiful young woman burst through it and into Devon’s arms.

  “Dev! It’s about time you got here. I want you to be nice to Eli. I think he’s special.” Claire smiled at Lucy as she continued, “And I have also been waiting—rather impatiently I might add—to meet you, Lucy. Your description of her was perfect, Dev. Oh! And you’ll be relieved to know Sydney won’t be here. She’s with the other side of the family this year.”

  “Are you going to let anyone else talk, Claire?” Devon laughed. “Lucy, this is my sister, Claire. Claire, this is Lucy, my assistant.”

  “It's nice to meet you.” Lucy managed as Claire hugged her tight.

  “I’m so glad to finally meet you.” Claire squealed as she hugged her again.

  “What did you tell her?” A dismayed Lucy whispered to Devon as Claire grabbed her hand and led them into the living room. Devon’s grin was mischievous as he shrugged not giving an answer.

  The living room was large and beautiful. It had twelve-foot ceilings with very ornate crown molding and the windows were the original leaded glass and were framed with heavy navy drapes. Lucy thought they appeared to be velvet. Lucy was in awe. She had never seen such a magnificent room. She looked around to see a crowd of people watching. Her breath caught and she smiled broadly. “Elijah!” She ran too him and hugged him. I haven’t seen you in forever. How are you? How is everyone?”

  He laughed and pulled away, blushing. “I’m fine. We’re all doing fine, except Aunt Addie. She needs a bone marrow transplant. Everyone’s been tested except for you and Lilly. Now that I’ve found you maybe you can get tested?”

  Lucy nodded and looked at Devon. “Of course. Maybe I can get up there next week.”

  Claire gaped. “You know each other? You’re related?”

  Lucy shrugged. “We’re first cousins. Aunt Addie is our maternal aunt.”

  Eli smiled at Claire. “Never thought you’d meet two people from Rebel Creek, did you?”

  Devon cleared his throat. “Small world. Here Lucy meet everyone else.”

  “We’ll catch up later.” She smiled and hugged Eli again.

  Lucy was then introduced to John and Sylvia. Both welcomed her with more formal hugs than Claire, but hugs all the same. John said, “Lucy, it is so good to finally meet you. I have heard a great deal about you. I hope I was able to help with the Lancaster situation.”

  Lucy experienced mixed emotions. What had he heard? She managed, however, a light tone when she answered, “I hope what you have heard was good. And, yes, thank you for all your help. We haven’t heard another peep out of him.”

  Sylvia shuddered, “I can’t imagine what you’ve been through. He must be insane.”

  “Insane and vengeful. Sweetie, this is my husband, Thad. He’s also John’s brother.” Carmella said as she waved her hand toward the second older man in the room. He matched Carmella to a tee. His light brown hair was graying and his skin tan. He had sparkling light gray eyes framed by deep crow’s feet. Thad either smiled all the time or spent a good deal of time outdoors.

  More hugs. Lucy was warmed by the open affection of this family. Sometimes she missed her family.

  As Thad released Lucy from his brief hug he said, “You are exactly as Mel described you. Though, I do believe she was holding back a little when she said you were pretty. I think absolutely beautiful is a more fitting description.”

  Lucy flushed crimson, “Thank you.”

  Then Jack moved in to give Lucy a hug and her insides froze. She could see he was already well past intoxicated but not quite falling down drunk. The look he gave her was nothing but pure lust. Her insides quivered. He grabbed her into his arms and ran his hands up and down her back as he said, “I think I’d better get in on the family ‘hug fest’ don’t you, Lucy?”

  As if it were instinctive, she sought out Devon and gave him a pleading look for rescue. She was shocked by the look in his eyes. If Devon were capable of murder, Jack would have been dead, right there and then. Without even looking at Lucy, Devon pried Jack away from her. Furious he said, “Jack, a word with you in private.”

  Jack, who seemed oblivious to Devon’s rage, favored him with a mischievous smile and slurred, “In a minute Big Brother. All I want is to get another hug from the beautiful and desirable Lucy. She looks scrumptious in this simple little black pantsuit.”

  Devon jerked Jack toward the door of the living room as he said, “Now!”

  “Okay. Okay. I’m coming.” Jack laughed as he stumbled and slurred, “Hey, easy now Big Brother, you’re wrinkling my shirt.”

  For a few moments the room was filled with complete uncomfortable silence. After a few tense moments Thad broke the silence by saying, “I believe the young lady could use a drink. Would you like some wine, Lucy?”

  Lucy smiled but said, “No thank you, Thad. But I would like some iced water if it’s no trouble.”

  Thad smiled, “Iced water coming right up for the little lady.”

  Eli cleared his throat. “Are they always like this? They were fighting last night when I met them.”

  Claire laughed, “Devon and Jack don’t fight—they ‘disagree’.”

  Sylvia gave Claire a scornful glare and said, “Jack and Devon are much like Jacob and Esau. They both want the same things. Or at least, I should say, one wants what the other has even though it would be better if he would just let it go and find his own fortune.”

  “What?” Thad was incredulous as he returned to Lucy’s side. “You are joking, right? Jack doesn’t want anything of Devon’s. He wants to goad Devon into beating him out of his own misery. Here you go, hon, iced water.” He handed Lucy a tall glass.
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  “Thank you.” Lucy accepted the glass from him and took a sip. She had not known what to expect a James-Dalton family Thanksgiving to be like, but she knew she never expected a debate about Devon and Jack.

  “I shouldn’t have asked. I’m sorry.” Eli apologized.

  “Nonsense.” John said. “You will find out, Eli, if you spend any time here, those boys are just like oil and water. One of these days, if we keep shaking them, we will get them to mix together and this family will finally blend.”

  “Your salad dressing analogy, again?” Claire groaned with a raised eyebrow. “Dad, come on. Eli, Lucy, I’m sorry you have had to be witness to Devon and Jack’s continued sibling rivalry. You would think thirty year olds would have the maturity to have dealt with it by now.”

  “I am going to check on dinner.” Sylvia announced, “Carmella, Claire would you mind helping?” The three women filed out of the living room leaving Lucy alone with the three remaining men.

  Thad and John made sure Lucy and Eli were comfortable and made polite conversation. Lucy even joked with Eli about feeling like two fish in a bowl. Everyone laughed. Eli asked about the restraining order and Lucy explained it all to him.

  “Why didn’t you let us know? We could have taken care of it for you?” Eli’s face was red.

  “It’s over now, Eli. Don’t worry about it.” Lucy tried to communicate with her facial expression that her family’s idea of taking care of it wouldn’t be acceptable.

  After fifteen minutes before Jonathan said, “I’d better go see about those boys.”

  While he went to find Jack and Devon, Sylvia announced dinner was on the table. The laughing and the joking continued as they moved to the dining room, which was decorated very much like the living room. The dark mahogany table was laden with all the traditional Thanksgiving foods. There was so much food there was little room for the place settings.