by JoAnn Durgin
Leaning her head against the back of the wingchair, Caty exhaled a long sigh. “Sam, you can’t even know how great it feels to tell someone else these things! You also have to understand I just violated my Belac contract.” When he said nothing, she motioned with one hand. “Well? I’m sure you have a comment. I’m waiting.”
“I’m absorbing,” Sam said. “That’s a lot to happen in the relatively short time you’ve been back in Houston.”
If only you knew.
“Since I’ve met Caleb. I’m telling you, the man lives larger than life.” That was an understatement. Another clap of thunder sounded outside, but this time it made her laugh. “See, even God agrees with me!”
The door of Sam’s study flew open and Joe ran toward her. “Phone for you, Aunt Caty. Mom said to bring it to you.” After thrusting her cell phone into her hand, the little tornado of energy tore back out of the room.
By the time Caty glanced at the screen, the call had already gone to voice mail. “I don’t know who it is. It can wait until later.” The phone buzzed again while she still held it in her hand.
“Go ahead and answer it,” Sam said. “If it’s the same person, they obviously want to speak with you.”
Two minutes later, Caty ended the call. “That was Caleb’s daughter, Lauren. She sat next to me in church this morning when Marta told us about a game that Eliot’s set up for her.”
“Game?” Sam sat back in the chair and threaded his fingers together.
“Right, with clues that lead up to a gift or something. You know as well as I do that life with those two is always interesting. Marta shared the first clue with us, and Lauren just told me her idea to solve it.”
“Sounds like you’ve already developed a good rapport with Caleb’s daughter,” Sam observed. “Bonding with Lauren is a surefire way to encourage the relationship if that’s what you want. What’s she like other than the smoking incident?”
“She’s adorable, but precocious. She’s a pretty girl who looks a lot like Caleb except she has her mother’s blue eyes. I never know what she’s going to say next, and she seems to like saying things for shock value.”
“Probably seeking her dad’s attention,” Sam said. “They’ve both had a lot going on in their lives the past few years. I’m sure she’s trying to find her way, especially with the move to Houston after she’s lived in Dallas her entire life. Kids that age have a lot going on without losing a mother and being uprooted.”
“That’s more or less what I thought, too, and what I shared with Caleb.”
Sam nodded. “A lot of people can’t see what’s in front of them because they’re too close to the situation. It impairs their judgment and rationale. Even someone as smart as Caleb. I’m not saying it was a wrong move. Obviously, he’s extremely intelligent to have achieved such a high level of success in the oil industry.”
“Sounds like our brother Will.” Caty shared a smile with Sam.
“Caty, if you don’t mind my armchair observation, I think you’ve fallen in love with Caleb.”
Her older brother’s statement momentarily stunned her. “I can tell you there are definitely things I admire about him. He’s a strong man in many ways yet vulnerable in others. He’s relatable and flawed. He’s an excellent father, alternately strict and lenient, and he’s trying to find a balance. Caleb’s funny when he lets down his guard, and he can laugh at himself. He’s also surprisingly down-to-earth for someone who’s achieved so much at a young age…”
Caty stopped and met Sam’s gaze. “Okay, Sam. Yes, as crazy as it seems because I haven’t known him long at all, not to mention he’s my boss—which is like one of the biggest taboos in the corporate world—I am falling in love with Caleb Reid.” She raised her hands. “There, I admitted it. Happy?”
“Yes.” Sam’s deep smile lines emerged. “I hope you can introduce Caleb and Lauren to the family at some point.”
“Let’s see what happens first. If anything even happens.”
“Sounds to me like it already has,” Sam said, his smile still in place. “Technically, I was Lexa’s boss when we first met. There are people who can’t believe lasting love can happen quickly, but a few of my TeamWork couples can testify to that—Landon and Amy, Mitch and Cassie, and your friends Marta and Eliot most recently, although those two had known each other a few years but never spent much quality time together until the mission in Albuquerque.”
“Any theories on why that is? The falling in love quickly part?”
He considered her question for a moment. “I think when two people are in God’s will and open to the possibilities—meaning they’re able to set aside their own pride and selfish ambition—it can happen. Of course, physical attraction is part of that initial draw toward someone else. When neither party wants to play the relationship games prevalent in today’s culture, and both acknowledge a common desire to serve the Lord. But that’s the beginning, the easy part. From that point on, both need to make a commitment to nurture that love.
“They have to give the relationship time to grow and flourish, to blossom into a full-fledged, abiding love. I’m talking about beginning with day one and continuing from that point forward. It’s a continual, evolving process, where marriage comes into play somewhere in the journey. After three kids and almost ten years since we first met, I’m more in love with Lexa than before. You add kids, church, work, and everything else into the mix, and there are times when you’re too exhausted to do much of anything but pass each other coming and going. Lexa and I work hard to keep the spark going, but it’s worth it all. I’m sure Mom and Dad could give you the long-term perspective.”
Caty nodded. “They’re my inspiration, just like you and Lexa. I guess I’ve always thought Mom and Dad’s story was so romantic and special because it developed over time, the idea of being friends first that slowly developed into something more. And, I suppose I thought that’s the way it would happen with me.”
“That’s true, but there’s something else to remember about their relationship,” Sam said. “Because Dad was a few years older than Mom, he looked at her like a younger sister for years. But after he’d been overseas flying with the Air Force, and then returned home to Rockbridge, he saw her through the eyes of a more mature man. A man who was looking to find a wife and settle down.”
“And, by that time, Mom had grown up to become a woman he found irresistible.”
“Exactly.” Sam’s eyes softened, and he reached for her hand. “Dad had the moment. That moment when he knew Mom was the woman God intended for him.”
“Although most of the town thought he should marry Aunt Tess.”
“Right,” Sam agreed. “But God knew that Uncle Charlie was the right man for her. And He led Dad to move to Austin with Mom so she could pursue her dream of becoming a nurse.”
“Love is not self-seeking or self-serving.” Caty smiled. “With all that said, Sam, are you saying you believe Caleb is the right man for me?”
Sam strengthened his grip on her hand. “I’m saying I believe he could be, but only the Lord knows. Let’s pray about it.”
“That’s the best idea yet.”
Chapter 34
“Mr. Reid?”
“This is he.” The voice was female, non-threatening. The phone call had come through on his private home landline. He darted a glance at the clock. Almost eight o’clock. Where was Lettie? She should be home by now.
“This is Rhonda Billings, Lettie’s sister in Dallas.”
“Yes, of course.” He closed his eyes with a sense of foreboding. “Is everything okay?”
“I’m sorry to tell you, but my sister’s had an accident. Nothing serious, but it will delay her coming back to Houston.”
Caleb opened his eyes. “What kind of accident? Is she all right?” Lettie was one of the safest drivers he’d ever known. Over and over, she’d reminded him to watch the posted speed limits, especially after he’d bought the Porsche. She’d thought he was going through an early midlif
e crisis. Then he’d taken her for a ride, and she’d changed her tune.
“A few scrapes and bruised ribs, but she’s fine otherwise,” Rhonda told him. “Nothing broken and no internal bleeding, thank goodness. The doctor said she was lucky for a woman her age.”
“That’s a relief. I’m thankful she wasn’t hurt worse. Do you have any details? Know how it happened?”
“She was driving back to the house from the grocery store earlier today, and her car ran off the road and veered into a ditch.” A long pause ensued on the line. “There’s something else, Mr. Reid. Lettie didn’t want me to say anything, but I feel you have the right to know.”
His head throbbed. “Tell me.”
“The police believe she was purposely run off the road by another driver.”
Curling his right hand into a fist, Caleb lowered it to his desk. He could read between the lines to know what Rhonda wasn’t telling him—she believed the accident was no fluke. Neither did he. It was purposeful with the intent to scare her, and to send him a message.
Lord, she’s an older woman. Who would do such a thing?
“For the sake of my sister’s health and well-being, I hope you can understand that I’d like to keep her here until things smooth over,” Rhonda said. “Of course, Lettie’s fighting me on that decision, but I’d feel a lot better if I can keep an eye on her.”
“I understand, and thanks for letting me know. Give Lettie our love and tell her to take as long as she needs. If you don’t mind, I’d like to come to Dallas with Lauren and pay her a visit later this week.”
“Lettie would love that, I’m sure.”
“I’ll have Cordelia call you with the details sometime tomorrow. Thanks again.”
As soon as he hung up the phone, Caleb left a message on Cordelia’s voice mail at the office. “Cordelia, order a dozen yellow roses and have them sent to Lettie at her sister’s house in Dallas. You should have the address. If not, let me know, and I’ll get it for you. Have them delivered as early as possible tomorrow morning. Next, I’ll need a rundown of my schedule for the coming week. I also need to schedule the plane to fly to Dallas with Lauren sometime later this week, whatever seems to work. Thanks. See you soon.”
He’d called Eliot to tell him about the incident with Lettie, but no doubt being in the early morning abroad, he’d left a voice mail message.
Not long after, Caleb slipped into the Jacuzzi and adjusted the settings. Stretching out his arms, he leaned back and closed his eyes as the pulsating jets massaged the cramps and knots in his stressed muscles. Once they’d gotten Max settled, and he felt fairly confident the dog wouldn’t tear up the house, he’d been able to get a workout in the pool. Lauren had joined him, and they’d played a few water games.
The night was quiet except for the light rustling of the wind through the trees. He glanced up at the house, dark except for the hall light upstairs. Houston was beginning to feel like home in spite of everything else, a blessing in itself.
Thinking about Caty and their growing relationship was a comfort…to a point. Lying in his bed the night before, he’d thought a lot about her. Pure thoughts for the most part until they’d ventured into dangerous territory—wondering what she’d feel like in his arms, thinking of the softness of her lips and how they’d felt on his, remembering her touch… When he envisioned Caty’s tousled hair on that pillow, the length of her stretched out beside him, he knew he needed to get a grip on his emotions and his thought life. He’d learned long ago to put a block on his cable television and not to have any magazines or reading material that could pollute his mind with impure images.
He was a man, and he was weak. Although he’d abstained from anything improper since her death, he’d indulged in premarital relations with Helena. The guilt had eaten away at him for years. They’d both willingly engaged in reckless behavior, and he’d wondered at times why she hadn’t already been pregnant when they’d married. He’d discounted the insinuations from his friends that she’d tried to “trap” him into marrying her. Yes, he’d been blinded by his physical desires, but they’d had a good marriage for a few years before everything started to go south. Not that his guilt had prompted him to marry her. He’d loved her, but in his way of thinking, he’d atoned for his sin by putting a ring on Helena’s finger and doing the right thing in the eyes of man and God.
Only in the past few years had he finally accepted God’s forgiveness for his sexual weakness. By the grace of God, he’d resisted the ongoing sexual temptation. But he’d also given himself too much credit. When it came down to his most basic, primal instincts, it was all God who’d saved him from his own sinful actions. God and God alone.
Thank you, Jesus.
Crawling out of bed, Caleb had gone into the bathroom for a brisk cold shower. And then he’d prayed for a long time. The Lord would have to forgive his thoughts, and he’d confessed them. The Lord knew better than anyone how much Caleb missed being married. Missed the companionship, the physical intimacy, the private times of talking and sharing. The loneliness was always worse in the middle of a restless night, lying in the empty bed, staring at the empty pillow beside him.
Sitting in the Jacuzzi now, he needed to stop feeling sorry for himself or he’d repeat the same routine as the night before. He needed to stop thinking about Caty Lewis.
Business.
Right. He’d think about the corporation. Good. That should keep his mind occupied and his thought life straight.
The idea to remove tobacco sales from his Reidco convenience stores had been simmering on the back burner for months. A radical move, he was more convinced than ever this was the right thing to do, especially since Lauren’s smoking incident. How did he know the cigarette she’d smoked hadn’t come from one of his own stores? That pierced his conscience. How many other people got hooked on cigarettes after buying them from Reidco?
As a matter of personal conviction, they’d never sold alcohol or pornographic magazines. He’d been widely criticized by his competitors, but it hadn’t hurt his business. A large majority of his faithful customers respected that stance and proved their loyalty with their patronage and dollars. Now maybe it was time for the next step. He’d made more money than he’d need in a lifetime, and not that he was out to save the world, but what did a potential loss of revenue matter compared to the health of his customers?
“Lord, can I do this?” He prayed and laid the decision at the foot of the cross. This was the right thing to do, he could feel it in his gut. He’d always trusted his instincts, and now that he was back on track and praying again, Caleb knew in his heart that the Lord would honor and bless the decision.
By the time he pulled himself out of the Jacuzzi, he’d resolved to call a meeting of the board for late in the week. Sitting on the side of the pool, he smoothed his wet hair away from his face and then leaned back on the heels of his hands. Sure, he’d face an onslaught of criticism, no doubt from some members of the board, shareholders, and perhaps a few Belac officers. They should know by now their objections wouldn’t daunt or stop him once he’d made up his mind.
No, Caleb, you’re not the ultimate boss. True enough. He was only the caretaker of what God had entrusted to him. To the best of his ability, he’d do his job. Even so, he couldn’t deny there were definite perks to being the boss.
A smile creased his face as Caleb dried off with his towel, grabbed his bottle of mineral water, and headed back into the house.
If anyone wanted a fight, then he’d give it to them.
Chapter 35
“Caleb, Mr. Robison is here to see you.”
He nodded. They didn’t have an appointment, but Steve was one of the few people who didn’t need one. “Sure. Send him in, please.”
Cordelia had never liked Steve. She was respectful, and although she’d never said anything, her tone and expression belied her true feelings.
Steve strolled into the office, and Cordelia closed the door behind him.
“Good morning
, Steve. Did you get my email?”
The other man dropped into a chair. “About the tobacco ban? Yes. That was a surprise, and I can’t say that I agree.”
“I knew you wouldn’t. I’m sure I’ll have a battle on my hands with the board, but it’s one I’m willing to fight.”
Steve’s face was serious and expressionless as always. He could stand to smile every now and then. “Caleb, where’s this decision coming from?”
“I’ve been thinking about it for a while, and it’s time to implement the change.”
“I’m sure you realize this is more than a simple, uncomplicated change,” Steve said. “I’m not sure you have a full grasp of the significant amount of revenue generated by the tobacco sales. I’d venture to say they’re upwards of thirty-five to forty percent in some of the West Texas Reidco convenience stores, maybe higher. They’re second only to the oil revenue. I’ll be happy to provide sales reports to back up that statement if you’d like. I’m sure you’re aware that Reidco is our most valuable entity.”
“Of course, I am.” Caleb shook his head. “I reviewed the up-to-date sales reports early this morning. The percentage is actually closer to thirty-seven percent across the board.” He’d been prepared for this discussion. “This decision isn’t based on revenue.”
Steve planted both hands on the arms of the chair, his knuckles white. “Then why don’t you tell me what it is about?”
“It’s about taking a stand against sales of a product that could potentially harm our customers.”
Steve snorted. “That description could fit any number of things we sell in the stores. We’re not forcing anyone to buy anything.”
Caleb steepled his fingers and breathed out a deep sigh. “True, but the reports with figures of how many people become addicted to tobacco products each year, and how many die from lung or mouth cancers due to those products every year, overwhelmingly support my decision that it’s the worst thing we can sell.”