Abide: A Christian Romance Novel (The Lewis Legacy Series, Book 7)

by JoAnn Durgin

  “You don’t want to overwhelm any of your employees who haven’t done a service project before. Basically, anyone who wants or needs a free meal is welcome to come to this event—homeless, neighborhood residents, low-income families, students, you name it across the board of all income levels and walks of life. Speaking of hot dogs, they’re on the menu, so be forewarned.”

  She laughed when Caleb crossed his eyes. “The focus is on providing the meal, and there’s music by some local Christian bands. Then there’ll be a couple of speakers, some singing, and a small fireworks display as the sun sets. People come and go throughout the day, and there’s no obligation for anything. We have a table with flyers, Christian materials, and a free Bible is available for anyone who wants one.”

  Caleb nodded. “I think you’re right. It’d be a good way to ease my employees into the idea of a service project while also getting to know each other better on a more personal level. We need to promote the idea of our employees circulating, though. I don’t want them standing in little huddles and especially not segregated by departments.”

  “This is your chance to lead by example. The new Caleb Reid emerging from his cocoon,” she said quietly.

  “I’m trying. Talk with Miles and get all the details,” he said. “Can you arrange it with Sam? Find out what volunteers he’ll need, that kind of thing. Set up a sign-up sheet and a list of supplies we’ll need to provide.”

  “I’m sure I can manage to do that.” She smiled and took a bite of her sandwich.

  “Once everything’s in place, I’ll ask Cordelia to send out an email next week to announce it to everyone.

  “Order up for Caty! Come and get it.”

  With wide eyes, Caleb turned to look at the man behind the counter. “Wow. That guy’s good. Does he announce for the Texans or the Astros? He should.”

  Caty grinned. “Not that I know of, but I’ve thought the same thing.”

  “I’ll get our food and be right back.” He quickly returned with their orders—chicken noodle soup and half a turkey sandwich for her, a club sandwich and potato chips for him, and two bottles of water.

  “How’d I do?” He unloaded the tray and then handed it off to a nearby deli employee.

  “Extremely well. Thank you.” Bowing her head, Caty said grace.

  “Here’s an idea,” he said as they began to eat. “I need to take you to see the bluebonnets before the season is over. Lettie’s coming back to town early next week, after all—she’s insisting—and to be honest, I’m glad. I don’t cook all that well, and we’ve missed having her home with us. How about after work one night next week, we go for dinner and a drive? Are you free on Tuesday night?”

  “I’ll check my schedule. That sounds like fun. I haven’t gone to see the bluebonnets in years.”

  “And then the next thing is an Astros game. I’ll check their home schedule, unless you have it memorized,” he teased. “I’ve never met a woman who knows as much about baseball as you do. We can belt out the National Anthem, chow down on hot dogs if we dare, shell peanuts, yell at the umpire, dance in the stands, and act like a couple of crazy kids in love. Share a kiss during the seventh inning stretch. That’s the best idea yet, don’t you think?”

  “Caleb…?”

  He popped a chip in his mouth and leaned one elbow on the table. With his most flirtatious smile, he gave her a broad wink. “Yes, Caty?”

  She laughed as he aimed the chip for her mouth, teasing her with it. Leaning forward, she dipped for it like a bird and then swiped a couple of chips from his plate.

  “This sandwich is very good, by the way.” He took another bite.

  “Glad you like it. This has become one of my favorite places.” Caty wiped her mouth with her napkin. “Caleb, I need to tell you something, but please promise you’ll hear me out.”

  “As long as you don’t say, ‘I can’t date you,’ or ‘I’m not sure I can handle a man with a preteen daughter,’ then I’m listening.”

  “Maybe you should fire me.”

  Chapter 40

  “Fire you?” Caleb sputtered and almost choked on his sandwich. “I can tell you right now the answer to that is a definite no. N-O. No.”

  Caty leaned close. “Well, not really fire me, of course.”

  Not that he needed to worry he’d be overheard in the noisy deli, but he lowered his voice. “Tell me why you’re suggesting it. Help me understand.”

  “I’m just thinking it might speed up this whole thing and force the person trying to steal from you to crawl out of the proverbial woodwork. If the person thinks I’m fired, then he or she might make a move.”

  “Banish that thought,” he said. “Not going to happen. What purpose would it serve to fire you? Not to mention I’d miss you in the office. Knowing you’re right down the hall is a great comfort.”

  “Thank you. Good to know I’m being compared to grilled cheese.” She took a sip of her soup.

  “Not comfort food, you crazy woman.” He shook his head. “Caty, if it weren’t for you, I’d be dwelling on that latest note. You’ve helped me find the joy in living again to the point where I’m ready to face down whatever challenges come. You’ve reminded me to put my trust in the Lord’s hands, where it belongs. Where it’s always belonged.”

  “I’m glad, but I also know you’re tired of the wondering and the waiting. I’m tired for you.”

  “I think that might change soon.” He took another bite of his sandwich. In spite of his words, an uneasy stirring in the pit of his stomach had started recently and wouldn’t let go of him. He’d popped antacids like candy in recent days, something he rarely did.

  She met his gaze. “Do you believe we’ll have answers soon?”

  Caleb nodded. “I can’t say why, but yes, I do. Call it a gut feeling. I’m not usually wrong about these things.”

  “For the accounting issue…or the other?” Her beautiful blue eyes grew wider.

  “Both. I’m beginning to believe they might somehow be connected.” He gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. “Let’s enjoy our lunch. Give me a chance to woo my gorgeous Reidco accountant.”

  “Caleb, when we first met, you mentioned bringing in the authorities to deal with the discrepancies. Do you think now might be that time?”

  “I spoke with a police lieutenant recently. I proposed the situation hypothetically. Short of filing subpoenas, seizing computers, examining phone and email records, I’m not sure how we could pinpoint any one or more persons. At this point, I’m not sure I should expose Belac to lawsuits or a trial. When I mentioned the authorities, I meant when we know who’s actually behind them.”

  Caty frowned. “That’s frustrating. But you will eventually need to prosecute whoever’s responsible.”

  “I understand that, but I’m waiting for them to make a false move. As I said, I honestly believe something will happen soon.” He could only pray everything would come to a peaceful ending without anyone getting hurt.

  Chapter 41

  Monday Evening, the Following Week

  “Caty, can you come over to Sam and Lexa’s?”

  In the middle of unpacking and sorting through another box of personal items, Caty checked her watch. Almost seven-thirty p.m. “What’s up, Marta?”

  “I’m hoping to solve that second clue. Lexa and Sam are out, but she told me she’d leave the garage door unlocked. I find it interesting that she didn’t ask any questions when I told her Eliot had this game planned for me with clues. Something tells me she and your brother are in on the whole thing.”

  Caty laughed. “Why am I not surprised? Can you give me a half hour?”

  “Sure. An hour if you need it.”

  “I didn’t get a chance to tell Lauren about this clue. Can we try and include her in the next one?”

  “Sure,” Marta said. “This one seems to be more of a TeamWork-related thing, anyway. I’m surprised Eliot would make it this easy.”

  “Maybe it’s not as easy as you think.” Caty closed the
box and darted a glance in the mirror. She was in her jeans and a T-shirt, but that would have to do for last-minute notice. “I’ll call you when I’m almost there.”

  “Thanks, friend. I’d just feel better having you there with me, so I don’t feel like I’m breaking and entering.”

  “Don’t be silly. Nothing could be further from the truth.”

  Nearly forty-five minutes later, Marta leaned against the white Volvo station wagon and breathed out a dramatic sigh. “I thought for sure the bomb was the answer.”

  “Let me see that clue again.” Caty held out her hand.

  “I know it by heart,” Marta said. “It’s not ticking, but it’s precious to the TeamWork crew.” A moment later, she lifted away from the car. “We haven’t checked beneath the hood yet. That’s got to be it.” Walking over to the driver’s door, she opened it. “Where, oh where, is the hood release?” A moment later, Caty heard the latch unlock. “Found it.”

  After lifting the hood and securing it with the metal rod to keep it in place, Caty snapped her fingers. “What makes a car tick?” She didn’t know a lot about cars, but she knew basic engine components.

  “The battery?” Marta came around beside her and they both leaned over the engine.

  “Right. Check all around it,” Caty suggested. “If the next clue’s not there, I’m fresh out of ideas.”

  Stretching, Marta felt around the sides of the battery. “Bingo! You are a genius.” She held up a yellow Post-It note. “See, this is why I needed you here with me tonight.”

  “What’s the next clue say?”

  Marta read from the paper. “Clue #3: Her welcoming smile melts hearts but not her sweets. Is it just me, or does that sound either borderline sexist or really intriguing?”

  Caty smiled. “Let’s go with the really intriguing option.”

  “Speaking of which, what’s happening with your handsome cowboy?” Marta said as they both walked outside and Caty lowered the garage door. “I gather by your mutual presence in church again yesterday that things are going well?”

  The thought of her day spent with Caleb and Lauren made her smile. After the service, they’d enjoyed a leisurely lunch. His daughter did a majority of the talking while she and Caleb made eyes at one another like teenagers. Then she’d followed him back to the house where they’d made popcorn, curled up on the sofa, and watched a marathon of movies on a Christian channel, some decent and others unbelievably cheesy but clean.

  “Do you have time for a cup of coffee?” Caty offered. “I’ll fill you in. Admit it. That was your ulterior motive all along in luring me out here, wasn’t it?”

  Marta waved her hand. “Like it was such a hardship for you. I have to be at the studio by nine, as per the usual these days, but I have time for a quick cup.” They agreed to drive separately and meet at a local coffee and pie kitchen.

  “Well, blow me down and call it a night,” Marta said after Caty caught her up-to-speed on what was happening. “Caty, you’re practically married to the man! You’ve left me in the dark too long, my friend.”

  Caty didn’t know whether Eliot had divulged anything to Marta about Caleb hiring him. Like with Sam, she hated not being free to tell her best friend so she could pray, but in case her loose lips might put Caleb or Lauren in danger, it was best to keep quiet. And pray. She’d ramped up her prayers for them lately, especially after Caleb had confided his suspicion that something would happen soon. That statement had made her uneasy, but she tried to follow her own advice not to worry and to put her trust in the Lord.

  “In some ways, I can’t believe everything that’s happened in such a short time,” Caty confided to her friend as she sipped her iced caramel macchiato. “This is sinful. See what you made me do?”

  “I always knew when you met the right guy of God’s choosing, you’d fall madly in love lickety-split,” Marta said. “I had an idea it would be the handsome cowboy the moment you told me about him. Of course, I didn’t know at the time he was your boss.”

  “Well, neither did I,” Caty said. “I’m just thankful I haven’t had any more pratfalls to make the man think I’m uncoordinated and clumsy.” Laughing, she shook her head. “That day will go down as one of the strangest—and one of the best—days in the history of my life.”

  “Don’t forget dinner with two of your best friends that same evening. I’d like to believe that the dinner sped your relationship along.”

  “Of course,” Caty readily agreed. “Not to forget the separate invitations to join you and Eliot for church. You sure you two didn’t coordinate that?”

  “Completely in God’s plan. I couldn’t be happier for you. Caleb’s a great guy. Not your average millionaire, I have to say.”

  “Stop that,” Caty snapped, but she smiled as she took another sip of her drink.

  “I’m only stating the obvious. Why, the man seems so down-to-earth I can actually believe he does put one leg in his pants at a time.”

  Caty shook her head. “Funny girl. He’s worked hard for his success.”

  “I’m sure he has. I’m not discounting that. For one thing, if you marry Caleb, you won’t have to keep working unless you want to.” Marta arched her brows. “Until the cute little cowboys or cowgirls start coming along. Imagine what cute kids you two will have.” She hesitated. “Have you and Caleb discussed children?”

  “Whoa. Now you’re really getting ahead of yourself,” Caty protested. “From what I know you can stop working if you want, but I also know you love being the weather person extraordinaire.”

  The idea of marriage and children sounded more appealing whenever she spent time with Caleb, but until things were resolved… “That’ll happen for you and Eliot before me, no matter what happens.”

  Stirring her iced caffè latte, Marta dipped her gaze but not before Caty caught her smile. “We’re talking about it. ‘It’ meaning having a baby sometime in the next year or two.”

  Patting her friend’s hand, Caty leaned close. “A little tip? It takes more than talking.”

  Marta laughed. “First, we need to move to a bigger place. Eliot’s been so busy, and so have I, that we haven’t taken the time to even compare notes much less go see any homes. Seriously, we need to plan another dinner together, the four of us. As soon as Eliot gets home, let’s arrange something.”

  “Agreed.” Caty touched her glass to Marta’s. “Here’s to friendship among good friends.”

  “To friendship and the handsome men we love.” With a wink, Marta sipped her drink.

  As she prepared for bed later that evening, Caty’s cell phone rang. She smiled when she checked the display and saw that it was Caleb.

  “How was your day?”

  Snuggling under the sheets, Caty smiled at the sound of his voice. He’d called her once before in the late evening, and they’d enjoyed a long phone chat. She hoped this might become a wonderful evening tradition.

  “Good,” she said. “You must have been busy. I only caught fly-by glimpses of you.”

  “I’m sorry I didn’t get the opportunity to stop in.” After Caleb filled her in on his activities of the day, she heard his sigh.

  “Is something wrong?” Propping against the headboard, Caty wrapped her arms around her knees, keeping the phone pinned between her ear and right shoulder.

  “Nothing’s wrong. I was just thinking about something I wanted to share with you. I hoped it wasn’t too late since I know you told me you’re usually up until eleven or so.”

  “I think I can make time to talk with you,” she teased. “What’s on your mind?”

  “I’ve been making a concentrated effort to read my Bible lately. Lauren came to me over the weekend and wanted my explanation of the passage in Matthew where it talks about how it’s easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”

  “It’s good that she’s asking questions,” Caty said. “Is she reading her Bible, too?” She knew Caleb had bought a new Bible for himself
as well as one for Lauren. He’d admitted it’d been so long since they’d used them that he wasn’t sure he could find their Bibles among the packing boxes in the garage.

  “She is, although I believe she’s picking and choosing verses. That’s okay for now. At least she’s reading parts of it. Anyway, we had an enlightening discussion. A good one, I think. Lauren told me not that long ago that she wished we weren’t rich, and that if I didn’t have money, we wouldn’t be faced with these kidnapping threats.”

  Caty nodded and then remembered Caleb couldn’t see her. “To be fair, from a twelve-year-old’s perspective, I suppose that makes sense.”

  “At the time, I explained there are different ways to be rich. She knows how hard I’ve worked to provide nice things for us. She’s been to countries most people never have the chance to see. Anyway, I studied a bit and told her how people originally used silver or gold coins, but that as life grew more complex, the need for a monetary system developed. And then, like so many things, money was abused. I shared the verse and told her that if we seek the kingdom of God first, everything we need will be provided.”

  “All very valid points,” Caty said.

  “I think the upcoming TeamWork project will be good to open Lauren’s eyes to those out there who don’t enjoy the privileges she does on a daily basis,” he said. “Let’s face it, most kids her age don’t think about others as much as themselves. I explained how God tested Job but then blessed him with wealth. God blessed King Solomon with wealth and wisdom, and how Solomon is considered the wealthiest person who’s ever lived. Abraham, Jacob, and many others were also considered wealthy. I think, in the end, Lauren understood that God doesn’t look at having money as being sinful. If He did, He wouldn’t have blessed so many faithful people with money.”

  “Exactly.” Caty loved discussing things of the Lord with Caleb, and how it strengthened the growing bond between them. “Money itself isn’t evil, but the worship of money is. Or falling into temptation and sinning in order to get more money.”