“Calm down, Mom.” Clint stepped forward and gently waved his hands in front of her. “Sandy and I have been very private about it. Her parents didn’t know until last night.”
“And you couldn’t call us?” She clenched white-knuckled fists by her sides. “You spoke to your father last night and didn’t say a word.”
Poor Clint. He wasn’t going to win this fight.
Sandy set the laptop case against the wall and stepped up beside him, lacing her fingers through his. “Mrs. Clifford, it’s been a very trying couple of days for me, as I’m sure you’re aware.”
Puzzlement twisted her features and deepened the frown line even more. “I don’t even know you. How could I be aware of what your issues are?”
She didn’t know how to respond to that. It seemed phenomenally wonderful that someone in the world didn’t know what had happened. A fresh slate, as it were. Too bad they weren’t starting off on better footing.
“Let’s take a step back here.” Clint squeezed her hand and let go. “First, introductions. This is my mother, Eleanor Clifford. Mom, Sandy Freeman, my girlfriend, mother of my child, and firefighter extraordinaire.”
God, she loved him for the lies.
“Her parents, Dean and Vivian. Her fire captain, Tim Delaney.”
Mumbled acknowledgments followed, but Eleanor didn’t make eye contact with anyone.
“Second, I’m sorry I didn’t tell Dad about Sandy and the baby last night when he called. He was upset about the SunSpots offer, and I didn’t think it was a good time. I felt it more appropriate to introduce Sandy to the family and tell you all about the baby in person when we have the family meeting.”
“That’s why I’ve been trying to reach you.” She advanced a step, eyes wild. “The meeting has to be tonight.”
How oblivious was this woman? It was all over the news about the fire and her concern was on this sale?
“Tonight doesn’t work for me,” Clint told her. “It’s been a hell of a long twenty-four hours. I don’t have the energy to hash this out tonight.”
“But you have the energy to entertain her parents?” She jerked her arm toward Sandy’s mom and dad.
Rage simmered in Clint’s glower. He banked it well, but it still gave Sandy pause, making her put a little distance between them to avoid nuclear fallout.
“They’re here because of the fire that destroyed Sandy’s house last night and nearly killed us in the process.” His words were slow and measured, as if he fought to control each one.
“Oh. I didn’t know.” She did look surprised.
“You must have missed the news,” Tim said.
“I don’t listen to the news.” She flicked her hand dismissively in the air. “Doom and gloom. So depressing. I have my own problems. If it’s something important, someone will tell me.”
Dad’s eyes widened to saucer-size. “One would think it was important enough to let you know your son came to within an inch of his life last night. If not for our daughter, he’d be dead.”
Eleanor whipped around. “If he hadn’t been in her house in the first place, he never would have been in danger.”
That brought Dad to his feet. Mom jumped up in front of him.
“Enough.” Clint’s voice was low and deadly. God help the soul who defied him. Her parents returned to their seats. Eleanor studied the floor.
“I’ve been on the phone constantly, trying to reach you.” Her voice quivered. Sandy wasn’t sure if it was real or feigned. “I have missed calls. I’m sure people have been calling to ask about you. I’m sorry. I’m very on edge about this offer from SunSpots. It’s finally a chance to get rid of that blasted homestead. I curse the day Raymond’s mother gave it to him. She scraped that white elephant off her plate and onto ours. It’s always been a huge financial drain on the family to pay the taxes. Some family members can no longer pay their share, leaving others to bear the burden. Now we have the chance to sell it all to this solar company. Do you think they’ll listen to reason?”
“Calm down, Mom.” Clint touched her shoulder. “Let’s sit.”
“I’m too antsy to sit. I have to keep moving. Damn it, Clint. I need you at the meeting tonight. Chuck called and said it’s the only time he and Annie can do it. You and I both know that’s nothing more than an excuse. They’re dragging their heels and hoping to block us with this move. Your father is too emotionally invested in the ‘old homestead.’” She made quote marks in the air. “And Tommy can’t make a decision to save his life. You and I are the only ones thinking clearly here. Without you, we’re screwed.”
“All right, then.” His sigh indicated it was anything but all right.
“But he is not providing dinner for all of you,” Sandy added.
“Fine by me.” Eleanor sniffed. “I want it gone. All of it. Hell, I’ll burn it to the ground if that’s what it takes for your father to finally let go.”
“Whoa, whoa, whoa,” Sandy and Tim said together.
“Fire department here,” Tim added.
“I’m sorry. This whole business has me beyond upset.” She focused her full attention on Tim. “No, Captain, I don’t intend to set fire to the place. But if the whole thing fell into a giant hole in the ground or burned to ashes, I wouldn’t shed a tear.”
“Neither would I,” Clint said. “It’s an accident and a lawsuit waiting to happen. I can’t stress that enough. If we can’t get this sale to go through, something’s going to have to be done to demolish the buildings.”
Tim tucked his arms over his chest. Sandy caught the gleam in his eyes and knew what he was going to suggest before the words left his mouth.
“Would you be interested in letting us use the buildings for fire training?”
“Absolutely,” Clint replied.
“They’d be gone?” his mother asked.
“Once we got done with them,” Tim replied. “There are procedures we have to go through first. Of course, if you sell to the solar company—”
“They might be agreeable to letting you do fire training.” Clint stared off into space. Sandy could see the wheels turning in his brain. “The buildings have to come down no matter what. Why not create some goodwill with the local fire department?”
“We’d want to do a preliminary and thorough look at the place before we made a decision,” Tim said.
“Not a problem.” Mrs. Clifford headed for the door. “I’ll go get the keys for you right now.”
“Hold up, Mom.” Clint hooked her elbow. “As with everything else, we have to discuss this with the family first.”
“It might not hurt for us to take a look first,” Tim said. “No sense getting everyone’s hopes up or creating more turmoil if it’s something we can’t do. If one of you are willing to go along—” He looked at Sandy. “Are you up to heading out there with me? If this is a go, I’m putting you in charge of the project.”
Pure joy chased away Sandy’s anxiety. “I’m good. I’ve got a uniform in the car.” She jerked her thumb in that direction.
Tim waved off the suggestion. “Let’s keep it somewhat informal for now. No sense getting the neighbors in an uproar.”
Eleanor huffed. “There’s little chance of that, since there aren’t any. No one’s fool enough to live in that godforsaken area.”
The homestead—along with its former general store—marked the beginning of a long, desolate stretch of desert on the road to the Colorado River.
“It’s a good idea to have one of us with you, but that can’t be me. I have an appointment.” Clint glanced at the clock on the wall above the entertainment unit. “I’ve got to go, or I’ll be late.” He started down the hallway, then stopped and turned. “Are we all good here?”
Though she knew the question was directed at his mother, Sandy answered. “We are.”
He tilted a nod her way and walked back to the bedroom.
“We’re ready when you are, Mrs. Clifford,” Tim said. “Unless you’ve changed your mind.”
�
�No. It’s fine.” She hoisted her purse strap to her shoulder. “I’ll get the keys and will meet you there. I presume you know the way?”
“We do,” Sandy said. Anyone who’d ever been down that highway knew about it. Even set off the road as it was, the homestead was hard to miss. Clint was right. It was a lawsuit waiting to happen. “You’re welcome to ride with us and save yourself the gas.” Please say no.
Eleanor chewed on the inside of her cheek while she pondered her response.
Clint returned from the bedroom, clean shaven and sporting a pink polo shirt. It took a confident man to wear pink, and he wore it very well.
Sandy scrunched her eyebrows together. “How’d you shave so fast?”
Smiling, he winked. “Electric razor.”
She narrowed her gaze. “Cheater.”
“I’ll see you later.” He dropped a quick kiss on her lips.
“Where are you going?” Eleanor demanded to know. “Can’t work wait? You weren’t there yesterday. What’s so important at this time of day that it can’t wait yet another day? I really don’t want to drive all the way out there.”
Clint splayed out his hands. “Then don’t go. I’m sure Captain Delaney and Firefighter Freeman have better things to do than go on wild-goose chases.”
Her face turned a mottled shade of red. “You always put your work first!” Tears came next. “No wonder Marjorie—”
He snapped his finger up. “Don’t.”
Every muscle in his jaw tightened. This was anger, raw and real. Sandy couldn’t blame him. Eleanor had pushed him to the edge. Frankly, Sandy was dancing the fine edge herself. Her parents sat on the sofa, tight-lipped. She imagined Mom’s mouth was filling with blood from biting her tongue to stay quiet.
Sandy placed her hand on Clint’s biceps. “Go. You don’t want to be late. I’ve got this.”
He looked down at her, nostrils flaring with every breath. Sandy skimmed her hand over his back. Relief filtered into his eyes. Tension abated. He kissed her once more and left.
Sandy waited until she heard his truck start up. Then she crossed her arms and faced Eleanor dead-on. “I understand you’re upset, but that was uncalled for.”
She pulled in a deep breath and released it slowly. “You’re right. It was. I’m sorry. This offer for the land is tearing the family apart.”
Sandy thought twice about reminding her the apology should go to Clint, not her. Saying that would only escalate her angst. She had a feeling the undercurrents of family discord went well beyond the old homestead. There was history here of some kind—nasty, ugly, and still festering.
“I would prefer to ride with the two of you,” Eleanor said. “I hate that long drive. I hate everything about that place.”
Clearly. Sandy glanced at Tim. Riding with her was truly the last thing she wanted at this point. Rescinding the offer wasn’t possible. Tim’s nod was subtle, agreeing to take her. He didn’t look too happy about it either.
“Let’s get going before it gets too late.” He motioned them to the door.
“I’ll be right with you.” Sandy returned to the bedroom for her sneakers. Her parents wasted little time following.
“Good gravy, that woman,” Mom hissed.
“I know.” Sandy hauled on her socks. “Not a good first meeting.” She hoped the rest of his family was more reasonable. Considering how Clint had ground his teeth when his dad mentioned Annie last night, she doubted it.
“Who’s Marjorie?” Mom asked.
There was no avoiding that question. Sandy stabbed her feet into her sneakers and told them.
“Poor Clint.” Mom sank down on the bed next to her. “And for his mother to throw that in his face.” She tsked and slowly shook her head.
“I know. Dirty pool. Low blow.” Sandy bet it wasn’t the first time Eleanor had done it either. It would cost her mom a lot to keep her mouth shut the next time she crossed paths with Eleanor. Hell, knowing Mom, she wouldn’t keep her mouth shut.
“Do you want us to go with you?” Dad asked.
Sandy walked to her go-bag stashed against the wall. “Yes and no. How’s that for an answer?” She rummaged through her meager possessions and pulled out a notepad and pen, then stuffed her skinny wallet into one back pocket of her jeans and her cell phone in the other.
Dad chuckled and slipped his arm around her shoulder. “We’ll do whatever you want, princess.”
As much as she hated to say it… “Then go home. I have a feeling tonight isn’t going to be pretty. I’d prefer you don’t get caught in the fallout.”
“All right, angel.” Mom wrapped an arm around her from the other side. “As long as you’re safe from that other cretin, there’s really no need to stay, I suppose. It looks like you’ll be jumping back into work too.”
“Yes, no risk involved and at my own pace.”
“Good.” Dad kissed her temple. “We’ll let your brothers know. We’re only a phone call away, princess. It doesn’t matter what’s happened. We’re there for you.”
“I know.” She never should have kept them in the dark in the first place. But telling them had been too horrific.
“You want me to make you something to eat?” Mom asked. “It’s past noon. You need something. I can make it for you to take along. You don’t want to get sick. A little snack. You know, I saw a Crock-Pot in the cabinet. I think I’ll put something in it for the two of you before we go. I want you both to have a good dinner. Oh dear.” She pressed her fingers to her lips. “Clint left without anything to eat.”
Sandy tried not to laugh. Mom’s mission in life was to feed the world, or her little corner of it. “He’ll be fine. Yes, a little something would be great, but it’ll have to be quick. We need to leave.”
Mom took off without hesitation. Dad remained, watching Sandy run a brush through her hair and flick her short bangs into place.
“Clint seems like a good man, princess. His family, though…” He too slowly shook his head. “Makes me wonder. Granted, families don’t get along all the time, and we’ve certainly had our issues, but when the chips are down…”
“It’ll be fine, Dad.” She caught his gaze in the mirror.
“I hope so. Great as Clint seems, two months isn’t a long time to get to really know a person.”
She turned to face him. “Dad, we’re having a baby.”
“Are you?”
His gaze bore into hers—that intense look into her inner self that had stripped open all her secrets and lies as a child. Sandy couldn’t maintain eye contact, much less continue the lie.
Dad wrapped his arms around her, holding her tight. “Does Clint know?”
“Yes.”
“Are you sure? Because as careful as you are, birth control isn’t one hundred percent accurate.”
“I love you, Daddy.” Sandy kissed his cheek. “Clint and I didn’t have sex for the first time until last night. The attack happened two weeks after we’d started dating. He found out about it the same way you did. He wasn’t happy I’d kept him in the dark. It was his idea to claim the baby as his.”
“It takes one hell of a man to offer something like that.” He held her at arm’s length. “It takes one hell of a woman as well to raise a child of rape.”
Sandy never considered herself to be that person. She’d spent weeks agonizing over everything. In the last twenty-four hours, one thing had become true and clear in her mind.
“This is my baby too.”
Dad smiled, kissed her forehead, and dragged her into a hug. “That it is, princess. That it is.”
“Clock’s ticking for me!” Tim shouted from the living room.
“I gotta go.” One last hug and she aimed for the door.
Tim stood at the front door, clutching two paper bags. He handed one to Sandy. “We both got snack bags.”
“That woman can do without.” Mom dashed out from the kitchen for a good-bye hug.
“I can’t say I blame her,” Tim told Sandy as he swung open the door.
“What were you thinking to ask her to ride with us?”
“It wasn’t one of my better moments. It’s what I get for trying to be polite.”
He punched the button on his key fob as they walked to unlock the doors on his big red F150. “I have a feeling politeness is lost on a woman like her.” Tim reached to open the truck door for her but pulled back before doing so. Confusion tugged his eyebrows closer.
“Protocol tripping you up?” she asked with a light laugh. It happened every time she or Gina were out with one of their male firefighters. Were they supposed to treat her like one of the guys, as they did at work, or open the door for a lady? “I’m still and always will be one of the guys.”
“Yet you’re still and always will be a lady too.” Smiling, he opened the door. “Just this once.”
Sandy hoisted herself into the truck, fastened her seat belt, and opened her treat bag. Mom had packed a small bottle of water, wheat crackers, a cheese stick, and an apple, sliced and peeled.
“What’d we get?” Tim slid behind the wheel and opened his bag. “Yum.” He set the water in the console’s drink holder, stripped the covering off the cheese stick, and took a big bite. “How long have you and Clint been seeing each other?”
She braced herself for a lecture similar to the one her dad had given. On the surface, two months wasn’t a long time, but it felt like a lifetime to her. Clint was her safety net. Her port in the storm. “Two months.”
“The extra-hot period.” Tim took another bite, talking with his mouth full. “Everything’s exciting and new, and you’re learning about each other.” The rest of the cheese disappeared. “Then suddenly you realize you can’t live without this person in your life.”
“Oh my God.” She touched his forearm. “You get it.”
“I do.” He opened his little baggie of crackers, then started the truck. “I knew Trish was the one from the second I laid eyes on her. Now comes the hard part—the rest of your lives together. If you’re planning to be together, and since he’s still around and you’re at his house, I’m guessing that’s where you’re headed.”
“We haven’t really talked about it.” Sandy nibbled a cracker, testing her stomach. “Advice?”
Flames from Ashes Page 10