by Delia Latham
“Thank you, Trina. We won’t be long.” Shay opened the door with one hand and gave a flourishing sweep of the other one toward the outdoors. “Show time, ladies.”
Despite Kylie’s arguments, the other two women slipped their arms through hers and lent their strength on the walk—which hadn’t looked that long from the house. By the time they reached the bustling complex, Kylie was grateful for their willing support.
Shay showed them through the largest of the buildings first. Nearing completion, the common area included a large central room which would be used for group gatherings. A gorgeous fireplace dominated the center of the wall they faced upon entering. Framed by river rocks in a variety of sizes, shapes and colors, it was flanked by floor-to-ceiling bookshelves which extended to opposite corners on each side. Wide planks, buffed to a high sheen, formed an attractive but durable floor.
Shay explained that several comfortable seating areas were planned for this room. “It’ll be a place where the girls can come for company and activities. We’ll bring in game tables, books—even a piano.” She pointed to an elevated alcove at the other end of the room, and Kylie had no trouble imagining a baby grand in the place of honor. “There will be a television, with a strict schedule for viewing. We don’t want our guests to waste the money they invest for this camp on television programs they could watch at home for free.”
Her sister’s casual use of the word “we” sent a sharp pang of envy through Kylie’s entire being. Shay’s pride in this facility seemed almost proprietary. Kylie forced herself to push aside the disturbing thought.
Shay indicated a couple of doors, one on each side of the big room. “Through there are offices that the staff will occupy.” She led them across the floor and into a long hall. “Mine is this way, all the way to the end.” They were treated to a sparkling smile. “Want to come see?”
“I want to see everything!” Dayna bounced up and down like an excited child. “And I want to help. Do you think Rick will want a manicurist for the girls? I could come in a couple of times a week during the months the camp is open.”
Shay’s eyes widened. “I’m sure he will. I wonder if he’s thought of that. Why don’t you leave me a card? I’ll make sure he gets it.”
Dayna dug through an assortment of items in her enormous purse, fished out a showy purple card, and thrust it into Shay’s hands. “I really want to do this, Shay. He’ll need volunteers to make something like this work, and I’m volunteering as of right now.”
“Are you kidding? You’ll do this at no charge?”
“Of course! If Rick provides the supplies, I’ll donate the labor. It’s an awesome cause, and hey, this girl is all about awesome!” Dayna broke into a little break dancing jig, sending both Shay and Kylie into fits of laughter.
Shay’s space consisted of a couple of rooms, neither of them large or fancy. A small desk in the corner of one provided a place to take care of paperwork and keep files. A couple chairs for visitors. A couple inspirational quotes on the walls.
The larger room in back held an impressive assortment of cosmetics.
“This—this is unreal!” Dayna sputtered. “There must be thousands of dollars’ worth of makeup in here. How can he afford this?”
Shay laughed. “He doesn’t have to. Erecting these buildings and actually getting the girls here are the final steps in what has been a very long process for Rick. He’s been working on this for several years.” She pointed at the crowded shelves. “All of these products were donated.”
Kylie gasped. “Are you serious? By whom?”
“Various cosmetic companies.” Shay walked around the room, pointing out familiar names. “At last count, we had donations from ten different companies.”
“That’s impressive.” Kylie browsed the rows of boxes, bottles and jars, amazed at the variety of product.
“It is, yes, but not surprising when you think about it. People can see this therapy camp is a great thing. They want to contribute—and, of course, it provides them a tax write-off. But the bottom line is, we’re in a position to do some real good for these young people. I’m so excited to be a part of this—finally, I’m going to do something worthwhile.”
Dayna snorted. “Right, Shay. You’re an actress. You’ve been doing something ‘worthwhile’ all your life.”
Shay’s teeth clamped down on her bottom lip. She shook her head and heaved a sigh. “I haven’t. My whole life has been about me—making me look good, making me famous, making me rich. When push comes to shove, that’s not worth a throw-away bottle cap.” She swept the room with her gaze. “This counts, though. Helping young women feel good about themselves, teaching them to make the most of what they have to work with. Showing girls with bruised and hurting hearts that they’re only damaged in the eyes of people who don’t know any better…that Jesus loves them just the way they are…and that they should love themselves, just as He does.”
Shay’s eyes overflowed and tears streamed down her cheeks. “This is my chance to make up for all the years I spent focused on me—only me, to the exclusion of everything and everybody else. Looking Glass Ranch is a chance to redeem myself. Besides, who knows? Maybe God allowed me success in Hollywood so I’d be financially able to take this position. I do know it’s all in God’s plan.”
Kylie slipped an arm around her sister, feeling a little shy about the gesture. It wasn’t a familiar one for either of them. “You don’t have to redeem yourself, sis. Jesus already did that for you.”
Shay’s gaze widened, along with Dayna’s, and Kylie grinned. “Hey, you’re not the only one who’s gotten a nudge from Heaven lately. I’ve been doing a little scripture surfing too.”
“Kylie, that’s wonderful!”
She chuckled. “Destiny forced my hand when she made me promise to attend church services for a couple of months. It got me thinking about things…you know, my soul.”
Dayna rolled her eyes. “Girlfriends, y’all are traveling way out of my comfort zone. What do you say we get out of this closet?”
Laughing, the three of them left Shay’s quarters and finished their tour. By the time they headed back to the big house to get Eva Kate, Kylie felt better than she’d felt in…well, better than she ever remembered feeling.
She felt at home.
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That wonderful at-home feeling didn’t stop her from losing every ounce of strength she possessed on the uphill trip back to the ranch house. Even with Dayna and Shay supporting her on either side, her legs gave out halfway up the hill.
“I’m sorry, Ky.” Shay’s beautiful turquoise eyes shadowed with concern. “I shouldn’t have insisted you come with us. You weren’t ready.”
“Are you kidding?” Kylie sucked in a deep breath, braced both hands on her knees and bent forward. “I wouldn’t have missed this for the world.” She managed a small smile. “Probably should have let you drive me down though, huh?”
Shay grimaced. “I should have thought of that.”
“Why don’t you two go on ahead? Just let me rest here for a minute. I’ll come up when my legs stop shaking.”
“No!” It was a unanimous negation from Shay and Dayna.
“Well, then.” Kylie dropped down onto the grass. “I’d argue, but I don’t have the strength right now. I’ll just be a minute, girls.” She closed her eyes, fighting off a wave of nausea.
“Is everything OK down there? Kylie, is that you? Are you OK?”
Her eyes popped open and she sent Shay an accusing glare as she popped up like she’d been jerked by a wire. “You said he wasn’t here today,” she hissed.
“He wasn’t. He’s home earlier than he expected to be.” Shay smiled as Rick approached from the direction of the house. “Hi. Kylie’s OK…I think. She just gave out on us. I pushed her too hard today.”
Kylie refused to turn her head and look up toward the sound of his voice, but that didn’t stop Rick from coming down. His black leather shoes appeared in front of her within seco
nds. She forced herself to raise her gaze and offer a weak smile.
“Hey.” It sounded more like a croak than a word, but she got it out.
“Hey,” he responded. “Didn’t your doctor tell you to take it easy for a few days?”
She nodded. “I have been, until now.”
“She really has,” Shay broke in. “I’ve been making sure of it. This is my fault.”
Rick laughed. “It’s no one’s fault. I was only teasing.” Before she knew what he had in mind, he bent and scooped Kylie up in his arms. “My turn to help,” he said.
Kylie gasped, but instinctively locked her hands behind his neck. “Rick! You can’t carry me all the way up this hill!” She stiffened in his grasp. “Put me down this instant.”
He grinned and gave her the full effect of his green eyes, too close to her own for any kind of comfort. “You don’t think I can do it? Aww, Twinks, that’s cold.”
“Of course you can—I didn’t mean—Rick, you know exactly what I meant!” Her cheeks burned. So did every other inch of her body, which he held so close she could feel his heartbeat, along with every muscle in his torso.
“Hush, woman. We’re halfway there already.”
Behind them, she heard Shay and Dayna giggling. She’d never hear the end of this.
Rick turned around to face the other women. He kept walking, backwards, as if she weighed no more than a child. “Who’s with you, Shay?”
“This is Dayna. She’s Kylie’s friend—and mine, now.” Shay’s smile almost seemed shy, but surely she was imagining that. Shay—awkward about making friends?
“Well, Dayna, it’s nice to meet you.” Rick turned around and flung words over his shoulder. “We’ll talk more at the house. I’m a little preoccupied right now.”
He smiled into Kylie’s eyes for a moment, but the smile quickly faded into something more serious. He spoke softly, for her ears only. “I’m surprised to find you here.”
“No more surprised than I am to be here,” she muttered.
“Look, Kylie, I’m sorry I didn’t come back to the hospital. I—I had some things to think about.”
“It’s OK. I’m sorry you saw me like that.”
“Like what? Alive? Breathing? That’s all I cared about, Twinks. Surely you know that.”
She rolled her eyes. “I’m not Twinks! And I meant with all the bruises and scratches and—well, that huge cut on my face.” Horrified, she suddenly realized how close her damaged face was to his. He must be getting the full, disgusting effect. “I’m not surprised you didn’t come back.”
“What cut?” Rick raised an eyebrow. “Are you talking about that little place over your eye? You think that’s why I didn’t come back?”
“It isn’t little!”
Rick stopped at his front door. “It’s no more than an inch long, Kylie. If you see more than that, you’re in serious need of an eye exam.” He turned. “Can one of you ladies get the door, please?”
Kylie squirmed as Dayna shot forward and grabbed the doorknob. “Rick, I can walk. Put me down.”
“All in good time.” He carried her all the way into the living room and lowered her onto the sofa. She missed his touch the moment he let her go. “There. I’ll go get some water—or tea, if you prefer. Ladies, what about you? Thirsty?”
Before they could answer, Trina burst into the room like a small tornado. “What happen? Mees Kylie, you are OK, si?” She noticed Rick and nodded. “Welcome home, Meester Rick.”
“Thanks, Trina. Kylie’s all right, just tired. But I think these ladies could use a cold drink.”
“Yes, of course, si!” She cast a worried glance in Kylie’s direction, but turned toward the kitchen.
Shay and Dayna each linked an arm through the housekeeper’s. “We’ll help,” Shay said. “You don’t mind company, do you, Trina?”
Giggling, the three of them disappeared, leaving Kylie to face Rick on her own.
****
What was he supposed to say? He still didn’t know what to think about Kylie’s obvious aversion to facial imperfections. How could he still feel attracted to a woman who was made ill by the sight of his precious daughter? And yet there was no denying his body’s reaction to holding Kylie in his arms, feeling her soft curves against his chest.
He wished Trina and those giggling girls would return with something cold to drink. Better yet, maybe he could arrange an accident that would send the whole tray of icy liquid right into his lap.
“Thank you, Rick. I’m sorry you had to lug me all the way up here. I feel like such a pansy.”
He chuckled. “No problem, Twinks—oh, pardon me, you don’t like that name, do you?”
She smiled, and his heart did a complete backflip. “I don’t mind it, not really. I just don’t get it.”
“I told you, you remind me of that little fairy, Twinklebell, when you laugh. I can’t believe no one’s ever said that to you before.” He winked, then grinned when she blushed. “I find it quite delightful.”
“Stop it.” Kylie looked away, clearly embarrassed. And yet, somehow he got the feeling she enjoyed the compliment.
Her shy smile faltered a bit in the ensuing silence. Where was Trina with that water?
He sighed. “Look, Kylie, I—I kind of overheard you talking to Destiny about your…uhm, that little cut on your face. It threw me for a bit of a loop, I admit. I mean, you know my daughter is—”
“Daddy!” Lea bounced into the room, trailed by a little girl with smooth, dark skin and rows of brightly adorned pigtails. His daughter threw herself into his arms. “Look, I have a friend! This is Eva Kate.”
She pulled the other child forward. Eva Kate appeared a little younger than Lea, but neither of the children seemed to mind. The little one raised huge brown eyes and one small brown hand—the one not clutching a doll that appeared to have been well-loved for quite a long time. “Hi, Lea’s daddy.”
A little shy, this one.
“Well, hello, Eva Kate. Who’s that you’ve got with you?”
“This is Ibbie.” The little girl grinned, warming to him. “She’s our friend, too.”
Rick took the child’s hand in his, struggling with a lump the size of a golf ball in his throat. A friend. Lea had a friend. And the child seemed completely unfazed by his daughter’s face.
“Eva Kate, is it? Let me guess—your mommy’s name is Dayna.”
Big brown eyes grew even bigger. “How did you know that, Mr. Lea’s Daddy?”
Rick laughed. “How about you just call me Mr. Rick? And I know that because I met your mommy a few minutes ago, and you look just like her.”
He grinned at Kylie, then caught his breath. Kylie and Lea in the same room. How would he guard them both from Kylie’s reaction?
Before he could make a move to stop what promised to be a catastrophe, his daughter hopped off his lap and ran across the room. “Kylie! Are you sick?”
She knew Kylie? Rick held his breath, waiting.
Kylie reached up and pulled the child to her for a hug. “I’m fine, Lea. I just got a little hot and tired, I think.” She smiled and touched her lips to Lea’s cheek—the scarred one. “I guess I thought I was tougher than I am.”
Lea stroked Kylie’s hair. “It’s OK. We’ll take care of you.” She glanced at Rick. “Won’t we, Daddy?”
Rick cleared his throat. “Of course we will, Sweetie Bird.” What was going on here? He’d never been so confused in his life.
Kylie’s bell-like trill of merriment captured his heart and tied it up tight. “You are big with the cartoon names, aren’t you? And you never quite get them right.”
Lea laughed—a genuine, light-hearted, little-girl burst of humor that made him want to cry and laugh and dance all at the same time. “Daddy always calls me Sweetie Bird. I like it!”
“I like it, too,” Kylie told her. “It’s a perfect name for you.”
“What about me?” Eva Kate hopped up and down on one foot, watching the little interplay between her
new friend and the adults. “I want a cartoon name!”
Rick narrowed his eyes and cocked his head, regarding the little girl thoughtfully. “I’ll have to think about that. I like your real name a whole lot.”
The little one’s dark eyes shone. “But I need a silly name like Lea.”
“Well, then. Let’s see.” Rick searched his memory for other cartoon characters. “What cartoons do you like? Or maybe an animated movie? Do you have a favorite?”
Black pigtails danced when Lea’s new friend nodded emphatically. “Uh-huh. The Land Before Time.”
“Me too!” Lea squealed. “We can watch it together. I have it in my room.”
“I have it at home too,” Eva Kate said, with a wide smile that melted Rick’s heart. “When you come see me, we can watch it there. Or you can pick out something else. I have lots of movies.”
Rick couldn’t wipe the smile off his face. He’d never thought to hear this kind of interchange between Lea and another child. “You know, Eva Kate. I think I have just the name for you.”
“You do?” The little girl bounced up and down on her tiptoes.
He nodded. “I think you’re a Ducky, aren’t you?”
Eva Kate giggled. “Yep, yep, yep! I am, I am!”
Rick and Kylie burst out laughing, and the girls joined them. Trina entered the room carrying a tray of drinks and snacks, and trailed by the two puzzled-looking younger women.
“Hey, what’s going on in here?” Shay pretended to frown. “Are you all having a party without us?”
Eva Kate ran to her mother and hugged her around the waist. “Mr. Rick says my name is Ducky, Mommy! I have a silly name, just like Lea.”
Dayna raised perfectly shaped brows and grinned. “OK, sweetie. If you like it, I guess its fine with me.” She shot Kylie and Rick a mock-suspicious glance. “And as for you two…what’s up with changing my daughter’s name? You’ve got some ‘splainin’ to do!”
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