by Unknown
“Why Indiana?”
He cleared his throat. “I found out I had an aunt there, my mom’s half-sister.”
Despite everything, her heart leaped for him. “That’s great.”
“Yeah. She had tracked me down here a month before everything happened, but I wasn’t willing to leave Uncle Peter, and I didn’t say anything because I didn’t believe her at first. I didn’t want to get my hopes up on having more family, only to have it not be true.” A bittersweet smiled tugged at his lips. “After that talk with your parents, I couldn’t stay in Treasure Harbor, so I went to meet my aunt and ended up staying there. She was a huge blessing in my life when I needed one the most.”
“I’m really happy you found each other.” Her eyes locked on his and something inexplicable passed between them.
“It came at a high price, though.” His Adam’s apple bobbed.
She was surprised to discover she could still read his thoughts. “Your uncle knew you loved him. Don’t beat yourself up because you weren’t here.”
“I should have been.” His voice trembled with emotion. “Did you know he kept asking me to come for a visit? I finally decided it was time and had a plane ticket for Christmas. It was going to be a surprise.” He ran his tongue over his top lip. “Too little, too late.”
“I’m sorry.”
He shrugged, then stood. “It is what it is, and I’ll have to live with it.”
Rising to her feet, she reached for his shoulder. “You can’t hold a grudge against yourself.”
“He left me the house.”
She wasn’t sure why he chose that moment to confess that fact. “Are you going to sell it?”
He shook his head. “I can’t. It might not look like much, but he loved this place.”
“What will you do with it?”
“Clean it up and rent it out.”
A loud blare from her phone interrupted their conversation. She’d forgotten she’d brought it into the house and set it on the entry table before changing her clothes. “Excuse me.”
Levi nodded acknowledgment, then went to the coffee pot.
The ringing ceased, then began again. She grabbed the phone and caught a glimpse of the caller ID. Mother. Tempted to hit ignore, she pushed past the thought and answered.
“Hello, mother,” she greeted tersely.
“Where are you? We were expecting you in church. You said you’d come this week.”
Paige rolled her eyes. “I told you last night I rearranged my schedule at the hotel.”
“I wish you’d quit that infernal job.” Her mother’s sniff was filled with haughtiness. “It’s not as though you need the money. We Burton’s are better than such menial jobs.”
Drawing a calming breath before answering, she also counted to ten. “I enjoy my job.” Her mother’s tone and attitude set her off, sent a streak of defiance down her spine. She carried the phone into the kitchen and hit speakerphone. “I thought you might like to know who I ran into today.”
Sitting back at the table, Levi glanced up at her with a puzzled expression. She held up her index finger and mouthed, “You’ll see.”
“Who?” Her mother’s impatient sigh crackled over the line. “You know I don’t have time for this nonsense.”
“Levi, and he just told me a very interesting story.”
A loud gasp traveled clearly through the speaker.
Levi’s eyes widened.
Paige pressed forward. “Is it true, Mother? Did you and Father create a fake sonogram and lie to Levi?”
“There’s a perfectly logical explanation.” Her mom stuttered for the first time Paige could ever remember.
“There is no excuse for what you did.” She squeezed her eyes clothes. “I don’t even want to know how you pulled it off, and one day you’ll have to answer for your actions and explain what you did, but it won’t be today. I hope your lies were worth it.”
“Paige, honey—”
She cut the line before her mother could finish the sentence. She didn’t want to hear anything her parents had to say. Not when the pain and betrayal were still fresh in her heart.
Scowling, she threw her arms in the air. “There you have it. If you didn’t believe me before, now you know. My parents sacrificed the happiness of their only daughter because of a stupid feud that turned them into arrogant, self-righteous jerks.”
To her horror, tears sprung, and she couldn’t stop them. Standing in the middle of Peter Callahan’s kitchen, across from her ex-fiancé, she broke down sobbing with uncontrollable ugly tears.
She didn’t see Levi approach, didn’t know he was right in front of her until his arms wrapped around her and drew her into a warm embrace. The moment was surreal, but she didn’t stop to examine it. She leaned against him and cried until her eyes ran dry.
“Misguided as they were, they had your best intentions at heart.”
Her head jerked. “How can you stand there and defend them after what they did?”
“I’m not defending them at all. What they did was wrong and despicable.” He released her, leaving a cold spot in her heart. “Regardless, they loved you. Don’t lose sight of that.”
“I’m so angry, I could spit.”
Levi chuckled. She’d forgotten what a nice laugh he had.
He touched her arm lightly. “I’ll be in Treasure Harbor for a week or two. I could use a friend while I’m here.”
She recognized the gift he offered. Her mouth curled into a half smile. “I can be a friend.”
Chapter Four
More people turned out for the funeral than Levi had expected. Much to his surprise, a good number of the Callahan relatives had come. Even a few Burtons showed up to pay respects. He had suspicions that was largely in part to the phone calls Paige had stepped out to make while they were still at Uncle Peter’s house.
Hours later, he still tried to process the information. Paige had never been pregnant, had never cheated on him. It would take some time to absorb that. After Paige had left to get dressed for the funeral—his heart warmed when she said she wanted to attend—he’d had to spend time on his knees praying.
He’d never been so angry in his life, not even at the person who’d run the stop sign and killed his parents. That had been a careless accident that could have been prevented, but it hadn’t been an intentional act. Mr. and Mrs. Burton, however, had chosen to enact a plan that would tear apart the lives of two individuals.
Shoving aside the thoughts—he wouldn’t allow them to distract his attention from that due to Uncle Peter—he carefully stepped to where his uncle had just been buried. The rain had stopped but left a muddy sludge in its wake. All the other service-goers had left, but Levi wanted a private moment.
He knelt down, making sure his knees landed on the green artificial turf laid specifically for the burial. “I know you’re in Heaven now, and that helps ease the pain of losing you, but I miss you. I’m sorry I didn’t make it in time to see you, and now I wish I would have told you what your Christmas present was going to be.” He paused to swallow the lump forming in his throat. “As long as I live, I’ll never forget everything you did for me. I love you. Find Mom and Dad and give them a hug from me. Tell them I’ll be okay now.”
Running his hand over the gravesite, he fought against the tears welling in his eyes. Uncle Peter wouldn’t want him to grieve. He’d tell him to celebrate his life, and to be happy he was now in Heaven.
A cold breeze blew across the cemetery. Levi rose to his feet and strode to his car, suddenly eager to leave thoughts of the dead behind.
Paige leaned against his car. He’d forgotten about her, more so he’d forgotten they’d driven together.
Quickening his pace, he hurried toward her. “You didn’t have to wait for me. I would have understood if you caught a ride home with someone else.”
“I could have, but I thought you might need a friend afterward.”
There weren’t words to properly express his appreciation. “Thank
you.”
“Did you want to go to Doug and Sharon’s house or go home?”
He rubbed a hand against his neck. He couldn’t help being suspicious of his extended family’s sudden kindness and hospitality, but if the olive branch was legitimate, he wouldn’t refuse it. “I’ll go if you won’t feel uncomfortable.”
An understanding smile appeared. “Because I’m a Burton?”
“Yes.”
“Things are starting to change between the Burtons and Callahans.” She tilted her head toward the car. “I’ll tell you about it on the way.”
Reaching around her, he opened her door for her, then closed it after she sat. He circled to the driver’s side, thinking about what she had said. How much had changed? Obviously, a great deal if Paige was comfortable attending a social gathering at the Callahan’s house.
“I never thought I’d see the day Burtons and Callahans became friends,” he said as he pulled onto the main road leading back to Treasure Harbor.
“I wouldn’t go that far, though some of us are friends now.” She pinned him with a pointed smile.
He winked. “Wonders never ceased.”
Despite the sad circumstances that initiated Levi’s return, a lightness filled him that he hadn’t experienced in a long time. He’d expected a gloomy, tension-filled visit, but regardless of the dreary weather, the overall experience had been pleasant. Okay, maybe he was getting ahead of himself.
Only a few hours had passed that could be considered pleasant, and some of those were filled with telling his uncle a final farewell. Yet, the overwhelming sense of coming home wouldn’t budge. He wouldn’t examine it too much for now. He’d take the day as it came. Tonight, once he was alone in Uncle Peter’s house—it was too soon to think of it as his own—the reality of his current life situation would probably crash upon him, but he wouldn’t borrow worry.
Curiosity got the better of him, and he glanced briefly at Paige. “What has happened between the two families?”
“Did you hear about the treasure surfacing during the storm last spring?”
“No.”
She made a disbelieving grunt. “I’m surprised Peter didn’t mention it to you. It made national news.”
He locked his gaze on the road ahead. “I asked him not to tell me anything about the town. Every word and story became a stinging reminder.”
Tension ignited between them.
Paige dipped her head. “I’m sorry.”
Expelling a sigh, he grimaced. He hadn’t meant to bring them back to what couldn’t be changed. “It wasn’t your fault. If anything, I’m to blame for not trusting in you.”
“When I found out what my parents had done, there was a split second that I wanted to stay mad at you, but I can’t.” Her fingertips pressed against his bicep. “We were victims of my parents meddling.”
“Back to the storm—what happened?”
“Rumors of the lost treasure from Drake Burton circulated again, and a frenzy hit the town. Treasure hunters from all over the States, even other countries, came to find it.” She shook her head and laughed. “Experts were able to prove it wasn’t from the treasure, but it didn’t stop anyone from searching. It’s been a madhouse that’s just now dying down.”
“Was anything else found?” The idea of the treasure had always intrigued him. Maybe not the treasure, so much as the story behind it. Star-crossed lovers—he could relate to that. Lost fortunes—he’d lost Paige, and she’d meant everything to him.
“Not that I’m aware of, and I’m pretty sure if anyone found something, they wouldn’t be able to keep quiet about it.”
He was quiet as they stopped at a red light, then spoke as he crossed the intersection. “I would think with the town in chaos over the treasure, it would have rehashed old wounds between the two families, not brought them together.”
“There was a good bit of that as well, and there is still lingering animosity, but when Ryan Burton and Lara Callahan became engaged, the healing process began.”
“Ryan and Lara are engaged?” A hazy image materialized of them standing together at the funeral. “Wow. The kids of the Burton and Callahan royalty engaged.”
“My father always begrudged that he wasn’t a direct descendant like Paul, Ryan’s dad.” She leaned in closer. “Honestly, when we’re this far from the ancestor, does it really matter? He still held onto the Burton name.”
A wry smile curved Levi’s lips. “Maybe that’s why my side all shunned Uncle Peter. He never did buy into the feud.”
“Possibly, but I think there’s more. My side of the family hates him even more than they do the other Callahans.”
“Another mystery to solve.” He parked along the curb near his distant relative’s home.
His muscles tensed. For all the years he’d lived in Treasure Harbor, this would be his first time inside Doug and Sharon Callahan’s home. What if sparks exploded once everyone arrived? He wanted to believe what Paige had told him, but it was difficult to imagine, especially after learning just how badly the feud had affected his life. Could one engagement between the two main families really have such a positive outcome?
He took a deep breath and held it, releasing it only when his lungs burned. It had the desired calming effect. Paige opened her door, and they met at the fender. Without thinking, he reached for her hand. Only when she gave his hand a quick squeeze did he realize what he’d done.
The front door opened, and he recognized Avery Callahan, Lara’s younger sister. Her eyes went immediately to his and Paige’s locked hands, and a twinkle formed in her eye.
The temptation to pull free briefly tugged at him, but he ignored it. He needed Paige’s support at this moment. Let people think what they want. They will anyway. At the same time, he couldn’t deny the rightness of their linked fingers. He could tell himself there was no future for them all he wanted, but it didn’t stop his heart from wanting more.
They belonged together. The simple fact they’d fallen into such an easy camaraderie hours after uncovering the devastating truth of their estrangement suggested a great deal. Nevertheless, he had a solid life in Indiana. He couldn’t think about abandoning that on a whim.
For now, friendship was all he could share with Paige. He couldn’t offer more.
Avery greeted them and introduced her fiancé, Brody, a Marine veteran. They talked for a few minutes before all going into the house.
Sharon Callahan met them in the foyer. “Come in and say hi to everyone. We’re all excited to have you home.”
But you didn’t care about me when I lived with Uncle Peter. A nagging thought persisted. Were they only being kind to him now because Uncle Peter was dead? He hoped not. He attempted to keep his thoughts unjaded and tried to convince himself they’d seen the error of their ways. At some point, bygones had to be bygones.
“Glad to see you again.” Douglas patted his shoulder. “I’m sorry about Peter’s passing.”
Sure you are. Man, it was difficult to stop the inner dialogue of snide comments. “Thank you.”
“How has life treated you these last eight, has it been, years?”
“Pretty well. I can’t complain.” I can do this. I can maintain a pleasant conversation. “And you, sir?”
“Life as usual until this summer.” A broad smile revealed Douglas’ mildly crooked teeth. “I’ll be adding two new sons-in-law to the family soon.”
“So I’ve heard. Congratulations.”
Douglas walked away, and Levi noticed he hadn’t acknowledged Paige. Interesting. Had the slight been intentional? He’d only been in the house for a few minutes, but the air was suffocating. He let go of Paige’s hand and ran a finger between his collar and neck.
Paige made eye contact with him. “Are you okay?”
“No, I need fresh air.”
They slipped out the front door unnoticed.
Paige led him near a palm tree in the yard where they could talk in private. “Overwhelmed?”
“How can they a
ct like everything is fine?” He waved a hand toward the house. “I’m trying to accept the new attitudes, but it makes me angry. Why couldn’t they have changed before Uncle Peter died? Why did he have to die without family because they were too caught up in whatever reason they had for shunning him?”
“I don’t know.”
He had to give her credit for honesty instead of spouting some ridiculous cliché. “I’ve put a lot on you today. I’m sorry.”
She shrugged. “That’s what friends are for.”
“I know you’re responsible for the overflowing church and the feast in there.” He jerked a thumb in the direction of the house. “I’m not sure how you pulled it off in such a short time, but thank you. Uncle Peter deserved this kind of farewell.”
A light shade of pink touched her cheeks. “Then what do you say, in true Peter Callahan fashion, we get back in there and don’t let them bother us. Talk about Peter, honor his memory—show them the man they missed out on getting to know.”
“I say let’s do it.” He draped an arm around her shoulder. The thought that he’d been selfish crossed his mind. In his grief, he hadn’t considered the emotions she must have grappled with all day. Toward him and her parents. “Are you all right?”
“I will be.”
He cast a doubtful expression her way.
She stepped sideways, placing herself in the crook of his arm. “I’m furious at my parents, but time heals all wounds, doesn’t it?”
“Eight years didn’t heal mine.” Stopping in his tracks, he locked gazes with her.
“But eight hours today has made a lot of progress.” Her eyes searched his.
What she looked for, he didn’t have. He didn’t know what the future held.
Chapter Five
Paige stood at the door of Peter Callahan’s house with a pizza box in hand. She shifted the sodas in her other hand to knock on the door.
Seconds later the door opened, and a casual Levi, dressed in jeans and a Purdue sweatshirt, appeared in the door. “Thanks for coming.”
She held up the box. “I brought food.”
A slow smile formed. “Not just any food, but the ultimate staple of Treasure Harbor. You have no idea how much I missed Pirate’s pizza. I even contemplated asking Uncle Peter to pack some in dry ice and ship it to me.”