To Honor and Trust

by Tracie Peterson

  Thomas assumed a position with his putter. “Like this?”

  “That looks good. Now, when you get ready to stroke your putt, think about the pendulum in a clock.” Wes straightened and relaxed his stance. He moved his arm in front of him, mimicking a pendulum. “Like that pendulum, you want to keep your swing absolutely straight.”

  Thomas nodded.

  “Now, watch how I get ready and swing.” Wes addressed the ball, swung, and the three of them watched the ball as it dropped into the hole.

  Thomas cheered. “My turn. Right?”

  Wes nodded and placed the ball in position. “Remember, you need to judge your speed. The grass is very short on this putting green so that means your ball will travel faster.”

  Thomas aligned his body, glanced at the cup, and swung. The ball rolled directly toward the cup, teetered on the edge, and finally dropped into the hole. Thomas looked at Wes and grinned.

  “Excellent! Now let’s see if Callie can do the same.” Wes waved her forward and watched as she spread her feet apart and hunched forward. “You need to straighten a bit or your arms won’t swing free.” She nodded, straightened a bit, glanced at the hole, but then returned to her former position. “Wait, don’t swing.”

  Callie relaxed and waited as he approached. “I can’t seem to find the proper position. I prefer bending more.”

  Wes chuckled. “I noticed.” He stepped behind her. “Don’t be alarmed, but I’m going to stand behind you and hold you in the proper position.”

  A slight gasp escaped her lips when he placed his arms around her body and leaned forward to cover her hands.

  “I hope you’re not uncomfortable, but I think this will help.” He hesitated a moment. “Keep your eye on the ball, but straighten your back and shoulders until you are leaning against me.”

  Although she held herself in a rigid line, she followed his instruction.

  “You need to relax a little.”

  “I’m trying.” Her voice was no more than a whisper.

  “I’m going to guide your arms in a straight line, and we’ll hit the ball.”

  “I’ll try.”

  “We’ll do it together.” Wes could feel her discomfort as he guided her arms through the swing, but she didn’t pull away.

  The ball stopped far short of the cup, but Thomas applauded. “You did good, Miss Callie.”

  She shook her head. “I’m afraid I didn’t do all that well, Thomas.”

  The boy pointed to another hole. “Let Mr. Wes show you again. I’ll practice over here.”

  “I think it’s far more important you spend your time with Thomas. He’s the one who truly needs to be well skilled when he goes off to boarding school.” She lowered her voice. “I know he hopes to make the golf team.”

  “Thomas is doing quite well, and I am certain that by the time the season ends here on Bridal Veil, he’ll be far superior to any of the boys his own age.” Wes pushed his hat back on his head. “On the other hand, you need a lot more attention than young Thomas.”

  Her lips curved in a demure grin that set his heart racing. “Then I suppose I dare not refuse your assistance.”

  On several occasions, Callie warned herself to take care. She’d grown increasingly fond of Wes. Each night she told herself it was nothing more than friendship and a shared interest in Thomas and his golf lessons. But deep down, she couldn’t deny that she enjoyed his company and looked forward to seeing him each day. If she let her thoughts wander, she could even imagine more—much more. But then she would recall Matthew and the pain she’d suffered. When that occurred, she could push aside any idea of a future with Wes. Or with any other man, for that matter.

  During their lesson today, Thomas had invited Wes to join them on an outing after their golf lesson. The boy hadn’t requested Callie’s permission to invite Wes, so there was little she could do about the arrangement. She could hardly withdraw an invitation she hadn’t extended. Besides, the two girls liked Wes, and whenever he was with them, they learned some new lesson about nature.

  Wes walked beside her as they returned to the caddie shack after she and Thomas had completed their golf lessons. “Did you make plans to go anywhere special with the children today?”

  “They mentioned the beach.”

  “What about heading toward the more forested area so they can see some of the wildlife? Do you think they might enjoy that for a change?”

  His idea pleased her. The children had asked about going to look for deer and wild turkey, but maintaining oversight of all three children in the denseness of the wooded areas had proved difficult in the past.

  Lula was sitting on the front porch with the girls when Thomas and Callie returned home. Callie glanced toward the screen door. “Where’s Maude?”

  “She was feeling poorly. Said she had a headache. I knew you’d be home soon, so I told her to go and rest.”

  “That was kind of you, Lula. Has Mrs. Bridgeport returned from her luncheon?”

  The housekeeper gestured for Callie to sit down. Leaning close to Callie’s ear, Lula maintained a watch on the front door. “She was all aflutter. Seems there’s been some more of those robberies going on at the cottages. I told her she didn’t need to worry none ’cause there’s always someone here, but that didn’t seem to set her mind at ease.”

  “Did she say who had been robbed?”

  Lula shook her head. “She didn’t offer to tell me and I didn’t ask.” Lula swatted at a fly that landed on her arm. “I got to agree that it does make a person nervous knowing there’s a thief prowling around the island.”

  “I’m sure we have nothing to worry about, Lula, but if you see any strangers, you let Mr. Bridgeport know.” Callie patted the housekeeper’s hand. “And please don’t mention this where the children can hear. Such talk might frighten them.”

  Lula tapped her finger against her lips. “Mum’s the word where the little ones are concerned. You best be off. They’re prancing around, eager to be on their way.”

  Wes was waiting between the two live oaks that bordered a path leading into the woods. From past experience, Callie knew the path ended soon after passing beneath the moss-covered branches of the trees.

  They headed off, with Wes cautioning them to be as quiet as possible as he took the lead and Callie followed behind the three children. Along the way, he pointed out brown thrashers whirring through the trees, several buntings calling to one another, and a large red-headed woodpecker hammering its beak into a tall oak.

  Wes waved the children forward. “Let’s see if we can find some interesting plants while we’re out here.”

  Lottie immediately pointed to a small white flower. “That’s a pretty flower.”

  Wes drew near and stooped down. “Ah, you’ve found an early bloomer. That’s called bloodroot, and the flowers don’t usually begin to bloom until March. See how the thick veiny leaves protect it? And look here on the ground. Just below the surface you can see the roots where it stores a red sap.”

  “I see them,” Daisy shouted. “Can we dig ’em up and squeeze out the red stuff?”

  Wes chuckled. “No. Let’s leave them in the ground and see if we can find some other plants.” He pointed to an area not far off. “Soon those green plants will have pretty purple blooms on them. They’re called purple coneflowers, and sometimes doctors use a medicine made from them to help tummy aches.”

  Daisy giggled and patted her stomach. “What are these?” She pointed to a spot beneath a tree.

  Wes grinned and ruffled her hair. “I think those are called weeds.”

  Callie settled on a low-hanging limb of a huge live oak tree and watched the children as they continued looking for plants and birds in the nearby clearing. The dank, musty smell of the woods surrounded them, and she inhaled a deep breath.

  Wes stepped toward her and motioned toward the thick branch. “Mind if I join you?”

  “No, not at all.” She patted the solid branch. “You certainly know your birds and plants.
I’m impressed.”

  “Thank you, but when something is fascinating, I want to learn all I can.” He sat down on the limb while keeping his gaze trained on the children. “There’s something I’ve been wondering about ever since we talked earlier today.”

  “What’s that?”

  She attempted to recall what all they’d talked about, but the only thing she could remember with clarity was the rush of excitement she’d felt when he put his arms around her during the putting lesson.

  “You said that if a man had already pledged his love to a woman, and then became enamored with another woman, he should reveal that information.” He frowned. “Or something along that line, right?” He arched his brows, obviously seeking confirmation.

  “Yes, something like that.” She clasped her hands in her lap. “Are you preparing to tell me that you are pledged to marry someone, Wes?” Her breathing turned shallow as she waited for his reply.

  “No. There’s no woman in my life. But I wondered if you’d experienced what you spoke of earlier today? Did a man betray you?”

  She bit back the tears that threatened. To cry would have him think she remained in love with Matthew—and that wasn’t the truth. Her love for him had vanished, and in its place mistrust had taken root.

  There was no reason to hide the truth from Wesley. She didn’t dwell on the intricacies of her heartbreak. Instead, she gave him the simple statement she’d learned to repeat. “I was engaged once, but my fiancé ran off with another woman. Unfortunately, all of the wedding plans had been completed before he decided he no longer loved me.” She forced a smile. “I’m not the first woman to endure such pain, and I won’t be the last.”

  Wes shook his head. “The man was a fool.”

  She toyed with the lace corner of her handkerchief. “I appreciate your kind words, but I’ve learned that men cannot be trusted. They declare their love and propose marriage, and still they prowl about looking for someone better. If nothing else, I have learned that men are liars.”

  “I hope that you haven’t included me in that sweeping statement.”

  She hadn’t given proper thought to her words before she blurted out her thoughts. Just when she thought she was beginning to get over Matthew, her anger took hold again. “Do forgive me. I wasn’t including you. You’re not a man. . . . Well . . . you are a man, but . . . you’re different.”

  “It’s true I am a man, but in what way am I different?”

  “You aren’t overbearing, trying to steal kisses, and so forth.” She shivered as she recalled Archie’s unseemly behavior.

  He chuckled. “That doesn’t mean the thought hasn’t crossed my mind from time to time.” After pushing up from the tree limb, he turned and stood in front of her. “You are a beautiful woman, Callie. I don’t know any man who wouldn’t enjoy stealing a kiss from you.” He extended his hand. “Come along. We should see if the children would like to try to locate a few deer before we return.” When she didn’t reach for his hand, he smiled at her. “I promise I won’t try to steal a kiss.”

  She grasped his hand, and as the warmth of his fingers clasped hers, she wondered what it would be like to kiss him. The truth was, Wes wouldn’t need to steal a kiss. She’d give him one if he only asked.

  Chapter 18

  There hadn’t been time to linger over thoughts of kissing Wes, for as soon as he’d taken hold of her hand, thunder rumbled overhead and the skies darkened. “I need to get the children back home before it begins to rain.” She attempted to pull away from Wes, but he held tight to her hand.

  “They’re children. A little rain won’t hurt them. I agree we need to return, but they won’t melt.”

  She shook her head and pulled him forward. “You don’t understand. Lottie has been suffering with a perpetual cough ever since we arrived, and being in the rain will only make it worse.”

  “Has a doctor ever suggested she might have asthma?”

  Callie stopped and stared at him. “I don’t believe so—at least not that I’ve been told. Mrs. Bridgeport has always referred to it as a chronic cough. Why do you suggest asthma?”

  “I’ve known people who suffer from asthma. Has she been worse since arriving at Bridal Veil?”

  “Yes. She always seems to suffer more when we’re here during the winter.”

  Wes matched her stride as they walked toward the children. “The dampness along the coast, coupled with the heat and humidity in this part of the country, can prove difficult for those with asthma. Their breathing can become even more impaired when the humidity levels increase for long stretches of time.”

  He knelt down beside Lottie and placed his palm on her back. Callie stood nearby as he leaned close to the child. Twisting around, he looked up at Callie. “I can hear her wheezing, which makes me think this is more than a chronic cough. Is she ever like this when you’re at home?”

  “Yes, but she’s usually somewhat better during cold weather. From what Mrs. Bridgeport has told me, Lottie has had various lung problems since she was a very young child. Asthma does make sense.” Callie frowned. “I wonder why the doctors have never considered that possibility.”

  “Who can say? Maybe Lottie’s doctors have never treated anyone with asthma, so the possibility didn’t occur to them, or maybe they think she’s too young to have it. Perhaps Mrs. Bridgeport should mention it to Lottie’s doctor when you return to Indiana.” Another round of thunder clapped overhead. “I suppose we’d better hurry.” He pointed to his shoulders. “Lottie, we’re going to be walking fast, and since you’re having trouble breathing, why don’t you wrap your arms around my neck and I’ll give you a piggyback ride.”

  Daisy curled her lip in a pout. “What about me? Do I have to walk?”

  Wes grinned at Daisy. “I’ll carry you next time. How’s that?”

  “You promise you won’t forget?”

  “I promise. And since I won’t be able to walk quite as fast while I’m carrying your sister, let’s have Miss Callie tie my handkerchief to a long stick, and you can wave it overhead like a flag. That way, we won’t get separated or lost.”

  Daisy immediately agreed and could barely contain her excitement as she marched ahead of them waving her small flag.

  Callie walked alongside Wes as they headed out of the woods. “Have you always been good with children?”

  “I don’t know if I’m good with them, but I very much enjoy their innocence and natural curiosity. Of course, there are some who would tell you that I haven’t yet accepted being an adult—perhaps that’s why I enjoy being with children so much.”

  There was an ache in his laughter that caused Callie to look at him. His eyes appeared clouded with pain.

  “And who would tell you such a thing?” Callie wasn’t certain she should ask, but she’d told him a little of her past. Maybe he hoped she would question him.

  “My family—mostly my father and brothers, who want me to quit doing things like playing golf. My mother and sister are intent on seeing me married. I don’t think they care if I love the woman, just so long as I have a wife.” He bounced Lottie a little higher onto his back. “I don’t think they care if I’m happy. They just want me to conform to what they think is best.”

  “I understand.” Callie lowered her voice so Lottie couldn’t hear. “Mrs. Bridgeport is determined to find me a suitable husband, even though I don’t want one.”

  “Ever?” He arched his eyebrows.

  “That’s how I feel at the moment.” She gave him a sideways glance. “Of course, one can never say what will happen in the future, but I don’t ever again want to experience the pain I went through after Matthew.”

  “But not everyone is like Matthew. It doesn’t seem fair to tar all of us with the same brush.”

  “Perhaps not, but it will take something akin to a miracle to change my mind.”

  He grinned. “Well, it’s good to know there’s at least some possibility.”

  His words caused an unexpected thrill. He was truly a k
ind man, good with children, slow to anger, and extremely patient. In some ways she thought he might be too perfect. How could a man who possessed such rakish good looks and so many fine qualities still be single? Yet, here he was in the midst of her life. If she was going to protect her heart, she’d need to remain vigilant.

  They continued on, but when they neared the house, Wes stopped and lowered Lottie to the ground. “I’m going to head over to the golf course.” He stooped down in front of Lottie. “You feeling some better?” She nodded her head. Once again, he held his head close as the child breathed. “Don’t forget to mention the asthma to her mother. She’s still wheezing.”

  “Don’t you want to come inside and meet Mrs. Bridgeport? I’m sure she’d be interested in hearing this medical information from you.”

  Wes waved toward the road. “You can tell her. I need to take care of some things at the links.”

  Callie watched him head off. How odd. What did he hope to accomplish with a storm moving in? As lightning cracked overhead, she hurried the children along the path and up the front porch steps. They’d barely entered the front door when fat raindrops began to splat on the walkway. Booms of thunder pounded overhead, and soon rain poured from the sky in thick sheets. She walked the children upstairs and wondered if Wes had found refuge before the storm hit.

  Mrs. Bridgeport stepped to the doorway of her bedroom as they reached the top of the stairs. “I’m glad to see you and the children have returned, Callie. I was beginning to worry you’d be caught in the storm.” She sighed. “Unfortunately, it seems to be raining everywhere.” She motioned for Callie to follow her and spoke to the children. “Why don’t the three of you go to your playroom, and Miss Callie will join you soon. I need to talk to her for a moment.”

  The children continued down the hallway, and Callie followed the older woman into the sitting room that adjoined the bedroom. Mrs. Bridgeport sat down in one of the brocade-covered chairs.