A Family Affair: Summer: Truth in Lies, Book 3

by Mary Campisi

  His lips twitched. “I might.” He buried his hands in her hair and eased her toward him. “Or I might just tell you I love you and have never stopped loving you.”

  She leaned on tiptoe, placed a soft kiss on his mouth. “I love you, Daniel Casherdon, and if you give me a chance, I will spend the rest of my life showing you just how much.”

  “Now that is something I could get used to.” He deepened the kiss, fitting her body to his in a pledge of love and commitment. “Let’s take this inside,” he murmured against her lips. “To your bed…where I will undress you and taste you…” He slid a hand down her back, cupped her butt. “And pleasure you until the whole town hears you shout my name.”

  “Yes.” She lifted her head to the sun as he trailed his tongue along the opening of her shirt. “Oh, yes.”

  Cash pulled back and lifted her in his arms. “If we don’t go inside, we’re going to give your neighbor a real show.” Tess laughed and glanced toward Edith Finnegan’s window. The curtain didn’t move because it had been pulled wide open and there stood Edith, expression intent as she witnessed Cash and Tess pledging their hearts to one another, from this day forward. And then, miracle of all miracles, Edith Finnegan smiled.

  Chapter 18

  Two months later

  Three days before Cash and Tess’s wedding

  “Why don’t you just ask the doctor if you’re having a boy and be done with it?” Gina shook her head and gathered a length of pink tulle.

  Bree ignored her and fished around for another blue Jordan almond. No one commented that she was supposed to be placing the almonds, even the blue ones, in netting and tying it with a white satin ribbon. Christine and Tess had a small mound of the Jordan almond party favors in front of them, while Bree had fewer than ten in her stack. “Brody is certain this baby is going to be his Brody Junior.” She popped a blue Jordan almond in her mouth and chewed. “I think he’s right this time. We changed things up a bit when I conceived and that’s going to make a difference; you just wait and see.”

  Gina coughed and rolled her eyes. Christine smiled and Tess laughed. What would these gatherings be like without Bree’s too-honest and often too-personal comments? She and Brody were determined that baby Kinkaid number four would be a boy. But what if it weren’t? Would Brody push for baby number five, six, and seven, until he had a son? At this rate, Bree would have her own basketball team in two years and a football team before she hit forty. There might not be anything left of her, but Brody would have his “brood” and maybe even a boy.

  “How’s your mother doing?”

  Tess could always count on Christine to steer the conversation to more acceptable topics. “She’s doing great. Of course, Uncle Will is spoiling her with his chicken piccata and beef burgundy. The man cooks, cleans,” she paused, raised a brow, “even does toilets. And he grocery-shops and brings her fresh flowers every day. I think he irons, too.”

  Bree sighed. “A twilight romance. I’d be happy if Brody remembered to close the toilet lid every now and again.”

  What to say to that? Bree called her husband a “man’s man” and maybe that was true, though Cash and Nate had other thoughts on Brody Kinkaid and his Neanderthal tactics. But Bree loved him, had always loved him, and she’d take her last breath professing that love.

  “Do you think your mother will stay at Will’s?” Bree set aside five blue almonds. “Maybe even get married?”

  Gina interrupted before Tess could answer. “Nobody’s getting married before Tess. And we’re not talking about anybody getting married until after Tess and Cash tie the knot.” She pinned Bree with a “do you understand?” look.

  “Okay, just asking.” Bree patted her very large belly and sighed. “There’s a special someone out there for every person walking this earth, and I think it’s wonderful when the stars bring them together.”

  Of course Gina was not about to let that go. “Not everyone is looking for that special someone. There are a lot of people who are perfectly happy by themselves.”

  Bree cast her a “You don’t really mean that” look and popped another almond in her mouth.

  They’d been working on the wedding checklist for the past two nights. Tess’s old house was the perfect spot since no one was around to disturb the “production and assembly” table. Christine had replaced Gina as the organizer with the spreadsheets, but Gina still liked to keep the details streamlined and the production process going. Bree, on the other hand, was not a piece worker. She gabbed, stopped, popped a blue Jordan almond in her mouth, rubbed her belly, took a bathroom break. Still the same Bree. A few months ago, Tess could not have imagined she’d be sitting with her friends, working on arrangements for a wedding she thought would never happen. It had been years coming, but in three days she would marry Daniel Casherdon, the only man she ever loved.

  Since the afternoon in the driveway where they’d professed their love, witnessed by the now “almost friendly” Edith Finnegan, Tess and Cash had opened up to each other and shared their dreams, their hopes, even their fears. Would there be a baby? If not, an adoption? Was Cash really okay with the not knowing? He was. Cash eventually told her the real reason he left the force in Philly, how he’d hesitated the night he was shot because the shooter reminded him of JJ. He’d never confessed that truth to anyone else but he’d needed to share it with her.

  Love and trust opened up so many possibilities. Cash talked about working with Nate in the furniture business and how he’d come up with a few ideas to expand the business. He thought Tess’s sales knowledge could help market their products and Nate liked the idea. So did she. He’d also shared his desire to start a youth camp for troubled kids with her help and Will’s, probably Nate and Christine’s too. Your uncle might not have had kids of his own, but he’s been a father and a mentor to me. I want to do the same. If he hadn’t given me a chance, I’d have gone down a different road. He’d paused, held her gaze. And not a good one. Once the wedding and the honeymoon to Niagara Falls were over, they’d begin mapping out serious plans for the camp. He’d even talked about a dog or two… Rescues, he’d said with a big grin. Just like us.

  When the doorbell rang a half-hour later, Tess, Bree, and Gina looked at each other, mouths pinched, their eyes wide. Eight years ago, Bree had opened the door to a bloody and desperate Cash.

  Christine must have sensed their fear because she pushed back her chair and said, “I’ll get it.” She moved toward the door and opened it. Cash stood on the other side, a big smile on his face, and he was not alone.

  “Happy almost Wedding Day!” Cash, Nate, Brody, and Cash’s buddy, Ben Reed, barreled through the door with a bouquet of pink and white balloons, two bottles of wine, a huge box of chocolate meltaways, and a bottle of Jack Daniel’s. The latter had clearly been opened and enjoyed if the flushed faces and grins were any indication.

  Brody’s baritone filled the room as he sang “Truly” a cappella. Cash made his way to Tess, leaned over, and kissed her long and slow. Nate grabbed Christine’s hand and led her to Olivia’s piano, where he sat down and patted the seat beside him. Christine slid next to her husband and kissed him. Brody moved toward his wife and pulled her to her feet as he belted out the love ballad. Gina scratched her jaw, caught Ben Reed watching her, and turned her back to him. When Nate began playing “I Will Always Love You” they all gathered round, joining in the song of love, commitment, and forever.

  Cash slung his arm around Tess’s waist as they swayed to the music, her head on his shoulder, as he softly sang in her ear. Oh, yes, the men had been doing a bit of celebrating. Cash didn’t sing in the shower but he was singing now; so was Nate, which was as funny as it was endearing and really should be videotaped. No one had the nerve to do it and face Nate Desantro’s wrath tomorrow. So they’d commit this night to memory and pull it out years from now, faded, worn, but still capable of pulling a smile from their faces. Five songs later, Ben opened the bottles of wine and filled Olivia Carrick’s juice glasses. Bree a
bstained, for obvious reasons. “Let’s toast,” Ben said, “to the future Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Casherdron; may they enjoy long nights and long lives together.”

  “May they create memories every day,” Bree added, saluting them with her bottle of water.

  “And every night.” Brody whistled and cheered.

  Christine raised her glass. “May they find true peace and contentment.”

  “And learn tolerance and patience,” Nate said, with a grin, stroking the piano keys.

  Gina was the last one to offer a toast. She raised her glass, looked at Cash and Tess, and said in a quiet voice filled with conviction, “It’s been a long road back to each other, but you’ve made it because you belong together, because true love never gives up and never dies.” She paused and her dark eyes grew bright. “Open your arms and your hearts and embrace the journey.”

  And three days later that’s exactly what they did.

  Epilogue

  Pop sat on the back porch sipping an ice tea and munching on a pizzelle. In another few weeks, the night air would grow crisp and the leaves would turn from green to red, yellow, even orange. Flowers would begin to fade and wither, giving up their fanciness like an old prom dress. But this morning the scent of lavender and lemon balm drifted to him and the zinnias burst in shocks of red and pink, signs that summer had not yet left them.

  He didn’t sleep much last night, too many things rumbling around in his head. His belly was doing its share of rumbling, too, what with all the food he ate at the wedding. How was a person supposed to turn away from a dish of manicotti and a thick slice of roast beef? And when au gratin potatoes—not from a box either—are right next to the garlic mashed ones, well, doesn’t a body need a taste of both? This body did, and this body paid for it in the middle of the night.

  Pop shook his head and laughed. “Oh Lucy, it sure was tasty. And the new thing is cupcakes, fancy ones with swirly frosting. They had red velvet, triple chocolate.” He scratched his jaw as a few more popped into his brain. “Vanilla, and this strawberry one that made me think of you. Things sure have changed since you and I got hitched.” He sighed. “Don’t make no difference if you’re eating on china or a paper plate; the real test is the day-to-day living. Just wait until Tess finds out Cash picked up a dog from the rescue center. Henry’s his name. Will’s got him up at his place until Cash and Tess get back from Niagara Falls. Hmph. Henry.”

  “You should have seen me and Lily dancing. I was teaching her to do the jitterbug and she didn’t do half bad.” He laughed. “Oh, that girl does love to dance and you know I always did have moves. Speaking of moves, Natalie Servetti was at it again. This time she was hanging all over Cash’s friend, Ben Reed. Odd thing, though, he kept looking at her cousin, Gina. Remember her? Dark hair, dark eyes, curvy. Italian with an attitude. They got matched up in the bridal party, but I think they’d make a good pair. Gotta get through some issues first; something about an ex-wife.” He tapped his chin, pulled out details of Gina’s past. “That poor girl never had a family who believed in her, but all it takes is the right person. The boy talked about moving here, so we’ll see if he’s the one.” He yawned, thinking he might need a nap before Lily showed up for their checkers game.

  “I’ll tell you who’s not impressing me right now is Brody Kinkaid. Poor Bree’s about to have that baby and wasn’t he bragging about going for another one if he didn’t get a boy? Somebody needs to tell him to zip it or snip it. You think Nate might do that?” He scratched his jaw, considered this. “Nah. But Christine might. I’m gonna have to think on that.”

  He grabbed another pizzelle, took a bite, and thought about the latest bit of news that crossed his ears just yesterday. “Christine’s uncle’s moving to Magdalena with his brood. Building some big Hollywood-style mansion in the west end. Bought up three properties to do it. Imagine that? I’m not too keen on Charlie Blacksworth’s brother rolling into this town, but you gotta give the man credit for raising someone else’s kids. Still, not my first choice, but Christine sure is excited, so is Lily, and dang, even Nate and Miriam are chirping away about this guy and his family like they’re royalty.

  “I’m telling you, Lucy, this is going to get very interesting and I’ll be right here, giving you a play-by-play.” He folded his hands over his belly and closed his eyes. “Yes, indeed I certainly will.”

  The End

  It’s the end for now, but don’t worry, there’ll be more heartache, betrayal, forgiveness, and redemption for the residents of Magdalena as the saga continues in A Family Affair: Fall, Book Four in the Truth in Lies Series, coming Fall 2014! Harry's heading to Magdalena with his brood…and that should be something to witness. Gina Servetti might shy away from all things male, especially relationships, but Ben Reed is no ordinary male. Let the verbal sparring and the unwanted attraction begin.

  If you’d like to be notified of my new releases, please sign up at http://www.marycampisi.com.

  Many thanks for choosing to spend your time reading A Family Affair: Summer. If you enjoyed it, please consider writing a review on the site where you purchased it. And now, I must head back to Magdalena and help these characters get in and out of trouble!

  Letters to Cash

  Here are a few of the letters Cash received as the town tried to work their magic and convince Cash that he and Tess deserved a second chance.

  The heart knows what it wants. Deny that and you walk the earth in a shadow of regret. Do not live that regret one moment longer. E.F.

  Look in the mirror, admit the truth, tell Tess. Easy, right? No, but damn necessary. Am I going to need a suit anytime soon? How about a tie? Nate

  Family isn’t about genes or sharing the same last name. It’s about commitment, community, and caring. You and Tess have a lifetime to share. Do not waste another minute. Dolly Finnegan (Jack’s wife)

  Apparently my niece thinks I know a thing or two about relationships and wanted me to share some ideas with you. Hah! Christine gives this old fool too much credit. The only thing I can tell you is when you find the right woman, she’ll teach you all you need to know. Harry Blacksworth

  Love isn’t neat and tidy like a well-organized linen drawer. It’s messier than a five-year-old playing in mud, but just as sweet once you clean off the dirt. Wanda Cummings

  The honeymoon suite at Heart Sent is ready and waiting. Mimi Pendergrass

  Let yourself love her. She’s good for you. Ramona

  I’ve never been one to trust or love easily, but I’m taking a chance and I don’t think I’ll regret it. Take that chance. Olivia

  Don’t let fear stand in the way of true love. Will

  I’m naming a burger after you and Tess. Available next week. It’s called the “Take a chance on me” burger. Phyllis at Lina’s Café

  Cash and Tess. Forever. Love, Lily Desantro

  Bonus Material:

  The first 2 chapters of Pulling Home, That Second Chance Series: Book One

  It's all about that second chance...

  Sometimes we're lucky enough to get that second chance—in life and in love. That Second Chance Series are stand-alone stories of strong women who battle heartache and loss with courage and determination to find new paths and true love. What ties them together? A common theme: belief in the beauty of that second chance.

  Pulling Home is Book One of That Second Chance Series.

  She'll risk anything to save her child...even the truth.

  It's taken nine years and a cross-country move, but Audra Valentine Wheyton has kept her secrets safe. She's created the perfect life: a husband who loves her, a daughter she adores, and a position as head writer for an award-winning daytime soap. When her husband dies suddenly, Audra returns to her hometown for the funeral and faces a community that has not forgotten her meager beginnings and the man who has never forgiven her for marrying his brother.

  Jack Wheyton is a successful pediatric neurosurgeon who is about to become engaged when Audra walks back into his life with her daughter
. He forgave his brother long ago for taking something that had been his, something he hadn't even realized he wanted until it was gone. But forgiving Audra is another story...and forgetting her? Near impossible.

  When a shattering illness strikes Audra's daughter, she turns to Jack to save her child and risks exposing a secret that will change their lives forever.

  That Second Chance Series

  Book One: Pulling Home

  Book Two: The Way They Were

  Book Three: Simple Riches

  Book Four: Paradise Found

  Book Five: Not Your Everyday Housewife

  Book Six: The Butterfly Garden

  Chapter 1

  “It’s not the end of the world, you know. It’s only eight days.”—Christian Wheyton

  They were leaving tomorrow. Scraped away from her like a D&C without anesthetic. Even after all these years, she still dreaded it—the suitcases, tagged and waiting at the front door, the early morning trip to the airport, the luggage checks, the lines of travelers snaking past. Each process pulled Audra Valentine Wheyton’s husband and daughter away, minds and bodies beginning the two-thousand-mile trek before they reached the first escalator. Kara had a new suitcase this time, pink and green canvas with wheels to replace the Cinderella vinyl she’d used the past six trips.

  Christian thought Audra should stay home and forgo the airport ritual, but she needed to watch her daughter’s blond head disappear among the mesh of travelers and gain comfort from her husband’s tanned hand raised in one last good-bye. He no longer asked her to go with them, but his pale blue eyes shone with hope each time he packed his suitcase and looked at her with a quiet longing that begged, Come with us. Settle the past. Show them it doesn’t matter anymore.