Welcome To Redemption: Series Collection (Books 1-6)

by Donna Marie Rogers

  And crap, she’d completely forgotten to mention the party. Not that he or Hannah would be in a celebratory mood anytime soon. But it wasn’t for another ten days, so hopefully they’d feel up to it by then. In the meantime, she would have some faith and do something she’d never done before in her life. Give Drew his space and wait for him to call.

  Chapter Eleven

  Lindy had just washed down the last bite of her burger down when Hannah entered the diner. The younger girl hung her coat and tucked her purse away, apparently about to start her shift. Lindy hoped she’d come over and say hello before she did since Lindy hadn’t had a chance yet to offer her condolences. Also, Drew hadn’t called since the night they’d made love, and while Lindy understood he had a lot going on right now, she couldn’t help but worry.

  Hannah spoke with Hutch for a moment before turning to face her. The despair in her eyes put Lindy on edge. God, she hoped nothing else had happened in the last few days.

  When Hannah reached her table, Lindy stood up and wrapped her arms around her. “I’m so sorry about your mother. If there’s anything I can do for you, please let me know.”

  “Thanks, Lindy. I appreciate that.”

  Lindy sat back down and gestured for Hannah to join her. “Just for a minute.”

  With a reluctant nod, Hannah sat down across from her.

  “I haven’t heard from Drew in several days and…well, I wanted to make sure he was all right…?”

  A flare of surprise lit Hannah’s eyes. “I’m really sorry, but…I assumed you knew. Drew decided to stay in Michigan after the funeral.”

  “For how long?”

  “Indefinitely.”

  Stunned, Lindy could only stare at Hannah. Stay in Michigan indefinitely? She had to have heard her wrong. “I don’t understand. He has a business to run. He...” He what? He was madly in love with her? Ready to build a life with her? The only thing she knew for sure was they’d had mind-blowing sex—twice—then he ran off as soon as the sheets cooled. In fact, he ran out on her a lot. The man owed her an explanation if nothing else, though she was starting to doubt she’d get one.

  Pity swam in Hannah’s gaze. Talk about humiliating.

  “I wish I knew what to tell you. When I asked him what was going on, he said it was nothing. I sort of assumed you two had gotten into an argument or something.”

  Yeah, or something.

  Willing herself not to tear up, Lindy changed the subject. “I need to speak with your father. Any chance I might be able to catch him at home?”

  The question brought a smile of relief to Hannah’s face. “He just dropped me off, so he should be home any minute.”

  “Thanks. Hey, did Matt happen to mention the party I’m throwing next Friday? I hope you can make it.”

  “I'll definitely try. Sounds like a blast.”

  When Lindy arrived at Drew’s house, she sat in the car for a moment, more than a little anxious to face the elder Mr. Porter again. She planned to offer him his job back, and sincerely hoped he would accept. What had happened was unfortunate, but she had a lot of sympathy for the man now that she knew the whole story, and was willing to scratch the incident from the record for a fresh start.

  And her decision had nothing whatsoever to do with sleeping with his son. After thinking about it from every angle, Lindy knew even her hard-nosed father would agree—Andrew Porter deserved a second chance.

  Her thoughts collected, Lindy got out of the car and crossed the street, taking a deep, calming breath before rapping on the door. The night had grown bitterly cold, and she became engrossed in the way the moonlight glinted off the icicles hanging from the gutter above her head as she waited for him to answer the door. Nervous energy started her toe tapping and her head bopping from side to side as she softly hummed the theme song to her favorite sitcom.

  The door swung open, taking her by surprise. Andrew Porter squinted in confusion for a moment before recognition dawned. A hesitant smile quirked his lips. “Miss Spalding. I wasn’t expecting you...was I?”

  Lindy laughed, though the sound was born of awkwardness. “No, and I’m sorry to bother you at home. I was hoping we could talk.”

  With a cautious nod, Andrew stepped back to allow her inside. He closed the door behind her and motioned her into the kitchen. “I just put on a pot of coffee. Would you like a cup?”

  “I’d love one, thank you.” She glanced around, careful not to appear too nosey. Naturally, she had a healthy curiosity about the Porter clan. From the father, who’d loved his wife so much he'd never given up hope, even when faced with mental illness, to the daughter, who’d accidentally stumbled upon Lindy’s deepest secret, to the son, who despite the intimacy they’d shared was still such a mystery.

  “There’s cream and sugar on the Lazy Susan,” he said as he set a steaming mug and a spoon on the table. “Please, sit.”

  With a nod, Lindy set her purse on the chair beside her and sat. She took her time stirring powdered creamer and sugar into her mug while she contemplated the easiest way to get to the point.

  “I’m, uh, glad you stopped by,” he said after a moment. “I’ve been wanting to apologize for my behavior the other day. I’m completely mortified and sorrier than I can say. I’m just relieved you weren't hurt.”

  “Drew explained what happened. I’m so sorry for your loss.”

  Andrew pressed his lips together and finally sat down across from her.

  They sipped their coffee in quiet contemplation until the silence became deafening. Finally, Lindy came to the point. “I’d like to offer you your job back. I have it on good authority that you’re the best plant manager in the Midwest, and I’d be a fool to try and replace you.”

  He fingered the rim of his mug, a small smile chasing away his mournful grimace. “Matt’s been singing my praises, hey?”

  “And then some.”

  He laughed. “I’m pretty fond of him myself.”

  “So?”

  Andrew held out his hand and she grasped it. “I know I don't deserve a second chance, but I'm truly grateful for it, so thank you. I swear you won’t regret it.”

  “I have no doubt that’s true.” When she would’ve let go, he clung to her hand, his expression shifting, growing more thoughtful.

  “I don’t want to stick my nose into your business. But I know you and my son...well, I know there’s something there. I need to explain a few things to you so you’ll understand.”

  Lindy’s pulse sped up at this unexpected turn of conversation. “Understand what?”

  “My son.”

  “No disrespect, Mr. Porter,” she slipped her hand from his, “but I think I know everything I need to know about your son.”

  “I’m fairly certain he’s in love with you, though I doubt he’s ready to admit it. To you or himself.”

  Swallowing down the flare of hope his pronouncement ignited, Lindy gave a negative shake of her head. “I’m sorry, but you’re mistaken. Drew couldn’t get away from me fast enough the other...” Her cheeks flamed when she realized what she’d been about to admit. She instantly became annoyed with herself. She and Drew were both consenting adults and—

  “I won’t pretend to know what happened between the two of you. However, I do know my son, and I’ve never seen him so twisted up over a woman before. It’s a new experience for him, trust me on that.”

  Trust was not a word she could easily associate with Drew Porter. Unreliable, yes. Indecisive, absolutely. But trustworthy? Hardly. After the way he’d run out on her, not to mention his decision to stay away “indefinitely”, how could she trust anything when it came to that man?

  “He seemed pretty clear about what he wanted when he...when he walked out on me.”

  There, she'd said it; admitted aloud just how hurt she’d been by Drew’s disappearance. She also realized how desperately she wanted his father to assure her of Drew’s love and his intention of returning home. Hopefully, before she had to head back to L.A. To either put her condo
up for sale and break the news of her relocation to her parents, or settle back into life in the city and forget about the only man who’d ever made her feel…anything.

  “Drew took his mother’s abandonment hard,” Andrew quietly explained. “She loved her children, she truly did. But she was sick. Some days she’d hug him tight, whisper how much she loved him. Others he couldn’t do anything right. If she wasn’t ranting and raving about some small infraction, she ignored him completely. To say he grew up with a confused sense of what motherly love is would be an understatement.”

  “I don’t know what to say. I can’t even imagine...those poor kids.”

  Staring off into the past, he gave a sad nod of agreement. “Hannah’s several years younger than Drew, so thankfully she was spared most of the mind games. Drew wasn’t so lucky. He’s as cynical as the day is long when it comes to women. Frankly, I never expected that to change.” He met her gaze. “But then we were getting a sandwich at Hutch’s about a week back, and some punk made a crude comment about you. Drew told him if he so much as spoke your name again, he’d bust his jaw.” Andrew chuckled. “I think mine about hit the floor.”

  “Mr. Porter—”

  “Andrew. Please.”

  She nodded. “Andrew, I...I like Drew. A lot. But I think you may be reading too much into this. The strongest feeling Drew’s ever felt for me is major frustration.”

  That brought a smile to the older man’s face. “Oh, I have no doubt of that. Though not for the reasons you think.” He gave her a little wink, then took a healthy gulp of his coffee.

  “You know something? You’re every bit as infuriating as your son.”

  Masculine laughter filled the room as new hope blossomed in Lindy’s heart. Now if the stubborn man would only show up at her party so she could show him how much he—and this town—had come to mean to her.

  * * *

  Lindy had been checking the weather channel all week, and until this morning the forecast included some light flurries and temps in the low thirties. But of course, the day her party arrived, the light flurries were upgraded to a winter storm warning. Thankfully, the heavy snow wouldn’t arrive until after midnight, so after talking to Matt and Carrie, she decided to go forward with the party.

  A couple of hours before the guests were due to arrive, freshly showered and dressed in her comfy sweats, Lindy took a quick sweep through the house to make sure she hadn’t forgotten anything. Nino’s crew of ten had just started setting up the buffet tables, which lined three walls in the dining room and continued on into the hall.

  Wow, she’d forgotten just how much food and drink she’d ordered. But since the champagne would be flowing, she’d wanted to make sure everyone had plenty to eat. Hopefully, Nino had thought to bring along take-home boxes for any leftovers.

  “Miss Spalding?” he called from the kitchen.

  She made her way in, smiling at the beautiful décor. The entire first floor had been swathed in red, white, and pink roses, carnations, and calla lilies. Lindy had had to pay a fortune for so many fresh flowers, but to her the cost had been worth it. Her home looked absolutely breathtaking. And the sweet floral fragrance wafting through the air was intoxicating.

  “Call me Lindy, please,” she said, making a mental note to put out the dishes of red and white M&Ms and Hershey’s Kisses before she ran upstairs to get dressed. It was the little details that made a party a success, and Lindy was anal about the details.

  He smiled, taking her hand as she approached. “The pizzas will be delivered at seven o’clock; everything else is being prepped here.”

  “Perfect. Thank you so much.” With a delighted smile, she squeezed Nino’s hand and marveled once again over the beauty around her before hurrying upstairs to her room. She’d never been this excited about a party before. It truly meant something, and she had no trouble admitting that anymore. Plus, the sizzling red dress she’d chosen for tonight was most definitely going to knock a certain auto mechanic’s socks off.

  If he showed up. Matt had spoken to Charlie a few nights ago, who’d filled Drew in on the party. Guess she’d just have to wait and see...though she wouldn’t hold her breath.

  Lindy twisted her hair up in a loose chignon with a curled tendril sweeping down the left side of her face. She didn’t apply much makeup, though she did go a little heavy on mascara and the cherry red lipstick she’d purchased specifically for the party. The only jewelry she wore dangled from ears; the heart-shaped diamond earrings had been a gift from her father last Valentine’s Day. The strapless silk dress she wore was simple yet elegant, and she paired it with the shiny red patent Manolo’s she’d picked up last summer in New York.

  A plethora of delicious aromas began to make their way upstairs. Lindy glanced at the clock, stunned to realize it was already quarter to six. Her guests should start arriving any minute. After one last glance in the mirror, she sucked in a deep breath, blew it out slowly, and then hustled down the stairs.

  Anticipation hummed in her veins as she envisioned everyone’s surprise when they stepped inside the foyer and experienced the floral paradise she’d created—with lots of help from Bernie, who had become a great friend in such a short time. If things didn’t work out and Lindy headed back to L.A., she’d miss the vivacious brunette.

  Stop it, she chided herself. No pessimistic thinking allowed tonight.

  The doorbell rang, pulling her from her unpleasant musings. Her first guest had arrived! Lord, you’d think this was the first party she’d thrown. Laughing at herself, Lindy opened the door with a flourish and batted her eyelashes at her brother and Carrie.

  Bernie stood beside them, beaming. “Ready?”

  “I’m always ready,” Lindy countered, stepping back to allow them inside.

  Carrie gasped as she took in the red, white, and pink wonderland around her. “Holy Moly, woman, you really went all out.” Her gaze settled on Lindy, then shifted to Bernie, who’d just slipped off her coat to reveal the red satiny pantsuit beneath. Carrie gave a rueful lift of one brow. “I’m starting to think I’m underdressed.”

  Preening, Lindy did a graceful spin. “How do I look?”

  “Ridiculously gorgeous,” Carrie drawled. “You, too,” she added with a sidelong glance at Bernie. She shucked her Packers stadium jacket and looked down at her red, cashmere cowl neck sweater, black jeans, and red sneakers.

  Lindy gestured for Matt to take the ladies’ coats. “You can hang them in the hall closet. Carrie, I think you look absolutely wonderful. The shoes are a perfect touch. Bernie—stunning.” Lindy’s smile drooped as Matt shrugged out of his own Packers jacket. He wore jeans, with a red pocket T-shirt. “Really? That’s all you could come up with?”

  “What? You said red.” He plucked at his shirt. “This is red.”

  She rolled her eyes. Small town living had been good for Matt in a lot of ways, but not when it came to his sense of style. In less than a year, Mr. GQ had transformed into Mr. Country Living.

  Bernie hooked her arm through Lindy’s. “So where’s the bubbly?”

  Within an hour, it seemed as if half of Redemption filled her home, and Lindy was absolutely thrilled by the turnout. She gloried in her role as party hostess, greeting all new guests personally, making sure everyone had food and drink. Nino’s delicious Italian cuisine disappeared from the trays as fast as the servers put it out, and the champagne flowed freely. Everyone ‘oohed’ and ‘ahhed’ as soon as they walked in the door, which pleased Lindy to no end. The field she'd had snow-plowed across the street already had so many vehicles it looked like the parking lot at a Lakers game.

  Nino, his wife, and their son, Nico, arrived with the freshly-made pizzas, much to everyone’s delight. She had to admit, the casual, friendly atmosphere of her small town get-together was so much more enjoyable than any L.A. bash she’d ever attended. Or thrown. And as much as Lindy loved a good party, that was saying something.

  Only one thing could make this night perfect, though she’d started to
give up hope he’d show up.

  Bernie ran up with panic-filled eyes and grabbed Lindy by the arm. “Mike’s here! I’m pretty sure that’s his truck that just pulled up.”

  “Oh, good. I was hoping he’d make it.”

  “You invited him?”

  “Well, technically Matt invited him, but I asked him to. Why? Does his presence here make you uncomfortable?” A knowing grin accompanied Lindy’s question. A knock on the door confirmed Mike’s arrival.

  Bernie propped her hands on her hips and lifted her chin. “Sneaky shit.”

  Lindy laughed. “Come on, I couldn’t very well invite all of Redemption except for Officer Donovan. How would that have looked?” Without waiting for a reply, Lindy swung the door open. Only it wasn’t Mike standing on her front porch, but Charlie’s friend, Allie. The dog sitter dating that cute veterinarian. With her back to the door, Allie stared off into the distance as if lost in thought.

  “Allie? Would you like to come in?”

  She spun around. “Hey, Lindy. Beautiful house.”

  “Thank you. Wait’ll you see the inside.” Lindy stepped aside to allow her entrance, noting she didn’t have a drop of red on. Not that it mattered. Allie looked as if she had more important things on her mind. “Is Rick parking the truck?”

  Ignoring the question, Allie stepped inside the foyer and gazed around. Though genuine appreciation lit her eyes, she didn’t comment. Instead, she asked, “Have you seen Dana?”

  “Check the library, just off the formal dining room. I’m pretty sure she and Charlie headed that way.”

  Allie attempted a smile, though it didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Thanks,” she murmured before hurrying off in search of her friends.

  The girl was definitely preoccupied, and it hadn’t escaped her that Allie never replied about Rick. Trouble in paradise? Before Lindy could dwell on it, there was a knock at the door. Now this must be Officer Donovan. Lindy threw the door back open and smiled up at the handsome cop, who was flanked by Carrie’s brother, fellow officer Chase Lowell.