The hum of the refrigerator hung in the air.
Joy squirmed in her chair and leaned forward. “About yesterday, let me make sure I’ve got this straight,” she said with a grin. “That gorgeous man, Joshua, is your boss’s son and your landlord, too...very interesting.”
She couldn’t argue the facts. He was handsome. “I thought there was something up with him.” Faith sat forward and placed her elbows on the table. “What I don’t understand is why Joshua’s father doesn’t just give him the property.”
“Maybe he doesn’t know his son’s interested.”
Faith drummed her fingers along her lips. “I suppose, but why keep it a secret?”
“People keep secrets for different reasons. Why didn’t you ever tell me you’ve dreamed of owning an inn?”
Her stomach sank. “After Chris died, I didn’t see any reason to harp on a dream that was over.”
A smile curled across Joy’s lips. “So...how does it feel to bring it back to life?”
“Exhilarating. Scary.” Could she do this? She let her gaze drift toward the window and the snow-covered mountains. This land had always been her home. She couldn’t lose it now. “I think I’ll have to take out a loan.”
“What about the insurance—”
“No!” Faith shook her head. She refused to touch the life insurance money. One thing she knew for sure—life could change in a heartbeat and you must be prepared. That money was the only way she could provide a secure future for her daughter.
“I can help you.” Joy squeezed her sister’s hand. “You know I’ve got a good pension through the school’s retirement plan. I could borrow from my 401(k).”
Faith shook her head. “No way. It’s your security. I won’t have you tapping into those funds.”
“But I believe in your dream. If anyone can make this happen, it’s you...don’t ever forget it.”
Faith didn’t know what she’d do without her sister. “I won’t...thanks.”
“Maybe you could talk to Joshua? Let him know the inn was your childhood home after Mom and Dad were killed, and we went to live with Grandma and Grandpa.”
“He already knows, but it doesn’t matter to him. He wants it as much as I do.”
Joy’s brow arched. “And you know that after only a couple days?”
She shrugged her shoulders. “If only we’d been here, instead of away at college, maybe we could have helped Grandma and Grandpa financially and prevented RC Carlson from purchasing their property? It would have been nice to have kept their house in the family.”
“Well, as determined as you are, I think you’ll get what you want.”
Faith only hoped she could stay strong and fight for the property. Being back in the hospital and then having to use her medical skills to care for Joshua had sapped her strength. Who was she kidding? She was weak. Anyone who dropped out of medical school because they have panic attacks—at a hospital of all places—was pathetic.
But she was about to show her strength.
Chapter Four
Joshua squirmed in the front seat of Faith’s SUV. It smelled like lavender, his mother’s favorite fragrance. He buckled his seat belt, thankful Tuesday morning had finally arrived. Cute as she might be, he couldn’t wait to be released from Faith’s care. She’d been like a hawk, watching over every move. Now it was time to get back to the business of keeping the inn for his mother. “I thought Mrs. Watson was driving me to my doctor’s appointment.”
Faith yanked down the visor as the morning sun streamed through the windshield. “She had to stay and help Michael. He’s preparing a special meal for tonight.”
“I know this is the last thing you want to be doing—so thanks.”
“It’s not a problem.”
They traveled in silence for the remainder of the fifteen-minute drive. Faith hit the turn signal when they reached the parking lot of the hospital.
Once inside, Joshua took a seat in the waiting room. Faith made him nervous as she paced the floor. “Why don’t you have a seat?” Her heels pecked against the tile. When he was married to Jessica, her stiletto shoes had always annoyed him. But now, even though she’d broken the vows they’d made before God over love for another man and money, he missed the sound.
It made him think about Jessica. Had she ever really loved him? He certainly had loved her. And he had to admit that a tiny part of him couldn’t wait for her to get wind of his new business venture.
“The receptionist said the doctor was behind schedule because of a multicar accident.” He patted his hand on the empty brown vinyl chair next to his, but Faith turned and walked toward the vending machine.
Joshua pulled his phone from his back pocket. Ten new messages. According to the call log, four of those calls had been from his attorney, Melissa. He wondered if she had any updated news about the auction. He’d call her once he was back at the inn and away from Faith’s watchful eyes.
A few minutes later, Faith strolled toward him with a cup of coffee in each hand and sank into a chair beside him. “I’d thought you’d like some.”
“Thank you.” Surprised by her gesture, he reached for the cup and noticed her hand quivered. “Are you okay?”
“Of course I am...why wouldn’t I be?”
“You just seem a little tense.” Was she afraid the doctor wouldn’t release him and she’d be stuck with him even longer? “I feel fine, so don’t worry that I won’t get cleared today. I don’t have the slightest headache and I’m not dizzy. By the time we leave here, you’ll be able to hang up your nurse’s cap.” He sipped his beverage. Not bad for hospital coffee.
“The thought never crossed my mind.”
When the overhead intercom paged a Dr. James, Faith’s body jerked and her shoulders tightened.
“Oh, yeah, you’re as calm as a buoy in a tidal wave.”
A few moments later, two paramedics burst through the doors of the ER. The gurney whizzed by carrying what appeared to be a burn victim. A young woman drowning in tears ran alongside, trying to keep up.
Faith’s cup dropped to the tile floor, splattering its contents in all directions. Her face turned white as a snowdrop flower. Her eyes remained glued on the gurney as it was rushed down the hall.
* * *
He cautiously reached for her hand in an attempt to calm her violent shakes. “Faith...what is it? Are you sick?”
Her gaze stayed fixated on the doors, long after they were closed.
“Please, let me help you.”
“You can’t—no one can.” She slid back into her chair.
“Let me at least try,” he pleaded.
Faith’s eyelids closed and tears rolled down her cheeks. “My husband, Chris—” She gulped in some air as she struggled for her words. “He was a firefighter.”
Was. His stomach turned over at the word. This was why her eyes reflected pools of sadness.
“Four years ago, he was severely burned in a fire here in Whispering Slopes when the Bluefield Mill burned to the ground. We lost four brave men when the ceiling collapsed. Chris was one of those four.”
He had difficulty swallowing against the hard knot at the back of his throat. “I’m so sorry, Faith.”
“For a week, I paced the floors of this horrible place, after the other three men had already passed away. I cried out to God to let my husband regain consciousness. I needed to apologize to him.” She leaned forward and rested her elbows on her knees, covering her face. “He died on the eighth day. God didn’t listen to my prayers.” She rubbed her eyes with the back of her hand and sucked in quick, shaky breaths. “I was never able to tell him how wrong I was.”
He’d assumed Faith was divorced or maybe had chosen not to marry Bella’s father. He’d never imagined a tragedy like this. Guilt washed over him. Because of his accident, she’d been forced to come back to this hospit
al and relive those painful memories.
Joshua stood and reached out his hand to help her out of the chair. He couldn’t stand to see her in pain. “We need to get you out of here.”
She stayed firm in her seat, her back now ramrod straight. “No, you need to see the doctor. I’ll be fine.”
“I can do this alone. You should go outside and wait in the car. I think a little fresh mountain air would do you some good.”
A short brunette dressed in polka-dot scrubs approached. “Mr. Carlson?” The thick accent identified her as a local.
Joshua stood. “Yes, that’s me.”
“The doctor will see you now.” She turned on her heel like a military soldier. “Follow me, please.”
He extended his hand to Faith and she accepted. “You don’t have to do this, you know.”
For the first time since she’d picked him up for his appointment, she gave a hint of a smile. It was nice.
“I want to—really, I do.” She raked her hand through her loose curls. “Somehow, I need to break the chains of this place. I can’t keep running away.”
As they followed the nurse down the hall, Faith’s words replayed in his head about the fire. I needed to apologize. He couldn’t help but wonder what she’d done that she had to ask for her dying husband’s forgiveness.
* * *
Wednesday afternoon, Joshua checked his calendar as he sat at the desk in his room. He had a telephone conference call scheduled in an hour with Melissa and his financial advisor, Joe. He’d earned a lucrative salary working for his father over the years and had plenty of money squirreled away in his money market account, but he wanted to make sure he had enough available funds to outbid anyone who tried to stand in his way. The last thing he wanted to do was to tap into the trust account his father had set up for him. This was something he had to do on his own.
“Plato, come back here!”
The sound of tiny feet running down the hall echoed outside his door. Moments later, a soft knock sounded.
“Come in, Bella.”
Tentatively, she crossed the threshold, holding Plato tight in her arms. A sweet smile tugged on her pouty pink lips. “How did you know it was me?”
“You’re the only person I know with a dog named Plato.”
She giggled. “He wanted to come and visit you.” She flopped down in the leather chair. “Are you feeling better?”
“I’m good as new—thank you.”
Bella bounced up and down in her seat. “Goody! So you can come to the snowman-making contest. It’s not this Saturday, but next.”
When she’d first mentioned it the other day, he wasn’t so sure about going. But the more he’d thought about it, the more he figured it might make for great public relations. After all, it could be a good opportunity for him to get to know the townspeople. “Sure, I’d love to go. So tell me, where is your mother today?” He hadn’t seen her when he went down for both breakfast and lunch. He couldn’t really blame her for trying to avoid him.
“She had appointments today. Aunt Joy brought me home from school. She’s downstairs.”
Appointments? Was she taking care of business and getting ready for the auction, too?
“How was school today?”
“It was good. Brian Woody got in trouble for eating glue.”
Joshua laughed out loud. This little girl was adorable and such a joy to have around. “I can’t imagine it tasted very good.”
She shook her head. “Do you have kids, Mr. Joshua?”
“No, I don’t.”
“You’d make a good daddy.”
His heart tightened. “What a nice thing to say.” Maybe if he made it a point to be the complete opposite of his own father.
“I don’t have a daddy.” She released a long sigh. “I did, but he died. I don’t even know what he looked like.”
No wonder she’d latched on to him so quickly. “I’m so sorry, Bella. Don’t you have pictures of him?”
Her ponytails swung side to side. “No, Mommy has them all locked away.”
She had to have been mistaken. What possible reason could Faith have for denying this child all she had left of her father?
“Bella!” The door that had been left ajar flew wide open. “What are you doing in here bothering Mr. Joshua?” Faith’s face was fire-engine red.
Bella jumped from the chair, squeezing Plato tight. “I just wanted to say hi.”
“You shouldn’t be bothering our guests.” Faith pointed toward the door. “Please go downstairs and wait for me in the kitchen.”
Bella tipped her chin toward the ground and exited the room.
He locked his eyes on Faith. “Don’t you think you were a little hard on her? I was actually enjoying her company.”
“I’d appreciate it if you didn’t question how I punish my daughter. She had no right to come up here and disturb you.”
This wasn’t just about Bella paying him a visit. Right now, she could spit nails. There was something else going on. But he knew it was best to drop it. “You’re right. I’m sorry.”
Faith rubbed her hand across her forehead and blew out a heavy breath. “No, I’m the one who should apologize. I shouldn’t have overreacted, but I don’t like her bothering the guests.”
“Trust me, your child could never be a bother to me. She’s an absolute delight to have around.” As for her mother—not so much. Her stiff posture spoke loud and clear as she left the room. Moments later, his thoughts drifted back to Bella. Had she really never seen photos of her own father? How could Faith be so insensitive to her daughter’s needs when it was so obvious how much she loved her?
* * *
Late Saturday afternoon, the winter sun was sinking fast as Faith scurried through the grocery store with Bella. She’d planned on making her daughter’s favorite dinner, spaghetti with giant meatballs. When she discovered she didn’t have any tomatoes left for the homemade sauce, they’d piled into the car for a quick trip to the market.
“Can we get these, Mommy?” Bella pointed to a box of chocolate-covered donuts with chopped walnuts sprinkled on the top.
“No, not today.” Faith announced as she grabbed a wheat baguette and placed it into her basket. “Hurry along. I want to get home before dark.” Although she’d lived here all her life, she still didn’t like to drive the curvy mountain roads after dark. Rounding the corner, she plowed straight into a wall of solid muscle, sending her groceries flying. The tomatoes rolled like rubber balls across the tiled floor. “Excuse—”
“Faith.”
Since her outburst about Bella’s visit to his room, she’d done a good job of avoiding the inn’s longest-staying guest. “Joshua. I’m sorry. I wasn’t paying attention.” She bit down on her lower lip and kneeled to retrieve her items.
“Hi, Mr. Joshua!” Bella raced to his side, her neon-pink tennis shoes bouncing off the ground.
“Hello, Bella.” Dressed in jeans and a black leather jacket, he headed down the aisle. “Let me grab those runaway tomatoes for you.” The smell of sweet peppermint lingered in the air.
“I’ll help.” Bella took off behind him.
Faith scooped the contents back inside the basket. She’d never had good timing.
Joshua sauntered toward her with a tomato in each hand. “I’m not so sure about this one.”
He handed her the now mushy vegetable.
She inspected it closely and nodded. “Yeah, I better go swap this one out. Come along, Bella.” She turned on her heel and headed toward the produce section.
“See you at home,” Bella shouted over her shoulder as Joshua remained standing in the middle of the aisle.
Outside in the parking lot, the sun was preparing to rest in the western sky. Glints of orange shimmered over the mountains. Faith paused to take in the beauty. This was why she’d always call Whis
pering Slopes home.
“Mommy, the tire looks like a pancake.” Bella announced as Faith struggled to hold the bag of groceries while her right hand fumbled deep inside her purse for her car keys.
She approached her vehicle and her shoulders slumped when she realized Bella was right. It had only been three weeks since she’d replaced all four tires, so at least they were still under warranty. But it didn’t solve her problem of being stranded in the supermarket parking lot right now, with no idea how to put on a spare. Chris had always tried to teach her, but she wasn’t interested. Besides, she knew that he’d always be a phone call away. Her heart squeezed.
“Can we drive with it like that, Mommy?”
“Unfortunately, we can’t. I’ll have to call road service.” Knowing sometimes they could take a while to arrive, she pulled her phone from her purse and tapped the screen.
“Look, here comes Mr. Joshua. He can help us.” Bella ran toward the front of the store.
“Watch for cars!” she yelled as she slipped her phone back inside her bag. She watched as Bella approached him. Bella’s arms flailed in all directions as she obviously overdramatized the situation, like she often did. He took her hand and led her across the parking lot.
She swallowed the knot forming in the back of her throat as Joshua walked toward the car. It should have been Chris holding his daughter’s hand and coming to her rescue, not the man who wanted to take away everything that mattered most to her.
“Bella wasn’t kidding. The tire sure is a pancake.” He set his two bags of groceries on the blacktop and took off his leather jacket. “Can you pop the trunk? I’ll grab the spare and have you on your way in no time.”
For a moment, she hesitated. Glancing up at the inky sky, she realized having Joshua take care of her problem would at least get her and Bella on the road sooner. She opened the back door and placed her groceries on the floor before pressing the button to unlatch the trunk. When her cell phone chirped, she removed it from her purse and scanned the screen. “It’s Mrs. Watson. I’m sorry, I’ll need to take this. She wouldn’t call me if there wasn’t a problem.” She stepped aside so Joshua could get to work.
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