A Father for Bella

by Jill Weatherholt

  “I gotta make sure Mr. Joshua is signed up on our team,” Bella said before bolting off toward the registration table.

  Silence lingered between the threesome.

  “So, Joshua, with all of this cooking I hear you’re doing, I take it you got the all clear from the doctor?” Joy asked.

  Faith exchanged a quick glance with him before he answered.

  “Yes, I did. Your poor sister isn’t saddled with taking care of me any longer, but now I’ve practically taken over her kitchen.”

  Faith grabbed a knife and ran it down the center of the chocolate sheet cake. “Caring for you wasn’t a big deal. Actually, Mrs. Watson did more than me.”

  Joy eyed her sister. “Maybe not, but you have to admit it was stressful being back in the caretaking mode.”

  “Joy! Please...let’s not talk about it.”

  Joshua looked back and forth at the two women. “I don’t understand.”

  Joy cleared her throat. “I think he should know, sis.”

  “Know what?”

  Faith shrugged her shoulders when Joy looked her way. She should never have told Joy about the meltdown at the hospital the other day. But her sister was intent on sharing how difficult the past several days had been. But why? What did she think would happen? Out of guilt or some sense of obligation, Joshua would hand over the inn? No chance of that happening.

  “When Chris, her husband, was killed in the fire, Faith had just finished medical school and was starting her residency.”

  Faith’s stomach turned over as she heard her sister’s words. She wanted this to conversation to end. She’d give him the abbreviated version and be done with it. “I had to drop out because every time I stepped foot in the hospital, I had a panic attack.” She sucked in her breath and released it. “There, now he knows. Are you happy, Joy?”

  Joy rested her hand on her sister’s arm. “I’m sorry, but he needs to know what you sacrificed by spending time in the hospital again. And the stress you were under by playing ‘doctor’ while he was under mandatory bed rest.”

  Joshua removed his sunglasses and turned his attention to Faith. His eyebrows crinkled together. “I had no idea.”

  Warmth radiated in his eyes, sending a shiver down her spine. “How would you?” She shrugged her shoulders. “My medical school days were a lifetime ago, so please, let’s drop it.”

  Funny, no matter how many years had passed, the pain and humiliation remained. When she experienced her first panic attack in front of her classmates, she’d been mortified. The burn victim had just been brought into the ER and within seconds, she couldn’t breathe. She fainted right there, in front of everyone. After the episodes continued, she knew she had no choice but to drop out of school. Aside from burying her husband, making the decision to give up her dream of medical school had been the hardest thing she’d ever done.

  The thoughts faded when Bella returned to the table. Dressed in her white snowsuit, she looked like an adorable little bunny rabbit.

  “Mommy, we need to check in.” She grabbed Faith’s hand and gave it a tug. “The contest is going to start soon.”

  Joy glanced at her watch. “Yes, you better get going. I’ll man the table while you’re gone.” She bent down and gave her niece a kiss. “You have fun, okay?”

  “I will. I hope we win!” Bella shouted as she ran across the field. Her pink boots slipped on the packed snow.

  “Shall we go?” Joshua motioned for Faith to join him.

  Deep inside her stomach, the butterflies were now like bats. First, she’d had to take care of him, and then she was forced to share her kitchen for the next month. Now she had to build a snowman with this man.

  The snow crunched underneath their boots as they walked in silence, until Joshua stopped in his tracks. “Faith.” He cleared his throat. “I want to apologize for putting you in an uncomfortable position.”

  She forced a laugh. “I think we can put our differences aside for an hour or two and help my daughter build a snowman.”

  “I’m not talking about the contest.”

  “What then?”

  He kicked his boot into a chunk of ice. “I’m sorry you had to take care of me. If I’d known anything about your past, I would have stayed in the hospital to spare you any pain.”

  Faith’s heart softened. Even though this man had a plan that would rip her world apart, his display of compassion was an unexpected surprise. “I appreciate it, but really, Joy shouldn’t have said anything. It’s no big deal.”

  But it was. She wasn’t being honest with him or herself. It was a huge deal. She’d gone out of her way since Chris’s death to avoid stepping foot inside that hospital. She pushed down the guilt bubbling inside. Last year, when Mr. Watson had gotten sick with pneumonia, she’d never visited him. Thankfully, he’d understood why. After all, the Watsons were like her surrogate parents.

  His smile was warm. “Well, it was to me.”

  She couldn’t hold her tongue. “So if it was such a big deal, how is it you can take the only home Bella has ever known away from her—and me?” She placed her hand to cover her mouth. This wasn’t the place. Why had she let her emotions take over?

  Joshua’s smile melted. “I have my own reasons for bidding on the inn, and trust me, they are nothing personal against you or Bella.”

  “Well, you can think whatever you’d like, but it’s personal to me.” She turned on her heel and headed toward her daughter and the other teams.

  By the time Joshua placed the snowman’s head on top of the middle ball, Faith had cooled down a bit. Today was about Bella. She was on top of the world and that was what mattered most.

  “Can I put the coal eyes on, Mr. Joshua?” Bella asked, holding two lumps of coal and wearing a small lopsided smile.

  Seeing her daughter so trusting of Joshua ignited a brief sense of security, which she’d lost the night of the fire. But why? He couldn’t provide her with security—he was stealing it.

  Joshua hoisted Bella up in the air and leaned her toward the snowman. “Go ahead...stick them on. He’s anxious to see what his competition looks like.” He turned and threw Faith a reassuring look.

  Had he read her mind? Was he trying to calm her fears and comfort her? For a second, she wanted to think so. But those thoughts vanished when she thought of the inn and everything this man could steal from her. Her gut told her to guard her heart.

  * * *

  Monday morning, after the threesome had taken first prize in the snowman-making contest, Joshua found himself camped out at Faith’s kitchen table. With the renovations under way and his to-do list a mile long, his priority today was to speak with Melissa about the trust fund. He’d left her a couple of messages after Joe had broken the news about his father cutting him off, but he hadn’t heard from her. If he didn’t have access to the funds, he’d have to apply for a loan, but he knew being currently unemployed could pose a problem. He hoped that with his detailed business plan for the new resort forecasting an earned profit almost immediately, his lack of employment wouldn’t be an issue.

  “So, what kind of experience do you have running an inn?”

  Faith’s question broke the silence and carried an accusing tone. Her brow arched as she stood next to the table with a fresh cup of coffee in her hands. So much for thinking that winning the contest would soften her a bit.

  He moved his laptop aside and folded his hands together before resting them on top of the table. “I have years of business experience, which qualifies me to run a place like the Black Bear. In fact, I have enough confidence in my ability that I plan to expand the inn.”

  She slipped into the chair opposite him. “What do you mean? It’s fine just the way it is.”

  He’d had a feeling she’d express some opposition to any sort of remodeling, having spent her childhood under the roof of the inn. He sucked in a breath. T
here was no point in keeping it a secret. She’d find out anyway, once he got the property and the building started. “I plan to build condos, maybe a little restaurant and some shops.”

  Her face turned to stone. “You can’t build condos. And the restaurant...it’s being remodeled now. Why would you want to build something new?”

  “I don’t think you understand my plans. I want to redevelop the land to make the Black Bear Inn a high-end resort. In fact, my idea could make it the best on the—” He cringed at his own words, which sounded like his father speaking. As a teenager, he’d vowed to be nothing like his father. “I believe it could be quite successful. Not to mention it could lead to an economic boom in the area.”

  Faith’s finger circled the top of her mug. “You obviously know nothing about this community. We don’t need or want something on such a grand scale.”

  Joshua leaned his back against the chair and crossed his arms. “It’s apparent you don’t know the first thing about what’s best for your community. Think of all of the revenue a place like what I have in mind could generate—roads could be improved, new schools built. Perhaps you should put your personal feelings aside and think like someone with business sense.”

  He’d gone too far. Her silence was proof, but he wanted to make a point. And judging by her glare, he’d done just that.

  “I’m glad we had this conversation.” Her statement was abrupt but her voice quivered. “If you’ll excuse me, I have to go to the store. I’ll be back in time to help you with lunch.”

  “I do the shopping—remember? It was part of the original plan.” He pushed himself away from the table.

  “No. Joy and I are planning Bella’s party. Her birthday is two weeks from Saturday.” She strolled to the sink and rinsed her cup. Releasing a heavy breath, she turned around and their eyes connected. “I wouldn’t get your heart set on your grand plan.”

  “And why is that?”

  “I won’t allow anyone to change the inn—ever.” She grabbed her purse and was out the door in a flash.

  The icemaker churned as Joshua tried to shake off the frosty chill in the air Faith had left behind. The tension between them was growing and he couldn’t help wondering how much longer he’d be able to use her kitchen to prepare the meals for the inn. Perhaps he should investigate other possibilities. Maybe he could use the kitchen at the church. He made a mental note to call once he spoke with Melissa. He picked up his phone, scrolled to her name and hit Call.

  “Hello, this is Melissa Ferguson.”

  Sounds of papers shuffling echoed through the phone. “What’s with the formalities?”

  “Oh—hey, Joshua.”

  “You sound a little stressed. Are you okay?”

  “Joann’s been on vacation this week. I didn’t realize how much she does. Remind me to give her a raise when she returns.”

  Joshua strummed his fingers on the oak table. “You’ve got a great assistant. I’m glad you realize it. Did you get my message?”

  She blew a heavy breath into the phone. “Yes, I’m sorry. I planned to call you as soon as your father’s attorney sent over the paperwork, but it’s been crazy.”

  “No problem—I’ve been a little busy myself.”

  “Yeah, I heard the auction has been delayed due to a fire.” The clicking of a keyboard sounded. “That’s too bad.”

  Melissa was obviously completely distracted. For a second, he considered calling back once Joann returned, but he needed to know what was going on. “So, I assume Joe told you?”

  “Yes, he called about your trust and mentioned the fire.”

  He hesitated as he swallowed hard. “So what’s the deal? Joe said my father cut me off. Is it true?”

  “Yes, I’m afraid so. He had a clause that the trust would become null and void if you ever left his company.”

  His shoulders slumped. After speaking with Joe the other day, Joshua had hoped somehow this was all a big mistake—but it wasn’t. He should have known something like this would happen.

  And it was all about the inn.

  After all, the reason Joshua had walked out of his father’s office was a fight about the Black Bear Inn. And his mother, who’d had dreams of expanding the inn. She’d wanted to turn her favorite spot on earth to an even grander place for families to visit from all over the world.

  His father? He’d had other ideas.

  His mother had come to him in tears when she’d overheard her husband had plans to sell her beloved inn. He’d been eyeing another property in the Shenandoah Valley that he believed could make more money. Joshua had stormed into his father’s office and accused him of being a terrible husband and of putting his business before his own wife. He’d told his father he’d never work for him again. “You’ll regret this.” His father’s last words rang in his ears and continued to play over and over long after he’d bolted from the room. Even more so after his mother’s death.

  “Are you still there, Joshua?”

  His jaw tightened. Two days later, his wife had left. The only thing she left behind was a note accusing him of leading them down a path to the poorhouse by quitting his job. She’d never cared about him—only his money.

  “Josh?”

  “Yes, I’m still here and this is exactly where I plan to stay.” He ended the call more determined than ever to fulfill his mother’s dream—even without his trust.

  But how?

  Chapter Eight

  “It’s nine thirty. Where is Mr. Bryson?” Faith asked her sister as she paced the pine floor of the First National Bank of Allegheny early on Thursday morning. With her patience wearing thin and the tension between her and Joshua the last couple days, she felt emotionally drained. When he’d suggested doing the cooking at the church, the idea sounded blissful, but in the end, she needed to help with the meals and shuffling back and forth to the church with Bella wasn’t an ideal situation.

  She walked toward the serving cart, picked up the pitcher of water and poured herself a drink. After gulping down half of it, she set the glass down with force. “I’ve got a lot to do today. I can’t be wasting time waiting on him.”

  Joy sat patiently with a cup of coffee, eyeing her twin. “Well, I see you’re all back to normal...impatient as ever. You need to slow down and relax. Didn’t what happened yesterday teach you anything?”

  Yesterday evening, Joy had rushed her sister to the doctor after she’d complained of dizziness. He’d said it was probably stress-related. But later, a test of her blood sugar had indicated elevated levels that required monitoring.

  Faith stopped in her tracks. “You heard the doctor—there’s nothing wrong with me.”

  “That’s not exactly what he said. Besides, you didn’t see your face. You were white as snow. I think you should have a second opinion...maybe see another specialist over in Davis.”

  A nerve twittered in Faith’s jaw. She didn’t have time to go from town to town to umpteen doctors who’d probe and prod her. She needed a loan and she needed it fast. The auction would be here before she knew it, and she had to be prepared. “I don’t need a specialist. Don’t you remember Grandmother dealing with blood sugar issues? It’s hereditary.”

  Tugging her ponytail holder off, she cascaded her hair over her shoulders. When the main entrance door chimed, Faith whirled around. Her eyes widened at the sight of Joshua strolling into the bank...her bank. Why was he here? This man seemed to show up everywhere.

  Seconds trickled as he appeared to move in slow motion toward her. He wore gray dress slacks and his chocolate brown leather coat. His clean-shaven face highlighted a strong jaw. The scent of peppermint caused her heart to batter her rib cage.

  Faith stood frozen when he stopped in front of her and extended his hand.

  “Well, hello there.”

  His voice sounded as smooth as her favorite ice cream. A warm sensation ra
n up her arm when their hands touched. What was that? She shook off the feeling.

  “I hope you’re doing better today.”

  She tried to speak, but the words seemed lodged in her throat. Faith was grateful when her sister stepped forward.

  Joy approached Joshua. “She’s doing a lot better. Thank you again for covering dinner by yourself last night, and breakfast this morning.”

  Both Joy and Joshua turned toward Faith. Her cheeks burned as they continued to stare. Say something...anything. She willed her fat tongue to get out of its own way so she could speak. “Ah...ah...yes, thank you.” There, she said it. Now she just wanted to run from the building and take refuge in her safe little cottage. She didn’t like the effect Joshua was having on her. Whatever it was it had to stop.

  Once again, Joy took control of the conversation. “So what brings you to the bank?”

  He flashed a sparkling smile, causing Faith to take a step back. “I have a nine-thirty appointment with Mr. Bryson, the vice president.”

  No way. This couldn’t be happening. A wave of dizziness tried to take hold, but Faith fought it off. “It couldn’t be. I’m meeting with him then.”

  Joshua removed his phone from his jacket, tapping it a few times. “No, see, it’s right here on my calendar.”

  Faith’s eyes quickly scanned the device when he flashed it in her face. There it was...just as he’d said. “You’re a guest in this town, why would you need to meet with the vice president of our bank?” Her gut cinched—she knew why.

  “Mr. Carlson?”

  There was no time for Joshua to answer. Faith turned as Mr. Bryson’s assistant approached, dressed in a pin-striped pantsuit and her hair in a tight bun.

  “Yes, that’s me.”

  “I have to apologize. There’s been a little confusion with the scheduling,” the woman stuttered.

  “Yes, Ms. Brennan and I were just discussing the mix-up.” He glanced in Faith’s direction and then back to the assistant. “I’m in no rush, so please, let her go first.”