A Father for Bella

by Jill Weatherholt

  Faith couldn’t help questioning his motives. Still, she needed to speak with Mr. Bryson, and the sooner the better. She had to know where she stood. “Thank you, Joshua. Are you ready, Joy?”

  Her twin’s eyebrows scrunched. “You want me in the meeting?”

  Faith nodded. “Of course I do. After all, you took the day off from work to be here.”

  “Okay, then, ladies, let’s get you back to Mr. Bryson’s office.” The woman’s heels clicked along the floor as Faith and Joy followed behind.

  Once inside the office, Faith wiped the beads of perspiration dotting her forehead. She dug her heels into the Oriental rug positioned in the center of the room, ready to state her case.

  Fifteen minutes later, Faith couldn’t believe what she was hearing. “So you’re denying my application for the loan? But why?”

  Her sister reached across the round cherry conference room table and squeezed her hand before Faith turned her attention back to Mr. Bryson. She wouldn’t cry, not here, but how could she not? The dream she shared with Chris was slowly dying and there didn’t seem to be anything she could do about it.

  Mr. Bryson cleared his throat as he rose and walked to the sidebar. He picked up the pitcher of ice water and poured a full glass. “Would either of you like some?” he asked as he turned to face the sisters.

  “No, thank you,” they replied in unison.

  He strolled back to the table and took a seat. “I’m so sorry, Faith, but it’s just too big of a risk.”

  “But the Black Bear Inn has always been successful.” She had to make him understand. She needed the inn. It was the only way to secure her daughter’s future and her own.

  He fingered through the stack of papers in front of him. “That’s true, but it’s been owned by another party all of those years.”

  Joy spoke up. “But Faith runs the place. She’s handled a lot of their financial and social obligations.”

  Her sister’s words in her defense warmed Faith’s heart... Joy was always her number one supporter.

  Mr. Bryson eyed the two women over his Coke-bottle glasses. “Being in charge and having a financial investment in a company are two different things. Since you rent a home on the property, you don’t have any collateral. But more important, you didn’t include any type of business plan with your application.”

  But she and Chris did have a plan. Of course it consisted of ideas scribbled into spiral notebooks, but together, it was a plan. When her lip began to quiver, she knew it was time to go. She pushed herself away from the table. “Thank you, Mr. Bryson. I’m sorry I wasted your time this morning.” She quickly turned and raced from the room.

  “Faith, wait!”

  The plea from her sister went ignored. The walls of the financial institution were closing in. She had to get out of here before she completely fell to pieces. Turning the corner at full speed, she slammed straight into her nemesis.

  “Faith...what’s wrong?” Joshua gripped her arms to steady her.

  She pulled herself loose, but the tears gushed before she could make her escape. “This is your fault,” she yelled as she ran toward the front entrance.

  “Faith! Wait—talk to me.”

  Outside, the frigid air smacked her in the face as she rushed to the car. He was the last person she wanted to talk to, and now he’d witnessed her meltdown.

  Faith popped the lock on the SUV and slipped behind the wheel. Before she could lock the door, Joshua was beside her in the passenger seat, smelling like peppermint.

  “Please, Faith, tell me what’s wrong. Maybe I can help.”

  She couldn’t look at him, but she felt his eyes searing the side of her face as he waited for her to answer. Glancing out the window, she spotted Joy leaving the bank. Since they’d driven together, she willed her sister to walk faster. When she abruptly stopped in her tracks and turned around, Faith knew she’d seen Joshua. Her breath hitched when Joy disappeared through the front entrance.

  With the palms of her hands, she wiped the tears streaming down her face. Her mascara was probably staining her cheeks, but she didn’t care. When she turned, their eyes locked and his sympathy was evident. For a moment, she believed he cared, but the thought melted like the snow on her windshield, which was fast disappearing from the heat of the defroster.

  “You can’t help me...no one can.” She reached inside her purse for a tissue, but the package was empty. “Please, will you just go?”

  When his hand covered hers, she relaxed and the tears slowed. His touch was soothing. She felt safe. How could she feel this way in the presence of the man who was destroying her dream?

  “Talk to me, Faith.”

  She jerked her hand away from his tender touch. He was the enemy. It didn’t matter to him that her dream was disintegrating right before her eyes. Without the loan, she couldn’t move forward. This would be good news to the man sitting next to her, pretending he cared. She sucked in a deep breath and glared into his eyes. “I need for you to get out of my car.”

  * * *

  Ten minutes later, Joshua found himself once again in the lobby of the bank, waiting for his appointment with the vice president. The second he’d stepped out of her car, she’d peeled out toward the entrance where Joy stood waiting for her. He couldn’t get the look on Faith’s face out of his mind. There was no question about it—the woman despised him. How could he fault her for that? But underneath the anger coating her eyes was disappointment. He could only guess she’d come to the bank for a loan and she’d been declined.

  He, on the other hand, would not be denied. With his business plan organized inside the leather portfolio resting on his lap, he breathed a sigh of relief, realizing Faith was most likely out of the way. He’d just taken another step in the direction of owning the inn, as long as a multitude of other investors didn’t come out of the woodwork. Guilt gnawed at his insides. He’d have to keep his mother at the forefront of his mind and forget about Faith. He had to admit, if only to himself, that getting her out of his mind was becoming increasingly difficult.

  Twenty minutes into his meeting with Mr. Bryson, Joshua felt more confident than he had since he’d walked away from his job with his father. Run away was more like it.

  “You’ve got a great business plan here, Joshua. There’s no question about it—you have your father’s head when it comes to business.”

  He cringed at the man’s words. Joshua didn’t want to resemble his father in any way, shape or form. His father was nothing but a ruthless businessman who’d always put his own needs before his family. He couldn’t count how many times his father had told him he’d never do well in the business world if he didn’t toughen up. But to Joshua, if being tough meant hurting the ones you loved, success wasn’t important.

  “So does that mean I’ve got the loan?”

  Mr. Bryson closed the portfolio and slid it back in front of Joshua, extending his hand. “You got it. I’ll draw up the paper and have them couriered over to the inn.”

  The last thing he wanted was for Faith to intercept the documents. “Why don’t you just give me a call once they’re ready? I’d be happy to come here to sign and have everything notarized.”

  Mr. Bryson nodded. “Fine, whatever you’d prefer. I must say I was surprised to hear your father wanted to sell the inn. I know how much your mother loved the place.”

  He was relieved Mr. Bryson didn’t ask why his father didn’t gift him the inn. “That’s exactly the reason I want to keep it in the family, sir.”

  “Very well.” The man rose from the table and gave a departing handshake. “It’s a pleasure to work with you, Joshua. I wish you all the best with the auction.”

  “Much appreciated. I’m praying for a low turnout to keep the bidding down.” He released his grip.

  “It’s a popular spot. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself caught up in a bidding wa
r, Joshua.” He fingered his tie as he led his customer out into the lobby.

  Inside his car, Joshua considered Mr. Bryson’s mention of a bidding war. It was the last thing he needed. He slid the key into the ignition and headed to the grocery store. For lunch, he planned to cook pasta and garlic bread along with a side salad. After her episode at the bank, the thought of being alone in the kitchen with Faith didn’t sit well with him. Would she ask him about his appointment? He hoped not. His guilty conscience had already taken a good beating.

  At the market, he grabbed a shopping cart after noting the time. He needed to make this a quick stop if he wanted to get lunch served at its regular time.

  He rounded the aisle, heading toward the pasta.

  “Joshua!”

  Turning, he spotted Joy speeding her cart toward him.

  “Hi, Joy. I’m in a bit of hurry. My appointment at the bank went a little longer than I anticipated.”

  She glanced at her watch. “Oh, yes, we’re nearing the lunch hour. I won’t keep you.” Reaching inside her purse, she slipped out an envelope and handed it to him.

  He accepted it and noticed his name on the front, obviously written by a child using a red crayon. Mr. Joshua. He smiled, knowing who it was from.

  “It’s an invitation to Bella’s birthday party. She wanted me to make sure I hand-delivered it to you.”

  He peeled it open and pulled out the card. He grinned as he studied a picture of Snoopy across the front.

  “The party is two weeks from this Saturday. We’ve rented out the community center. She’d really like it if you’d come.”

  Without hesitating, he answered. “I wouldn’t miss it for the world.” He smiled as he slid the invitation back inside of the envelope. “Does Faith know she invited me?”

  Joy rested her hand on his arm. “Don’t worry about my sister. It’s Bella’s party and I told her she could invite anyone she wanted. You were first on her list.”

  “She’s a special little girl.” Whether Faith wanted him at the party or not, he’d show up for the child. She’d already experienced too many disappointments in her young life.

  “She sure is.” Joy paused for a moment and tugged on her ear. “Listen, I wanted to apologize for anything Faith may have said to you earlier at the bank. She’s been under a lot of stress lately with the inn going up for auction. Being turned down on her loan today was a hard blow for her.”

  He nodded. “There’s no need for an apology.” He knew Faith wanted the inn as badly as he did. The news today had to have been upsetting for her.

  Joy stepped in a little closer. “I know you really want the inn for business reasons, but for Faith, it’s so much more. I only hope she’ll share the reason with you before it’s too late.”

  At the checkout lane, Joshua replayed his conversation with Joy. He could have argued his plans to own the inn were not driven by business, but what would be the point? Still, what she’d said gnawed at him. What was Faith’s reason? More than likely, he’d never know since he couldn’t imagine she’d ever share it with him. As much as he hated to admit it, time was running out for Faith and her dream of owning the inn.

  Chapter Nine

  Faith paced the floor of her kitchen like a caged animal. Her stomach turned over as she glanced at the clock on the stove. Joshua would be here soon to prepare lunch. She’d thought about heading up to the inn to avoid him. No—to hide. But she’d have to face him sooner or later. She’d felt like such a fool, earlier at the bank. Of all people, he had to be there to witness her reaction to being denied by the bank.

  A cold draft drifted across the room as a northerly wind howled against the window. Perhaps a cup of chamomile tea would calm her nerves. While the flame danced underneath the kettle, she gazed at Chris’s picture hanging on the wall. Bella wanted it hung there so she’d feel like her daddy was sitting at the table with them.

  Faith pulled her eyes away from the photo when the kettle whistled. At the stove, she filled her mug and bobbed the tea bag up and down in the boiling water. When she looked over at the kitchen table, the reality of her situation took hold. The loan papers strewn in front of her, stole her breath.

  Shoulders slouched, she walked to the table and slid into the chair. What should I do, Chris? I didn’t get the loan. With tears peppering her eyes she looked toward the photograph for an answer. Minutes later, she knew. Chris had prepared for the worst when he took out the large insurance policy on his life. He wanted to make sure his family was well cared for. Now it was up to Faith to take control and give her daughter the security she deserved. She knew exactly what had to be done.

  Her heart thumped against her chest as she picked up the phone and called Joy.

  “Do you still want to help me?” Faith blurted, not giving her sister a chance to say hello.

  A moment of silence passed. “Are you talking about Bella’s birthday party? Look, I’m sorry if you’re angry I let Bella invite Joshua.”

  Faith crinkled her brow. “What? No—I’m not talking about her party. Do you want to help me buy the inn? You know, be partners.”

  “But, sweetie, you didn’t get the loan.”

  She certainly didn’t need to be reminded of that fiasco. “I know I didn’t. I’ve decided I’m going to use some of the insurance money. I kept telling myself it’s for Bella’s future, but the inn is her future—it’s both of ours. If I use the money, I’ll be giving Chris his dream, too.”

  “I couldn’t agree with you more, sis.”

  The heavy weight pressing on her chest for days had finally eased. Faith knew she was making the right decision. “I’d like to keep some of the insurance money as our nest egg, so that’s where you come into play.”

  “You don’t have to ask. My offer to loan you the money still stands. I like the idea of us being partners. Of course I’d be the silent one.”

  Outside, a car door slammed. For a moment, she’d almost forgotten about Joshua. Her heartbeat skipped. “Let’s discuss the details later. Joshua just pulled up.”

  “Be nice. Remember, he’s doing you a favor cooking all of these meals.”

  Faith ended the call. He might be helping her out, but he was benefiting, too. In his mind, the inn was already his and he had to take care of the current customers if he wanted them to return or to give referrals.

  Setting her teacup on the counter, she strolled toward the gentle knock at the door. A strange sense of calmness covered her like a warm blanket as she let him in. She couldn’t wait to tell him he still had competition in his quest for the inn.

  “Sorry I’m late—my meeting ran a little long.” Joshua stepped inside and carried the bags of groceries to the kitchen table. “I’m making pasta and salad, so I’ll be quick and get out of your hair.”

  As soon as she saw his face wearing an arrogant smirk, she knew he’d gotten the loan. She reached into one of the bags to help unload the supplies. She eyed him as he pulled out the oversize pot and carried it to the sink. He turned on the spigot as she continued to watch him. Not knowing if he was going to bring up her meltdown at the bank, she decided she’d beat him to it.

  “I’m sorry about my behavior at the bank.” She hesitated for a moment as she placed two heads of lettuce onto the table. “I didn’t mean to drag you into the middle of it.”

  Joshua turned off the water and turned to face her. “There’s no need to apologize. It’s upsetting to be denied a loan.”

  Her body froze. Did Mr. Bryson tell him he’d denied her or was her behavior alone enough to give him a heads-up?

  The smirk faded. “I ran into Joy at the market. She mentioned it’s why you were so upset. I kind of figured, though.” He looked at her and a tiny smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. “I have to say, you look like a different person now. You’re practically glowing.”

  She continued unloading the bag. “I am?”
With the last of the groceries unpacked, she walked to the countertop. Now who was wearing the smirk? “Well, I guess I have reason to be. In a couple of weeks, I’ll be the proud owner of the Black Bear Inn.”

  His cell phone chirped, but he ignored it. “I’m sorry. I don’t understand. Joy said Mr. Bryson denied your loan.”

  “Yes, it’s true. But I had a backup plan and it’s going to make my dream come true.” She grabbed her jacket and turned. “I’ll be up at the inn. Call me if you need help bringing the food over.” She closed the door behind her and smiled. Joshua Carlson actually looked a little nervous, but she was cool as a cucumber.

  Later in the evening, with Bella tucked in bed, Faith curled up in her favorite comfy chair in the corner of her bedroom. The lights from the inn were shining through the opened plantation shutters. Could she really bring Chris’s dream and hers to fruition? She smiled at the idea.

  “Mommy, I can’t sleep.”

  Faith turned at the sound of her daughter’s sweet voice. Her heart warmed at the sight of Bella in her pink-and-white polka-dot footie pajamas. “Come here and nuzzle with me.”

  Bella climbed into her mother’s lap.

  Faith stroked the tousled ringlets. The smell of baby powder penetrated her nose. The scent had provided much comfort over the years. “What’s the matter, honey?”

  “I wish I had a daddy.”

  “Oh, sweetie, I know you do.” Had the photographs prompted this? Perhaps she should have kept them locked away. “Did you have a dream?”

  She yawned and shook her head. “No, I was looking at the picture where Daddy was holding me at the hospital.”

  “That’s nice, isn’t it?” Faith remembered it as though it were yesterday. Chris had been thrilled to have a little girl. He’d told her he had hoped for a girl throughout her pregnancy. He wanted to have a “mini” Faith. “He was so proud of you.”

  The tears escaped and raced down Bella’s soft, pink cheeks. “Why did he die? Why didn’t God take care of him?”

  “I don’t know, sweetie. Sometimes things happen that we can’t explain. It doesn’t mean God didn’t love Daddy or us. You just have to remember you’ll see him one day.”