A Father for Bella

by Jill Weatherholt

  At 9:00 a.m. the following morning, dressed in black slacks and a red turtleneck sweater, Faith was ready for the auction, even though it wasn’t scheduled to start until noon. With all the excitement in her head, she’d hardly slept, but she felt like a million dollars. Since Joshua planned to meet his father for breakfast and the Watsons were once again taking over meal preparations today—bless them both—Faith was able to sit down and enjoy a leisurely cup of coffee. She made a note to get a special gift for Mr. and Mrs. Watson. They’d done so much to help out after the fire at the inn.

  Faith raised an eyebrow at the sound of a car door slamming out front. She rose from her chair when she heard footsteps approaching her door. She wasn’t expecting anyone and rarely did she have unannounced visitors. Stepping into the family room, she took a sneak peek through the shudders. A white sedan had backed into the driveway.

  A knock sounded as Faith tiptoed to the door. She took a quick look through the narrow windows on one side of the door and her breath hitched. Faith gripped the handle and slowly opened the door. A chill ran down her spine, but it wasn’t from the outside air. “Melissa—what are you doing here?”

  Forgoing an invitation inside, the woman breezed past Faith and entered the foyer. “It’s freezing out there. I’d love a cup of coffee.” She removed her long black wool coat and flung it over her arm.

  Left with no choice, Faith decided to give the woman what she wanted. She sucked in a breath and prepared herself to be hospitable. “Sure, let’s go into the kitchen. I just made a fresh pot.”

  The stiletto heels clicked behind Faith as they headed down the hall. Who wore those kinds of shoes when there was snow on the ground?

  Faith filled two mugs and turned to Melissa. “How would you like it?”

  “Sweet and creamy, like a milkshake,” she laughed, brushing her red wavy hair away from her face. “So, where’s my guy?”

  My guy. “Excuse me?” Faith asked as she poured heavy cream, followed by two heaping teaspoons of sugar, into the coffee and gave it a swift stir. Yuck. How could she drink this? What was she, twelve?

  “Joshua—I thought he’d be here cooking breakfast.” She accepted her cup and took a sip. “Yum...this is perfect.”

  Still unclear why this woman had commandeered her kitchen and was now enjoying a hot beverage, Faith tried to think of an answer. She had an uneasy feeling. Joshua had told her Melissa was no longer working for him, so what had brought her here? “Do you have an appointment with him or something?” She couldn’t help wondering what they’d have to meet about, especially when he’d seemed so angry the day she’d come to the inn. He hadn’t talked much about it and Faith hadn’t wanted to pry, but now she wished she had.

  Melissa’s pasted-on smile vanished, and her face turned stone-cold. “Look, I probably shouldn’t be telling you this. Joshua won’t be happy I did, but I’m here for the auction.”

  “Well, it is a public event. You’re more than welcome to come and observe.” Not that she wanted her there. In fact, she couldn’t wait to get this woman out of her kitchen.

  An odd sound resembling a laugh escaped Melissa’s mouth, but Faith thought it was more like a malicious noise uttered by one of Cinderella’s stepsisters in the movie that Bella often watched. “I’ll be attending the auction, but I’ll certainly not be observing.”

  The knot in her stomach, which had appeared as soon as she’d opened the door earlier, expanded into what felt like a beach ball. “Do you have a client who’s interested in the inn?”

  Melissa smirked. “I guess there’s no point in keeping it a secret any longer. You’ll find out soon enough.” She smoothed her hair with fingernails painted fire-engine red. “I’m going to bid on the inn and, trust me, I’ll be the one who walks away with the deed to the property—not you.”

  Faith eyed the woman, not sure if she was telling the truth or playing some sort of game to get back at Joshua. Emotions bubbled like fiery lava. This property belonged to her, it was part of her heritage. She wouldn’t let it go without a fight. “Don’t be so sure, Melissa.” Who did Melissa think she was, coming into the picture just when she and Joshua had made peace and possibly had a future together?

  “Trust me. I’ve got more money than you or anyone who might attend the auction. I guess Joshua never mentioned I inherited a fortune when my grandfather passed away.”

  Faith’s heart hammered inside her chest. Was this true? After all this, would she really lose the inn to this heartless woman? “Why are you doing this? Are you trying to get back at Joshua for letting you go?”

  Melissa rolled her eyes. “I’m doing this for him. His mother loved this place. That’s why it means so much to him. He’s nervous he’ll be outbid by you or another investor, so I’ve decided to purchase it for us—for our future together.”

  Together? Future? What on earth was she talking about? What about her future? Just last night, it had seemed so bright.

  “Oh, you poor thing, you didn’t know.” Melissa’s lips pursed. “Since you and Joshua have been spending so much time together, I assumed he’d told you already.”

  Her jaw tightened. “Told me what?”

  “The only reason he cut business ties with me was so we could finally be together.” She paused and locked eyes with Faith. “As a couple. We’ve known each other all our lives and finally, after all these years, there’s nothing standing in our way. We’re in love, sweetheart.” Her eyes glittered like daggers.

  How could this be true? Melissa wasn’t his type. Faith had thought she was, but maybe she’d been wrong. What about the kiss they’d shared? Her stomach rolled over when she thought of her daughter. Bella would be heartbroken, not only to lose her home, but also Joshua.

  “Did you hear me?” Melissa took a step closer, her perfume putrid. “Joshua and I will be together, not you and him.”

  Melissa headed toward the door just when Faith thought she could no longer hold back her tears. She abruptly stopped and turned around. “I know you think your sweet little girl has won him over—actually, it’s kind of pathetic that’d you have to use your daughter to get a man, but whatever, it’s me he’s always loved—just remember that.”

  Faith slumped into the kitchen chair as the car’s engine roared in the distance. She dropped her head into her hands and the tears gushed. What about last night? The tender kiss she’d shared with Joshua. He’d made a promise to her and offered a new beginning. But why?

  Minutes later, she wiped her eyes. With heaviness in her limbs, she lifted herself from the chair. Drawn to the photo of her husband on the wall, she willed her weighted legs to move toward it. “I’m so sorry, Chris. I pushed you into becoming a firefighter. I thought good benefits and a pension would provide me with the security I craved growing up. Security isn’t about money. I know that now.” She swallowed hard and placed her fingertips on the photo. “I’m sorry I couldn’t make your dream come true.” She turned and headed toward her bedroom to get undressed. The auction would go on without her. As she crawled underneath the warmth of her grandmother’s afghan her stomach rolled over as she realized her future had once again been stripped away.

  Chapter Sixteen

  The parking lot of the community center was about half-full when Joshua zipped into an available end spot. Obviously, the townspeople were interested in the future of the Black Bear. He hoped there wouldn’t be too many out-of-town investors interested in placing a bid. It didn’t really matter—he was determined to make Faith’s dream come true, no matter the cost.

  Inside, a sea of people filled the main meeting room. Rows of folding chairs were lined up in front of the podium. He spied Joy and Bella in the first row. Where was Faith? She should be here by now.

  There was a hum of muffled voices in the room as he worked his way through a gathering of men dressed in business suits. Odd. No one usually wore suits around here, except to church
on Sunday. His stomach twisted as he realized he wouldn’t be the only person placing a bid.

  “Mr. Joshua!” Bella yelled as she bounced in her seat. “Sit next to me.”

  “Hello, ladies. I’ve got to take care of a few things, but I’ll be back to join you.” He glanced at Joy. “Where’s Faith?”

  “I haven’t spoken with her this morning. I tried calling her cell and home phone, but there wasn’t any answer. I just assumed she’d already left with you.” Joy’s face was awash with concern.

  “No, I had breakfast this morning with my father. I haven’t seen or talked with her since last night.” Thoughts of the kiss they’d shared calmed his nerves, but only for a moment. “Do you think I should run by the cottage?”

  Joy shook her head. “I don’t think that’s necessary. She’s probably running a few of her normal Saturday morning errands before she heads over.”

  A short and stout gentleman with a receding hairline approached the microphone. “Testing, testing.” He tapped twice.

  Joshua’s pulse race as tiny beads of perspiration dotted his brow. The auction was ready to start. He’d feel a lot better if Faith was here. He removed his phone from his jacket pocket and pulled up his contacts. He tapped Call, praying she’d pick up. His shoulders slumped when the call went straight to voice mail. A quick glance at his watch rattled his nerves. Where was she?

  With his mouth parched, Joshua headed toward the concession table for a drink of water. He handed the elderly woman a dollar bill and unscrewed the top. Taking a long swig, he choked when he spotted Melissa sashaying across the room, heading straight toward him.

  Her arms were open when he felt her breath. “I’ve been looking all over for you.”

  Quickly, he stepped back to avoid any contact. His frustration mounted. Why couldn’t she take a hint? “What are you doing here?”

  “I’m here for you—for us.” She shot him a dreamy gaze.

  “I told you before, there’s no us. You shouldn’t have come, Melissa. Please leave.”

  “I can’t do that, not until I buy the inn.”

  His ears pounded. What had she just said?

  She reached for his arm, but his reaction was too quick. “I know how much the Black Bear means to you, so I’m going to buy it for you. Apparently, there are many other investors who could possibly outbid you. But with my grandfather’s money, I can go higher than anyone else.”

  He blinked his eyes several times, wishing that this was just a bad dream. But Melissa still stood in front of him with hopeful eyes. His mother had always told him honesty was the best policy, so he took a chance. “Look, Melissa, it’s an extremely generous gesture, but I can’t accept it.”

  “But why?”

  “Because I’m in love with Faith. We’ve pooled our funds in order to buy the inn today. I want to start a life with her and Bella.”

  “No! You can’t! She’s not right for you.” Her cheeks flushed. “She’ll never love you the way I do.”

  This was worse than he’d thought. She wasn’t going to take no for an answer, but he had to make her understand before she ruined everything. “But don’t you see? I don’t love you, Melissa, and I never have.” Yes, his words were cruel—but he’d been left with no other options.

  She glared at him in silence. The buzz from the growing crowd filled the room as he waited for her response. “Then where is she? If you’re joining forces, why isn’t she here with you?”

  That was the question of the hour. He gave the room a quick scan in hopes of seeing Faith in the crowd. Still missing. “I don’t know. I haven’t been able to reach her. She’s probably running some errands.”

  “Doubtful,” Melissa spoke, shaking her hair away from her face.

  “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  “I don’t think she’s out running errands. If she’s like any other heartbroken woman, she’s home in her pajamas eating a half gallon of rocky road ice cream.”

  “What in the world are you talking about? She’s not heartbroken.”

  When Melissa inched just a little closer, her face lacked any emotion. “Don’t be so sure. I paid her a visit this morning.”

  “You what—”

  The loud squealing of the sound system caused the people to settle into their chairs.

  “We’re not done here,” Joshua proclaimed as he hurried to his seat. He wanted nothing more than to leave the auction and get to Faith’s house as fast as possible. But he couldn’t leave. There was no way on earth he’d allow Melissa to ruin his plans.

  Settled into his chair, he watched in confusion as his father stepped behind the microphone, his face stony. Why was he here? According to his father, there was no reason for him to attend.

  RC looked strong and much more powerful than he had in his son’s room yesterday. Joshua had an uneasy feeling.

  His father cleared his throat and leaned forward. “I’m sorry you’ve wasted your time, but there won’t be an auction today. The Black Bear Inn is not for sale. Not today—not ever.” With those words, he turned and headed toward the door from which he’d emerged.

  The crowd murmured, but it didn’t silence the gasp escaping from Joshua’s lips.

  Joy turned to him. “What’s going on, Joshua?”

  That was what he’d like to know. Joshua bolted from his chair and sprinted toward the door. He spotted his father walking across the common area, heading straight for the exit.

  “Dad, wait!” Joshua ran across the room, bumping into two teenage boys and not taking the time to apologize. His father ignored him and continued toward the door. Joshua caught up to him and grabbed his arm. “What do you think you’re doing?”

  The man turned to his son, his face emotionless. “I’m not selling the inn.”

  Joshua’s face burned. He’d thought they’d made their peace yesterday. How could his father do this?

  “Mr. Joshua!”

  The two men turned toward the screaming child as Bella ran at top speed across the room.

  When she reached them, Joshua knelt down in front of her. “Go back with your Aunt Joy, Bella. I’ll be there in a few minutes. I need to speak with my father.”

  Tears streamed down the little girl’s rosy cheeks. “You’re ruining everything,” she said as she looked up at Joshua’s father. “Mr. Joshua was buying the inn for my mommy, so we can be a family. He was going to be my daddy,” she wailed.

  Joshua’s heart was breaking, but his anger toward his father bubbled over like an unattended pot of boiling water. He scooped Bella into his arms and she buried her faced into his shoulder. When he glanced at the door, he saw Melissa and Joy watching.

  “Please don’t cry, child.”

  When his father spoke in a soft and concerned tone, Joshua wasn’t sure if it was really his words. He examined the elderly man and was surprised once again by what he saw. Tears were forming in the corners of his dark eyes, something he’d seen for the first time yesterday when his father spoke of Jimmy. Crying was a sign of weakness and not permitted in the Carlson household—so his father had always said.

  Joshua rubbed Bella’s back as she continued to sob. He watched as his father’s expression continued to soften.

  The older man cleared his throat. “Can we talk alone?”

  His father’s request caught him off guard. Joshua placed Bella on the ground. Her tears slowly subsided. “Sweetie, why don’t you run along?” He pointed in her aunt’s direction. “I’ll be with you in a few minutes.”

  With her head down, Bella walked at a snail’s pace toward Joy. She stopped in her tracks and turned. “Please, Mr. Joshua’s daddy, don’t take away my mommy’s dream.” She continued toward the door.

  “Yesterday, I thought you understood why the inn was so important to me, Dad. Why would you take it off the auction block?”

  His father turned h
is gaze to Joshua. “Let me make it up to you.”

  Joshua wasn’t sure what “it” was. There’d been so many incidents in his life that could have scarred him emotionally if he hadn’t learned to trust God and the power of forgiveness. If only his father had done the same, perhaps their relationship would have been different.

  “I want to make up for every horrible thing I’ve ever done to you, son.” His father hung his head in shame. “There were so many... I know that.”

  Joshua couldn’t argue with him. It was the truth and he was grateful his father had realized it.

  “I’ll have my attorney draw up the papers in the morning.”

  “Papers?”

  His father nodded. “A deed transfer. I want to gift the inn over to you and the child’s mother. It’s what your mother would want.” He paused for a moment. “It’s what I want.”

  Joshua watched as his father left the building. He prayed in silence. He asked for peace for the man who had endured so much pain as a child. Today, his father had taken a big step in repairing their relationship. Joshua smiled, knowing his mother would be so happy.

  The joy surging through his body came to a screeching halt. Faith.

  He turned with a jerk and bolted for the door. Inside his car, he placed his key into the ignition and prayed to God Melissa hadn’t ruined everything.

  * * *

  Listlessly, Faith peeled herself out of her bed. She trudged into the bathroom and flipped the switch. A quick glance in the mirror revealed a face in dire need of washing. The mascara she’d so carefully applied early this morning had run tracks down her cheeks, providing evidence of the hours of tears shed. She reached for her cleanser in an attempt to wash away the hurt.