The Daughter He Never Knew

by Linda Barrett

  “I made a decision today,” Jason began, “that will affect all of us in a good way, I hope.” He took a breath, still suffering from a bit of disbelief himself. “I’m going it alone from now on. Writing and recording.” He crooked his head toward Lila. “I decided not to submit material to Disney. I turned down Luis’s tour. I packed up my apartment. As I’ve told you before, I’m going to stay anchored right here.”

  No reaction from Lila. “If you’re not happy,” Jason said, “blame my agent.”

  He filled his family in on the conversation with Mitch. “It’s not ego here. Mitch has been wanting me to go solo for a long time. And it seems, the time is now.”

  He looked at his brother and his dad, whose musical abilities were as good as his own. “Will you guys help me choose?”

  A cacophony filled the room, from the men’s cheers and excitement, to Katie’s “What Disney movies?” She didn’t look so happy. His older nephew, Brian, looked stunned at first, then wildly happy, then deep in thought. “Where are you going to record? Are you setting up a studio? What backup are you going to have? Can I audition?”

  Jason felt his muscles relax, one by one, and only then did he realize he’d been holding his breath waiting for his family’s reactions. They were all he could have hoped for.

  He turned toward Lila, who hadn’t said anything yet. She sat as though she were an audience of one trying to comprehend the play in front of her. “I’ve asked Lila to find a location for a studio.”

  All three children ran to her, offering their help. Finally, she came out of her stupor—had no choice with Katie and Casey all over her lap—and promised to let them know. “I need more information myself,” she said, glancing at Jason.

  “Uncle Jason,” said Casey. “Are you going to be famous?”

  Jason shrugged. “Maybe a little. If the folks like my music.”

  Lila’s “Ah…” preceded her standing. “That’s where this idea sticks in the craw.”

  Jason saw every head turn toward her in unison like a funny scene from a movie. “Explain.”

  Now her spirit caught fire. “If you become another Billy Joel, what will happen to Pilgrim Cove? To our town of five thousand, except ‘higher in summer,’” she quoted. “We’ll be overrun with too-eager fans, reporters, even Peeping Toms. We don’t need that here.” She studied him. “You don’t need that, either, Jason,” she added, her voice softening. That had to count for something.

  “Long Island hasn’t disappeared or blown up because Billy Joel lives there,” replied Jason. “Neither has Manhattan which is filled with celebrities.”

  “But we’re a small town. What will happen to us?”

  Sam answered the question. “Have you forgotten the ROMEOs, my dear? There isn’t anything we can’t do when the you-know-what hits the fan. We’ll put the chief in charge of this project when the time comes. Put your mind to rest.”

  “Or if the time comes,” said Jason, picking up on his dad’s comments. He searched Lila’s face. “There’s always the chance I’ll fail.”

  Now, she was shocked. “You won’t fail,” she said. “That possibility never crossed my mind.”

  The strength of her words indicated a vote of confidence, but the underlying inflection begrudged it. He decided to concentrate on the positive.

  “Thank you, Lila. I appreciate your faith in me.”

  The wrong thing to say. The pain in her eyes was reinforced when she shook her head. “I never doubted the music.”

  She doubted the man. Still didn’t trust him. Still hadn’t forgiven him for not coming home when he’d promised. Maybe if she’d listen to some of his songs…but she was heading out the door.

  “Would someone bring Katie home?” she asked the group in general. “I don’t want to spoil her fun.”

  And she was gone in an instant.

  “Seems to me,” said Matthew, “you’ve got some work cut out ahead of you. And I don’t mean on the keyboard.”

  Jason rolled his head to get out the knots. “No,” he said. “I think I’ll leave her alone for a while.”

  Suddenly, the sound of crying came to his ears. Katie! He scooped his daughter from the floor, and deposited featherlight kisses all over her cheek.

  “No, Daddy. You can’t.”

  “Can’t kiss you?”

  “Uh-unh,” she replied shaking her head. “You can’t leave Mommy alone. She’s too sad all the time. And…and I don’t know what to do.” Her words ended in a wail and more sobs, and the pain in her voice ripped Jason’s heart into tiny pieces.

  He cuddled her closer. “You don’t have to do anything, sweetheart. That’s my job. And I’m not giving up. Not at all.”

  “Promise?”

  “Promise.” Kissing her again, he said, “Your mom’s one stubborn woman. You know that?”

  She laughed up at him, tears sparkling from her lashes like twinkling stars. “Yup. That’s what Papa Bart calls her all the time.”

  Some vindication.

  Katie wiggled down to the floor, her sunny self back in place. “So, when do we hear some music, Daddy?”

  “Thought you’d never ask.”

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  HE TAPPED ON LILA’S DOOR two hours later, Katie sound asleep in his arms. Lila tilted her head toward the back of the house and he followed her to the child’s room, then gently lowered his daughter onto the bed. Tucking her in, he placed a last kiss on her cheek and enjoyed seeing a tiny smile emerge even as she slept.

  Lila, too, smoothed the blanket around the little girl and pressed a kiss on her forehead. “Sleep well, sweetheart,” she whispered.

  For a moment, Jason stood beside the mother of his child watching over their most precious gift. There was no need for words. He belonged here. In silent communication, he and Lila exited the room at the same time a minute later, maintaining their silence until they returned to the kitchen.

  “How did the music session go?” Lila asked.

  Was she really interested or being polite? “It was…satisfactory.”

  Her eyes reached dinner-plate size. “What kind of insipid word is that?” she asked with a laugh. “It was probably fantastic.”

  “I wish you had stayed.”

  She avoided his glance, turned away. “Couldn’t be helped. But you don’t have to show off for me. I know—the whole town knows—about the Parker family and music.”

  Jason stepped around her, so that she had to look at him. “My music isn’t about showing off. It’s about truth. One man’s truth. It’s all there in the songs. What happened to us. What happened to me afterwards. I write about what’s in here,” he said, placing his hand over his heart. “The best songs ever written, whether they’re joyous or poignant, come from in here. Truth resonates with listeners.”

  She stood quietly in front of him, listening, concentrating. Or so it seemed. “Wait a minute…wait a minute,” she said. “Go back. Are you saying that all the bad stuff you went through is going to be public knowledge? Like an autobiography?”

  He nodded. “Some of it. Depending on the song.”

  “But…but Jason! What about the alcohol part? All the drinking. Aren’t you afraid for Katie to know?”

  He hated the fear, the worry on her face, but he couldn’t compromise his writing. Not for Lila. Not even for Katie. “Lila, honey. I don’t want to hide anymore. And I can’t live my life afraid of everything. Katie will judge me on her own terms. I’ll try hard to be the best father I can. She’ll know that.”

  He traced his fingertip along her jaw, her lips. She didn’t move away. He leaned toward her, and lightly rubbed his mouth against hers.

  “Umm…”

  His heart filled with hope. Maybe touch was the key to Lila. Maybe his familiarity reconnected them to a time of trust. All right! Let yourself go with it, Lila.

  His nuzzling evolved into a kiss. A sweet kiss. Romantic. Don’t rush. He wrapped her gently in his arms. Hummed a slow tune and danced with her. She laid her hea
d on his shoulder, one arm looped around his neck. Her eyes closed. Her other arm tightened around his waist. He’d live in the moment. The now.

  “I’ve always loved being held by you,” she whispered. “So safe. So loved.”

  He almost tripped. Instead, he whispered, “And I’ve always loved holding you. We belong together, sweetheart. In each other’s arms.” Then and now. But he didn’t voice the thought. He’d be as patient as Job this time around.

  “My mother says you’re a Svengali. You have some power over me.”

  Good God! Maggie Sullivan. He’d almost forgotten about the influence she could have over Lila.

  “If that’s true, sweetheart, then your dad’s guilty, as well. Only a powerful guy could put a spell on your mom, and Maggie seems very happily married.” Keep it light, Jase. Keep it light. But if he ever had the chance, he’d tell Maggie Sullivan a thing or two!

  He heard a giggle from the region of his chest. “That’s just what I said to her, Jason.” She stopped dancing, her face alight with the memory. “I said Dad must have hypnotized her, and she turned five shades of red. Told me to mind my own business.”

  “And you said…” he prompted, hoping like hell he knew the ending to this little story.

  “Let’s make that mutual, Mom.”

  He swung her around the room. “You are one fantastic woman. Think of that. You stood up to your mother!” He set her on her feet again. Gave her a hard kiss on the mouth. “Sleep well, sweetheart.” He wouldn’t be greedy for more. Instead, he’d end the day on a happy note.

  He walked toward the door, then turned. “Might stop by The Lobster Pot one of these evenings. Don’t want Maggie to forget who I am.”

  “Ha!”

  LILA DIDN’T KNOW what to expect at Katie’s “Sisterhood” ceremony with Sara, but encountering Adam and Jason in the same place was not ideal. When Katie and Sara had invited her, she should have anticipated both fathers showing up.

  On Friday afternoon at five, however, when she walked onto the beach behind Sea View House, Adam was already there. The girls were setting their stage halfway to the shore, and Jason was nowhere to be seen. Adam walked toward her, an inquisitive smile on his face. A brief hug. “How are you?”

  “Fine,” she replied. “Trying to find my way.” She glanced behind her at the house just as Jason appeared on the porch.

  He waved. “Glad you could both make it. I’m in charge of the refreshments, but you have nothing to fear. They were all store bought.” He grinned and disappeared back into the kitchen.

  “Smart guy,” said Adam.

  And that’s when Lila felt awkward. She twisted her hands over one another until Adam’s larger hand stilled her movements.

  “Don’t fret, Lila. It’s okay.”

  “I know, Adam. I really do. It’s just…everything’s happening so fast. Changes.”

  “One thing’s not changing,” replied the vet, taking a step back.

  Lila’s arms dropped quietly to her sides. “And what’s that?”

  He looked at the two children who were arranging a variety of seashells in a large circle. “Sara and Katie’s friendship.”

  “Of course not!” replied Lila, dismayed. Did he think she’d break the little ones apart because of Adam and herself?

  “No, no,” said Adam, quickly stepping toward her again. “You misunderstood. It’s just that I like living here in Pilgrim Cove. Not only for Sara’s sake, but for my own. I’m going to stay, Lila.” His voice was steady, but his eyes held a question mark when he looked at Lila.

  “I never thought you wouldn’t.” She paused. “We’ll both get past this time, and hopefully remain friends.” Now she started to laugh. “In a town like Pilgrim Cove, you have no choice!”

  Adam chuckled. “So true.” Then he become silent, staring at her. “You really are a lovely woman.”

  She met his gaze without flinching. “But not the right woman for you. I’m sorry, Adam.”

  “I’m sorry, too. I should have known.” He shrugged, then looked toward the house. “Let’s see if the boy wonder needs any help with those eats.” He headed for the porch.

  Lila followed at a slower pace. She reached the steps just as Adam called out toward the house, “Is everything under control in there?”

  Jason opened the door with one hand, a tray in the other. He stepped outside and placed the goodies on the oval table. “That’s just what I was going to ask you.” He glanced at Adam, but his gaze rested on Lila.

  “Yeah. We’re fine.”

  He nodded briskly, then called to the girls. “Let’s get started.”

  Lila was impressed with the entire event. Jason seemed to take it as seriously as the kids. First, the adults admired the large friendship circle where the ceremony took place. Then, the children exchanged the shell-decorated gift boxes they’d each made for the other. Katie got the better of that deal, thought Lila, Sara being more artistic and patient by nature.

  Third came the recitations of why they wanted to be sisters. Lila was amazed at how much insight the youngsters had. Sara admired Katie’s imagination. “You always come up with good ideas.”

  Katie admired Sara’s loyalty. “You always take my side and understand me.”

  She glanced at the dads and couldn’t tell who looked prouder. Jason certainly seemed more in awe. He was still getting used to little girls. And then came the sisterhood oath—bloodless—for which Lila was thankful:

  “By the shores of the Atlantic

  Under sunny skies above,

  Kathleen and Sara are now sisters

  Friends forever, filled with love.”

  Three times, they heard the oath. Once recited and twice sung. The third time through, Katie harmonized with Sara’s basic melody.

  “Unbelievable,” whispered Adam, blinking hard.

  “Gorgeous, girls,” replied Lila.

  “Wow.” Jason’s contribution. Then he said, “Don’t move.” He ran to the house and was back with a camera. “I’ve got to learn to carry this always. Opportunities abound with these kids.” He glanced at the other man. “I’ll put some on a CD for you.”

  Lila watched as he took candid shots of the girls finishing off their ceremony. Exchanging poems, notes, baby pictures. Baby pictures? Gosh, they’d thought of everything to put into their gift boxes.

  But finally it was over. Everyone satisfied. The girls, however, were still wired. Jason indicated that Lila and Adam should step aside with him. “How about I keep them for an overnight? I’ll order in a pizza, and then run on the beach with them until they’re exhausted enough to sleep.”

  “Don’t you have work to do?” asked Lila. “Songs to worry about?”

  “They’ll still be there.” He stared at Katie and Sara. “The kids won’t. Childhood goes by too quickly.” Love shone from his eyes as he looked at his daughter, a blinding, mesmerizing love for a child he’d known for less than three weeks.

  He might have been reading Lila’s mind when he said, “It only takes a heartbeat, doesn’t it?”

  She looked around at the remnants of the ceremony, the piles of shells on his porch, the plate of leftover cookies and pitcher of lemonade. He’d come through for his child—without prompting. For Katie’s sake, he’d rearranged his whole life to return to Pilgrim Cove.

  Maybe Lila hadn’t given him enough credit.

  She raised her eyes to him again, just as he turned toward her. The love already burning there for his daughter blazed hotter when he looked at her, and Lila felt her own heart begin to soften.

  JASON SURVIVED the girl’s sleepover, took them to the Diner on the Dunes for breakfast the next morning, and watched the ROMEOs fall under their spell. Six grandpas seemed like a good number regardless that Katie had two real ones sitting there.

  “I l-o-o-o-v-e Saturday mornings at the Diner,” said Katie.

  “You do?” asked Jason. “Are Saturday mornings a routine for you?” There was so much he was still learning about his daughter and
her life.

  “Yup. No school. And I get to be with my grandpas at the same time—sometimes three of them. But Grandpa Tom mostly has to work at the restaurant.”

  Lila’s father. “Speaking of the Lobster Pot,” said Jason to his dad. “How about you and the family be my guests tonight.”

  Bart slapped the table. “Great idea! I’ll be there, too. Ringside seat.”

  Sam rolled his eyes. “Maybe a quieter time…”

  But Jason laughed. “Safety in numbers, Dad. What can Maggie do when the place is jam-packed? Throw a pot of chowder at me?”

  “Better take an umbrella,” said Bart with a wink. “You don’t know my daughter!”

  But it was Thea Cavelli, Maggie’s sister, who greeted them that evening at the Lobster Pot. She led them to the main dining room and seated them. Although she sent a server to take their orders, she checked back with them from time to time.

  “Maggie have the night off?” asked Jason on one of Thea’s visits. “Or are you being punished by having to work the whole crowd by yourself?”

  She chuckled, but gave him a steady look. “I can work twice this crowd with one hand behind my back. That is, if we had room for that many. But no, Maggie’s supervising in the kitchen.”

  Bart approached from behind her and jumped into the conversation. “What Thea means is that Maggie’s hiding in the kitchen.”

  “Dad! She is not.”

  He winked at the table. “Well, she won’t be as soon as you go in there and tell her what I said.” He pulled up a chair next to Sam.

  “You’re incorrigible!” Thea wended her way around the table until she reached Bart. Then she gave him a hug and a kiss on the cheek. “But I love you, anyway.”

  “I know.” He sat back and preened.

  Jason, Matt and Laura chuckled loudly. Sam grinned. And Jason realized how much the Quinn loved putting on a show. He loved playing to an audience. Jason sat back in his chair, totally relaxed, enjoying the company and appreciating his surroundings.