“Don’t underestimate her. You’ve already done that once.”
Steve nodded and walked from the room, his heart heavier than one of the boulders perched beside the creek.
~~o~~
Early Tuesday morning Dani clicked the cell phone shut, tears gushing down her cheeks as she weaved her way through the I-30 commuter traffic in Dallas. She glanced into the rear-view mirror and used one hand to wipe away tears. Calling Mama Beth had been the hardest thing she’d done so far. The sorrowful plea in her aunt’s voice made her want to rush back to Miller’s Creek immediately, but she couldn’t make that kind of promise until she and Mother worked things out. Thoughts of Steve flowed to her mind, followed by a flood of feelings. She missed Mama Beth, but her heart ached for Steve, to see his face and hear his voice. God, please help us.
She’d left Mustang Island yesterday, hoping to make it all the way to Dallas, but road construction and snarled traffic had spoiled her plans. Instead, the late hour and fatigue from the difficult drive had forced her to spend the night in Waco. It was for the best. Feeling more rested could only be to her advantage when she confronted her mother.
As she pulled up to the front of Mother’s estate several minutes later, she glimpsed a foursome of men at the Country Club across the street strolling back to their golf carts. Did they know? Lately the question was never far from her mind. The lady behind the counter at the gas station, the teenager in the drive-through, the homeless man crossing the street in front of her as she waited at the traffic light, did they each know how much God loved them?
Breathing a quick prayer for strength and wisdom, she opened the car door and headed up the massive steps to the front door. From outside she heard the chimes pealing her arrival. A minute later her mother opened the door.
“Dani!” Mother flew out the door, embracing her and sobbing. “I’m so glad you’re okay. I’ve missed you so much and been so afraid . . .” She pulled away, resting her hands on Dani’s upper arms, her eyes full of sorrow and tears. “. . . so afraid I’d never see you again.”
She gave her mother another hug then grabbed her hand. “Let’s go inside where we can talk.”
Once in the living room, Dani glanced around. The place had been emptied of some of its furnishings, and less stuff cluttered the tables and walls. Her mother's gaze was fixed on her like she might evaporate.
Smiling, she placed a hand on Mother’s knee. “Don’t be afraid. I’m sorry I left the way I did, but I needed to be alone to think through things. I'm back to stay.”
Her mother’s bottom lip disappeared, and she sat quietly as if pondering what to say and how to say it. “I never meant for you to learn the truth about your adoption, but I was wrong. And I’m so sorry about the way you found out. Please forgive me.”
“I already have, but I’m not sorry I learned the truth.”
“What are you going to do?” Mother’s face paled, her voice hesitant.
How would her mother react to her plan? She licked her lips. “First I want us to spend some time together, then I’m going to finish the work in Miller’s Creek and do a lot of praying. God will show me the road He wants me to take.”
Her eyes flickered with unspoken questions. “You sound as if—”
“As if I’ve found God?” She smiled, her heart full to overflowing. “Actually, it’s the other way around. He found me.”
“You look happy.”
“I am.”
Head lowered, her mother continued. “Then I’m happy for you. There was a time when I believed.”
Heart bursting, she knelt in front of her mother. “It’s not too late to try again.”
Mother smiled then reached a hand to cup her face. “Oh, my darling, I’m so sorry for what I’ve put you through. For making you feel like a thing instead of a person. I wouldn’t blame you if never had anything to do with me as long as you live.”
Dani shook her head. “That will never happen. You’ll always be my mother.” She hugged her again then sat beside her on the couch. “I want to help with your bills.”
Her mother raised a hand and gave her head a vehement shake. “I’ve already sold my jewelry and a few other things and found a buyer for the house. That gives me more than enough to live on.”
Frowning, she studied Mother’s face, not sure she recognized the changed woman in front of her. “But where will you live?”
“A nice town home close to my friends. I’ve already moved a few of my things.” A sad smile trembled on her face. “I want you to go back to Miller’s Creek.”
Her heart thudded to a stop. “What makes you say that?”
“Because you were happy there, at least until I came and messed things up.” She reached for a tissue and swabbed her eyes which had filled with fresh tears. “Beth and I had a chance to get to know each other again after you left. I’d forgotten how sweet she could be.”
“She is wonderful. I wouldn’t have found my way to God had it not been for her.” Dani ducked her head, the tormenting questions still rolling in her head. “Did you know the man who…?”
Mother nodded her head. “Your biological father? Yes. Beth and I had a long talk and she told me the whole story. He was later imprisoned for doing the same thing to someone else. He’s dead.”
A breath shuddered from her. The decision about whether she should contact him had been taken from her. Dani searched her mother’s face. “Thanks for telling me. As for returning to Miller’s Creek, God’s plan may be for me to stay in Dallas.”
Her mother’s smile was genuine, her eyes crinkling at the corners. “I don’t think so, dear.” She patted her hand. “There’s a very special man who needs you in Miller’s Creek.”
~~o~~
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
Full Circle
Steve traipsed up the steps to the front porch of Mama Beth’s house early Tuesday morning, not surprised that she wasn’t in her usual spot in the rocking chair. Since Dani had left, she rarely ventured out of the house, choosing instead to stay inside close to the phone. He couldn’t blame her. Thoughts of Dani consumed him, made worse by yesterday’s pointless trip to Dallas. Not knowing what had happened to her was the worst possible torture. Lord, keep her safe and draw her close to You. And let her call soon.
He found Mama Beth in the chair next to the living room window, her eyes distant and swollen. Peering across the room at her the ache in his heart grew heavier. She’d aged at least a year in the past week.
The phone shrilled, shattering the silence, and she dragged herself from the chair. “Hello?” A trembling hand fluttered to her chest and tears slipped down her weathered cheeks.
Dani? He moved to Mama Beth’s side and braced her up with an arm around her shoulders.
“I’m so sorry, Dani. Please forgive me. Please come home.” Mama Beth’s voice trembled with emotion then her muffled sobs answered the question in his heart. She wasn’t coming back. Her tear-stained face took on numb resignation. “I understand. Please know I’m praying for you.” She hung up the phone, her face ashen gray.
“You okay?”
She shook her head. “She’s hurting and I’m to blame.” Her tears started again and she laid her head against his shoulder.
Dani was safe, but not coming back. No chance to apologize, to tell her how much she was missed, to tell her how he felt. Resolve straightened his spine. He’d travel wherever to make things right. “Where is she?”
Mama Beth dabbed her cheeks with a tissue, her voice void of hope. “She didn’t say.” She took two steps toward the chair then stopped and clutched her head. “Steve, I—”
The last words she spoke before she crumpled to the floor.
~~o~~
Dani checked the gas gauge and steered onto the road which led to Miller’s Creek—half a tank—more than enough to get home. A late summer batch of Black-eyed Susans dotted the roadside. Laughter gurgled in her throat as a pasture of cows came into view. She rolled down the window and allowed the r
ich earthy scent to filter through the car.
A smile planted itself on her face as she remembered the first trip to Miller’s Creek and the dirty cowboy who’d rescued her. A brief moment of apprehension shuttled through her system. It was time to be completely honest with him, but would he understand why she’d tried to cover up her involvement in the renovations? Her deception had been wrong. She knew that now. A choice she’d made based on fear and self-protection.
Half an hour later, she drove into Miller’s Creek, her heart lighter than it had been in weeks. The familiar country cottages, decked in fresh paint, lined both sides of the road like old friends waiting for her return. Colorful banners for the Autumn Daze Festival traversed the road announcing the dates for the upcoming event. The irony of the moment sent off waves of gratitude. Reborn and renewed, she and Miller’s Creek had both risen from the ashes to a new life.
Dani pulled into the gravel parking lot of B&B Hardware, half in dread, half in anticipation. A couple of bottles of root beer for her and Mama Beth might make the task before them a bit easier. She gulped a deep breath, praying this visit would open the door for mended friendships.
The bell clanked to announce her arrival, and she blinked to adjust to the darkness. She took a tentative step forward, the wooden floors creaking out a welcome.
“Miss Dani!” She heard J.C. before she saw him. “Boy, are you a sight for sore eyes.”
She threw herself into his outstretched arms. “Oh, J.C., I’ve missed you, too.” Smiling, she drew back to peer into his kind eyes. But instead she saw worry.
“I guess you came because of Mama Beth. The whole town is praying for her.”
Her breath froze in her throat. “What are you talking about?”
“I’m sorry, I thought you knew. She collapsed yesterday, but thankfully Steve was there when it happened. They rushed her to Morganville.”
She didn’t wait to hear more.
~~o~~
Dani reached Morganville General in record time, the prayer she’d prayed all the way still reverberating in her brain. Lord, help me not to be too late.
Her cheeks damp with tears, she hurried inside and made her way to the nurse’s station. “Can I help you?”
“Yes, I’m looking for Mona Beth Adams’ room.”
“Dani?”
At the sound of Steve’s voice her heart quickened and she pivoted to meet his gaze. He towered in the doorway of the waiting room, a tortured expression on his fatigue-lined face, a day’s worth of stubble shadowing his jaw. With long strides, he closed the distance between them and enveloped her in his arms, his lips against her hair. “I’m so glad you’ve come home.”
She allowed herself to enjoy the strength and security of his embrace before she tugged herself away and searched his eyes. The sorrow she glimpsed there sent rivers of fear pulsing through her veins. “Mama Beth? Is—?”
“She’s okay.”
Dani closed her eyelids, her knees like rubber. Thank You, God. Her eyes fluttered open to find his steady gaze trained on her face. “What happened?”
He positioned an arm around her and helped her to a chair in the waiting room. “She collapsed yesterday morning. The doctor thinks it’s just stress-related, but they’re running some tests to make sure. He’s in with her now. They ran me out of the room until they’re finished.”
With a groan she brought a hand to her mouth. “This is my fault.”
Steve grabbed her shoulders and forced her to look him in the face. “No, it’s not. If it’s anyone’s fault, it’s mine.” With surgical precision his long-lashed eyes probed hers, the intensity both thrilling and excruciating. “I’ll be right back.” His words husky but determined, he strode from the waiting area and returned with two cans of soft drink.
She stared at the can he offered then tilted her head toward him. Did he remember the day of Mama Beth’s surgery?
A tender hint of a smile played on his lips. “It’s my turn.”
He did remember. Overcome with emotion, she managed to croak out a “thank you” before she popped open the drink and took a sip, the fizzy liquid tickling her nose. She let out her typical carbonated drink hiccup. “I’m so relieved you were at her house when she collapsed.” She shivered. “I don’t want to think about what might have happened if—”
“Don’t play the what-if game. God put me there at the right time. That’s all that matters.” A nerve pulsed in his jaw and his Adam’s apple bobbed, revealing the depths of his concern.
“Thank you for taking such good care of her. It means a lot to me.”
“I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
She smiled remembering her trip into town. “Miller’s Creek looks great.”
A frown creased his forehead and he lowered his head. “Yes.”
She puzzled over the change in his demeanor. Had there been more trouble? “Is everything okay? Has there been any more vandalism?”
A half smile softened his face and he shook his head. “No. We caught the guy. Seems he was a little miffed he didn’t get the bid for some of the construction work.”
The silence grew thick then he cleared his throat and looked her in the eyes. “I know she’s your mother.”
The softly spoken words unleashed a flurry of unexpected feelings, and she ducked her head to escape his scrutiny. Mama Beth had told him, but not her? She steadied her nerves with a deep breath and turned to face him. “It’s wonderful and scary at the same time. I mean, who wouldn’t be delighted to have Mama Beth as their mother? It answers so many questions, but it—”
“—also creates more?” Compassion and understanding shone from his expression.
She nodded, momentarily unable to speak, amazed at how he knew her thoughts. “At first I was just so hurt and confused.”
“I can understand that.” He tucked a stray curl behind her ear then crumpled his dark brows. “I know it’s none of my business, but where did you go? I even went to Dallas to find you.”
Her heart seized then lightened. He hated the city—the traffic, the noise—everything about it. She tilted her head to one side trying to glean meaning from the light in his eyes. “You went to Dallas for me?”
His sheepish smile confirmed her thoughts.
It was time to tell him the news. “I went to Mustang Island. I know I should’ve called, but I couldn’t.”
“Hey, it’s okay.” He squeezed her hand in encouragement. “You needed that time.”
“I did a lot of soul searching.” She left the words hanging intentionally. He of all people should know.
“And?” Like melted caramel candy his eyes softened.
Her heart flooded with assurance, pushing a smile to her face.
Steve twisted his head to one side then grinned and dragged her into his arms. “Oh Dani, I’m so glad. I’ve prayed for you to know Him.”
Her spirit took wing, and she momentarily allowed herself to relax in his embrace. If things worked out like she hoped, there would be time enough later to shelter in his arms. She forced herself to move away, but her joy turned to confusion at his troubled expression.
“What’s wrong?”
He grabbed both her hands then wet his lips. “There’s something I have to tell you, but I don’t know how to say it.” Remorse colored his eyes chocolate brown. “I found out you were adopted before Mama Beth told me. I also know you financed the renovation.”
She searched his face, not understanding.
“I’m sorry.” His voice quaked and his eyes glistened. “I thought you were taking advantage of Mama Beth and trying to sabotage the renovation, so I had you investigated.”
Investigated? She averted her gaze. Though his confession surprised and hurt, his actions were justifiable. He’d only been trying to protect those he loved, and she’d given him plenty of reasons to suspect her.
“Excuse me. Are you here with Miss Adams?” A doctor stood nearby.
“Yes.” Steve spoke, his tone oddly strangled.
“Miss Adams is doing fine. We were concerned about her heart, but all the tests came back negative. We’re going to keep her one more night, and if she does okay, we’ll let her go home in the morning. You can see her now.”
Without a second’s hesitation, Dani broke into a run down the hallway.
~~o~~
Mama Beth stared at the giant oak tree out the hospital room window, the steady beep of the heart monitor already grating on her nerves. The doctor said he thought it was only a scare. A scare? No, a scare was having the daughter you loved ripped from your life forever. She struggled to breathe, her heart heavy. Where was Dani? Would she ever come back home?
Let it go.
She let out a sigh and prayer. Yes, Lord, I know I need to let it go. Help me. She’d clung to the pain with both fists, afraid of releasing the only part of Dani she still had left. Eyes closed and fingers spread wide, she lifted shaky hands to the ceiling then let them drop to her side, the situation with her daughter in God’s capable hands.
The door opened and closed, probably the doctor again, or maybe Steve. She opened her eyelids and turned her head, her breath ratcheting in her throat. “Dani.” She could only whisper her name, afraid the vision would dissipate. But in less than an eye blink, her daughter rested in her arms, tears flowing freely. It wasn’t a dream. Her little girl had come home. She stroked Dani’s golden curls suddenly aware of the miracle. Thirty-five years ago in a hospital room much like this one they’d been separated, but their lives had finally come full circle.
~~o~~
CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO
Dreams Fulfilled
Steve dismounted and sauntered to the creek, the crisp fall weather leaving a nip in the air. Steam rose from the water and added to the haze of the morning, the fog on his heart just as heavy. He kicked at a stone with the toe of his boot and sent it flying through the air. It landed in the creek with a plop and sent ripples scurrying along the surface of the water.
Texas Roads (A Miller's Creek Novel) Page 26