Just Plain Lucky

by Tesa Devlyn

  “Ah-ah.” She slapped the back of his hand and laughed. “It’s almost ready.”

  He enveloped her in a quick squeeze and kissed the top of her head. “Brittany said you’re working long hours. Everything okay?”

  Liana’s stomach dropped. Her brothers had always been good at reading her expressions. “You know how it is with a new business. It takes time and hard work to build a clientele.”

  Awkward didn’t begin to describe the atmosphere; discussing finances with Tim while Frank’s woman rushed in and out of the kitchen.

  “Let me know if you need anything. We’re doing well and can afford to help my baby sister.”

  “You’re a dear.” Liana wrapped her arms around his lean middle. “You’ve always been there to save the day.”

  “I’ve never gotten over losing Jack either, sis.” His voice dropped so only they shared the words. “Don’t forget he was my best friend.”

  “I know.” Liana couldn’t stop the crack in her voice.

  “Now isn’t the time or place, but I understand why you married Frank and it wasn’t because he reminded you of Jack.”

  Liana froze. “No, now isn’t the time, but this weekend is. Do you think we could have a heart to heart family meeting tomorrow?”

  “You bet.” He kissed her forehead.

  “Looks like something serious.” Cathy sailed into the kitchen. “Sharing family secrets?”

  Liana frowned at her mom. “Not yet, but I have a feeling there are things I don’t know about.”

  “Not at all, dear. What else is ready to go to the table? I think food will calm the tension out there.”

  Liana helped her mom set the holiday meal on Molly’s beautifully arranged table. She took a minute to drink it in, her first family dinner in Kalispell. Once seated, everyone joined hands while her dad asked for a blessing on the meal. At the last amen, Liana looked around the table and lifted her wine glass.

  “Here’s to sharing my new home with my much loved family. I’m so happy you could make the trip.”

  “Here’s to your new life, sweetie.” Her father lifted his glass. “No offense Frank, but I hope it’s a happy one.”

  “None taken, sir.” Frank joined in the toast with a sip of wine.

  “Thank you, Daddy. I’m thrilled you’re staying for the weekend.” Liana forced her smile to stay in place for her dad’s sake. Even with Frank darkening her door, she didn’t intend to let the opportunity to rebuild her relationship with her dad pass them by.

  How long did Frank plan to stay and why didn’t he mention the court papers? Was he stalling before he tortured her about the new financial arrangement? The one where she paid him zippo each month?

  Despite Frank and Molly’s presence, the dinner went well. For Brittany’s sake her family included them in the conversation, careful not to go too far down memory lane.

  Liana forced herself to eat the delicious food she’d looked so forward to. Her stomach roiled and tied in knots. How could Frank act like they were on amiable terms? Was he a sociopath? She set her fork down, patted her mouth and pushed back her chair. “Dessert and coffee now or wait awhile?”

  Mark froze with his hand halfway to the turkey platter. “Does this mean I have to stop eating?”

  Liana laughed. “No, you can eat until you can’t stand. We can wait on dessert. It’ll give me time to cleanup and let my food settle.”

  She wandered into the kitchen, and started to organize the leftovers and pots and pans.

  Her mother followed. “Dear, allow me to help. I can’t kick back when there’s work to be done.”

  “Thank you, Mom.” Liana opened the storage container cupboard next to the refrigerator. “Use whatever you need.”

  Her mind went a thousand miles a minute while her mother hummed and moved food from their dishes to the containers. “Mom, I’m curious.”

  “About what, dear?” Her mother stopped transferring the dressing to a bowl and turned with a raised brow.

  “What’s changed with you and Daddy? I haven’t seen you together for years and when I did, you could barely stand to be in the same room. Today, I swear you’re flirting with each other.”

  Cathy shrugged. “We’re adults and it’s time to act civil.” Her mother caught her upper lip between her teeth, but didn’t stop scrapping the gravy into a container. “A lot has happened since you left California.”

  “Do you plan to tell me about it?” Liana folded her arms and leaned against the bar, carefully watching her mom.

  “I didn’t plan to talk about it today, dear. I wanted to wait until things quieted down. Maybe tomorrow.”

  “I’ve already asked Tim if we can have a family meeting tomorrow. I have some announcements as well. Can you and I talk now?”

  Cathy washed her hands and glanced over her shoulder at Liana. “You have some announcements? Hmm, now I’m curious.”

  “One thing at a time. We’re talking about you and Dad.”

  Cathy dried her hands and propped them on her hips. “How about tea in the den?”

  “I think I’ll stick to wine.” Liana put a tea bag in a tall mug, held it under the hotshot spigot at the sink, and handed it to her mom. “It keeps me from wrapping my hands around Frank’s neck.”

  Her sisters-in-law came into the kitchen, loaded down with dirty plates.

  “The cook should not cleanup,” Laurie, Tim’s wife announced. She set the plates on the counter next to the sink and shoed them out of the kitchen. “You two go visit while Dottie and I take over.”

  Liana hugged both her sisters-in-law and led the way to the den, her mother on her heels. Once her mother entered the room, Liana closed the pocket door. “Okay. What’s happening?”

  Cathy blew on her tea before she took a sip. “I’ve broken it off with Gary. We’re no longer dating.”

  Liana sank to the over stuffed leather chair. “You’re what? What happened, Mom? You and Gary were so happy.”

  “I think you’d better drink more wine before I continue.” Cathy rolled Liana’s office chair around the desk. She sat down and scooted forward until their knees touched. “I’m having an affair.”

  Liana swore the air got sucked from the room. She drew in two quick breaths and forged on. “How could you do that to Gary? After you left Dad because of his affair?”

  Cathy leaned back and folded her hands. “Liana, you’re thirty-five years old, it’s time you heard the truth. Your father wouldn’t allow me to talk about it at the time. Later I found it easier not to bring it up. He wanted to protect me. The truth is I didn’t leave your father because he had an affair. I filed for a divorce from your father because I had an affair.”

  Liana gasped. “What?”

  “He was gone so much. I got lonely and lost focus of what I really wanted in life. I met Gary and well the rest, as they say, is history.”

  Astonished, Liana set her glass on her desk. “Daddy didn’t have an affair?”

  “No.” Cathy slowly shook her head. “I was the one who cheated. Your father was and still is the model of honor.”

  The years she’d missed with her father, harboring resentment and anger toward him, tumbled though her mind. Liana forked her fingers through her hair. “I can’t believe this. What else don’t I know?”

  “Well...” Cathy dragged out the word. “The person I’m having an affair with is your father.”

  The room spun. Liana didn’t know whether to be appalled or elated. “You and Daddy are back together?”

  Cathy slid to her knees in front of Liana and held her hands. “Yes, dear. Your father and I are back together. I’m so sorry for the pain you suffered all those years. The divorce was all my fault. I knew when I married your father he’d make the Navy a career. I had no right to resent his absences. Things can get crazy. You kids were growing up and life seemed to be slipping by. Call it a mid-life crisis—I don’t know. My behavior can be blamed on numerous things, but it boils down to the facts. I was wrong. I should have talked
to your dad and worked it out with him. Instead, I used divorce as the answer.”

  Liana’s chest ached from emotion and holding her breath. “I need to process this, Mom. You and Dad back together is a dream come true, but I need time to reconcile with the pain from early adolescence. I believed Dad abandoned his family for another woman. You should have told us the truth.”

  “Yes, you’re absolutely right. I should have overridden Duncan’s plan to shoulder the blame. I hope you can forgive both of us.”

  Liana blinked against a rush of tears. “Poor Dad. I missed so many years with him.” She gazed at her mother. “That’s what hurts the most. When he arrived today, I realized I couldn’t hold the affair against him anymore, because I’ve done things I shouldn’t have too.”

  Cathy framed Liana’s shoulders with her delicate hands. “I’ve always known the truth, Liana. Brittany is Jack’s child, isn’t she?”

  Liana opened her mouth, but for a moment, couldn’t form the words. “She’s Jack’s daughter. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you but—”

  “I was in a constant state of crisis and you didn’t want to burden me.”

  Liana rested her head on her mom’s shoulder. “I wanted to share it with you. I was so embarrassed about being pregnant and not married. When Jack died, I told Frank. He urged me to marry him so Brittany wouldn’t be illegitimate. For all his faults, Frank really did want to do a good thing, but living with a man you don’t love—have no passion for—the good will evaporates.”

  “He may have seemed admirable, but you know as well as I do, Frank’s motive was his jealousy of Jack.” Cathy smoothed Liana’s hair like she had when she was little and hurt.

  “It didn’t take long for me to realize his motives, and his jealousy.” Liana sighed. “I suppose we should join the others before Brittany sends out a search party. Mind if I slip into my bathroom and freshen up first?” She kissed her mother’s cheek.

  “I’ll cover for you. Are you all right with your dad and I?”

  “Are you kidding? Once I get over the shock, I’ll be elated. Poor Gary.” Liana hesitated. “But, I feel worse for Daddy. I treated him terribly. It’ll take a while to make up for a fraction of the hurt I caused him.”

  “It’ll take me even longer. To Duncan, and my children. Too bad it took me twenty-three years to get my act together.” Cathy gripped the doorknob. “Ready?”

  Liana dashed through the corner of the living room, relieved her guests seemed happy to linger in the dining room. She closed the bedroom door and locked it.

  Wow, she needed more than a few minutes to recover from her mother’s revelation, but right now, she had a houseful of family and her conniving ex to deal with.

  Her mother and father were having an affair? She plopped on the bed and laid back, spreading her arms on either side. She itched to share the news with someone. But who? Shari? Her best friend was busy with her family today. She wouldn’t mind Liana’s call. They’d always been there for each other, but Liana wouldn’t bother her.

  Michael?

  His name popped into her mind for the umpteenth time and filled her with warmth. She grabbed her pillow and hugged it. She was in a house of happy couples. Even Frank and Molly seemed happy. She ached to have such a strong connection with Michael. He’d become a steadying force in her sometimes crazy world. His caring and strength were impressive and she wanted him in her life every day. She wanted to lay her head on his broad shoulder, breath in his spicy scent and press her body to his.

  Reaching for the nightstand, she snapped up her cell phone and punched out his number before she lost her nerve.

  It rang three times.

  “Well, hello there. What makes you call me when you have a houseful of family?” His voice spread over her like warm honey.

  “I have a houseful of family.”

  He laughed. “I’ve had an interesting day too. Meredith showed up three sheets to the wind complaining about the hotel she checked into.”

  Liana covered her mouth and laughed. “Sorry, but I’m so rummy from family dynamics, I’m losing it.”

  “Uh-oh. Wish I could be there to hold you, sweetheart. It’s been too long.”

  She sighed. “Oh, Michael, Frank and his girlfriend showed up right before dinner. Can you believe it?”

  “You’re kidding. Did he get the papers?”

  “I don’t know. He acts like nothing’s wrong and it’s ordinary for him to drop in to spend the day with his daughter.”

  “Strange. Did Brittany invite him?”

  “Oh yeah. I’m sure his guilt trip persuaded her. She’s been upset about his depression and the supposed breakup with Molly.”

  “How are things with your mom?”

  “Oh, my gosh! Would you believe my parents are here together and I do mean, together? They’re having an affair—with each other! I just found out and I’m still stunned.”

  “Sounds like you need a shoulder.” His voice lowered and went gravely, sending goosebumps over her entire body. “How about we meet and find out if we’re sexually compatible?”

  Liana’s groan of frustration turned into a giggle. “You’re outrageous! Do you have doubts about our compatibility?”

  “Not at all. I’m concerned about Frank’s presence.”

  “Never fear, my brothers and dad have my back.”

  “They sound like good men.”

  Damn, she loved the sound of his voice. She longed to be in his arms and erase the guilt haunting her because of her final meeting with Ryan. The past couldn’t be undone, but treated as a lesson learned.

  “Maybe if we rendezvous, we’ll discover the magic was exaggerated.”

  “Think so?”

  “You don’t?”

  “Campbell, making love to you once won’t get you out of my system.” He groaned. “Why did we have to start this conversation when we both have obligations tonight?”

  “Can you trust Meredith with the kids?” She didn’t have any business leaving her family or asking him to. Especially with Frank on the scene, but seeing Michael would give her the strength to get through whatever evil Frank planned and the family meeting tomorrow.

  “Trinity can handle her mother. Meredith will be passed out before the pies are cut.”

  “If you’re sure, I’ll see if I can go out for a while. Where should we meet?” She’d love to meet Michael’s daughter, but not with Meredith around. Their relationship hadn’t progressed far enough to suggest it.

  “How about The Lakeside Inn? It’s right off the highway.”

  “Sounds good and not too far away. I’ll freshen up and make my excuses.” She looked at her bedside clock. “Meet you in an hour?”

  “I’ll be there with bells on.”

  His voice stirred her senses into a frenzy of excitement. She was crazy to meet him at all, and at an inn to boot.

  ****

  Liana climbed into her SUV and guided it around the cars parked in her yard. When she’d emerged from her room to announce a friend had called and needed help, her mother raised a brow; Frank narrowed his eyes, and her Dad nodded and laid back in the club chair to snooze off his dinner.

  Brittany volunteered to set up board games for her cousins, and her brothers and sisters-in-law helped themselves to the brandy. They seemed fine with her story about a friend in need who had holiday depression. They assured her they could serve dessert when everyone was ready.

  Her nerves twanged like an old guitar and her heart fluttered with anticipation. For now she felt young again and the heavy responsibilities of life melted away with every mile she drew closer to Michael. The logical, grown up part of her wondered what in the hell was she doing, meeting Michael in board daylight on Thanksgiving when Frank was in town.

  Three vehicles sat in the inn parking lot. A red pickup, a blue sedan and a vintage red Corvette. She shifted in her seat and decided to stay put until Michael arrived. She stared at the sports car and imagined herself gliding down the highway, the top down, the win
d in her hair.

  Of course, Michael would be in the car too, driving or riding, it made no difference to her.

  Knuckles wrapped against the window next to her head. Liana jumped and twisted in the seat. Michael stood outside, a grin on his handsome face.

  “Are you coming in?”

  Liana slipped her keys from the ignition and opened the door. “I didn’t see your truck so I decided to wait out here.”

  His grin widened. “You didn’t see my truck because I drove my toy.” He lifted his chin toward the corvette.

  “You’re kidding? It’s yours?” She hurried to the classic car and peeked in the driver’s window. Black leather interior with burl wood trim, took her breath away. “This is awesome.”

  “Well, well.” Michael slid his hand up her back and under her hair. “If I’d known my car would turn you on so much I would’ve played this card earlier.”

  Liana giggled. “Is that what it is? A chick magnet?”

  “It’s working, isn’t it?” He pulled her against his side. “The only chick I’m interested in is you. Want to take a spin before we go inside?”

  Liana tried to act cool, but she didn’t do a very good job. Her face must have reflected her excitement. “I’d love to. Do you mind?”

  He shook his head. “Nothing like a beautiful woman in a fast car to make my day.” He pulled keys from his jeans pocket and unlocked the door, his gaze on her, one dark brow raised. “You driving, or riding?”

  Liana couldn’t believe it. “You’d let me drive your baby?”

  “If it makes you smile like that, I’d let you do anything within my power. Here.” He handed her the keys. “Reach across and unlock my door, would you?”

  Liana slid into the interior and sighed when her bottom sank into the soft leather. She’d only dreamed of sitting in a car like this, let alone driving one.

  “Hey, can I come too?” Michael tapped on the passenger window.

  “Oh!” She leaned across the seat and unlocked the door. Michael’s potent presence filled the space beside her.

  He pulled a lever and pushed the seat back. “Whew, whoever sat here last must have been short.”

  “Another star struck woman?” She couldn’t stop the twinge of jealously at the thought of another woman riding with Michael. Don’t be ridiculous. Of course he’d dated other women. He’d hinted he hadn’t been intimate with anyone for a long time. Had that been a line to get her in the sack?