Just Plain Lucky

by Tesa Devlyn

  Liana laughed, her voice breaking. “I chose today to clean out my closets. Now look.” She gestured to the piles of stuff on every available surface.

  “We can sit in the dining room.” Shari took charge and led the way.

  Brittany’s eyes grew wider as they sat around the table. Michael’s bravado wavered. He feared for Brittany and Liana’s relationship. Being a teenager was difficult enough without having the parental rug jerked out from under her.

  “Brittany, we’re in the midst of a crisis with your dad—with Frank.” Liana glanced at Shari and took a deep breath.

  “So much happens over the years of our lives, Brittany. Some good, some not so good. Sometimes we make unwise decisions, even if at the time we think it’s the best thing to do.”

  “Mom, will you just tell me? You’re really scaring me. Has something happened to Dad?”

  “Only anger and bitterness, Brittany.”

  Brittany’s phone rang. She started to reach for it. Michael took her hand and shook his head. “This is important and not easy for your mom to say. You can get that later.”

  A chirp signaled a message had been left.

  Liana rubbed her collarbone and met Brittany’s fear-filled eyes. “There’s no easy way to say this.” Her eyes teared. She shook her head. “No gentle way, so I have to come out with it.” She grasped her daughter’s hand.

  Michael ached to wrap them both in his arms, but what he wanted would have to wait. Their history was about to unfold and he had no part in it, but dammit he wanted a big part in their future.

  Liana stood and walked around the table. At Brittany’s side, she sank to one knee and took hold of her hand. Shari stood at her other side.

  “Frank isn’t really your dad.” Liana’s words shot through the room like a cannon.

  Brittany’s eyes widened and her creamy complexion turned pale. “What do you mean, he’s not my dad? What do you mean?” Her voice raised several octaves. She tried to stand, but Shari bracketed her shoulders with her arm.

  “Listen to your mom, Brit. She’d never lie to you.”

  “Someone lied to me,” Brittany shrieked. “Since I was born, they lied to me! If Dad—if Frank—isn’t my dad, who is?”

  “Jack Nash.” Liana choked out the name.

  “Uncle Jack?”

  “Oh, Brittany, I’ve wanted to tell you so many times, but I made a pact with Frank. He would give you the Nash name and be a father to you, if I never told you about Jack.”

  “Did you have an affair with Uncle Jack? I don’t understand how this happened.” Tears streaked down Brittany’s pale cheeks, her full lips puckered.

  Liana ran her gaze over Michael and turned back to Brittany. “Not an affair. I fell in love with Jack the moment your Uncle Tim brought him home from college. They were buddies. I was seventeen at the time. Jack and I dated. When he finished college, Jack went into the Navy. He became a pilot. He was a thrill-seeker and wanted to fly F-17 fighter jets.”

  Liana brushed Brittany’s dark auburn hair back from her damp face. “He proposed to me, but I said no. I’d always blamed my parent’s divorce on the Navy. I didn’t want to live that life, so I told him I’d have to think about it. When he shipped out to the Middle East, I found out I was pregnant, but I decided to tell him after he settled in at his new base. I was too late. He was killed in a training exercise.”

  “Uncle Jack is my dad?” Brittany’s eyes brightened like she’d crawled out of a hole and saw daylight for the first time. “Is that why Da—Frank never wanted to talk about Jack? I have his photo, I could see how much I looked like him, but Dad wouldn’t discuss it.”

  Liana trembled and her heart raced. “You should never forget Frank was a good father to you for many years, Brittany. He’s very irrational right now. Things will be ugly until we sort out a new legal arrangement.” She let a pent-up breath rush through her lips.

  “It’s sad, Britt, but I never loved Frank. I wanted a divorce years ago, but he’d never agree. I always loved Jack and it ate at Frank.”

  “Jack was killed in the plane crash.” Brittany sniffed and swiped at her tears. Meagan ran and got her a tissue.

  “Yes, Jack was killed. There’s so much to my story, Brittany, and someday you’ll have all the pieces. For now, Frank wants to take you away from me.”

  Liana glanced at Michael before she continued. He sent her as much encouragement as he could with just a look.

  “Brittany, there’s something else he’ll use against me. Something I wish I could change, but I can’t.”

  “What? What is it?” Brittany dried her tears with the tissues Meagan handed her and drilled her mother with a look so like Jack’s, goosebumps scattered over Liana’s body. She could swear she faced Jack with the truth too.

  “Frank finally agreed to the divorce.” She didn’t want to tell her daughter about her weak moment, but if she didn’t, Frank would. “Because he saw me leave a downtown hotel and thought I had an affair.”

  Brittany and Meagan gasped. Liana’s heart sank, but she had to go on and set the record straight. “I wasn’t. Not really, but my relationship with Ryan had turned from all business to more personal interaction and I couldn’t let that happen, so I left the hotel. No one would have known about it, but you and your dad—Frank—had attended the ballet and were walking up the street. Frank saw me leave the hotel. Later, he wouldn’t believe me when I told him the truth.”

  She looked at her fingers. “Frank filed for the divorce before I could—on the grounds of adultery. I was in a fog and couldn’t think. I just wanted out of the marriage so I didn’t contest the grounds. He’s going to tell you I cheated on him. I’m sure the call you just got was Frank leaving a message. He wants to turn you against me. Every month since the divorce I’ve paid him what amounts to blackmail money.

  “The judge didn’t order it, Frank did for his silence. I’m tired of all the hours away from you, and I’m tired of being the bad guy. Frank has a good job. He doesn’t need, or deserve my money. Other than the six months I took off to have you, I’ve worked. I’ve paid him back many times over for the minuscule amount of support he ever gave me.”

  Out of breath and strength, Liana stopped.

  Michael got up and flipped on the hot water kettle and made a fresh pot of coffee. Having him move around her kitchen helped to ease Liana’s brittle nerves. She turned back to Brittany. Her heart ached over the shock in her daughter’s expression. “I’m sorry you had hear this and to find out about Jack so abruptly. Do you have any questions, sweetheart?”

  Brittany slowly shook her head. “I’ve always been interested in Uncle Jack. I look a lot like him, don’t I?”

  “Boy, do you.” Shari gave Brittany a hug. “You’re a lot like him all the way around. Jack was a good man, and intelligent to boot. Did you know he was an officer in the Navy?”

  Liana’s recent jealousy over Shari’s close role in Brittany’s life turned into gratitude. Shari gave validity to everything Liana told Brittany, and gave Liana a chance to gather her emotions.

  Michael set cups of coffee and cocoa on the table and sat back down. The atmosphere reminded Liana of the gathering after a funeral. In a way it fit. She’d just laid to rest the lies of the past. They were dead and held less power.

  “Mom, what should I do about Dad? I mean, Frank?”

  Liana hugged her daughter much like Shari had a few moments before. “Honey, Frank has acted as your dad your entire life. Don’t worry about what you’ll call him. Give yourself some time to decide.” She ran her hands down the front of her jeans.

  “I’m sorry, but I don’t think it’s a good idea for you to visit him over the holidays. Maybe after we settle in court. How about you change your plans and visit Grandma and Grandpa’s instead? You can spend time with your uncles and their families. Doesn’t that sound fun?”

  Brittany slowly nodded. “I can’t help but feel bad for him. Frank, I mean.” She looked down at her cocoa. “He has to be sad ov
er all of this. If I desert him, what’ll happen?”

  “I know I’m not really part of this family.” Michael glanced at Liana. “So tell me to butt out if you want. Brittany, I was here when Frank called your mom. I heard his angry voice from across the room. He needs time to cool down and get a grip on his emotions. Let him have that time. Later, if he’s receptive, you can go visit him.” He held up both hands. “That comes from a guy who’s been through an ugly divorce and custody battle.”

  “Were you angry, Michael?” Brittany leaned her elbows on the table, her auburn eyebrows angled in question and sympathy.

  “I was very angry. I was also concerned about my kids because their mom had some serious issues. She was and still is, an alcoholic and had branched out into prescription drugs. I couldn’t live with the craziness another day. I didn’t want my kids to either.”

  “Is that why Leif lives with you?”

  “Yep, and Trinity did for a short time before she went off to college.”

  Liana rotated her head and messaged the back of her neck to relieve the stress. She glanced at Shari and realized she’d done the same thing. They chuckled in comic relief.

  Shari stood. “If you’re all right, Meagan and I need to get home. Richard’s probably wondering how this is all unfolded.”

  “He knows? Daddy knows?” Meagan asked. “Does Cash?”

  “Of course your father knows. We’ve been close friends of Liana’s for many years. Your dad and Jack were good buddies through high school. However, your brother does not know about Frank and Jack. We’ll have a family meeting later today when Cash is through with basketball practice. You, young lady, need to keep all of this to yourself.”

  “Of course I will.” Meagan shot her mom an indignant glance. “I’d never say something to hurt Brittany.”

  “Of course you wouldn’t.” Shari patted her daughter’s hand. “Let’s give these guys some time to themselves.” She picked up their cups and carried them to the sink.

  Liana hugged Shari and Meagan and thanked them for their support and friendship. When they left, she turned to Michael and Brittany. Brittany might be mature and sophisticated for a nearly sixteen year old, but she’d been handed a heavy set of facts. Some adults wouldn’t handle it nearly as well as she seemed to be.

  Frank Nash for one. Frank hadn’t handled it well at all.

  Michael stood by while Brittany listened to her voice mail. Her face crumpled. Michael held her while Liana listened to Frank’s spiteful message.

  Liana deleted the message and handed the phone back to her daughter. “Michael’s right. Frank needs time to deal with his anger. He refuses to take any responsibility for what’s happened. A marriage and a divorce takes two people, sweetheart.”

  Brittany nodded and hurried to her room. Liana started to follow, but Michael stopped her. “Let her cry and have some time alone. Heck, she might even call Meagan and rehash everything.”

  “What a day!” Liana wandered into the kitchen and pulled out the bottle of wine they’d opened the night before. She poured two glasses and handed one to Michael. She sipped her wine and soaked up the image of him in her house for however long it lasted. “I’m sorry you got caught up in my drama.”

  “Hey.” Michael let his hand fall from his hip as he walked toward her. “Relationships have tough times as well as good.” He stopped when they were toe to toe and cupped her chin. “What happens in your life matters to me.”

  Liana grasped his hand and gently squeezed it, her heart full of emotion.

  His eyes were warm and his full bottom lip curved in a sexy smile she’d like to taste.

  “I’ll throw some dinner together. Would you and Leif join us?” Her voice caught and her eyes watered. She’d never had a man like Michael in her life. Only her family had so obviously cared this much for her.

  “You should have some private time with Brittany.” He set his wineglass on the counter and pulled her into his arms for a kiss reminiscent of last night. “When you’re ready to talk, call me.”

  “I will.” She stroked his jaw. “You didn’t shave this morning. I like it.”

  “Oh yeah? Remember that when you have a whisker burn.”

  He lingered and kissed her again. His eyes eating her up, he backed away. On his way to the front door, he detoured into Brittany’s room.

  Liana listened to the hum of their voices, savoring his caring presence in their lives.

  He came through the living room, raised his hand in a wave before he disappeared behind the fireplace. The front door opened and closed.

  Chapter Thirteen

  “Hey, Dad, what happened?” Leif took a gigantic bite of the overstuffed roast beef sandwich he’d made.

  “It’s a cinch your appetite’s good.” Michael pointed to the half empty plate in the center of the table. “Is that your second or third sandwich?”

  “I don’t know. I’m just hungry. Basketball tryouts were brutal today. I think I made the team.”

  “That’s great, son. Just don’t let your grades slip.”

  Michael slowly ate his sandwich, his appetite dimmed by what Liana and Brittany must be going through.

  “So, did things fall apart with Liana? You weren’t out as late last night as I thought you’d be.”

  Michael quit pretending to eat his lunch and set the sandwich on the saucer. “Aren’t you the Einstein of the social scene? Since when do I need to tell you about my dates?”

  Leif held up both hands. “Hey, I’m just sayin'. Something’s off.”

  “You’re right.” Michael puffed his cheeks and released the air in a long slow breath. “It does have to do with Liana, but probably not what you think. Liana’s ex shook things up today. Brittany had to hear about some stuff from the past; events she didn’t know about. It upset both of them.”

  “That’s too bad. I like Brittany. Well, I like Liana too. She’s really a cool lady, and attractive for her age.”

  Michael hooted with laughter. “Her age! She’s five years younger than I am. Does that make me a dinosaur?”

  “No, you’re still active and everything. So, how’d it turn out?” Leif’s amber eyes reflected his concern.

  Michael only disclosed how Brittany learned Jack, Frank’s brother, was her biological father. Leif should know about Frank’s crazy behavior in case Frank showed up, or Brittany needed someone to talk to.

  “Wow.” Leif pushed his plate away and crossed his arms. “Poor Brittany. Her dad—well the guy she thought was her dad—sounds whacked. Do you think he’ll come here? I mean, if he’s as freaked out as he sounds, he could try to kidnap her.”

  A chill spread up the back of Michael’s neck. “Good God, I hope not.” He pushed his chair back and stood so fast the chair rocked on its legs. “I should call Liana.” He scrambled to his landline and punched out her number. She answered on the third ring. “Liana, have you heard from Frank since I left?”

  “No, I haven’t heard from him since the voice mail on Brittany’s phone. I’m sure he’s in touch with his attorney.”

  “I don’t want to scare you, but there’s a possibility Frank could show up in Kalispell and either guilt Brittany into going with him, or take her anyway. He was here for Thanksgiving. He knows the lay of the land.”

  “The thought crossed my mind when he and Molly took Brittany out last Saturday. But now? Would he make another trip here to take her away?”

  “Calm down, sweetheart. You need to be aware it could happen. Is it okay if we come over?”

  “I don’t want to monopolize more of your time. You have a son to take care of and houses to build.”

  “Right now, I need to know you and Brittany are okay. I’ll bring steaks and make dinner.”

  Silence.

  Could a two-month relationship survive so many life-changing events?

  “Are you sure it’s not an imposition?”

  He released a breath he didn’t realize he’d been holding. “We’ll be right over.” Michael glanc
ed at his son who made a face, but shrugged and nodded.

  Michael almost skipped down the stairs to the basement where he filled the firebox of his wood-fired boiler heating system. When he reentered the kitchen, Leif had Lucky outside for a walk. He stood at the window and enjoyed the sight of his son playing with the dog.

  Life could be so odd and unpredictable. He vowed to appreciate every moment he spent with his children, and with Liana and Brittany.

  ****

  “That didn’t take long,” Liana said when she opened the door to let Michael and Leif inside.

  “I couldn’t wait.” Michael claimed her mouth in a wet possessive kiss.

  Liana didn’t want to stop, but with Leif in the entry behind Michael, and Brittany behind her, now wasn’t the time. She pulled away and smiled at Michael’s grinning teen.

  “Hello, Leif.”

  “Hi, Liana. Sorry you’re having such a bad time.”

  Liana hugged him before she looped her arm through his and turned to Brittany. “How about you two duke it out on a computer game while Michael and I make dinner?”

  Brittany lifted her chin toward the den. “Okay, Saxon, let’s see if you can win this time.”

  Liana sighed as they disappeared into the den. “Kids are so resilient. Brittany and I had a great talk. She’s upset, but she’s trying to adjust. She’s much more sophisticated about my other revelation than I was at her age.”

  “Have you heard from your lawyer?”

  Liana put the steaks on a plate. “Did you and Leif eat lunch, or should we start the steaks now?”

  “When we’re ready to eat, I’ll cook dinner. You didn’t answer me. Have you heard from your lawyer?” He rounded the bar and wrapped his arms around her. He pulled her back against his front and buried his face in the side of her neck.

  Liana wiggled against him and moaned. “Just what I needed. Yes, I called my lawyer. He doesn’t think Frank has a chance in court since the alimony was never court ordered.”

  Michael pressed his lips to her ear, sending goosebumps over her entire body, and whispered, “Good point.”