Just Plain Lucky

by Tesa Devlyn

  Michael forked his fingers through his hair and braced against the pain stabbing his heart. If he had stayed in the house instead of racing out to protect the boat, Frank would have attacked him, not Leif. Urging Lucky to the front door so she wouldn’t cut her paws on the glass, he let her outside and watched as she rounded the house and sniffed the trail to the boat dock like a detective on the job. Michael used the broom and dust pan to gather up the large shards of glass. The shop vacuum brought up the small pieces. By the time he turned off the vacuum, Lucky was ready to come in. She darted to Leif’s room to check on her pups.

  Michael stared at his son’s door. He’d putt off entering the room where things could have turned out so different. Frank could have hit Leif harder and Michael would be facing indescribable grief.

  “For God’s sake, quit making things worse than they are,” Michael chastised himself and strode to the bedroom door. Everything was just as Leif left it the night before, including the signs of a struggle. The overturned lamp and nightstand chilled him to the bone.

  Leif would recover and, according to all the early test results, wouldn’t have physical repercussions from the attack. No physical issues, but he’d never be the same again. A well balanced kid, he’d still be well balanced, but life wouldn’t look the same. He’d view the world differently.

  Michael leaned against the doorjamb and gazed over Leif’s room. The rumpled bed, the box of squealing, wiggling puppies vying for breakfast as Lucky settled into her box. Clothes strung here and there. A Nerf basketball hoop mounted on the closet door.

  Michael stumbled to the bed and sank to the edge. He started to swipe at the tears, but gave up and into his need to let go of the deep fear, the panic of almost losing his son. He’d done everything he could to protect Leif. His instinct to run outside and save the boat had nothing to do with neglect. He’d hoped to stop the predator before he entered the house.

  Weary from all the emotions of the past few hours, he stood and left Leif’s room. He had to face the day. The doors needed to be repaired, the fire in the furnace built up, and he had to return to the hospital.

  He found a sheet of plywood in the garage and a roll of plastic. Right now, he’d remove the broken door and cover the opening to seal in the heat. Tomorrow, he’d take the door to the glass company for repairs. One step at a time.

  Stay busy to keep from losing his mind.

  Stirring the coals in the furnace, he added wood and opened the drafts. He wanted the house to be toasty warm before he brought Leif home so he lit the fireplaces in the living room and his bedroom.

  By some fool luck, the water pipes hadn’t frozen. Luck. Yeah, he’d been granted an abundance of it over the past twenty-four hours, but he’d be lying if he really attributed everything to luck. He was blessed, and he’d better get his act together and relieve Liana from the hell she had to be going through.

  Over a mug of steaming coffee, he settled into a kitchen chair with a pair of tweezers and a bottle of hydrogen peroxide. He couldn’t take care of anyone if his feet became infected.

  Leif, Brittany and Liana; they all needed him.

  Michael swabbed his feet with peroxide and flinched when the bubbling disinfectant stung. When all visual glass was removed, he rubbed his hand over his jaw. The five o’clock shadow had turned into a five in the morning beard. He needed to spruce up before he returned to the hospital.

  After he stoked all the fires and fed Lucky, he stripped and stepped into his oversized slate tiled shower. The steaming spray washed over him and soothed his aching muscles and tender feet. He wished the water could wash away the huge issues filling his life.

  Shaved and dressed, he slipped a pair of soft wool socks over his sore feet and put on a pair of running shoes. No cowboy boots today.

  Pouring a second cup of coffee, Michael gripped his mug and wandered into the living room. He stopped in front of the floor to ceiling windows overlooking the lake and his boat dock. Yeah, one more thing to check out. Leif had been first in his mind all night, but with Leif safe at the hospital, Michael could secure all signs of Frank’s attack before Leif came home.

  He pulled on a jacket, and ambled through the heavily frosted grass to the dock. At least this time he had shoes on. The flare burns were minimal and could be fixed with a little fiberglass patch. Michael gripped the edge of the boat and panted with anxiety. Puffs of vapor formed in the cold air.

  “My God, I almost lost him.” Emotion overflowed and sent him to his knees. He rested his forehead on the edge of the boat and let the tears and anguish escape the knot in his chest.

  The fire, the attack on Leif. It’d all been a hellish scene he never wanted to repeat. He blew out a deep breath and forced himself to mentally tabulate everything he should take care of before Leif came home. Work would keep him sane.

  First thing on the list was to call Trinity. She’d have his hide if he didn’t fill her in. Should he call Meredith? Yeah, it wouldn’t be fair to leave her out. Despite her poor judgment, Meredith was the mother of his children and should be kept in the loop. “Oh, and Liana. I have to talk to her.”

  Last night when she’d called to check on Leif, her voice had been sad and filled with the same anguish torturing him. She already loved Leif. What had driven him to snap at her? Her presence could have given him strength instead of going it alone.

  How had she stood ten years with Frank Nash? She’d unselfishly stayed in an unhappy marriage to provide her daughter with two parents and a secure home. What must Brittany think of Frank, and now of Michael for pushing them away?

  Liana’s confession about the guy she’d almost slept with had flummoxed him. Her near mistake didn’t compare with Meredith’s escapades, but he’d flashed back to the hurt of finding out his wife had had numerous affairs while he worked to provide for his family.

  Now what? Should he check on Leif, then go to Liana’s? Brittany’s ballet recital was tonight. He’d promised he and Leif would attend. Of course they’d understand when they didn’t show up. His first concern had to be taking care of his son.

  ****

  When Michael entered Leif’s hospital room, his son was sitting up in bed with a clean white bandage around his head, and a half-eaten plate of eggs and bacon on his tray.

  “You look much better.”

  “I am,” Leif said between bites. He slathered strawberry jam over his toast. “Hey, the food’s not bad here, but can I go home?”

  Michael cocked his head toward the door. “I met your doctor at the nurse’s station. He said he’ll release you if you promise to take it easy. He wants to see you in a week. Sooner, if you get dizzy or nauseous.”

  “I can’t wait to wear my own clothes and see Lucky. How are she and the pups doing?”

  “They’re fine. Lucky will be happy to see you too.”

  The sparkle in his son’s eyes lifted a weight from his heart.

  Michael left the room to complete the discharge paperwork while Leif finished his breakfast. When Michael returned, a male nurse was trying to help Leif dress, but Leif insisted he could dress himself.

  The sight of his son’s rally after such a serious injury humbled him with deep gratitude. Two attributes he’d thought he already had, but didn’t compare with the blessing of being given another chance to enjoy Leif’s last two years at home, then college and whatever his future held. He rubbed his chest and took a deep breath. He refused to shed more tears. It all could have ended so differently. It made him realize he couldn’t control every aspect of life.

  No more than Liana could.

  He’d been an arrogant ass to lecture her about the long hours at work, how much time Brittany spent home alone or at Shari’s. She’d had her reasons and he shouldn’t have judged her. Liana couldn’t be a better mother or more responsible person. She’d been hard enough on herself and he’d piled on the guilt when he left her that night.

  Man, he owed her an apology—more than one—and he owed her the truth about his feelings.<
br />
  “Dad?”

  “Yeah, son, I’m here. Ready to go home?”

  ****

  A brief, but well-loved chapter in her life had closed.

  Liana took one more look at her reflection. To keep Brittany from moping all day, she’d taken her shopping for a new outfit to wear after the recital tonight.

  At Brittany’s urging, she’d also bought a new outfit for herself. Slipping into the deep chocolate brown calf-length wool skirt, she topped it with an antique gold cashmere sweater over a matching silk camisole. She smoothed her hands over the form-fitting outfit before she pulled on the pièce de résistance: a pair of dark brown, tooled leather boots. They were fashionable, but had grip soles so she wouldn’t slip and slide on the ice anymore.

  She loved her new outfit. Without the sizable monthly alimony payments, she could occasionally relax and buy something for herself. Occasionally. She didn’t intend to lose focus and jeopardize her budding design business.

  “Mom, you look like someone on a magazine cover!” Brittany stood in the doorway of Liana’s room. She looked so grown up and sophisticated, Liana’s heart ached with pride.

  “Thank you, honey. You look gorgeous. Are you about ready to go?”

  “Almost. Is my eye makeup dark enough for the stage lights?”

  Liana helped her daughter dramatize her cosmetics for the performance of The Nutcracker. Because of her grace and talent, Brittany had earned the part of Maria, the lead dancer.

  Now, if Liana could shake the melancholy dogging her every step.

  She’d wanted Frank to back off. Release her alimony obligation. She hadn’t wanted him to turn into a maniac.

  She hadn’t spoken to Michael since the call from the hospital parking lot. She couldn’t blame him for being upset, even disappointed. Several times over the day, she’d wanted to call and check on Leif, but decided to back off and give them space.

  It would take a long, long time for her to shake the deep sadness her ex had caused the people she cared about.

  Liana dropped Brittany off at the stage door and parked in front of the school. The auditorium milled with parents and friends. She searched the crowd and spotted Richard, Shari and Cash several rows from the stage. Edging around the guests standing in the aisle, she made her way to the seat the Collinses had saved.

  Her heart twanged. Brittany had invited Michael and Leif. Of course, they wouldn’t come. Leif needed rest, and Michael couldn’t leave him alone.

  She nibbled at her bottom lip and blinked against the pesky tears. Having the Saxon men in their lives had been so sweet, but too much had happened for Michael and Leif to forgive her.

  Shari hugged her. “Damn Frank for doing this to you. The man’s mentally disturbed.”

  “I can’t argue with that. I suppose he’ll be held and tried in Kalispell since he committed the crime here.” She blew out a big breath. “I just wanted him to drop the alimony and be honest with Brittany.”

  “I know, sweetie. After the reception tonight, let’s sit down with a glass of wine and talk.”

  The lights flashed from dim to bright, signaling the guests to be seated.

  Liana settled in her chair. “Sounds good. I need a diversion.”

  The lights dimmed and the curtains parted. The crowd erupted into applause as Brittany toed her way onto the stage.

  Liana’s heart filled and overflowed with pride for her daughter. She patted her cheeks to stem the dratted tears she couldn’t seem to stop. Frank really blew it. He could have been here watching the beautiful young lady he’d helped raise instead of sitting in the county jail.

  Liana pushed Frank from her mind and allowed herself to be swept up in the story. The trials of the past days seemed to bring a new maturity to Brittany and her dance. Her face was delicate and wan, her brown eyes huge.

  The troupe glided onto either side of the stage and the curtains closed to signal intermission. The lights went up. Liana sniffed.

  “Wow, she’s really good.” Cash stood and stretched. “I planned to snooze through the performance, but Brittany was amazing.”

  Richard slapped his son on the back. “Never admit you sleep when you’re at the ballet. The ladies don’t like it.”

  “Cash, what about your sister? Didn’t Meagan look good too?” Shari tugged her son’s ear.

  “Yeah, she’s great.”

  Shari and Liana looked at each other and chuckled. Liana’s heart lightened a shade. She glanced at the other audience members. By now some of them might have heard about Frank’s antics. Her business and standing in the community could be hurt, but she had no desire to uproot Brittany again. They’d weather the storm.

  The audience milled toward the refreshment bar for the pastries and drinks the drama club had provided.

  Shari looped her arm through Liana’s. “Let’s go check out the goodies.”

  “I thought we were eating dessert at your house.” Liana nudged her friend.

  “We are, but we can nibble in the meantime. It’s the holidays!”

  Halfway through the crowd, Liana’s eyes met deep amber ones and her heart fluttered. “Michael.” His name escaped her lips on a sigh.

  “I’m surprised he made it! Did you know?” Shari whispered close to Liana’s ear.

  “Brittany invited them last night before they left our house. After what happened, I thought he’d be home with Leif.”

  “Well, it looks like Leif’s with him.”

  Leif stepped out of the crowd and stood next to his dad, a crocheted beanie cap on his head. He looked handsome in his dress clothes, but his face was pale and drawn.

  Michael looked devastatingly handsome in a stark white dress shirt, and black western cut pants that fit him like a glove.

  Yearning plowed through her and stole her breath. She moved toward him as if he reeled her in. A couple feet away, she breathed in his spicy scent.

  “Liana.”

  His voice made her throat close and her eyes smart. She fought the urge to run away. She had to be a big girl and face the verdict.

  “Michael.”

  His probing gaze made her tremble. Did he wonder what he’d ever seen in her? Unable to deal with more pain and loss, she turned to his son. “Leif, it’s so good to see you. Should you be out already? How’s your head feeling?”

  Leif shrugged then narrowed his eye in a grimace. “Yikes, guess I shouldn’t do that for a while.” His full lips turned up in a grin. “I’m fine, Liana. Wow, Brittany looks awesome up there! So does Meagan.”

  “That’s what Cash just said.” Shari laid her hand on Leif’s shoulder. “I’m glad to see you up and around, Leif. We’ve all been so worried about you.”

  Leif smirked. “I wanted to watch Brittany dance so I could do a review.”

  The adults chuckled.

  “I’m sure she’ll appreciate it.” Liana wanted to cry over what a great little family she and Michael could have shared.

  She glanced at him, wishing they didn’t have to converse as if they were casual friends instead of former lovers. “If Leif feels well enough, you should hang around after the performance and say hello to Brittany. It’d mean a lot to her.”

  “I’d like that.” Michael’s eyes didn’t waver for an instant. The gold-flecked amber irises reminded Liana of the times they’d been close. Very close.

  “Better than that.” Shari looped her arm around Liana’s waist. “You should come to my house after the recital. We’re having a little reception for the girls. Shouldn’t they, Li?”

  “Of course, if Leif’s up to it.”

  Leif smiled at Shari. “I’d like to go. Dad, how about you?”

  “We’ll see. I don’t want you to get too tired.”

  “I won’t.”

  The lights flickered.

  “Oops, guess we won’t check out the refreshments.”

  Shari’s voice held a bubbly note that didn’t fool Liana. She’d dragged her through the crowd because she’d seen Michael and Leif and w
anted to make sure Liana did too.

  The twinge of a headache tightened Liana’s left eye. She halfheartedly smiled at the Saxons. “See you later?”

  “Yeah, see you later.”

  Michael couldn’t take his eyes off Liana’s softly swaying backside as she walked down the aisle with Shari. She’d been shopping. Somehow through the crisis she’d shopped for winter boots and succeeded in looking fashionable, warm and sexy.

  “If you let her go, Dad, you’re not as intelligent as I always thought you were.”

  Michael flinched and turned on his boot heels to stare at his son. “What? What’s that supposed to mean?”

  “Just what I said, but we’ll have to talk later. Come on, let’s find our seats before they turn off the lights.”

  Michael followed his son toward the back of the auditorium. He’d ached to see Liana again and now the ache went deeper. This thing with Frank and how Michael had reacted, had driven a wedge between them, an awkwardness. He’d thought about her and the situation so many times during the day he’d nearly driven himself crazy.

  The rest of the performance was entertaining and impressive. Both Brittany and Meagan danced like professionals. Of course, Brittany excelled in Michael’s opinion. He smiled. Okay, he was prejudice. Brittany had become like another daughter in a very short time.

  He wanted her to be his daughter, which meant making things right with her mother. A heightened awareness filled him when he and Leif left the auditorium after they congratulated Brittany, and drove to the Collins’s. Liana would be there. Tonight could determine how their story ended.

  Shari met them at the door, graciously took their coats, and motioned them into the living room. A crowd filled the large house.

  Taller than many of the other guests, Michael scanned the room until his gaze met Richard’s, who lifted his chin and made his way toward them. “Hey, glad you made it.” Richard shook Michael’s hand and clamped his other hand on Leif’s shoulder. “Up for some cookies or cake?”

  “I think I can handle some.” Leif grinned and followed Richard to the dining room.

  Shari had gone all out on a mouthwatering spread. Michael beelined to the big coffeepot. He could use a tall mug of caffeine to keep him going for another hour or so. His bed beckoned him, but he needed to stay and make Brittany happy. Who was he kidding? Brittany wasn’t the only person on his mind. He needed to talk to Liana, touch her, breath in her floral scent.