Huntington Family Series

by Rachel Ann Nunes

  Cory gave a little gasp and ran to the baby. “Oh, no. It’s ruined!” She looked up at Mitch. “Are you just going to sit there and laugh? Do you know how much these cameras cost? I can’t believe it. She actually ate the instructions!” Cory tossed the remains of the page to him while she fished a wad of pulp from Emily Jane’s grinning mouth.

  “Ooooow!” Emily Jane howled when she realized what Cory was doing.

  Mitch opened the instructions. “Hey, I think we have a budding artist. It looks like one of those folded paper snowflakes. Sort of.”

  Cory walked over to him and studied the paper with the large gaping holes. “No way we’ll read them now.”

  “Yeah. I’ve lost more books that way. And you should see what she did to my last month’s Ensign.”

  “Your what?”

  Her comment reminded Mitch how far apart they were. “A magazine I get every month,” he said, feeling a melancholy he couldn’t name. “There’s a whole bunch in the magazine rack by the kitchen door.”

  Cory was staring again at the computer. “Well, nothing for it but to experiment.”

  An hour passed before they had a live image of the newly hatched baby birds on the screen. But the wait was worth it.

  “Oh, look at that!” Cory took a long sip of the lemonade Mitch and EmJay had gone inside to get a few minutes earlier.

  “Yeah,” Mitch agreed. But he wasn’t looking at the screen. Cory was kneeling close to him—so close he could smell an exotic spicy scent that for some reason called to mind an untamed jungle.

  She turned and met his gaze, falling immediately silent. Her eyes were large and luminous, her many freckles standing out darkly against the rest of the tanned skin. Mitch had never in his life wanted to kiss anyone as much as he wanted to kiss her right then. No matter that it didn’t make sense. No matter that she planned to fight him for custody of Emily Jane.

  Only one thing saved him. Emily Jane toddled up behind Cory, an old copy of the Ensign in her hands, the corner already wet and tearing. She must have snagged it from the rack when I got the lemonade, he thought.

  Mitch drew away from Cory but slowly so as not to be obvious. “I bet Emily Jane would like to see.” Picking her up, he turned to the screen but not before he saw Cory flush a deeper red than her hair. He hadn’t fooled her, not for a moment. Her attractiveness was even more apparent to him at that moment, but he couldn’t allow his emotions to rule his choices. Emily Jane was too important—his future was too important. He wasn’t going to mess that up no matter how much he was beginning to like Miss Cory Steele.

  While showing Emily Jane the birds, they recaptured some of the camaraderie they had felt before the Kiss-That-Never-Happened, but there was an obvious awkwardness between them.

  Emily Jane tired of the birds and reached out for Cory, who took her gratefully. The baby wrapped a hand in Cory’s curls and laid her head against her shoulder.

  “Do you think,” Cory said, “that I could take EmJay with me to a lake on Friday? A friend of mine will be in town, two friends actually, and I’d like to spend some time with her. You know, showing her off.”

  “It’s the Fourth. We were going over to my family’s for dinner. And then there’ll be fireworks. I wanted to—” He broke off. He’d wanted to be the first to show Emily Jane fireworks.

  “I won’t take off with her. I promise.”

  But her word wasn’t good enough for him.

  “Please, Mitch.” She didn’t look at him as she spoke but looked instead at Emily Jane.

  Mitch shook his head. His heart urged him to give her what she asked, but did he know Cory well enough to trust her? Besides, Lane and Ashley had drowned in a lake, and Mitch wasn’t about to let Emily Jane go unless he could be sure of her safety. “What if,” he began as an idea came to him. “What if I came along? Would that be all right?”

  There was a flare of anger in her blue eyes, quickly squelched. “What about your family dinner?”

  “I can go later. Surely you won’t be at the lake all day. I’ll join them for the fireworks.”

  “Okay.”

  She gave in so quickly that Mitch felt a thread of suspicion. That was augmented when she reached over and put a hand over his. “I appreciate you letting me spend time with EmJay.” Mitch had the distinct impression that she was attracted to him, despite the failed kiss, and wanted to let him know. His desire to kiss her was amplified tenfold.

  At that moment, Emily Jane decided she’d had enough of Cory and reached out to Mitch. He cuddled her tenderly, watching while Cory recorded the baby birds on the software that had come with the tiny camera. “I can get some pictures from this later,” she explained. “I’ll set up some files that you can e-mail to me.”

  A ringing came from Cory’s purse on the picnic table. Jumping to her feet, she sprinted over and answered. “You’re what? Already? I’ll be right there.” She hung up and looked at Mitch. “My agent’s here. She’s going to be spending a few days with me. Do you mind if I take EmJay to see her? You can come, too,” she added hurriedly. “She’s at the house.”

  Mitch had nothing better to do, and he felt he owed it to the people Cory was renting from to see what kind of woman she’d invited. He hoped they wouldn’t have any wild parties. Did Cory even have wild parties? She didn’t seem the type, but of course he didn’t know her well. He had to be prepared for anything she might do. Why was it so hard for him to remember that she didn’t share his faith?

  Chapter Fifteen

  Cory saw Vikki leaning against a white sedan in front of the rented house. As usual, Vikki was attractive in suit pants and tall heels that made her short frame seem taller and leaner than it actually was. Her thick brown hair was swept up with a gold alligator clip. A few hairs had escaped, softening the sharp lines of her cheekbones and long nose.

  “Vikki!” Cory smiled widely and embraced her friend. “I’m so glad you’re here.”

  “It’s good to see you, dear. Who’s this?” Vikki’s blue eyes traveled past her to Mitch, who carried EmJay in his arms.

  “That’s my niece.” Cory purposely didn’t introduce Mitch. Yes, she was trying to woo him into giving her custody, but that didn’t mean she was going to fawn all over him!

  “I knew it right away. Looks just like you. She’s adorable!”

  Cory started for the house. “Come on in.”

  “What about my equipment?” Vikki asked, turning on her heel and heading for the trunk of her car. She glanced back at Mitch. “Will you help me take it in?”

  Cory thought they could have handled the luggage themselves later. She didn’t want Mitch involved. She hoped she wasn’t being petty because he hadn’t kissed her. Yes, she had to get him to like her, but it didn’t have to happen in a day. She could charm him easily in the three weeks she had left—if she could judge by the expression on his face while they’d been at the computer.

  “Glad to help.” Mitch handed Emily Jane to Cory.

  In a few minutes, Mitch had all of Vikki’s luggage in the living room and her darkroom equipment lying on the floor of the tiny mudroom off the kitchen that also served as a laundry room. The room wasn’t perfect, but with the sink, counter space, and no window, it was the most logical spot to set up. Cory had already strung lines to hang the drying photographs.

  “Thanks, Mitch,” Cory said.

  “Mitch?” Vikki eyed him curiously. “And you are . . . a friend?”

  He smiled at her confidently, but the finger he brought to his jaw suggested to Cory that he wasn’t as sure of himself as he liked to think. “I’m Emily Jane’s guardian.”

  “Oh.” Vikki blinked twice in surprise. She glanced at Cory and then back at Mitch. “I’m Cory’s agent, Vikki Moline. I have my card around here somewhere. Here it is.” She found one in her purse and passed it to Mitch.

  “She’s a good friend, too,” Cory added.

  Vikki smiled. “Nice to meet you.” Cory could tell by the gleam in Vikki’s eyes that she had a
million questions.

  Mitch motioned to EmJay. “Looks like she’s getting tired again.” The baby had her cheek pressed against Cory’s neck. He reached for EmJay.

  Reluctantly, Cory let him take the baby. She wished she could keep her, that she could sit and stare at her while she slept.

  “See you later,” he said, as they walked to the front door.

  “Don’t forget Friday,” she said.

  “Right. Jet skiing.”

  Vikki blinked. “You’re going jet skiing together?”

  “We’re all going jet skiing,” Cory corrected. “Mitch agreed to come along because I want to take EmJay.”

  “Oh.” Vikki’s reply clearly showed that she had no idea what Cory was talking about.

  The two women watched Mitch go down the walk and across the street, gently cradling the baby.

  Vikki sighed. “There’s nothing so attractive as watching a man with a baby.”

  Cory started to nod and then shook her head. “What are you saying?” She strode back inside the house. “That’s my enemy you’re talking about.”

  “Oh? Well, dear, you two sure didn’t look like enemies. He couldn’t keep his eyes off you. And you were just as bad.”

  “Ha! That’s part of the plan,” Cory said. “If you remember, you were the one who suggested I use my charms. It’s either that or become a member of his church”

  “I see,” Vikki said dryly. “You seem to be charming him quite well. I only hope you don’t get yourself hurt in the meantime.”

  “Ha! To be hurt, you have to care. I’m only pretending. He doesn’t interest me in the least.”

  Vikki studied her. “Well, he’s really good-looking. A little on the thin side, but that’s easily cured with a bit of good cooking. And he seems nice. Are you sure you know what you’re doing?”

  Cory put an arm around Vikki. “I know exactly what I’m doing. Come on now. Let’s get that darkroom set up. We can get started on the photographs before dinner.”

  They went to work, and Cory was able to put both Mitch and EmJay from her mind. At least until she saw Vikki giving her sidelong glances. “What?” she asked, trying to stifle her irritation.

  “Nothing.” Vikki shook her head. “That I can pinpoint anyway. You seem different. Hey, let’s take a break. You got anything to drink around here?”

  “Some soda. And a bottle of wine. I have something for dinner, too. Casseroles—two different kinds.”

  “You made casseroles?”

  Cory rolled her eyes. “Don’t be so incredulous. I cook. But, no, these casseroles were gifts from the neighbors. They’re very friendly.” Perhaps leaving the so-called Relief Society out of it was better for the moment.

  “Wine sounds good,” Vikki said. “Just one glass. But let’s eat later. I still want to see your pictures tonight.”

  Cory got two glasses from the cupboard and opened the wine while Vikki studied the decor—or lack thereof. “I’m lucky the owners left me a table,” Cory informed her mildly. “If I were going to be here longer, I’d have to go to California and get my stuff from storage.”

  “But you’re not staying, right?” Vikki sipped the red liquid.

  Cory sat down in the wobbly chair opposite her. “There aren’t a lot of things I’d give up National Geographic for.”

  “Go, girl!” Vikki made an upward motion with her fist.

  Would you give it up for EmJay? asked a voice in Cory’s head as she brought the glass of wine to her lips. The liquid tasted bitter. She set the glass down and pushed it away.

  “Don’t you like it?” Vikki asked.

  “I drank like a quart of lemonade at Mitch’s earlier. That must be it.”

  “Oh.” Vikki drained her glass and poured herself another quarter of a glass. “Shall we get started on those pictures? I’d like to try to send them to the magazine before the holiday.”

  “That reminds me. I talked to Evan.”

  Vikki rolled her eyes. “The writer? I hope you yelled at him good.”

  “He claims he was trying to help me out.”

  “And you believed him?” Vikki asked.

  Cory sighed and made a sour face. “I know he did it more for himself than for me, but I guess I do believe that he didn’t feel it would damage me or my chances at the magazine.”

  “He still shouldn’t have done it.”

  “No.” Cory waited a minute before adding, “He didn’t have my contact information, so he couldn’t have asked me what I thought. If I’d said no, I’m fairly certain he wouldn’t have submitted them. Anyway, you can judge him for yourself. He’ll be in Utah by Friday. He’s the one who’s going to take us jet skiing with his cousin.”

  “He’s staying here?”

  Cory shook her head. “I’m not that stupid.”

  “Good. I don’t trust him.”

  Cory found herself agreeing, which didn’t really bode well for her relationship with Evan.

  “Well, dear, I’m ready.” Vikki pushed back her chair and stood.

  They had barely begun to develop the film when the doorbell rang—once, twice, and then several more times. “I’d better get it.” Checking to make sure she wouldn’t ruin any exposed film, Cory ducked out of the mudroom and shut the door behind her.

  At the front door stood Tyler Huntington and two young men wearing black name tags. Too late, Cory remembered her appointment to learn more about her sister’s church. “I forgot you were coming,” she said, standing back so they could enter. “Now’s not really a good time. I have a friend over.”

  “She can listen,” said the missionary with the dark hair. Elder Rowley, Cory read on his tag. He was average height and shorter than Tyler but wider in the shoulders. He had a nice, friendly face.

  “Or he,” added the other missionary. “If your friend is a he, that is.” This young man had light brown hair, and his name was Elder Savage. He was taller than the other two by a head and extremely thin. He brought to Cory’s mind an image of what Mitch might have looked like on his mission to Brazil.

  “Is it a he?” Tyler asked with Mitch’s grin.

  Cory didn’t smile. “No. And she can’t come right now anyway. She’s in the darkroom. If fact, I guess you might as well stay for a little while since I don’t want my pictures to be ruined. But we’ll have to make it quick. I’ll need to help her in a bit.”

  “She’s a photographer,” Tyler explained to the missionaries. “Did I mention that?”

  Elder Rowley shook his head. “So, should we talk in here?” His eyes scanned the empty room.

  “Yeah. I only have two chairs in the kitchen. I’m renting, and I’m only in town for a short time.”

  “Because of her niece,” Tyler supplied. “Now I’m sure I told you that.”

  Elder Savage sat on the carpet and opened a folder. “This is great. Not a problem.”

  Cory and the others joined him on the floor. Tyler offered an opening prayer similar to those her father had said—that she’d said as a child. She bowed her head out of respect but kept her eyes open to study the missionaries.

  At that moment, Elder Rowley opened his eyes and met hers. Cory flushed and closed her eyes for the rest of the prayer. Why should I care? I’m only listening to get custody of EmJay.

  The missionaries began discussing Jesus Christ and His role in the redemption process. Cory experienced a feeling of déjà-vu. This could have been her own father talking. Or her pastor. Could Mormons really believe in the same Christ? Not according to her father. But here the missionaries were, sounding just like him. Except . . . well, maybe their idea of Christ better matches the pastor’s than my father’s, she decided. Cory didn’t want to follow the thought because the truth for her father was that Christ would forgive only those her father deemed worthy of forgiveness. Too bad AshDee hadn’t been on his exclusive list.

  Well, AshDee broke his heart. She killed him by leaving. Cory tasted bitterness at the thought. But was that true? Maybe AshDee had been dying by staying
. Dying by bits like Cory had been. In a real way, her father’s death had freed her.

  “Do you believe in Christ?” asked Elder Savage.

  Cory hesitated only an instant. “If I were to believe in Christ, I’d believe in your view of Him, that’s for sure.”

  “So you don’t believe,” Tyler said. The missionaries rewarded his comment with frowns.

  “You have to admit, it’s all so . . . well . . . unbelievable,” Cory said. “But that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s not true, I suppose.” Cory shifted her position so her legs were no longer under her but to the side. “I guess I’d put myself on the fence. I’ll wait and see.”

  “Wait until what?” Tyler asked. “Until He comes again?”

  Once again Elder Savage frowned at him, but Elder Rowley kept his gaze on Cory. “I want you to know,” he said, “that I believe in Jesus Christ. That not only did He pay for my sins but that He has experienced my fears, my heartbreaks, and all my disappointments. He is there for me whenever I need Him. I know this. I feel it with every part of my being. And He is there for you, too.”

  Heat began in Cory’s belly. Her arms felt odd, too, as though they ached with emptiness, but somehow she knew that all she had to do to change that was to reach out and—

  “How do you feel at this moment?” Elder Savage asked.

  “Strange,” she admitted. “Like I want to believe.”

  “That’s the Spirit testifying to you that what Elder Rowley said is true. Remember when we said the Spirit testifies of all truth?”

  She nodded. Is that what had attracted her sister to this church? The promise of a sure knowledge? Cory would be the first to admit how handy that would have been during her father’s fire and brimstone lessons. For a sudden, terrible, searing moment, she hated her father more than she’d ever hated anyone. He’d separated her from AshDee, the only person she had loved more than her mother. He had twisted Cory’s loyalty to him into blind obedience. He’d cost her many nights of caustic tears. He might have even cost her EmJay, her precious niece, who surely would have been hers if she and AshDee had remained close. His bitterness, his anger, his condemnation had robbed Cory of so much, wounding her more deeply than the worst of his frequent slaps.