Two Hearts Find Christmas (Two Hearts Wounded Warrior Book 5)

by Tamara Ferguson

  Kate remained quiet as Christina took some time to recharge.

  And, then, with a start, Christina finally spoke. “The Indians claim this ground is sacred, you know.”

  Kate grinned. “Yeah. I think you might’ve already mentioned that to me a couple of times – or more.”

  Christina smiled ruefully. “I’ve had a lot of time on my hands since I had to quit going to school. Once my mom bought me my new computer...well...I’ve been doing a lot of research about this town and its history.”

  Kate chuckled. “You can’t fool me – you used to spend a lot of time at the library, even before you got sick.” But then she frowned.

  “That’s okay, Kate,” Christina whispered. Reaching out, she covered Kate’s hand with hers. “Wanna know what else I learned?”

  “Sure.”

  “Along with all the superstition, there’s some really interesting Indian folklore associated with Dragonfly Pointe.” Christina hesitated, before her eyes met Kate’s. “Supposedly – any death that occurs at Dragonfly Pointe actually provides strength to those left behind to mourn.” With a wry smile, she added, “Unfortunately, though, the progression of life and death is a given.”

  When Kate reluctantly nodded her agreement, Christina sighed resignedly. There would be no miracle for her. Kate needed to realize that Christina had, long ago, accepted her fate. She’d always been much wiser than her fourteen years.

  But she didn’t want to forget everything she needed to say to her very best friend. Her brain was becoming increasingly foggy, though. It took all her concentration to remain focused. She began abruptly, “It’ll happen with one, single kiss.”

  Kate blinked, clearly confused. “What?”

  “You’ll fall in love,” Christina announced. “It’ll happen with one, single kiss.”

  Kate snorted.

  But when Kate’s eyes met hers, Christina remained solemn. “You’ll fight it. And it’ll be several years before you’re willing to accept it. But you’re never gonna be able to forget that kiss.”

  Kate giggled uneasily, clearing her throat. “It’s not that I don’t believe you, Chris. But why was it so important for you to tell me that?” Kate rolled her eyes. “We both know how annoying it is when our friends start talking about their stupid boyfriend troubles.”

  Christina hesitated, before her eyes suddenly filled with tears. “Did you know, Kate, that I’ve never even been kissed?” Hoarsely, she continued, “And, just like Anna, I’m never gonna have the chance to fall in love.”

  Kate appeared momentarily stunned. Christina knew Kate was on a short string emotionally, attempting to remain strong for her. But, it was as if a dam broke loose when, expectedly, Kate began to cry.

  Pulling her into her arms, Christina whispered, “There’re gonna be some pretty devastating problems that your family will have to deal with in the future, Kate. And work’s gonna be all that’s important to you. But always remember that, one day, if you’re ever willing to accept it, you’ll have the chance to be incredibly happy. And I really need for you to be happy, Kate. Letting you know what to expect someday – so you don’t let happiness slip through your fingers – it’s the best final gift I could think of to give to you...

  CHAPTER ONE

  Five years later...

  Beams of misty light threaded through dense fog as sunrise began to dimly light up the horizon. Along the shoreline where birdsong echoed, wildlife stirred, rustling awake with the first light of dawn.

  As Crystal Rock Lake magically came to life, Kate Callahan sighed contentedly. She loved this time of the day. There was absolutely nothing more beautiful than the sun rising up over the lake. Inhaling an invigorating breath of the crisp morning air, she settled back in her seat and slid the key into the ignition. When the engine surged to life, she slipped the inboard into gear. Holding steady while slowly easing away from the pier, peering cautiously through the windshield, she sliced through the denseness of fog maneuvering her vessel through the murky shadows. As she steered further away from the shoreline, the fog began to mysteriously dissipate, drifting upward into swirling waves.

  Finally, the fog abruptly disappeared. Blinded by the glare from the rising sun, Kate shoved on her sunglasses and lifted her face to its warmth. With the visibility clear, cranking the motor into high speed, she deftly spun the wheel steering on toward Dragonfly Pointe.

  The Ivers’ home. Kate couldn’t remember the last time she’d been this excited. She still couldn’t believe Jeff Ivers had finally decided it was time to remodel his family’s long-abandoned summer home near Dragonfly Pointe.

  And when her father had actually put her in charge of the restoration. Well...to say she was surprised would’ve been an understatement. At only nineteen, Kate had been prepared to wait at least a few more years before heading up her own crew. With over one-hundred employees and as many as twenty combined crews operating throughout the year, Callahan Construction employed several more supervisors who were much more experienced than her.

  Up high above the shore, the Ivers’ manor sprawled over about a half an acre of lakefront property. Slipping the gears of her speedboat into neutral, Kate studied the dilapidated exterior of the structure. Extensive water damage due to the failing roof would require a complete structural overhaul to the home before they could even attempt to restore the interior. Plus, on her earlier tour of the property, she’d discovered signs of termite damage.

  Skillfully maneuvering her vessel into the crumbling dock of the landing, Kate was startled when a familiar figure suddenly appeared. “Dad. What are you doing here today?” Standing to reach over the windshield, she quickly unwound a rope from the bow. “I thought I had until Monday to come up with my figures.”

  Mike Callahan grinned, reaching out and grabbing the rope from his daughter’s hand. Pulling gently, he guided the boat to a more stable section of the dilapidated dock. “I know that I gave you two more days, Kate. But since your mom and I are expecting company today, I thought I’d try to get ahead of everything. I figured you’ve probably been working up your projections every day and night, anyway.” After tying off the rope and securing the boat, he reached for Kate’s hand, and hoisted her up to the dock. “I really threw you for a loop when I named you crew boss.

  Kate laughed. “No kidding. You know me way too well,” she admitted wryly. Bending down, she grabbed her clipboard and notebook from the passenger seat, handing them off to her father. She reached for the supersize thermos and coffee cups propped up near the cooler. “How about some coffee first? Then we can do a walk-through.”

  Nodding his agreement, her father held onto the paperwork.

  Leading the way, Kate stepped cautiously along the crumbling pathway that ran into a rustic flagstone patio, strewn with weeds. As they settled alongside of each other on the low ledge surrounding the patio, Kate untwisted the lid to the thermos pouring them each a cup of coffee.

  While they sipped their coffee in companionable silence, Kate thoughtfully studied her father. At age forty-four, Mike Callahan was still a handsome man. Thick, ash-brown hair showed only a touch of gray at the temples. Enhancing rather than distracting from his looks, the broken nose suffered while playing high school football had left a small lump on the bridge of his nose. Laugh lines were deeply etched into the corners of his silvery-blue eyes.

  “Okay,” she finally asked. “Were you ever planning on telling me why?”

  With feigned innocence, he shrugged his shoulders. “Why, what?”

  “Dad,” she reprimanded. “You know what I’m asking. I thought I wasn’t gonna get a chance to head up a crew for at least a few more years.”

  Gruffly, he answered, “I never exactly said that, though. Did I?”

  Kate was taken aback. “No. I guess not.”

  “Kate – you’ve been following me around since you were five-years old. You have more knowledge and all-around experience than some of my employees who’re twice your age. All I was waiting for was th
e right sized project. And this was it. This wasn’t just my decision, Kate. Gus Lemke and John Norris brought up your name before I even suggested it.”

  After a moment of silent contemplation, she asked hesitantly, “What about Luke Arnett?”

  “He’s pissed, Kate. For some reason he assumed he’d get this job. I’m not exactly sure why – since I’d never even mentioned anything about the Ivers’ place to him in the first place.”

  Kate nodded, swallowing the last of her coffee.

  “Let’s go through the house, now. I’ve got something important I need to talk to you about when we’re finished.”

  Because of the extensive structural damage to the house, Kate began her observations in the attic. Not only would shingles and plywood need to be replaced, but the joists supporting the roof would require additional reinforcement.

  “I think we should just open up the main floor and vault the ceiling over the kitchen along with the dining room and living room,” Kate observed, when they finally made their way downstairs. Although the house was spread out like a ranch, the sleeping quarters were connected by a short row of steps extending up from the enormous kitchen. Another short row of steps led down into an expansive family room and office space.

  Her father lifted a brow. “Wouldn’t that eat up a lot of our budget?”

  Kate snorted. “Not with all the structural damage. We have to replace all the ceilings anyway because of the water damage. Why not modernize? Plus, we’ll have to rip up the walls to replace the wiring too. It’s all knob and tube.”

  He nodded. “That attic space is wasted. There’d still be additional storage in the attic over the bedrooms. What have you got in mind for down here?” Peering over her shoulder, he listened as she presented her plans for an open concept.

  An hour later, they’d finished their tour of the eight-thousand square foot property. “That’s a great idea, Kate,” her father eventually observed, studying the appliances. “I can’t see the advantage of using these old relics, myself – even though they’re in great condition. But I know there’s a demand for vintage appliances. We can probably get a good price for them.” He jotted down some notes on the clipboard before turning back to her. “What’s your final number?”

  Digging through her notes, she flipped a few pages before showing him a figure. “I know it’s high. But with five bathrooms.” She shrugged her shoulders. “Well...I could probably get away with using subway tiles and ceramics. But this kitchen’s gonna be costly.”

  Instantly, her father approved her figure.

  And Kate was startled.

  He grinned. “I agree with everything you’ve proposed, Kate. There’s a ton of structural damage and we’ll need all new windows and doors, anyway. We’ll definitely need to rebuild all three fireplaces. Hold off on ordering for the bathrooms, though. I’d rather use higher-end materials. I’ll contact Jeff Ivers to see if he’ll increase his budget. You should have a higher contingency fund, too. You might discover mold when you begin pulling down the walls.”

  “Don’t forget about asbestos, Dad. With the safety issues, I should probably get someone out here immediately after beginning the demolition.”

  Absentmindedly, her father nodded. “I think we should keep that distinctive knotty pine in the family room as well. I like your idea of a wall of sliding doors opening up to the lake. There’re several energy-efficient options available now, too. That’ll bring in a lot more light and enhance the beauty of the paneling rather than making it appear as dark and dingy as it does right now.” After signing off on her clipboard, he handed it back over to Kate.

  Kate’s voice was unsteady. “Thanks, Dad. I promise I’ll do a good job.

  Easing an arm over her shoulders, he squeezed her gently. “Of that, I have no doubt.”

  “Now, what else did you need to talk to me about?”

  Her father hesitated. “Have you got any more of that coffee left?”

  She smiled. “Sure. The air in here is a little musty – even with the windows open. Let’s go back outside.”

  After settling back on the patio with his coffee, her father cleared his throat and began, “Dan and I took stock of the warehouse, Kate. And it appears you two were right – the inventory doesn’t match up with the numbers.” Home from college for the summer, Kate’s older brother, Dan, worked in the warehouse, distributing previously inventoried building materials.

  Kate raised a brow. “And?”

  “For the last three weeks, we’ve been tracking materials after they’ve left the warehouse. The numbers seem to match up with our jobs here in town. So we’ve been able to eliminate approximately two-thirds of our employees from suspicion.”

  “I’d like to see that list of names.”

  He nodded. “We haven’t been able to get a count on our materials going out of town, though. We’ve just been too busy. I’ve reassigned all the remaining employees who haven’t been crossed off the list. Over the summer, they’ll be split between our two largest jobs here in town. Hopefully, no one’s become suspicious. I’ll tag along and work with the crew at the new golf course.”

  Kate nodded. “And the other?”

  “Luke Arnett’s crew? I’ve assigned Luke to the campgrounds because the plans for each cabin are straightforward and easy to follow. And I’ve – conveniently – ordered the majority of his required building materials already. So it should be easier to track the materials – if they begin to disappear. I’d rather not have to look over Luke’s shoulder.”

  “You’re suspicious of Luke Arnett? I can’t see him stealing from you, Dad – he’s been with you for over fifteen years! But that’s why you made it so easy for me to move into the cabin for the summer, isn’t it?” Her eyes met his. “Since the campground’s right next door?”

  Her father snorted. “Easy? With your mother?”

  Kate laughed. “I can only imagine. She’s been so overprotective. Thanks, Dad – I really appreciate it. It’s not that I mind living at home – our house is large enough. But I’ve really needed some breathing space.”

  Her father sighed. “In some ways, Kate, out of all my kids, you’re the most like me. I know that you’ve needed a place to work where you can have some space and privacy. The twins are almost old enough, now, to take care of themselves when your mom’s at work. And since Dan’s at home for the summer...”

  “I know. Even though it’s almost been four years, now, since Lucy was assaulted – mom’s just never been the same. I’m really glad that Lucy met Gabe. She’s seems to be so happy, now.”

  “I couldn’t have asked for a better son-in-law. And I instantly gained an incredibly sweet granddaughter to boot,” he added, huskily.

  “Well, anyway, getting back to Luke Arnett.” Kate sighed resignedly. “You probably need me to keep track of the inventory at the campgrounds?” Despite the fact that Luke obviously resented Kate’s recent promotion, probably because of her age, she really liked Luke Arnett. He was dedicated to Callahan Construction, and she just couldn’t see him stealing from the company.

  “Exactly. And since our cabin is located on the edge of campgrounds, you’ll have a plausible excuse to check up on him – although it might be better if you waited until after hours or on the weekends. Are you sure you can handle Arnett?”

  Kate snorted. “God’s gift to women? Of course.”

  He laughed. “Him, too, huh? I hadn’t realized. Have there been any of my unattached men, who haven’t made a pass at you?”

  “It’s the attached ones I get upset with,” she muttered.

  Her father’s head jerked up from studying the clipboard. “Be sure to come to me with any real problems, Kate – especially since we have a lot more women working for us now.” Staring at Kate, he cleared his throat. “Did I hear it right? You broke up with Brian Lancaster?”

  She nodded.

  He sighed. “It’s hard to believe you’re only nineteen-years old. It seems to me you’ve broken an awful lot of hearts, Kate.�
�

  Uncomfortably, Kate shrugged. “He was just getting too serious, too soon, Dad. I’m not really ready for that kind of a relationship, yet.”

  “I understand. If you were, you’d know. I knew right away with your mom,” he added gruffly. “But, seriously, Kate – just be careful around Arnett. Whether or not he’s stealing those materials, I’m coming to dislike his attitude more and more. We’ve had several complaints about the quality of his work, too. I’m not against firing him – even if he has nothing to do with our missing materials. But I’m hesitant since he’s supporting an ex-wife and daughter.”

  “He does seem rather off lately. But I think he’s been distracted, Dad. It might just be because of his divorce.”

  “Well. No matter what he thinks, there’s just no way I would’ve assigned this job to Arnett. You’ve had an interest in this place since you were a kid. And this job needed some imagination. I’m one-hundred percent certain you’re ready for the responsibility. I was a good friend of Jeff’s growing up, Kate. We lost touch after his daughter was killed at Dragonfly Pointe.” Distractedly, her father stared out to the lake. “Even after almost twenty-five years, he’s still grieving. So let’s just say that I trust you with this job – more than I would anyone else.”

  Thoughtfully, Kate nodded, as she sipped on her coffee. With the water calm and clear under the bright blue sky, a couple of fishermen had anchored their boat nearby, and Kate watched as they worked their lines.

  For a few minutes more, Kate and her father remained quiet observing the beauty of their surroundings. She had to admit that the lakefront property was in a prime location. The overgrown brush needed to be cleared, though, to open up the view.

  When her father finally spoke, Kate realized that, as usual, his thoughts had been echoing hers. “Jeff wants me to recommend a landscaper too. I told him we should wait until after we make the structural changes.”

  “Yeah. You never know what kind of problems we might dig up. Not to mention the mess we’ll make while we’re doing it. I forgot to ask. Who’s coming to visit?”