“Hi, Mom.” She perched on the edge of the sofa and her father claimed his favorite recliner. Her mother looked tired.
After several seconds, her mother asked, “How was your trip?”
“Enlightening.” Her mother fiddled with the bookmark and Faith glanced over at her father.
He sighed, shook his head and stood. “Faith, I hope you’ll stay for dinner. I’m doing some pork chops on the grill,” he added, knowing she would never turn down anything he cooked.
A smile curved her lips. “You know I will.”
“Good.” He patted her shoulder and divided a wary look between the two women, then left.
Faith and her mother sat in strained silence for a few moments.
“You seem to have recovered from the accident. I’m glad.”
She nodded. “I have.”
“Did you meet him?” her mother asked softly.
“Yes. He’s a very nice man and I enjoyed talking to him.”
“So, what does that mean for...for us?”
Faith frowned. “I don’t understand.”
Her mother looked away.
Finally, it dawned on her. “Are you talking about you and Daddy?”
She nodded hesitantly.
“Mom, nothing has changed. You’re still my parents and I love you.” She came and hunkered next to her mother. “But Thad is my father and I want to know him, too.”
Her mother swiped at a tear and whispered brokenly, “I know he hates me for what I’ve done.”
“He doesn’t hate you.” Faith thought about her and Thad’s conversation. She still marveled at his ability to let go. “He did say he was angry for a long time and I’m sure you can understand why. But he has forgiven you and said we can only move forward.”
“And you?”
“I’m not going to lie, Mom, I am still a little angry, but I’m working on it.”
“I’m sorry, Faith.”
“So am I, Mom.”
She grasped Faith’s hand. “I want you to know that I loved your father. He is a good man, but I just couldn’t deal with what was happening to him.”
Faith tried to put herself in her mother’s shoes. She had never been around anyone with PTSD, but had read stories and guessed it would be frightening to see someone you loved going through something so horrible. “He seems to be doing pretty well in that area, but he did sustain an injury that required a lower left leg amputation.”
Her mother gasped and brought her hand to her mouth.
Faith shared what Thad had told her. “I’m just sad that he never remarried or had any other children.” She rose, went to retrieve her cell phone and brought up the picture she’d taken of them together. She handed it to her mother.
“He hasn’t aged a day. I didn’t realize how much you favor him.”
She chuckled. “It was kind of weird at first.” She accepted the phone back and stared at the photo. Their smiles were nearly identical. “He’s asked me to visit a while longer.”
“Are you going back to LA soon?”
“Most likely. Maybe for another two or three weeks.” When Faith had called Thad to tell him she was going home, she could hear the fear in his voice—that she would be gone from his life again. Faith had assured him that she would be back. His sigh of relief had tempted her to cancel her flight.
“How long do you plan to be home before you go back?”
She shrugged. “A week or so. I have a few things I need to take care of. But I’ll be sure to let you guys know when I’m leaving.”
“Thank you.”
Faith observed her mom and read uncertainty in her features. Did her mother really think Faith would leave without saying goodbye? And was there still some doubt that Faith would discard her now that Faith had been reunited with Thad? Granted, Faith still had some lingering annoyance, but as Thad had pointed out, she couldn’t change the past. Hoping to allay her mother’s concerns, she said, “I’ll probably book a flight for next Monday. That’ll give me a week to finish things and come back to spend time with you and Dad.”
Her mother’s eyes lit up. “We’d like that.”
They shared a smile and went to see how dinner was coming along.
After returning home later that evening, Faith sent a text to Brandon letting him know she made it home, and then called Kathi. Kathi had invited Faith to a July Fourth picnic to be held that week, but Faith declined.
She spent most of the week taking care of bank business, meeting with two local clients and preparing herself to be gone another three weeks. She had checked her budget and determined that was the maximum time she could be away without having to dip into her savings. She’d plan another visit for later in the year, or maybe Thad could come to Portland. She would enjoy showing him around.
Sunday evening, Faith started the task of packing. She stood in her closet pulling out clothes more suited for the warmer LA temperatures, as well as selecting a couple of nice dresses just in case she and Brandon went out again. Brandon. She hadn’t talked to him since he’d responded to her text a week ago. Memories of their times together surfaced in her mind, along with his promise of a surprise. She hoped it entailed another round in the bedroom. The way he touched her, held her, kissed her... Her cell phone rang, snapping her out of her lustful thoughts. She laid the dresses on her bed and answered.
“Hello.”
“Hi, Faith. It’s Thad. How are you?”
“Hi, Thad. I’m good.”
“I was calling to see when you’d be coming back to LA.”
“I’ll be flying in tomorrow. Is there anything wrong?” There was a pause on the line and a small measure of fear crept into her brain. Her first thought was his leg. Had something happened?
“There’s nothing wrong, but I need to discuss something important with you.”
“You’re not sick or anything?” They had just reconnected. She didn’t know how she would handle the prospect of him having an illness.
Thad chuckled. “No, sweetheart. I plan to be around for a long while. Do you think we can talk this week?”
“Of course. Since I’m not getting in until late afternoon, what about Tuesday or Wednesday?”
“Wednesday works fine. I can meet you at the hotel.”
“No, that’s okay. I’d rather come to your house.”
“I’ll throw in dinner. How’s that?”
Faith smiled. “Sounds great.” They talked a few minutes longer to finalize the details and ended the call. She lightly tapped the phone against her chin and wondered what he wanted to discuss. First, Brandon and his surprise, now this.
Tossing the phone aside, she went back to packing. She was anxious to find out what Thad had to say. And to see Brandon.
Chapter 11
Wednesday evening, Faith rang Thad’s doorbell precisely at seven thirty.
Thad opened the door and had a huge smile on his face. “You’re right on time. Come on in.”
She followed him to the kitchen and placed the box she had been carrying on the counter.
He set one crutch aside and maneuvered to the stove to stir something in a pot.
She sniffed. “Whatever you’re cooking smells really good.”
He glanced over his shoulder. “I should’ve asked you what you liked. I’ve got some fried catfish, potato salad, beans and...” He removed a pan from the oven. “Cornbread.”
Faith’s mouth watered. “Mmm, I can’t wait.” She hadn’t had fried fish in a long while. Growing up, her mother had cooked fish on most Fridays. Faith remembered asking why and her mother saying it was something her mother had done.
Thad gestured. “What’s in the box?”
“I thought since you were cooking dinner, I’d contribute dessert.”
&
nbsp; He grinned and his eyebrows shot up. “Yeah? What did you bring?”
“I just made a yellow cake with chocolate frosting.” Since the hotel had a full kitchen, she had decided to bake the cake instead of buying one from the store.
His smile widened. “I may have to skip dinner and go straight for dessert. How did you know that was my absolute favorite cake?”
Faith laughed. “It’s mine, too.”
Thad shook his head and turned away briefly.
She saw him discreetly wiping at his face. She rounded the island and placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. She understood. How many more things did they have in common? “Like you said, we can only go forward.”
He nodded.
She wrapped her arms around his waist and laid her head on his shoulder. He held her tight.
After a moment, he released her. “We’d better eat before the food gets cold.”
They fixed their plates and sat at the kitchen table. He recited a blessing and she dug in. The fish tasted so good she groaned. She held up a piece. “You have got to tell me what seasonings you used. I haven’t had fish this good in years.”
He took a sip of his iced tea. “I’m glad you’re enjoying it.”
Faith was more than enjoying her food. She didn’t eat everybody’s potato salad, but tonight she had two helpings. She studied him as he got up to get another piece of cornbread, marveling at how easily he maneuvered with one crutch. “You mentioned being fitted for another prosthesis. Any word on when it might be ready?”
Thad returned to his seat. “I’m hoping it’ll be ready in another couple of weeks, but who knows.”
Faith listened as Thad told her about the process.
Then he abruptly changed the subject. “How did it go with your mother?”
She wiped her hands. “Okay, I guess. We talked, so that’s a plus.”
“I’m glad.” He pointed to her empty plate. “There’s plenty more if you want.”
She held up a hand. “No, thank you. If I eat one more bite, I won’t be able to move from this chair. Everything was delicious. Besides, I need to save room for a little bitty piece of cake,” she added with a wink.
Thad laughed and patted his stomach. “Need to save some space myself.”
She paused briefly, then said, “You mentioned wanting to talk to me about something important.”
He nodded. “We can talk in the family room. And I’m going to have a piece of that cake.”
Faith rose from the table and took their dishes to the sink. “If you show me where the plates and silverware are, I’ll cut you a piece and bring it in.” He pointed out the cabinet and drawers and left her to the task. She cut two slices of the cake, added forks and carried them to where he sat in the same recliner as he had on her first visit. She handed him the larger piece.
A smile blossomed on his face. “Now, that’s what I’m talking about.”
She laughed. “You might want to hold off until you taste it.”
He forked up a large bite and chewed. His eyes slid closed and he groaned with delight. “Baby girl, I may have to ask for one of these monthly. Although my doctor won’t agree.”
“I’m glad you like it. How about we make it bimonthly? That way you’ll have plenty of time to work it off in between.”
Thad chuckled. “That’s a deal I can live with.” He toasted her with his fork and went back to his cake. A minute later, he set the plate aside, picked up a check from the side table and handed it to her.
Faith looked at it and her eyes widened. “What’s this for?”
“You’ve spent a lot of money between flying and staying at that hotel. I would’ve loved to have you stay here, but I didn’t know how comfortable you’d be, so you take that.”
He had been correct about the costs, but the amount on the check in her hand could cover what she’d spent three times over. “But—”
He shook his head. “No buts. I never meant for you to pay in the first place. I had planned to send for you when and if you called.”
“I... I don’t know what to say.”
Thad picked up his plate. “You can just say thank you and eat your cake.” That said, he went back to his half-eaten cake.
“Thank you.” Still stunned, she smiled and finished eating. When they were done, she stood and reached for his plate. “I’ll take these to the kitchen. Is that what you wanted to talk to me about?”
“Partly.”
Faith stopped, turned back and noted his serious expression. “Okay,” she said slowly. “I’ll be right back.” As she stacked the plates, she tried to figure out what else he might say. He had told her he wasn’t ill, but maybe he hadn’t wanted to tell her over the phone. She came back and reclaimed her spot on the sofa.
Thad leaned forward and clasped his hands together. “I’m going to retire soon—in the next few weeks, actually—and I have a proposal for you to consider.”
“All right.”
“Maybe I should start from the beginning. I told you that the company where I worked was started by my best friend and that he invited me to join him as vice president.”
She nodded.
“Well, at that time we decided that the company would always remain in our families, with a Gray at the helm as CEO and a Whitcomb as VP.”
Faith sat up straight. “Are you saying...?”
Thad nodded. “Yes. I want you to succeed me as vice president, as well as occupy my seat on the board. Nolan and I will remain on as advisors, but his oldest son will take his seat and you, mine.”
She rose to her feet and paced, trying to process what he’d said. “I don’t know anything about the home safety business.”
He shrugged. “Maybe not now, but you’re an intelligent young woman who started her own business, so I have no doubts that you’ll be able to learn what you need to know. And I’ll be here to help you.”
She dropped back down on the sofa. Several things had crossed her mind, but no way could she have imagined this.
“This is your legacy, Faith. I prayed and prayed that I would have the opportunity to pass it on to you.”
His voice cracked and she sensed his emotions rising again. She felt herself on the brink of agreeing, but pushed it down. She had too much at stake. “I understand. I’m honored and...frankly speechless. What about my business? I don’t know how I’d be able to do both and I can’t just give up what I’ve worked so hard to build. Then there’s my living arrangements. My home and my life are in Portland.” She threw her hands up. “I’d have to give up everything.”
Thad came and sat next to her. He grasped her hands. “Honey, I know what I’m asking is a lot, especially since we’re still trying to get to know each other. All I ask is that you think about it. Please.”
His eyes pleaded with her and, once again, she was tempted to agree just to make him happy. “I promise, I will.”
“I’d also like to introduce you to Nolan and his family, as well as the other board members at the next meeting.”
Faith felt as if her head was spinning and she desperately wanted to lie down. “But what if I decide not to take the position?”
“I’d still like for them to meet you. Nolan saw you once when you were a baby. After your mom left with you, I don’t know what I would have done had it not been for him and his wife, DeAnna. They prayed as hard as I did and are anxious to see you.”
She didn’t know what to say. But she was glad he’d had someone to help him through that time. “Okay. I’ll let you know as soon as I can.”
He handed her a business card. “You can go to the website and check out the company, see what it’s all about.”
She nodded and stood. “I’m going to head out.” She had planned to stay long enough to help with the dishes, but right now she ne
eded to think.
Thad followed suit. “Are you going to be okay?”
“Yes. Just feeling a bit overwhelmed at the moment.” Faith stuck the card and check into her purse and started toward the front door. “I’ll leave the cake for you.”
“Thank you. I’m going to do my best not to eat it all tonight.” At the door, he gave her a strong hug. “You call me if you have any questions or if you just want to talk.”
“I will. Good night.” What had started as a quest to find her father had now turned into something much more complicated.
* * *
Thursday morning, Brandon sat at his desk smiling at the text he’d sent Faith. No matter how hard he tried to deny it, he missed her. He’d wanted to go to her place last night, but she was visiting her father. In the twelve days since he’d seen her, visions of her naked body pressed against his had plagued him every night. His cell chimed.
Tonight sounds great. Does this have anything to do with that surprise you promised?
Tonight won’t be long enough for what I have in mind, he replied.
Oh.
Brandon chuckled. No, he needed far more time. He typed back: If you’re not busy Saturday...
A couple of minutes later, she replied: I’m not.
A slow grin made it across his face and his groin stirred with anticipation. He rotated in his chair and turned his attention back to his emails.
Brandon clicked on one from his father. An emergency meeting at noon? When Brandon had seen his father earlier, he hadn’t mentioned anything. He glanced at the top and saw that the memo had gone to him and all of his siblings. No other company employees or board members. “Why would he call a meeting without the other staff?” he mumbled. Unless something was wrong with his father or mother. He checked the time. Two hours to wait. Brandon thought about going down to his father’s office to ask, but figured it would be a waste of time and his father would be just as closemouthed as he’d been regarding the transition.
Giving My All to You Page 11