Far from Perfect (Perfect, Indiana: Book One)

by Longley, Barbara

  “Could you be my father?” Ceejay held her breath and waited. His eyes were glued to the envelope. Silence filled the tiny office while the window air condition and her eyes grew bright95 c p ber hummed a tuneless song.

  “That was a difficult time in my life. I was married. My wife and I were having some problems. I’m not proud of my actions back then, and—”

  “I don’t care about any of that. Is there a chance you’re my father?”

  “It’s...possible.” A pained expression clouded his face. “Yes, but if Ann was pregnant, I never heard about it.” He squirmed in his seat. “Things ended abruptly between us once she discovered I was married.”

  “Why would she have told you about me? I mean, with you being married and screwing around with her at the same time and all.” Ceejay couldn’t keep the bitterness out of her voice.

  “Look, I’m remarried now, and I don’t want this ancient history blowing up in my wife’s face.” Dr. Flynn raked his fingers through his thinning hair. “Did Ann say I’m your father? Is that why you’re here? I’m sure I’m not the only guy she slept with during her college years.”

  “Hey,” Noah ground out. “Watch it.”

  Ceejay seethed. What a weasel, trying to make it sound like her mother was loose, after already admitting he was married while they were seeing each other. “She never said. My mom died when I was three.”

  “Look, I’m sorry to hear your mother died. I really am.” Flynn eyed her with a wary expression. “What do you want from me?”

  “I...I just wanted to know who my father is.” He didn’t want her, didn’t even want to know she existed. Everything in Ceejay’s world stuttered to an abrupt and painful halt. His rejection squeezed her insides into a frozen lump. She stared at Noah, hoping he’d pick up on her silent plea to get her out of there. She didn’t want to breathe the same air as this man. Noah slid his arm around her shoulders and drew her close. Ow. It hurt, but she wasn’t about to complain.

  “We don’t want anything from you.” Noah’s voice carried a sharp edge. “You couldn’t possibly have anything we need. Ceejay grew up without knowing who her father is. Now that we’ve met you, I’m certain she’s relieved.” He stood, bringing her up with him. “We have a lovely little girl, and as far as I’m concerned, she’ll never know you exist.”

  Noah had used we. He’d claimed Lucinda. His protectiveness kick-started her frozen heart, leaving a rush of love for him in its wake. If she hadn’t been certain about him before, she was now. Her knees went weak. Crap. Her legs were about the only functional appendages she had.

  “Come on, honey. Let’s go.” Noah guided her through the door.

  “Wait.” Dr. Flynn shot out of his chair. “This is the last thing I expected to hear today. I need time to adjust.” He followed them out of the office. “Where do you live? How can I reach you?”

  “You don’t need to reach me.” Ceejay lifted her chin and squared her shoulders. “I’ve managed without a father my entire life, and I’m fine. We’re fine.”

  The professor’s shoulders slumped. “I’m sorry.”

  She turned away and let Noah lead her to the elevator. Once inside, he drew her into his arms. and her eyes grew bright what c p b“Are you all right?”

  She snuggled against his chest, inhaled his scent, and let the tears flow. “He didn’t know about me.”

  “Are you certain he’s—”

  “Did you not get a good look at him?” She gestured to her own face. “I have his eyes, his bone structure, his coloring and freckles. I think they’re even in the same pattern.”

  “Yeah, I noticed.”

  “I...I feel so bad for my mom.” She sniffed and swiped at the tears on her cheeks. “That man broke her heart.”

  “I’m sorry, Ceejay. What can I do?”

  “You’re doing it now, Noah. You’re here with me.”

  “I’ve got your back, babe. Always.”

  The elevator door opened. Noah put his arm around her shoulders and headed them in the direction of his truck. Always. He’d said always. Warmth spread through her, chasing away the pain of rejection she’d just received from Dr. Flynn. Ceejay turned her thoughts away from the excruciating encounter and focused on something more pleasant. “Allison said your sister is coming to Perfect with your dad next weekend.”

  “Yep. She’s planning to stay for a few days. Do you mind? She only has a week off before she starts school.”

  “No. I don’t mind.” The Langfords would outnumber the Lovejoys at the old homestead. Her head ached, and she worried about how all the activity and company would affect Jenny. Most of all, everything in her life kept shifting, and she couldn’t find firm footing. “Once I’m out of these stupid casts, I’m going on a vacation.”

  Noah gave her shoulders a squeeze. “You haven’t been working for three weeks now. What do you need a vacation from?”

  “The Langford invasion.” She nudged him with her shoulder, reveling in the sound of his laughter.

  Ceejay smiled as Noah’s sister got out of Ed’s SUV. How different everything seemed since her accident a month ago. She could honestly say she didn’t mind Ed’s presence in her life anymore. Paige had her father’s coloring, but she definitely got her good looks from Allison. Carefully styled shoulder-length tawny hair brushed her shoulders. Her jeans still held a crease where they’d been pressed, and the sleeveless silk button-down blouse screamed casual elegance.

  Ed went to the back of his car and unloaded their suitcases. Paige headed straight for her.

  “Oh, my God, I’m so glad to finally meet you,” she gushed. “I already know we’re going to be good friends.” She surveyed Ceejay’s casts and sling. “I’d give you a hug, but it looks like that might be painful.”

  “Thanks.” Ceejay felt a little overwhelmed and took a step back. She placed her hand on Lucinda’s curls. Her daughter stared wide-eyed at the newest Langford. “This is—”

  “Wow, are you the cutest little niece ever, or what?” Paige went to her knees on the veranda. “Hey, Lucinda, you and I are going to have to spend to some serious girl time together. I’m your Aunt Paige.” and her eyes grew brightpro c p b

  The two fingers that had been firmly planted flew out of Lucinda’s mouth, and a look of awe replaced her natural trepidation. “Are you my uncle Noah’s sister?”

  “I sure am.” Paige stood and held out her hand, and Lucinda took it. “Your grandma is my mommy.”

  Lucinda turned her face up toward Paige like a flower to the sun. “She is?”

  “Do you like to play dress up?”

  Lucinda nodded.

  “Good, because I brought some of my old favorites with me. How’d you like to be a princess for the day?”

  Lucinda glanced at Ceejay over her shoulder. “Mommy, can my aunt Paige make me a princess?”

  “Sure she can.” Ceejay sent Paige a look of gratitude. She’d already decided she liked Noah’s outgoing sister. “Go on in. Allison and Jenny are in the kitchen preparing a feast for dinner.”

  “Where’s Noah?” Mr. Langford set the luggage on the porch.

  “He’s in his shop with my cousin.” Ceejay reached for the screen door and hooked her fingers into the handle to open it. “I’ll show you where to put Paige’s things.”

  “Are we OK, Ceejay?”

  “Umm...” Whoa. Ed was nothing if not direct. A surge of adrenaline charged up her insides. Were they OK? She did a mental inventory, pleased to find no lingering angst. “Sure.”

  “That’s good. Noah told us about your meeting with Dr. Flynn.” He put a hand on her shoulder for a second. “You want me to have a little talk with the man? Give him a black eye or two?”

  She was about to laugh until she met his eyes, and her breath caught. He meant it. Allison’s words came back to her. This was his way of letting her know she had allies. She shook her head. “I appreciate the offer, but I’m really OK about how it turned out. It’s not like he’s ever been a part of my life.�
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  “You ever need anything, all you have to do is ask.” He followed her up the stairs.

  “Thank you, Mr. Langford.”

  “Call me Ed. I’ll just put these bags where they belong, and then head out to the carriage house with the men.”

  “I can let him know you’re here. He’ll come to the house.”

  “Don’t bother. I’ll tell him myself.”

  She led the way down the hall to the bedroom they’d prepared for Paige. “You and Allison are in the same room you were in before. We plan to eat in about an hour. Would you let my cousin know he’s welcome to stay?”

  “I’ll do that.” Ed placed his daughter’s suitcase on the freshly made bed and headed to the room he shared with his wife.

  Ceejay took the back stairs to the kitchen, drawn by the sound of women’s voices and the delicious smell of peach cobbler wafting through the house. Counting Harlen and Ted, they’d have nine people staying for supper. Nothing like the Thanksgiving and Christmas crowd, with all the Lovejoys gathering at the ancestral home, but enough that they’d eat in the dining room. “Lucinda,” she called as she walked into kitchen, “I need you to help me set the table.” and her eyes grew brighturs . His

  “I can help.” Paige lifted Lucinda off her lap and rose from her chair.

  “Thanks.” Ceejay lifted her right cast. “I can’t wait to have these off.”

  “I can imagine. Tell me where everything is, and we’ll get it done in no time.”

  Paige followed her through the double doors to the dining room, and Ceejay pointed to the sideboard. “Everything is in there.”

  The hour passed quickly, and soon the men’s voices added to the congenial atmosphere as they trooped in through the back door to wash their hands at the kitchen sink. Frustrated with her own helplessness, Ceejay moved out of the way while Allison and Paige brought the food-laden platters and bowls to the dining room. “When did you get here, Harlen?”

  “About forty minutes ago,” he said. “Been admiring all of Noah’s new toys out back.”

  At the mention of his name, Noah came to stand beside her. “I’m starving. We’ve been smelling that turkey smoking on the grill all afternoon.” He leaned in and gave her a kiss.

  An electric shock shot down her spine. “Jenny made a cobbler with peaches from our orchard. It’s a recipe handed down through the family all the way back to—”

  “The Civil War.” Ted sauntered past, coming to an abrupt halt when he caught sight of Paige. “Hello. She’s your sister?” He shot Noah a questioning glance.

  “Yep, and she’s out of your league, buddy.”

  “Tell me what league you’re talking about, and I’ll sign up today.” Ted’s eyes widened. “You gotta put in a good word for me, bro.”

  Noah laughed. “Good luck. She’s older than you, and a Harvard graduate.”

  “Doesn’t matter.” Ted stared at Paige from his place in the kitchen. “Ceejay, if Noah won’t put in a good word for me, you will, right?”

  She nudged him toward the dining room. “You’re on your own.”

  “Uncle Noah”—Lucinda grabbed his hand—“can I sit wif you?”

  “Of course you can.” Noah scooped her up in his arms. “I want you on one side of me and your mom on the other. That way I can take care of both of you.”

  “Thanks.” Ceejay took the seat he held out for her, and then he settled Lucinda into her booster and sat between them. Ceejay glanced around the table at the happy faces. Something settled inside her, and she savored the happiness. The old house was made for gatherings like this, for children and family. She’d miss it once she found a new job in the city. At least she knew it would always be here to come home to. “Everything looks great.”

  “Light meat or dark?” Noah took the platter being passed around the table.

  “Dark, and Lucinda likes white.”

  Noah maneuvered a little of everything onto their plates, then he started cutting their food into manageable pieces.

  “You’re going to make a great daddy someday, Noah.” Paige nodded at him from across the table. “You’re a natural.”

  Ceejay’s heart raced. Had the chair across from her. ors . His Noah mentioned the possibility to his sister? No, he wouldn’t. She could no longer deny she was late, but trauma could also cause a woman’s cycle to get out of whack. And stress. Stress could definitely be the cause. It would just be too weird, too much of a freakish coincidence to find herself in the very same predicament twice in her life. She felt the color rising to her face. Stealing a sideways glance Noah’s way, she found him staring at her with an intensity that stole the air right out of her lungs.

  “I hope so.” He turned to Paige. “You want to drive into Evansville with me tomorrow?”

  “I’d love to get out of this house and take a trip into town.” Ceejay put her fork down. “I’ve been feeling restless.”

  Noah gave her good shoulder a squeeze. “I don’t think you want to come this time. I have some business to take care of, and Paige has offered to help. Plus, I haven’t spent any time alone with my sister since—”

  “Oh, right.” Stung, she turned back to her plate. “Another time.”

  “Tomorrow I’m spending with my big brother, and then I think we should plan a girls’ night out.” Paige looked around the table. “What do you say, Mom? You, me, Jenny, and Ceejay. Dinner out and a chick flick?”

  “Can I come?” Lucinda practically bounced out of her booster.

  “If you go, who will take care of me and your uncle Noah?” Ed gave Lucinda a mock scowl. “How about we have our own little party right here? Pizza and Disney.”

  “And ice cream?”

  “That sounds great.” Noah tousled her hair. “And ice cream.”

  “Count me in.” Harlen nodded. “I’ll bring the ice cream.”

  Ted had taken the chair next to Paige. His total absorption with Noah’s sister had to be obvious to everyone. He turned to face her. “Do you want children someday, Paige?”

  She took a sip of her sweet tea without looking at him. “I haven’t given it much thought. I’m not finished with my MBA yet, and I want to get started on my career first. I’m not even dating right now.”

  “I want kids. At least two, maybe more.”

  “Good for you,” Paige mumbled and caught Ceejay’s eye. “Where do you want to go for our girls’ night out?”

  “You know what? I’ve never had a pedicure.” Ceejay’s excitement about the venture grew. “Can we do a spa thing before dinner and the movie?”

  “Absolutely.” Allison rubbed her hands together. “I suppose we’ll have to head into Evansville for that. Leave it to me. I’ll find the spa and make the appointments. My treat.”

  Ceejay frowned. “I can’t let you do that. You’ve already done so much.”

  “Just try to stop her.” Ed sent Allison a love-filled look. “She has a stubborn streak a mile wide.”

  “Listen to who’s talking.” Allison fussed with her napkin. “He’s right, though. I want to do this.” Her glance connected with Ceejay’s, shifted to Noah, touched on Lucinda, and came back to her. “You #8217;s arms d

  CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

  NOAH PEERED OVER PAIGE’S SHOULDER while she adjusted the pictures of the cradle on their Langford & Lovejoy Heritage Furniture website. They’d been in his shop since the early hours. She, Allison, and the Lovejoy women had all gone to town yesterday for their spa day. He and Paige had spent the day before that picking out a ring, filing all the appropriate incorporation papers, and setting up their business accounts. Today he planned to scoop up any of the gold nuggets of business and marketing advice Paige gave him.

  “I owe you big-time.”

  “Yeah, you do, and don’t think I won’t call in the favor one day.” She shot him a wry look. “How did Dad take the news?”

  “What news?” Their father strolled through the opened bay doors.

  Shit. Noah hadn’t wanted to have this conversatio
n until his year was up—until he had something to show for his efforts besides a single cradle he never intended to sell. No avoiding it now, though. Soldier up. “I’m starting my own business. I’m going to design and build custom furniture and sell it on the Internet.”

  His dad put his hands deep into his pockets, jangled the contents, and stared at the site Paige was working on. “Sounds more like a hobby than a feasible way to ea eyes were riveted on herssta">rn a living.”

  Noah tamped down the frustration flaring up and braced himself for the rest of the argument. This was nothing new. “I’m not going to work for Langford Plumbing Supplies, Dad. I had no interest before I went to war, and I have even less now.”

  “It’s your responsibility. A Langford has always stood at the helm. You’re next in line.” Jangle, jangle.

  Noah caught movement out of the corner of his eye as Ted came around the corner of the carriage house, ready for work. He turned back to his father. “Not this Langford. Paige is the genius when it comes to business management. Put her to work.”

  “It’s always been the Langford men who have led LPS.” Ed shook his head.

  Noah glimpsed the hurt in his sister’s eyes before she averted her gaze.

  She stared hard at the computer screen. “That’s right. Heaven help us if a girl should be in charge. The world as the Langfords know it would turn upside down.”

  “Oh boy. I’m interrupting something. Sorry.” Ted started backing away. “I’ll just come back later.”

  “Wait, Ted. I need to make a run into town to drop your proposal for the carriage house off at city hall.” Paige rose from her stool and snatched up the manila envelope sitting on the workbench. “Could you give me a ride?”

  “Absolutely.” Ted lit up like a flare.

  Noah quirked an eyebrow. “Did you drive the Mustang or that beat-up old piece of shit you call a truck?”

  “Oh, crap,” Ted muttered. “I drove the truck. Give me your keys, bro.”