Sierra looked to Spencer who stood beside Ben talking in low tones she couldn’t hear.
“As you know, Mrs. Drake is my godmother.”
Sierra nodded.
“Well, she has a brother. His name is Carl Davis. Carl and the Belafontes go way back. Mr. Belafonte and Carl were competitors in the construction business, but Carl wasn’t a good businessman and had a difficult time managing money. From what I understand, Mr. Belafonte kept undercutting Carl’s bids and getting the jobs he wanted. It got to be so bad that Carl closed his business and declared bankruptcy.”
Sierra’s eyes widened. “Carl is the man who works for Mrs. Drake. I met him the day I moved in.”
“Yes. That’s correct.”
“This is all interesting, but where is this story going, and why are you the one sharing it?”
Sadness filled Celia’s eyes. “I’m here because what they did was wrong. I read about everything in the paper. I’m so sorry. It’s all my fault. I let jealousy blind me to what they were doing.”
“What do you mean?”
“My godmother was very curious about you and what you were doing while you were living in her house, so I would report to her. She wanted more and more information, like where you were working, so I resorted to following you sometimes. I knew the history her brother had with the Belafontes, but my godmother always laughed off his attitude. She never seemed to care one way or the other about the family and even rooted for me when I was invited to interview to be Bailey’s assistant. But when I didn’t get the job, things changed.”
Sierra couldn’t believe what she was hearing, but it all made sense somehow.
“I was angry and hurt that you were chosen over me. You see, I remembered you from school, and I knew I was a better designer than you. I didn’t realize it at the time, but my godmother decided to wage war against you and the Belafontes when I didn’t get the job.” Her tearful gaze slammed into Sierra’s. “You have to believe me. I didn’t realize what she and her brother were doing. By the time I did, you were in jail and the media circus had begun. Carl started that fire . . . I knew something had to be done before someone was killed.”
“I don’t understand. How could you not have known what they were up to?”
Celia sighed. “I believed my godmother had left the country. She was in reality staying at a motel in Bend where she and her brother schemed to destroy the Belafontes. The fire was never intended to kill Mona. Carl was counting on you getting there before it was too late—”
“Hold on. He was willing to risk an elderly woman’s life because of a grudge? That’s insane.”
“No, that’s hate,” Spencer said. “Celia went to the police and already gave her statement. Mark told her where you were, so she could explain everything in person. Although I wish he would have run it by me first, but that’s another conversation.”
“You really knew nothing?” Sierra asked.
Celia shook her head. “Not until after the fire did I put it all together. I was afraid. I love my godmother as if she were my own mom, but what they did to you was wrong. They set you up because of me. She was angry that you got the job, and I didn’t. I’m so sorry for everything. Seeing what they did opened my eyes to my own role in their hate. I’m really sorry.”
Sierra sat silent, too numb to reply.
“You were nice to me,” Celia said. “Even when I was a snot. And I respected your honest sass at the shop. When I read everything in the paper and that you could spend serious jail time, I knew I had to come forward.”
If Spencer and Ben hadn’t been standing there affirming what Celia said she wouldn’t have believed her—this was crazy. Her life had turned into a soap opera. Thankfully it would be over soon. “Thank you, Celia. I’m sure it wasn’t easy to turn them in.”
“It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, but it felt good to free you. I’m only sorry it took me so long to figure out what was going on, and that I didn’t turn them in immediately.”
Spencer’s phone rang. He spoke quietly then slipped the phone into his pocket. “All charges have been dropped.”
“Woo-hoo!” Trey shouted from somewhere behind her.
They all laughed, releasing the heavy tension in the room. She was a free woman once again. Jobless, but free.
A knock sounded on Spencer’s door. The men glanced at one another then Spencer looked out the peephole. He pulled the door partway open. “May I help you?”
“I’m looking for my son, Trey Robinson. Is he here?”
Sierra’s heart beat a rapid staccato. Randy? She stood as Trey darted past her.
“Why would you think he’s here?” Spencer asked
Ben moved to block her son.
“Let him go,” Sierra said.
Trey tapped Spencer’s shoulder. “I want to see him.”
He flicked a glance over his shoulder and stepped aside. Sierra stood and moved closer. She hovered behind Spencer, close enough to hear what was going on, on the other side of the partly closed door.
“I got your message,” Randy said.
“Thanks for coming. Everything is okay now. All the charges against my mom were dropped.”
Trey had reached out to his dad? Her stomach churned. Had something happened with Spencer?
“I heard on the radio as I was driving over here from my hotel. I’m glad everything turned out for you and your mom.”
“Me too. I’m sorry coming here was a bother.”
“Are you kidding? You will never be a bother.”
“That’s not the way I understand things. You left and you gave up all your parental rights.”
“You speak your mind. Good. That makes it easier. Yes. I did those things, but I was young and stupid. I’m not that kid anymore. I’ve grown into a man. I have a wife and kids, and I’d like you to meet them. They came with me to Oregon.”
“Really?” Trey’s voice hitched. “I have half-siblings?” He poked his head around the corner of the door. “Mom! You need to get out here.”
Spencer gently squeezed her shoulder. “I’m here if you need me,” he said softly. He pulled the door open wider and let her out.
She tugged it closed behind her. “It’s been a while, Randy.”
“Yes. I’m sorry about that.”
She shrugged. “Why are you here now?”
“Our son found me and contacted me.” His focus shifted to Trey. “By the way, how did you find me? I’ve thought to look for you and your mom over the years, but I didn’t know where to start. She’d left our hometown and no one knew where she’d gone.”
“My mom’s boyfriend found you for us. He’s a cop.”
Randy chuckled. “Talk about irony. I saw the write-ups in the paper. I’m glad they found the persons responsible.”
“Me too!” Trey said. “I was freaked out when my mom was arrested. That’s the only reason I called you. I didn’t want you in my life since you’d tossed me aside without a second thought.”
Sierra studied the changing emotions crossing Randy’s face as her son reamed him. She ought to remind him to talk respectfully, but she couldn’t. Randy needed to hear this.
“What about now?” Randy asked.
“I don’t know. Things have been so crazy. Thanks for dropping everything and coming.”
“You weren’t easy to find. You forgot to tell me where you were staying, and when I tried to call the number back, it always went to voicemail.”
“I used a throw away phone.”
“You didn’t trust me?”
“I don’t know you.”
“But you called anyway.”
“True.”
“Randy, there’s a lot going on right now,” Sierra said. “If you’re going to be around maybe you and Trey can meet for pizza. You can catch up, maybe exchange contact information, then you and your family can head back to California.”
He nodded. “What do you say, Trey?”
“I guess so.” He looked at her. “Thi
s is weird.”
She laughed. “I agree. Meet us at the pizza place in the village tomorrow at six.” She didn’t wait for his reply and turned to go inside. She felt Trey right behind her.
Spencer stood with a grim look on his face. “Well?”
Ben cleared his throat. “That’s my cue to leave. Celia, are you coming?”
“Ah, sure.” She stood and stopped when she reached Sierra. “I’m glad you’re okay, and I’m really sorry about everything.”
“Thanks, Celia.” Too many emotions clogged her mind at the moment. Talk about being in overload.
Ben and Celia walked out together leaving the three of them alone. They stood there in silence, until Trey moved to the couch.
“Are you mad at me, Mom?”
“Because you called your dad? No. I’m surprised, but not angry. I wish you’d let Spencer or myself know he might show up, though.” She went and snuggled into the corner of the couch.
Trey sat across from her. “Yeah. I’m sorry about that too. I really didn’t think he’d come. When we spoke on the phone, he was pretty weirded out.”
“I would imagine so.”
The couch shifted as Spencer eased down beside her. “So are you my girlfriend now?” He reached for her hand.
Tingles shot through her fingers and up her arms. “You heard that, huh?”
He nodded. Vulnerability shone in his eyes.
“I’d like to be your girlfriend.” She’d finally found a man she could trust—one that wouldn’t walk out on her when things got tough. He’d more than proven himself.
“Good. Because I have big plans for us.”
Trey stood. “I’m leaving before things get gross.”
They chuckled.
He stepped past them, and a moment later she heard the click of his bedroom door.
“Alone at last,” Spencer said. “I’ve missed you.” He tugged her closer and dropped feather-light kisses on her neck before moving to her face and ending on her lips. She returned his kiss and warmed from head to toe. This was what true love felt like.
Epilogue
Six Years Later
Sierra stood out on the deck looking for her husband. Where had Spencer gone? Too many bodies filtered around their small house and yard to celebrate Trey’s graduation from the University of Oregon. He’d studied to be an engineer like his dad.
“Spencer!” She stood on tiptoe and waved.
He made his way to her and pulled her to his side. “This is quite a turnout. I didn’t think everyone on the guest list would show up at the same time.”
She laughed. “Me either. Look, there’s John and Sarah. Let’s say hi.” They wove their way through clumps of Trey’s college friends and a few of their own as well. “You made it.” She gave them each a quick hug.
John looked past them. “Looks like we choose a popular time to come.”
Spencer pointed to the kitchen counter. “Help yourself to food and dessert while it’s still there. Where are your kids?”
Sarah grinned. “Are you kidding? We wouldn’t dream of bringing the twins to something like this. Imagine two active four-years-olds racing through your house.” She shook her head. “I value your friendship too much to do that.” A twinkle lit her eyes.
“You’ll have to bring them each a piece of cake,” Sierra said. “There are plates on the counter. Trey is outside.”
Their friends moved further into the house. “I’m glad they came,” she said.
“I’m glad they left their rascals at home.” He chuckled and winked.
Sarah wasn’t kidding about the energy level of their twins. The boys were a handful-and-a-half, but John and Sarah were great parents and the kids more than likely would have done fine. They probably wanted a break, and she didn’t blame them.
The door swung open, and Bailey along with Stephen and their crew of three boys sauntered inside. Poor Bailey had wanted a girl so much, but had given up after having all boys.
Stephen offered his hand to Spencer. “Long time no see.”
“No kidding. How’ve you been?” The men wandered off.
“Thanks for coming, Bailey.”
“We wouldn’t miss this. Where is the man of the hour?”
“Outside with his friends. Have some food and mingle. We invited the entire Belafonte clan, so I know there will be people here you know.”
Bailey grinned. “How’s business going?”
“Great.” When Mrs. Drake went to prison for her role in the arson she’d lost her business. Sierra was able to purchase the inventory for pennies on the dollar. She’d given the space her own touch and had been taking on designing clients on the side.
Trey sidled up to her. “Mom, Randy is out front. I’m going to go out and say hi and invite him in.” He had never felt comfortable calling Randy “Dad,” but they had developed a decent relationship for which she was grateful. Her son had flourished under the care of Spencer and the attention of Randy. She couldn’t ask for more.
She looked around the space and caught her husband’s eye. Peace washed through her. Their love story had a rocky start, but their love had been designed by the Lord, and she couldn’t be happier.
A Note from the Author
This is the final book in the Sunriver Dreams series. Thank you for coming on this journey with me. Sunriver is a favorite place of mine, and I hope you have grown to love it as much as I do.
I enjoy connecting with readers via my Kimberly Rose Johnson Reader’s group on Facebook. If that’s not your style, please subscribe to my newsletter via my website. www.kimberlyrjohnson.com
Books by Kimberly Rose Johnson
Sunriver Dreams
A Love to Treasure
A Christmas Homecoming
Designing Love
Wildflower B&B Romance Series
Island Refuge
Island Dreams
Island Christmas
Island Hope
Stand Alone
A Valentine for Kayla
Series with Heartsong Presents
The Christmas Promise
A Romance Rekindled
A Holiday Proposal
A Match for Meghan
Designing Love: An Inspirational Romance (Sunriver Dreams Book 3) Page 16