It was the type of question she had always posed to God in her younger years. Why couldn’t she have been born to parents who cared about me? Why didn’t they love me? Why are some people so alone while others have so much? Wasn’t she worthy of such happiness?
Those questions had driven her away from God for a time, but she had found her way back to His love.
She felt a little guilty about resurrecting those thoughts, especially since Daniel’s family had been so gracious and warm to her. Lorelei still harbored the dream about having a large, bustling family, which was ridiculous. It was too late for such things. It hadn’t been her destiny.
Her cell phone rang, providing her with a welcome respite from her thoughts. She quickly realized it was Olga calling, no doubt to check in regarding the shoot in Barbados. She’d been so wrapped up in the Donahue family barbecue that she’d forgotten to give her agent a call earlier.
“Hi, Olga. I’m so sorry for not calling you earlier,” Lorelei said as she answered the call. “I ended up going to a barbecue after I landed.”
“No worries, Lorelei. I’m glad to hear you’re going out and having fun. I always tell you how important it is to focus on your social life rather than just on your career. You’ve done so well in the modeling world but it’s not healthy to eat, sleep and drink your career. So, who is he?”
“Who is who?” she asked coyly.
Olga burst out laughing. “Don’t try to fool me. We’ve known each other way too long for that. Who is the guy in your life? I can hear it in your voice.”
“It’s someone you know, Olga. It’s Daniel. Daniel Donahue.”
Lorelei heard a sharp intake of breath on the other end of the line. “Seriously? When did this happen?”
Lorelei took a few moments to explain to Olga her connection with Daniel and how they had ended up going on their first date. “I hope you don’t see a conflict of interest since I’m working on the Rhiannon video game.”
“Not all,” Olga said. “Daniel is a really sweet and solid guy. I’m happy for the two of you. I’ve actually known him and his family for years through Micah. You have good taste, Lorelei.” She cleared her throat. “I was actually reaching out to you about the parole hearing.” Just hearing those two words caused her entire body to tense up.
“What is it?” she asked, all the while dreading the answer. She knew Olga well enough to know she wasn’t the type to call unless it was something important.
“I found out from the prosecutor that a bunch of people are showing up for the parole hearing.”
“Really?” she asked, wondering who was speaking on her behalf.
“Yes, Lorelei. They’re speaking on behalf of Ellis,” Olga said in a low voice.
Lorelei felt as if she might just pass out. Had she heard Olga correctly?
“On his behalf?” she asked in a raised voice. “How is that possible? After everything he did to me, plunging me into a never ending nightmare! How could they?” Her voice sounded shrill to her own ears, but she didn’t care. This was preposterous.
“Lorelei, I’m so sorry. I know how devastating this must be to hear. But I can give a statement in person and you could ask Bethany as well. I only know this information due to a friend I have in the prosecutor’s office so we need to keep it quiet.”
How could she ask others to speak at the hearing when she herself wasn’t brave enough to show up at the parole hearing in person? How could she ask Olga and Bethany to do something she couldn’t bring herself to do?
“Lorelei! Are you there?” Olga asked.
“I’m here,” she said, letting out a ragged sigh. “I-I just need to think about it. It would be great if you could give a statement, but I feel like I’m asking for too much.”
“Stop it! You’re like a daughter to me, the one I was never fortunate enough to give birth to. I want this nightmare to be over for you and I’ll do anything I possibly can to make that happen for you.”
As they said goodnight and ended the call, Lorelei said a prayer of thanks.
Sometimes it took moments like this to remind a person of all the blessings they had. Both Olga and Bethany had been like family to her over the years. Olga and her husband Lloyd had tried for years to have children, but their efforts had never resulted in a baby. Olga had taken Lorelei under her wing from the start and protected her from the perils of the modeling world. She had been like a Mama Grizzly when it came to Lorelei’s career.
God in his wisdom had also given her Bethany and Bethany’s loving family. They had been wonderful to her through the years. It made her feel ashamed for not appreciating the people she had in her life rather than wondering why her own parents hadn’t been more devoted to her.
God had given her blessings in abundance.
Be thankful for the blessings you do have. Always remember to stay grateful.
She had come a long way over the past few years, in large part due to the people in her orbit who had loved her and lifted her up so she could distance herself from the nightmare of her past. She needed to stay positive and pray about the parole hearing, rather than giving in to her fears. At the same time, she knew her limitations. The clock was ticking. She wasn’t strong enough to attend the parole hearing. It would be incredible if she could show up at the parole hearing and deliver a powerful statement about James Ellis. But every time she thought about it she got sick to her stomach. Nausea rose up in her throat and threatened to choke her. One of her biggest fears was that she would summon the courage to show up in person then once she got in the room the words wouldn’t come. She would be sitting there in a room with the man who had stalked her, helpless and speechless.
Lorelei picked up a stack of mail from her hallway table. Her maid, Rita, had probably placed it there sometime this week. Rita was fantastic. She kept Lorelei’s place in tip-top shape and cooked meals for her as well. She stuck the meals in the freezer so Lorelei could use them during the week. Lorelei smiled as she thought about all the meals she had to look forward to thank to Rita. Although Lorelei liked to eat, she hadn’t fully mastered the art of cooking.
She dug into her mail, appreciating the Lord and Taylor coupons and the announcement about the new pizza place opening on Main street. Perhaps she could invite Daniel to go check it out with her. She frowned as she looked at the envelope that had her name on it, written in cursive. The letters were elegant and graceful. Her heart began to beat fast and beads of sweat broke out on her forehead. It looked familiar. No, she thought, feeling frantic. It couldn’t be. There was no way James Ellis could reach her from prison. But the hand writing looked so much like all the letters she’d received in the past, prior to his prison sentence. With a guttural cry, she slit the envelope open, her eyes bulging as she saw the note.
LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING YOU SOON!
Lorelei let the note flutter to the floor. Although it wasn’t signed, she had no doubt as to who has sent it. Even though he was in prison, James Ellis had managed to contact her. This note was a veiled threat. He was daring her to show up at the parole hearing. Her entire body began to shiver uncontrollably. She didn’t have any proof that Ellis had sent the letter, but Lorelei knew with a deep certainty that her stalker was back.
**
By the time his date night with Lorelei rolled around, Daniel was excited to see Lorelei again. Over the past few weeks they had shared a second date and a third, followed by several more. They were now officially a couple. He had just gotten home from a business trip to Boston and he had missed Lorelei’s meeting at DD Studios. From what Nash had told him, she had made a great impression on everyone. It didn’t surprise him one bit. She was sweet with a wonderful sense of humor. And she loved people, even though he sensed she’d had her fair share of loneliness. And when he looked at her, Daniel wanted to hold her in his arms and take away every bad moment she’d ever had. He wanted to fill her world with joy, and in the process, he would get joy in return.
It was amazing what it did to him when Lo
relei smiled. Or when she laughed at a joke or showed she was happy. Daniel knew enough from watching his siblings fall in love that it was happening to him too. He knew some might say it was happening too fast, but Lorelei had entered his life like a bolt of lightning in a clear blue sky. He hadn’t expected his life to change so much. Or his heart.
“Where are we going? Why won’t you tell me?” Lorelei asked, squirming in the passenger seat like an overly eager child.
It was one of the things he loved about her. She appreciated surprises and the simple pleasures of life. She wasn’t stuck up or snobby. And she somehow made him feel as if he was special. The only people who had ever made him feel that way were his family members. Daniel didn’t know all that much about being in love, but he had a strong feeling it was about how a person made you feel. Lorelei made Daniel feel as if he could soar. It was the most exhilarating feeling in the world.
Daniel quickly glanced at Lorelei, then back at the road. “Be patient. Haven’t you heard good things come to those who wait?”
She made a pouty face which made him chuckle. “You look like you’re all of eight-years old,” he told her.
“I’ve never been very patient. You should see me at Christmastime,” she said, with a twinkle in her eye.
“I can’t wait,” he said, blurting out the words before he could rein them in. He didn’t want Lorelei to think he was counting on them being together long-term. He wasn’t certain if she felt that way about their relationship, and experience had taught him not to count his chickens before they’d hatched. Daniel had once thought he and his ex-girlfriend, Patsy, were on the same page until she’d dumped him. His feelings for Lorelei made his feelings for Patsy seem like child’s play. They were vaster and deeper, richer and more complex. He couldn’t for the life of him imagine ever feeling anything like this again. He prayed they were in it for the long haul.
“Me too.” Lorelei was grinning as if she couldn’t wait to spend Christmas with him.
When they pulled up to the carnival fairgrounds, Lorelei let out an excited squeal. “How did you know I love carnivals?”
“I had a hunch! I’ve loved them my whole life. I was banking on the fact that you did too.”
Daniel reached for her hand as they began walking to the entrance. He purchased rubber bracelets for them both that allowed unlimited rides at the carnival. Lorelei was acting like a little kid in a candy store. Her excitement was effusive.
Everything was lit up—the Ferris wheel, the tilt a whirl, the bumper cars and the merry-go-round, along with dozens of other rides and attractions. The smell of cotton candy hovered in the air, along with caramel apples and sizzling hot popcorn. Daniel’s mouth watered at the aromas floating in the air.
“Where should we start first?” he asked Lorelei.
“Oh, I’m so excited by all of this. I love the Ferris wheel. There’s nothing quite like looking out over the fairgrounds once you’re on the tip top.”
Daniel didn’t bother to tell Lorelei that he was afraid of heights. She was so excited about going to the very top of it. He couldn’t disappoint her, nor did he want to make himself look like a chicken. He said a quick prayer to quiet his fears. Lord, please let me get through this with a small measure of dignity. Don’t let me make a fool of myself in front of Lorelei. As they waited in line Lorelei’s excitement increased exponentially while Daniel’s jitters magnified. He took a deep breath as they held out their wrists and gained admission. The usher seated them and shut the door behind them. As Daniel sat down he winced at the rocking motion of the chair. Before he knew it they were being lifted up into the air, high above the fairgrounds.
“This is fantastic!” Lorelei shouted, spreading her arms wide. Daniel had scooted over to the side of the chair and kept telling himself to breathe. He was carefully avoiding looking down. It made him feel queasy!
“Daniel, look!” Lorelei said, her voice brimming with enthusiasm. “You can see the beach from here.”
Daniel took a deep breath and looked over the edge. Oh, no. Not a good idea! He felt a bit dizzy. He shot Lorelei a smile even though he felt nauseous and almost on the verge of passing out.
He felt Lorelei’s hand on his arm. “Daniel, are you okay? You look a bit…green.”
Daniel bent forward and put his head between his knees, praying the dizzy feeling would subside. “I-I’m just a little dizzy. Sadly, the Ferris wheel always makes me feel a bit…nauseous and off-kilter.”
Suddenly, he felt her gripping his arm. “Oh, Daniel. You should have told me. I never would have asked you to ride the Ferris wheel if I’d known. Why didn’t you say something?”
He felt a bit sheepish. He had been trying to make a good impression on Lorelei. What guy wanted to admit to his date that the Ferris wheel freaked him out? He had just been trying to uphold the family motto. Donahue strong! Although he’d failed miserably.
Perhaps he could try to explain it to Lorelei so she would understand. “I didn’t want to rain on your parade, because you were so thrilled to do it. And it’s important to face your fears.” He sat up in the chair, keeping his eyes closed so he wouldn’t have to see how high up they were.
“When we go around again I can flag down the usher so he can stop the ride,” she suggested, her voice sounding tender.
Daniel opened his eyes. “No way! That would be humiliating.”
“Worse than getting sick on the ride?” Lorelei asked, her tone incredulous.
“I feel a little better. Closing my eyes helped. I don’t think I’m going to get sick.”
Lorelei leaned over and pressed a kiss on his cheek. “Then keep them closed, baby.”
Baby? She’d called him baby as in her baby! Suddenly, the height didn’t seem so overwhelming to Daniel. He was soaring and it had nothing to do with the ride. It had everything to do with being with this amazing woman who was showing him with each and every day that she had his back. She was holding his hand so tightly and comforting him. By the time the ride ended, Daniel had bolstered his courage. He was able to look out over the side without feeling as if he was going to get sick.
His legs were a little wobbly as they exited the ride, but with Lorelei holding on to his arm, Daniel quickly walked it off. Lorelei insisted Daniel pick the next ride, which was incredibly tame compared to the Ferris wheel. For the next few hours they enjoyed it all—the rides, the food and especially the cotton candy. Watching Lorelei eat the pink fluffy treat caused a little hitch in his heart. She looked like a little kid and her lips were sticky and pink.
He pointed to her upper lip. “You’ve got a little something there,” he said with a chuckle.
She wiped her lip with a napkin then said, “I can’t believe you’re not eating any of it. How can you resist it?”
He held up his bag of popcorn. “This is the really good stuff.” He threw a few kernels in his mouth and chomped down on them.
“Thanks for taking me here,” Lorelei said. “It makes me feel like a little kid again to be here. All the bright lights and the rides. The sights and the heavenly aromas.”
“You’re welcome,” he said, pleased he’d been able to make her happy. “I had a lot of fun tonight also.” He grinned at her. “Any time I can eat popcorn and corn dogs is a good evening.”
Lorelei laughed and shook her head. “I love carnival food, but I think I’ve had my fill,” she said, veering towards a trash can so she could dump the rest of her cotton candy. “If I have any more I’ll definitely end up with a stomach ache.”
“Do you want to stop by the Silver Spoon later on for some real food?”
“That would be great! I’ve been dying to see the Donahue family diner. You talk about it all the time.” She looked gleeful. “I have such a wonderful image of it in my mind.”
Daniel looked at her questioningly. “One last ride? And then we’ll head over to the Silver Spoon?” he asked, nodding in the direction of the carousel.
Lorelei clapped her hands together. “Yay! I love t
he carousel! I remember my grandparents used to take me when I was a little girl.”
“Then let’s go,” he said, taking her hand and walking her towards the carousel. It felt nice, he realized, to feel Lorelei’s hand in his own. It was one of life’s simple pleasures. Sweet and satisfying. Daniel hadn’t ever felt as if he’d been part of a couple. Not a real one the way he felt right now with Lorelei. It was a bit scary, because he was beginning to count on Lorelei and on what they shared. Life was way more interesting with her in it. He hoped and prayed they would continue building on their relationship because a future with Lorelei would be beyond his wildest dreams.
**
The Silver Spoon was everything Lorelei had imagined and so much more. The moment they had walked into the establishment, delicious aromas reached her nostrils, causing her stomach to clench with hunger. She hadn’t really imagined being hungry after stuffing herself with carnival treats, but she supposed her stomach was seeking actual nourishment rather than fun treats.
Daniel led them to a booth by the window. The waitress who approached their table greeted Daniel like an old friend. She handed them their menus and took their drink orders—both decided to order waters. A few moments later Jude showed up at their table holding their waters. He placed them down on the table and then gave Lorelei a warm hug before heading off toward the kitchen. Daniel took a few moments to point out his favorites on the menu and Lorelei decided to allow Daniel to pick the food for both of them since he was an expert at the Silver Spoon specials.
Lorelei was thrilled to see both Jude and Penelope working in the diner. As soon as she spotted them, Penelope rushed from behind the counter and greeted them with warm hugs and kisses. Daniel was pleased to see how warmly she was treating Lorelei. Daniel scooted over so Penelope could sit down with them for a few moments. They regaled her with stories about the carnival. Penelope’s eyes widened when Daniel told her about riding the Ferris wheel.
Forever and a Day (Seven Brides Seven Brothers Pelican Bay Book 5) Page 9