Till The End Of Time (Secrets of Savannah Book 1)

by Belle Calhoune

  Brother? Jax waited a few beats for the punchline. He swung his gaze around and watched as Mac leaned down and swept Olivia up in a hug. He placed a kiss on her cheek. “Thanks for being such a great friend to my sister for all these years. She’s told me a lot about you.”

  Olivia began to sniffle. “Thanks for coming to find her. I don’t have to tell you how thrilled she is to have you back in her world.”

  “If it had taken me one hundred years, I would have found her,” Mac said with a smile in Callie’s direction.

  Jax looked back and forth between Olivia and Callie and Mac. He couldn’t believe what he’d just heard. He cleared his throat. “Mac is your brother?”

  Callie let out an annoyed sigh. Beautiful emerald eyes swung his way. “Yes, Jax. Mac is my brother.”

  He felt as if his head might explode. How was Callie explaining this so calmly? And how was Mac her brother?

  Callie shook her head. “See, Jax? Daddy sent you over here with only a portion of the story. You don’t know half as much you think you do about him or what he’s capable of doing. And you certainly have no idea of what drove me from this house.”

  Callie spun around and headed toward her car, trailed by Mac and Olivia. He wanted to call out after her, to pepper her with questions about her move from the Duvall mansion and her ties to Mac Donahue. Instead of doing so he stood in the yard and watched as she drove away with Olivia seated next to her in the passenger seat. Mac followed behind them in his rental car.

  Frustration speared through him. One way or another he was going to get to the bottom of this strange turn of events.

  **

  “You really need to be nicer to Jax,” Olivia said with a shake of her head. The top was down on Callie’s convertible and the wind was whipping through their hair. It felt nice, Callie realized. Sweet, blessed freedom.

  Callie rolled her eyes. “Seriously? He came by the house to pry into my business. One guess who sent him.”

  “Something tells me he came of his own accord. Jax always has this intense look on his face when he’s in your orbit. He’s into you, Callie.” Callie could feel Olivia studying her from the passenger seat.

  Callie let out a laugh. “No, he’s not, Olivia. Jax is always intense. And it has nothing to do with me. He likes to poke at me and stick his nose into my business. Plus he’s on the Duvall payroll.”

  “Whatever you say. Remind me later to say I told you so.” Olivia rubbed her hands together. “I’m so excited to see Miss Hattie. It’s been such a long time.”

  “I know. She’s been a bit of a recluse lately,” Callie said in a fretful tone. “And Savannah House is a shadow of what it used to be back when we worked there.”

  Olivia nodded. “Daddy said that she’s had some offers for the place but she keeps turning them down.”

  “Of course she does. That place is the only home she’s ever known.” Callie cast a quick glance at her friend. “Did you know she was born there?”

  “I think that I remember hearing that somewhere. That’s pretty amazing.”

  “Well, I’m going to be seeing a lot of her. It was mighty generous of her to offer me the cottage.”

  “You’re so lucky to be living right by the ocean. That’s going to be really peaceful at night with the roaring sounds of the sea and the gentle breeze wafting in your direction.”

  “I’m blessed. And since I find myself with some free time on my hands I’m going to offer to help her get the place in tip-top shape.”

  “That’s a sweet idea, Callie,” Olivia said. “She always did have a soft spot for you.”

  “Not just me,” Callie protested. “All of us I think. She used to say we reminded her of when she was young and all the possibilities that had been stretched out before her.”

  Olivia let out a sigh. “Sad that she never got married.”

  “I know,” Callie said. “Her whole life could have been different. Now she’s all alone on that huge property.”

  Just as Callie uttered those words a huge sign welcomed them to Tybee Island. After checking to make sure Mac was still behind her in his truck, she put her blinker on and turned off on to the road that would lead them to Savannah House.

  Tybee Island, located twenty minutes east of Savannah, was a slice of paradise. Sun, sand and endless miles of the Atlantic Ocean stretched out as far as the eye could see. It had always been one of Callie’s most favorite places on earth. A haven from the rest of the world.

  As they drove alongside the picturesque shores of Savannah Beach, Callie couldn’t help but take a deep sniff of the scent of the ocean as it drifted on the wind. It heralded the new life she was going to be building for herself. Hope hung in the air.

  The historic Bed and Breakfast had been built by Miss Hattie’s father back in 1915. Tuck Alexander had been a self-made millionaire, rising from the depths of poverty to the highest levels of the business world. After meeting and falling in love with Hattie’s mother, Patricia, Tuck moved to her hometown of Savannah and built Savannah House. It quickly became one of the most desirable Bed & Breakfasts in the country. People traveled from all over the country—even the world—to stay at the resort that was mere footsteps away from the sandy shores and ocean. The resort had even managed to stick it out through the great depression that lasted from the late 1920’s through the thirties. Somehow, even in tough economic times, all sorts of clientele had always flocked to the place.

  That had all ended about five years ago, when Miss Hattie had abruptly closed her establishment and become something of a shut-in. Callie had never cut off communication with her and had continued to check in on her regularly. That contact had recently led to the invitation to come live in her guest cottage for as long as she liked.

  The large pink and cream sign announcing “Savannah House” appeared almost out of nowhere. The paint was chipping and the letters were faded. It was almost as if Miss Hattie had given up on the idea of guests. Callie turned down the private road that had once been lined with stunning magnolia bushes and an abundance of roses. Everything had died or was dying.

  “What a shame about the garden,” Olivia said, her head turning in every direction to check out the vast property.

  “I almost don’t even recognize the place.” Callie continued down the lane, taking in every aspect of the resort.

  Even though the place didn’t look its best and had surely seen better days, it was still a breathtakingly beautiful place. She continued to drive, knowing that in a matter of moments they were going to be treated to one of the most glorious sights to behold. She heard Olivia let out a sigh at the same time as she did.

  She parked the car just as the beach and ocean came into view in the distance. This, she thought, was what made Savannah House spectacular—the fact that it was perched on a wonderful stretch of Savannah Beach.

  Callie and Olivia hopped out of the car and stood gazing at the jaw dropping view in front of them. When they were teenagers they used to take their lunch breaks out on the beach, sometimes even going in for a dip after they ate their picnic lunches. Those were the good old days, Callie thought. Back when all six of them had been close friends—herself, Olivia, Charlotte, Fancy, Morgan and Hope. Even though Charlotte was her cousin and a member of the Duvall family, Callie couldn’t say they were close. Not anymore. So much had happened since then—rifts and misunderstandings that had strained their relationships. Even though she and Olivia had remained best friends, the group as a whole had splintered apart. It made her head hurt to think about it.

  The sound of crunching on the pebbled driveway heralded Mac’s arrival. Callie turned toward him, wanting to get a glimpse of his face as he first laid eyes on Savannah Beach. “Wow. This is almost as beautiful as Cape Cod,” he gushed. “I’ll have to take a dip and do a comparison. It sure is a prime spot for a bed and breakfast. A shame it’s not operational anymore.”

  “It is,” Callie agreed. “But Miss Hattie is getting on in years. With no family to speak of, i
t must have been difficult to run the place.”

  “Should we go say hello to her?” Olivia suggested.

  “That would be nice,” Callie said. “I’d love to introduce you to her, Mac. To show her how we overcame what they tried to do to us.”

  Mac pulled her against his shoulder and ran his hand over the back of her head. “I’d love to meet your friend, Callie. Anyone who owns a spread like this must have some interesting stories to tell.”

  Callie and Olivia shared an amused glance.

  “Oh, Mac. You don’t know the half of it. Miss Hattie has so many stories it would make your head spin,” Olivia teased as they headed toward the front entrance of Savannah House.

  Callie reached out and pressed the bell, smiling as she heard the faint sounds of the doorbell chiming from inside. It took two more rings until the door began to slowly open up. A rail thin woman with beautiful mocha skin stood in the doorway, a look of deep pleasure etched on her face.

  “Callie! Olivia. Oh, my stars! I haven’t laid eyes on the two of you in ages.”

  Pearl Lucas flung her arms wide open. Callie and Olivia threw themselves into her arms. The three women hugged tightly for a moment, their body language speaking volumes. By the time they let go of one another, tears were running down all of their faces.

  “Oh, Mrs. Lucas, you’re right. It’s been forever,” Callie said with a sniff.

  “Too long,” Olivia murmured. “And we’ve missed Morgan like crazy.”

  Pearl shook her head. “Tell me about it. That girl of mine is still overseas working.” She let out a sigh. “She keeps saying she’s coming home. I’ll believe it when I see it.”

  Olivia and Callie exchanged a look. Both of them were under the belief that Morgan was overseas because she was running away from something…or someone. Her departure from Savannah had been unexpected, and unfortunately had come on the heels of Fancy’s dramatic exit out of town. But at least with Fancy they had all known that her cancelled wedding to Callie’s cousin, Case, had been the reason she had fled town.

  “Come on in,” Pearl instructed them with a wave. “Don’t stand on ceremony.”

  Once they stepped into the house, Pearl placed her hand on her hip and looked Mac up and down. “Now who do we have here?”

  Mac flashed her one of his most endearing grins.

  “Pearl, this is my brother, Mac Donahue. Mac, this is Pearl Lucas. Her daughter Morgan grew up with us and we were all in each other’s pockets for most of our lives.”

  Pearl raised an eyebrow and looked between Mac and Callie. “So…I assume he’s your biological brother. I remember you telling Hattie and I years ago that you were adopted.” She scratched her head. “I know I’m getting older, but I could have sworn you told us he had passed.”

  “It’s a long story, Pearl. You might want to wait to hear it at the same time as Hattie so I don’t have to tell it twice,” Callie said.

  “It’s nice to meet you, Pearl,” Mac said, reaching down and placing a kiss on her rounded cheek.

  Pearl blushed and let out a giggle. “My my. Handsome and charming.” She nudged Callie in the side. “You hit the jackpot as far as brothers are concerned.”

  “I sure did,” Callie crowed. “Mac was always my hero when we were kids. Not much has changed in that area. I still think he hung the moon.”

  “Pearl! Who was at the door?” A frail voice called out from the parlor room.

  “Wait one moment, Hattie. I’ll bring ‘em on in.” Pearl flashed them a brilliant smile. “She’ll be thrilled to pieces to see y’all.”

  “How is she?” Callie asked. “I know she’s been a bit under the weather. The last time I wanted to stop by she said that it wasn’t a good time to visit.”

  “She’s fair to middling’, I suppose. Not too bad for a ninety-five year old,” Pearl said with a nod.

  Mac let out a whistle. “Now that’s living,” he said with a smile. “Ninety-five.”

  Pearl led them into the parlor. Callie looked around at the room—it was still gorgeous, despite the fact that it was in a bit of disarray. There were boxes filled with items sitting alongside the huge fireplace, while stacks of books were perched in front of the book shelf. The décor was mahogany, antique furniture and stained glass accents throughout the room. A large, vibrant Persian rug was scattered across the hardwood floor. Tiffany lamps sat prettily on end tables. Gold curtains swayed slightly in the breeze. A pool table sat in the corner of the large room. The side doors were flung open, giving a sneak peek of endless miles of beach and ocean.

  Callie flashed back to the days when she had worked summers at Savannah House. This room had been a gathering place for guests after dinner or during one of the resort’s legendary parties.

  Miss Hattie was sitting in an over-sized, velvet armchair. It was the color of a plum. Callie sucked in a deep breath at the sight of her old friend. Pearl hadn’t fully prepared her for the sight of Miss Hattie. She looked much thinner and more fragile than she had a few months ago. Her white hair was scraped back in a bun and she wore a long dressing gown that harkened back to another place and time. Her blue-grey eyes still sparkled.

  “Callie! Is that you? And Olivia. Oh, my two beauties. I can’t believe you surprised me like this,” Hattie called out. She raised one hand to her throat. Callie reached her side first and she bent down to place a kiss on her cheek. Olivia followed suit, clasping Miss Hattie’s hand in her own and placing a kiss on her forehead.

  “Did you forget I was moving in to the cottage today?” Callie asked, hoping that the property was ready for her to move her belongings in.

  “No, of course not. I was just surprised to see three of you here.” She let out a giggle. “And to tell you the truth, the things I remember in the morning don’t always stay with me throughout the day.”

  The room filled with laughter. “I’m very grateful for your hospitality. And I intend to be a very quiet and unobtrusive guest.”

  Miss Hattie’s eyes narrowed as her gaze settled on Mac. “And who do we have here?”

  “This is Callie’s brother, Miss Hattie. Mac Donahue from Massachusetts.” Olivia quickly made the introduction. She turned toward Mac and winked. “And this is the illustrious Miss Hattie Alexander.”

  “I’ve heard a lot about you, Miss Alexander,” Mac said, reaching out to gently shake her hand.

  Miss Hattie let out a hoot of laughter. “Call me Miss Hattie. Everyone else does. And I have to admit that Callie has told me nothing about you. Last I heard she had only one brother…Luke.”

  “I’m fully prepared to tell you and Pearl the whole story. The moving truck is supposed to arrive within the hour, so I think we have some time to catch up,” Callie said.

  “Well, my dear. Why don’t we prepare some tea and scones and settle in to hear all about your remarkable reunion with this handsome rogue of a brother,” Miss Hattie said, throwing her head back with laughter.

  Pearl rubbed her hands together. “I really want to hear this story, so I’m going to put a pot of tea on and get some treats ready. I’ll be back shortly.”

  “Take a seat and stay a while,” Miss Hattie said, pointing toward the love seat and couch. As Callie sat down she felt a sense of peace settle over her. After all the drama and mayhem of the last few weeks it felt nice to be visiting an old friend and simply chat about life.

  As she sat down she looked over at her best friend and her beloved brother. A sigh slipped past her lips. It didn’t get any better than this.

  “Love is the answer. Always.”

  Jax Holden

  Chapter Two

  Jax couldn’t stop thinking about his earlier run-in with Callie. He was still reeling from the news about her brother, Mac. It was strange that he wouldn’t have heard something about that relationship. Somewhere in the back of his mind he had known that Callie was adopted back when she was a little girl, but the Duvall family had never discussed it, nor had Callie. She had always been a Duvall through and through. He
had actually forgotten she hadn’t been born into that family.

  With one phone call, Jax found a way to get to the bottom of the Mac Donahue mystery without having to broach it with her father. Lionel Duvall was his mentor in business, but Jax had learned a long time ago that he wasn’t the most approachable person. He liked to keep his personal life separate from business.

  So, as an alternative, Jax decided to reach out to the one person who he knew would give it to him straight. At six o’clock on the dot Jax arrived at Shorty’s Pub on River Street. As soon as he walked in the door he easily spotted Luke Duvall sitting at a table by himself, thumbing through his phone. With his dirty blonde hair and hazel eyes, Luke resembled his father Lionel, with the exception of his laid-back demeanor and easy charm. Luke Duvall was one of those people everyone adored. Jax considered him one of his closest friends.

  “Hey, Jax,” Luke said, getting up and giving him a shoulder hug by way of greeting.

  “Hey Luke. Thanks for meeting up. It’s been a while,” Jax said as he settled down into his chair.

  Luke signaled the waitress, who quickly came so they could place their beer and wings order. At the same time she placed menus down in front of them.

  “You mentioned something on the phone about being out of the loop,” Luke said. “What was that all about?”

  “I was at your family’s house earlier. Lionel sent me to see if I could have some sway over Callie. I suppose it’s no surprise to you that she moved out of the mansion.”

  Luke grimaced. “It’s been a rough couple of weeks, Jax. What do you know? You seem to be hinting at something.”

  “Nothing other than Callie packed up and left.” He quirked his mouth. “Oh and that she was assisted by this tall, brawny guy who she introduced as her brother.” Jax met Luke’s gaze head-on. He expected nothing but the truth from his friend. Anything else just wasn’t his style.

  Luke let out a sigh. “Yeah. So that’s the big news in the Duvall family. Callie’s birth brother tracked her down.”