Twist Of Faith

by Darlene Fredette

  Nick chuckled. “Do you think she’d charge me for breakfast?”

  “Oh, I think breakfast would be on her.” Katrina winked.

  The bellhop arrived and guided them to Katrina’s room. She gave him a generous tip and closed the door.

  “I could have tipped him.” Nick pulled a few dollars from his pocket.

  “My intent wasn’t to offend your ego.” She glanced around the room and couldn’t help but smile. The spacious, Victorian-themed suite was luxuriously furnished with Edwardian high ceilings, a stone fireplace, plush winged-back chairs, and two king-sized beds covered in the finest Egyptian cotton. A writing desk complemented the room, as well as a fully equipped kitchenette and private bar. “My room, my tip.”

  Nick tossed his duffle bag on one of the beds. “Can’t say I’ve ever stayed in a hotel as fancy as this. I bet you and Pierre are no strangers to this comfort.”

  Ouch! That stung. Katrina slumped, her shoulders sinking. “Nick, I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about Pierre.”

  “Just because I’m here doesn’t change anything between us.”

  “But you’re here?” That had to mean something.

  He stared at the wall behind her. “I promised to help find your father. That’s what I’m doing. Once we return to Montreal, I’m done. Dean is completing the renovation.”

  “So, we just walk away?” She clenched her jaw, grinding her teeth to hold back tears. “We leave as quickly as we entered.”

  Nick nodded, picking up the telephone. “I’m calling room service. Do you want anything?”

  Katrina shook her head. “I’m showering.” She picked up her handbag and stomped into the bathroom. Salty tears flowed onto her cheeks. Her heart was breaking. What would she do without Nick in her life?

  Even though she had told Nick she didn’t want anything to eat, she was thankful he ordered dinner for two. Katrina hadn’t eaten since breakfast, so the filet mignon in a rich balsamic glaze, served with steamed asparagus and baby red potatoes, was water to her dry lips. She ate every delicious morsel on her plate, as well as a slice of warm apple pie topped by a scoop of ice cream.

  After dinner, the conversation stifled. Katrina got ready for bed, knowing tomorrow would be an emotional day. She tossed and turned most of the night. Nick’s so-close presence and his musky aftershave tormented her dreams.

  ****

  Nick loved watching Katrina sleep. One arm had come loose from her blanket and rested along her side. He longed to brush away the strand of hair covering her cheek, but remain seated at the table. She rolled from her side to her back, a slight murmur coming from her lips. He swallowed a mouthful of fresh brewed coffee, scalding the back of his throat. “Good morning, sleepyhead,” he said as her eyelids fluttered open.

  She glanced at the clock and sprang out of bed. “Gracious, it’s almost nine. You should have woken me.”

  His gaze travelled the length of her silk nightdress. Did the material have to graze every curve of her gorgeous body? “Samuel lives ten minutes away…” Nick choked on a mouthful of coffee. “He’s not expecting us until ten.”

  She stepped past him, her nightdress brushing his leg. “Us?” Katrina stopped and walked to the table where breakfast dishes sat. “You’re coming?” She sat and draped a napkin over her lap.

  Nick sprang to his feet, his stare anywhere but at the low-cut neckline. He clenched the back of the chair. “I thought you might want some support…” He narrowed his gaze on the cleavage peeking from the V of her nightdress then flicked it up to meet her stare. “Support in meeting Samuel.”

  “I’d really appreciate that.” Katrina removed the cover on her plate. Steam rose from the stack of pancakes. She reached for the syrup, poured the liquid over her pancakes, and cut a piece with her fork, slipping the dripping slice into her mouth. “Mmm, these are delicious. Are you joining me?”

  The food and service were exceptional. Nick could get accustomed to the perks of a classy hotel, and he’d enjoy the company even more—if she’d wear a robe. “I had toast. I…um…I’ll have a shower.”

  Nick escaped to the bathroom and stepped under the cold water. When he had learned from Frankie that Katrina was taking this journey on her own, he didn’t hesitate packing a bag and driving to the airport. This meeting was important to Katrina and she shouldn’t go alone. Nick didn’t understand the absence of her fiancé, but didn’t question that fact. He was more than happy to take Pierre’s place. In more ways than one.

  Ten minutes later, he exited the bathroom, letting Katrina have a turn. A half hour later, Nick rapped on the door and glanced at his watch. “Katrina, are you almost ready?”

  “I’ll be out in a minute.”

  “You said that ten minutes ago.”

  She opened the door, still staring at her mirrored reflection.

  Katrina looked amazing in a below-the-knee skirt and matching gray jacket covering a light pink blouse. He whistled.

  “Is my outfit too much?” She sighed. “I don’t want to come across too stuffy.” She picked up her brush with a trembling hand. “This isn’t a corporate business meeting. Perhaps an outfit less conservative?”

  Nick stood behind her and whispered in her ear, “You look absolutely beautiful.” He rested his hands on her shoulders.

  She smiled at their reflection and then turned.

  Her body was inches from his. He inhaled the fruity scent of her hair. If only they could go back in time, had left for the restaurant a few minutes sooner, and missed Pierre’s arrival. Nick took a step backward. “Where’s your ring?”

  Katrina glanced down at her bare finger. “I’m not deceiving anyone. I just don’t want to talk about that topic today.” She brushed past him. “I guess we should get going.”

  ****

  During the drive to Samuel’s house, Katrina fiddled with the zipper on her purse until the hook snapped. Her nerves were frazzled beyond control. Nick’s sweet effort to sway her attention in idle chit-chat didn’t help. She couldn’t think of anything other than the event about to take place.

  Moments later, Nick pulled into the driveway and parked the rental car.

  Katrina wiped her moist palms on her skirt and then clenched her purse tight in her hands, inhaling deep breaths. “I don’t think I can do this.”

  Pulling the key from the ignition, Nick turned. “Then we’ll leave, but before we go, remember you’re a strong woman. You’ve faced more challenging moments than this.”

  True, but none so personal. “He didn’t want anything to do with me years ago, so why does he want to see me now?”

  Nick squeezed her shaking hand. “I’ll be here every step of the way. If you feel uncomfortable at any time, just say the word and we’re out of there.”

  How she loved this wonderful man. She inhaled another deep breath. “Okay, I’m ready.”

  Nick walked around to Katrina’s side of the car and opened her door.

  She stepped out and glanced around the front yard. Various peonies, begonias, and rose gardens accented the white with black trim, two-level split entry, and two maple trees stood tall and proud on each side of a flagstone walkway. The property’s well-tended landscaping gave Katrina a small peace of mind that her biological father didn’t live in a dilapidated shack.

  Smoothing away the wrinkles in her skirt with the palm of her hand, Katrina stumbled on the walkway.

  Nick caught her elbow and then waited for her to continue. The front door opened before they arrived on the cement steps.

  A woman, with gray hairs peeking along the middle parting of her hair, smiled. “You must be Mr. Porter.” The lady shook Nick’s hand. “Samuel was thrilled to get your call.” She turned to Katrina. “And you must be Katrina. I can tell by your eyes.”

  Katrina held her breath and shook the woman’s hand. All thoughts were lost. Where’s my voice?

  “I’m Paulina, Samuel’s wife. Please come in.”

  They followed Paulina up a set of stairs to a sitting a
rea. The room contained a black leather sofa, two matching lazy boy chairs, a three-piece cherry wood coffee table set, and a grand marbled-stone fireplace that went from floor to ceiling. Katrina released a breath. No shortage of money evident in this décor.

  Paulina pushed aside the large pillows on the sofa. “Please sit and make yourself comfortable. Can I get either of you a cup of tea or coffee?”

  Her heart pounded a rapid beat. She wanted to run, but Nick held her hand tight.

  “Nothing for me, thank you,” Nick said.

  Katrina, still searching for her voice, shook her head. She walked to the sofa and sat, letting go of Nick’s hand to clutch the strap of her purse.

  Nick sat beside her, offering an encouraging smile.

  “You have a lovely home.” Katrina finally spoke.

  “Thank you. With Samuel in the military, we moved a lot. This is the first home we’ve had longer than two years. I refuse to move again.” Paulina laughed.

  “I brought this for you.” Katrina fished in her purse for the container of tea and handed it to the woman. “They’re from our—my café.”

  “Oh, Katrina, that’s very kind of you, thank you.”

  The room then went quiet. Paulina’s nervous shaking hands matched Katrina’s. The woman sat on one of the reclining chairs, running a hand along the leather’s smooth arm rest.

  Panic filled her, and Katrina turned to Nick.

  He winked and placed a hand on her shoulder.

  “My apologies,” Paulina said. “You’re probably wondering where Samuel is.” She shifted in the chair. “I’m not sure if you know, but he’s a doctor. There was an emergency on the base. He left at six this morning and hoped to return long before you arrived. I’m sure he won’t be much longer.”

  “Maybe I will have a cup of coffee.” Nick smiled. “If it’s not too much trouble?”

  “Of course not. I’ll be right back.” Paulina excused herself from the room.

  Katrina mouthed the words thank you to Nick.

  “Bringing tea was a kind gesture,” Nick whispered.

  “My stomach is so knotted I can barely breathe or speak.” Katrina inhaled another deep breath through her tight throat.

  Nick nudged a shoulder against hers. “Come on, this meeting is nothing. Remember how you challenged me when we first met?”

  “Would that be when I slugged you?” She chuckled, but the humor was suddenly stripped as the front door opened and closed.

  “Paulina, I’m home.”

  Every bone in Katrina’s body froze. A breath hung in her chest.

  Footsteps climbed the stairs. A man in an air force uniform reached the landing. He turned and his jaw dropped when his gaze met Katrina’s.

  Involuntarily, the muscles in her hands clamped onto the purse strap. She didn’t have to ask if this man with tired wrinkles at the corners of his eyes was Samuel because he had many of attributes similar to her own—the color of his eyes, the shape of his nose, and his tall height. Yes, no denying she was his daughter. He looked extremely professional in his military attire. A blue shirt and black tie complimented the single-breasted tunic and matching pants, and his salt-and-pepper short hair was barely visible under a wedge cap.

  “Katrina.” He removed his cap.

  Paulina returned from the kitchen. “You’re a little late.” She planted a kiss on Samuel’s cheek.

  “I’m sorry,” he said to his wife, but continued to stare at Katrina.

  Nick stood and extended his hand. “Mr. Fisher, I’m Nick Porter. We spoke over the phone.”

  “Of course.” Samuel shook Nick’s hand. “A pleasure to meet you. I owe you a great debt of gratitude. I’ve thought about this day for many years.”

  He’s a good liar. Katrina clenched her jaw and dug her fingernails into her palms.

  The whistle of a steaming kettle broke the awkward silence.

  “Mr. Porter, would you mind helping me with the coffee?” Paulina smiled.

  Nick placed a hand on Katrina’s arm and squeezed. He then followed Paulina to the kitchen, but turned before rounding the corner to flash an encouraging smile.

  Katrina swallowed past the dry lump in her throat. Why did Nick leave? She needed him here.

  Samuel sat on the chair beside the sofa. He fiddled with the wedge cap on his lap. “Well, where do we start?”

  “I’m not sure.” Her voice was a mere whisper, but at least the words were audible. “I’m still processing the information that you’re my father.”

  “Mr. Porter mentioned you found your mother’s letters. I’m sorry you had to find out about me that way.” He ran a hand through his short hair. “Perhaps I should start from the beginning.”

  “That would be nice.” Katrina forced a smile, hoping he couldn’t hear her pounding pulse.

  “I had no idea Kathleen was pregnant until after she gave birth. She wrote me a letter explaining she had met Daniel and he was raising you as his daughter. I went to claim you as mine, but you were just a baby. So young, and your mother thought telling you the truth would only confuse you.” Samuel shifted in his seat. “Daniel was the man you knew as your father, so I backed off. They sent me letters and photographs, but that small connection wasn’t enough. Kathleen and Daniel promised to tell you about me when you turned sixteen. Your mother said you’d be old enough to understand the situation better.”

  Everything sounded too easy. His story seemed rehearsed. “You must have been relieved.” Bitterness snapped in her tone.

  “No, not at all.”

  “I’m twenty-eight years old. You never once contacted me.” Fingers clenched on her lap, she couldn’t hide the resentment.

  “I was a part of your life.” He held out a hand, palm up. “You just don’t remember.”

  Katrina frowned. What was he talking about? She would have remembered someone telling her Daniel wasn’t her father.

  “I loved your mother with all my heart. From the moment I saw her, I was lost. We were young and irresponsible.” He paused. “I was part of a pretty rough crowd until I met your mother. The gang was known for vandalism and minor thefts. She gave me an ultimatum, them or her. Of course, I chose her. Unfortunately, one night I was in the wrong place at the wrong time. I had no idea when I went into the grocery store that they’d be there, robbing the store and wielding guns. The clerk was shot, and we were all arrested.”

  Great, my father was a thug. No question why Gram disapproved of him. “You said you chose my mother.”

  “I did, but I was known to be part of the gang and arrested due to prior association. The police didn’t believe me when I said I wasn’t involved in the robbery.” With a shake of his head, Samuel glanced down at the hardwood floor. “I was scared. I thought for sure I would go to jail. Thankfully, your grandmother stepped in. She posted my bail and hired a lawyer. I was cleared of any involvement.”

  “Gram?” Katrina couldn’t believe what her ears were hearing. “According to the letters, I got the impression Gram didn’t like you. Why would she help?”

  “Her assistance had a price. She told my parents she’d clean up my mess, as long as they made certain I disappeared from her daughter’s life.”

  “I don’t believe you. Gram wouldn’t be so callous.” That was a lie. A stab of guilt pinched. She had seen her grandmother in action during many business meetings. A woman in the corporate world sometimes had to be ruthless to get attention from others.

  “Your grandmother didn’t like me from day one. The robbery and shooting only added to her dislike. After your grandmother orchestrated the charges being dropped, Faith deposited a sum of money in my parents’ account.” He crossed his arms over his chest. “My parents jumped at the opportunity to get me away from the area. We moved and they enrolled me in a military school. In hindsight, I should thank your grandmother. I turned out a better person and have a good life.”

  How nice for you. She couldn’t get past Samuel’s absence. “A life that didn’t include me.” She c
lenched her jaw, forcing control over the anger burning inside.

  Samuel leaned forward. “Not true. I told your parents I wanted to be a part of your life. On your fifth birthday, I had planned to tell you the truth. When I arrived and saw you with Daniel, I couldn’t. Daniel was teaching you how to ride your new bike. You were having fun.”

  She remembered that day. She glanced at her baby finger—to the tiny scar it held. Her father’s love would never be questioned. Daniel might not have been her biological father, but he was her father.

  “You were so brave and said you could ride alone, but you fell and cut your hand. Daniel bandaged your finger and kissed your forehead. You wrapped your arms around his neck and called him Daddy. I couldn’t destroy that bond. You would have hated me.” Samuel cleared his throat. “But I wanted to be included, so your parents introduced me as your uncle.” His eyes glistened with tears. “You called me Uncle Fish.”

  Katrina gasped. Her purse fell from her hands and onto the floor. “You’re Uncle Fish?” Now, she remembered him. Not by face, but from the postcards she had received from her uncle who traveled the world. She’d saved some in her dresser at home. “Uncle Fish…you…sent me the coolest gifts for my birthday and Christmas. You gave me a book about mermaids. That story was my favorite. I still have that book.” She felt her heart lift. Maybe Samuel hadn’t rejected her. “My parents told me you traveled a lot for your job and that’s why you couldn’t visit often. I thought you were a spy who defeated bad people.”

  “My career in the military kept me away for long periods of time. Some of those deployments were in volatile countries. I’ve witnessed a lot of tragedy and death.” Samuel stood and pointed to a framed picture on the mantel. “You got me through those difficult days.”

  Earlier, Katrina had been too tense to notice the photos. In an eight-by-ten silver frame was a picture of her wearing her junior high prom dress. “Mom made my dress. I felt like a princess.” Tears watered her eyes.

  Samuel sat beside her on the sofa. “I have more in an album, but this photograph is special.” He pulled his wallet from his back pocket and tugged a photo from a compartment. “This is the first photograph I received from your mother.” The picture of Katrina as an infant was wrinkled and faded. “I anticipated your sixteenth birthday—the day we were to tell you the truth. Unfortunately, that day didn’t come.” Samuel lowered his voice. “Sandra called and told me about the accident.”