Twist Of Faith

by Darlene Fredette

  ****

  “How’s my friend?”

  Nick followed Katrina’s voice through the hammering pulse in his ears.

  “She arrived just in time. She’s pushing now,” a female voice responded.

  He pushed on the partially open door and walked into the room. He placed a hand on his chest, struggling for a breath.

  “I have to see Frankie.” Katrina straightened on the bed, but the nurse held her in place.

  “The doctor said you have a concussion and wants you to rest.” The nurse placed a hand on Katrina’s arm. “Don’t worry. Your friend’s husband is with her.”

  Katrina closed her eyes and relaxed against the pillow.

  The nurse turned. “Are you family?”

  “No.”

  Katrina opened her eyes at the sound of Nick’s voice.

  Her cheeks were pale and a white bandage was taped to her temple. When he received the call from Thomas, Nick couldn’t get to the hospital fast enough. He wasn’t worried about Frankie. She was a pro at giving birth. Nick gasped for air as Thomas told him of Katrina falling and then getting up to call an ambulance, Thomas at work, and Frankie’s mother all while blood trickled down the side of Katrina’s face. The visions Thomas’ call gave Nick had him fearing the worst.

  “You can’t be in here. You’ll have to wait outside.” The tall nurse approached him.

  “I’m not going anywhere until I make certain Katrina is okay.” Nick stepped past the nurse. He picked up Katrina’s hand and gave it a gentle squeeze.

  The nurse rolled her eyes and added a warning before closing the door. “She needs rest.”

  “I’m fine.” Katrina smiled. “A little concussion and a sprained ankle.” She raised her bandaged foot. “What are you doing here?”

  What am I doing here? Nick knew the only way to get over Katrina was to stay away. Yet, here he was. As if his heart could easily forget her. “Thomas called.”

  At that moment, Thomas burst into the room, grinning from ear to ear. “We have another girl, a healthy eight-pound little girl.”

  Nick hugged his friend. “Congratulations.”

  “Congratulations, Thomas.” Katrina stretched out her arms and kissed Thomas’ cheek. “How’s Frankie?”

  “She’s doing well. The labor went quickly, and Frankie pushed out our baby in seconds. The nurses are preparing her room now.” Thomas pointed to Katrina’s head. “She’s been frantic about you.”

  “Tell her I’m fine. I’ll be up to see her as soon as they release me.”

  Nick tapped his friend’s shoulder as he left to return to his wife and new baby.

  Katrina’s eyelids fluttered.

  She needed rest and he shouldn’t be here. Why was he tormenting his heart? “I should let you get some rest before the drill sergeant nurse returns to kick me out.”

  “I thought I’d never see you again, but here you are…whenever I need you.” Smiling, she touched his cheek.

  The look in Katrina’s stare said stay, but as much as he wished, the words didn’t fall from her lips. Why did she have to be so stubborn? How could she ignore their emotional connection and still return to Paris—to a fiancé who acted more like her friend? Nick would fight for his woman, if she wasn’t engaged to another. He couldn’t be the one to come between her and Pierre, even if he believed their relationship to be a farce. Katrina had to make the choice. “I shouldn’t have come.” He kissed her forehead and ran from the room before he changed his mind.

  ****

  As the door closed, a cool breeze from the air-conditioned hallway chilled the room. Go after him! Don’t let him get away! The words screeched through her mind, but not as her voice—as her grandmother’s.

  Wow, the pain medication must be kicking in.

  Too heartsick to question the experience, Katrina listened to the voice in her head. She couldn’t let Nick leave because she feared this time she’d never see him again. The room swayed as she straightened. She grabbed for the crutches the nurse had left beside the bed, tucking them under her arms for support. One slow step at a time, she finally reached the door and hopped into the hallway. No sign of Nick. Katrina slouched, her breath exhaling as a deep sigh.

  Frankie was right. Katrina was stupid. She loved Nick with all her heart. How could she be so foolish and let him walk out without telling him? The blow to her head had been just what she needed to knock sense into her. She hobbled back to the bed and sat on the mattress, knowing she had to make a decision. Katrina could no longer allow an impromptu promise to shape her future. She had to find Nick, but much had to be resolved first. A confession of love while engaged to another wouldn’t be fair.

  Before leaving the hospital, Katrina visited her best friend. Frankie and the baby were settled in a private room, both doing well, and Thomas was close by.

  “Would you like to hold her?” Frankie smiled, holding out her precious bundle wrapped in a blanket.

  Katrina wiped her trembling hands on her hips and then reached for the baby. “She’s so beautiful. I want to hold her forever. She’s adorable.” When she cuddled little Cynthia in her arms, she was overwhelmed by the newborn scent. Warmth spread through her from head to toe. She felt instantly relaxed and happy. The feeling was intoxicating. She knew—without a doubt—this is what she wanted. A baby and a loving husband sitting by her side.

  Katrina smiled before reluctantly passing Cynthia into her mother’s waiting arms. Three hours later, Katrina was on a plane bound for Paris.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Twenty-four hours later, Pierre strode into the café dressed in a pinstriped business suit and carrying his briefcase. He bent to kiss Katrina’s cheek. Placing his briefcase under the table, he then pulled out a chair and sat. His eyebrow rose upon spotting the bandage. “Ma chèrie, what happened?”

  “I tripped on a toy train. The story is a long one, but doesn’t matter.” She found her tumble quite humorous now. “Thank you for meeting me so quickly.”

  “I was thrilled to hear you had returned home.” He glanced around the café and picked up a menu. “Is this luncheon business or personal?”

  “Both.” She was here to promote him and to dump him. “Do you love me?”

  The menu fell from his hands. “I…of course.”

  Katrina shook her head. His hesitation strengthened her suspicions. “Not like a sister or friend. More like a man in love with a woman, to spend the rest of their lives together, get married, and have babies.”

  “I…yes…no…I don’t know.”

  Relief washed over her like a cold glass of water on a warm day. His lack of a definite answer confirmed her suspicions. “Thank goodness.” She had to release him of their promise before he squirmed off his chair. “We’re not getting married.”

  His brows rose, creasing his forehead. “Are we breaking up?”

  Katrina wanted to laugh. Pierre’s widened eyes were filled with surprise and relief at the same time. “Yes, we are.” Contentment rested easily upon her shoulders.

  He flicked the cloth napkin and placed it over his lap. “I’m sorry, Katrina. We’ve been friends for so long and you’re my boss. Plus, many years ago, your grandmother said that I was to never consider the possibility of you and I together because we’d”—he waved a hand between them— “never happen.”

  She almost spit her mouthful of water across the table. “Gram really said that?”

  “She sure did.” He chuckled. “I loved Faith as the grandmother I never had. When I was asked to take care of you, I promised to do just that. I went to the jeweler and bought the ring. My apologies, I should have spoken to you before proposing in front of your grandmother.” He fidgeted with the edge of the table cloth. “I only wanted to make her happy before she left us.”

  Katrina rested a hand on Pierre’s, thankful he was taking the breakup well. “We were emotional wrecks when Gram was in the hospital. I think we took her words out of context. She wanted us to take care of each other. Not actually
get married.” She picked up her handbag from the nearby chair and pulled out a velvet pouch. “Do you remember what Gram said when you grabbed my hand and put the ring on my finger?”

  Frowning, he shook his head.

  “She didn’t say anything.” Katrina had plenty of time to think during the flight to Paris. The day of this crazy engagement was now as clear as the menu on the table. At the time, Gram’s non-response went overlooked, but the haunting stare in her grandmother’s eyes chilled Katrina’s bones. “When had my grandmother not given her opinion, especially on something this important?” She didn’t wait for his response, knowing the truth of her words. “We were too worried about her health to question her silence. I truly believe she wouldn’t want us to get married.”

  Pierre sighed and leaned back in his chair. “Thank goodness.” He slapped his hand on the table. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to sound heartless.”

  Katrina was happy to see his relief match her own. If he had loved her, working together might be awkward. “This belongs to you.” She reached for his hand and placed the velvet pouch in his palm. “Give this ring to a woman you truly love.”

  After a glance in the pouch, Pierre grinned from ear to ear.

  “I’m expanding the cafés into Canada,” she advised him. “And, offering you the executive management position for Paris.” Now that their faux engagement had been obliterated, their friendship and business relationship could return to normal.

  “Wow, that’s a momentous business opportunity. And yes, I accept the position.” He reached for her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. “I greet the challenge with much enthusiasm.”

  An hour later, completing lunch and discussing the expansion with Pierre, Katrina drove to Glen’s office. He hugged her and then removed a folder from the filing cabinet. Several business documents covered his desk. Each one had colored tabs poking out from the sides. He added the new folder to the pile, put on his reading glasses, and sat in his chair.

  “Why do I get the feeling you were expecting me?” Katrina sat in the armchair studying the older man’s expression.

  “She told me to be ready.”

  “She?”

  “Faith.”

  His pause gave Katrina a moment to catch a breath.

  “I apologize for not telling you everything.” Glen continued as he leaned a forearm on the desk. “Faith wanted to be the one to explain. She had many regrets over deceiving you.”

  The renovation. “Gram hid my mother’s cedar box.” Her whispered words weren’t a question. “She wanted me to know out about Samuel.” The rhythm of her heartbeat kicked up. Nick was right.

  Glen nodded, pushing his reading glasses higher on his nose. He handed her an envelope. “Faith wrote this letter just before she passed. She made me swear to not say anything until you returned from Montreal.” He stood and walked toward her, placing a hand on her shoulder. “I’ll give you a few minutes alone.”

  When Katrina heard the door close behind her, she opened the envelope even though her hands trembled. Tears gathered at the corner of her eyes. Seeing Gram’s handwriting made her heart ache. She inhaled a deep breath and began reading.

  My dearest Katrina,

  I’m certain you are upset and wonder why I didn’t tell you about the house in Montreal and about Samuel. I’m so sorry for keeping his identity a secret. I have only one excuse. I was afraid of losing you. You were all I had and I couldn’t bear to be alone. You deserve an explanation of why I acted so selfishly.

  When I was younger, I had big dreams, but I didn’t have the money or the schooling to grow those dreams until I met your grandfather. He was my love at first sight. He supported my wild ideas of opening a café. I don’t know how he ever put up with my stubborn ways. The man was a saint, and my soul mate. When I lost your grandfather to cancer, I suffered such grief. I sank into the darkest depths of sorrow. I then learned I was pregnant. I found strength to continue. I had to, for her. Your mother became my reason to live.

  Katrina swiped the tear under her eye with the tip of her finger.

  We moved to Montreal for a new beginning. I had big plans for our future. Samuel wasn’t part of those plans. He was a thorn in my side. Your mother’s grades declined and she skipped classes. He wasn’t good for her. She defied me and continued to sneak out to meet him. I was terribly afraid she’d run away. When I heard he got into some trouble with the police, I convinced his parents to move. I knew they’d agree because they feared his future held jail or worse. I’m not proud of my actions, but they were best at the time.

  Your mother and I returned to Paris. I knew about the letters Samuel had been sending her through a friend, but I allowed her to keep them. She gave birth to you and soon afterward met and fell in love with Daniel, which I may have been involved in their initial meeting. My heart broke when they moved away, but your mother deserved her own independence.

  I knew Samuel would come for you after the accident. I had just lost your mother, and couldn’t bear to lose you as well. I needed my granddaughter. I’m very sorry. I should never have kept the truth from you. My selfish decisions would leave you in the one place I had feared all my life—alone.

  Please, please don’t marry Pierre! He’s a great employee and a sweet man, but he’s a dreadful bore.

  Katrina laughed at her grandmother’s accurate description of Pierre.

  He’s not the man for you. I went to Montreal to hide your mother’s memory box, knowing someone would find the box during the house renovation.

  That’s when I met Nick Porter. I had helped his family in the past, but this scoundrel of a man wouldn’t be easily persuaded.

  You know I don’t believe in fate, so I added a twist to my plan of throwing the two of you together. Nick is a bit of a rogue, arguing with an elderly lady, but I like him.

  She smiled, visualizing Gram and Nick in a heated exchange. He was a worthy opponent, but no match against a determined Witherspoon.

  He’s a lot like your grandfather. Nick will challenge you and you him. He’s the one. Don’t let him get away. Embrace love and settle for nothing less.

  As I lie here with not much time, I’m at peace, ready to join your grandfather and mother. Thank you for making my life shine. I love you ma petite fille chèrie.

  All my love,

  Gram

  With the back of her hand, Katrina swiped the tears from her cheeks. She grabbed a tissue from the box on Glen’s desk and covered her eyes until the tissue dampened. Gram’s devious plan to have her return to Montreal made complete sense now. She wanted Katrina to find Nick and Samuel. Gram’s actions were based on love and a fear of being alone. Katrina understood and held no resentment. She placed the letter against her chest, missing her grandmother as much as the day Gram had left to join her grandfather and mother.

  A knock on the door made Katrina jump in her seat.

  “Katrina.” Glen entered his office and passed her another tissue. He leaned on his desk, stretching his long legs. “Do you have any questions?”

  Swallowing past her dry throat, she shook her head. “I wouldn’t have left Gram.”

  “I believe she knew you wouldn’t, but her worst fear was being alone. People do crazy things when they’re afraid of losing someone they love.” He reached for her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. “You’ve been travelling for hours and haven’t stopped since you arrived. The bump on your head needs to heal. Go home and get some rest. We’ll talk more in the morning.”

  Katrina stood and wrapped her arms around Glen. “Thank you, for everything.” His gaze was filled with compassion. She had a suspicious feeling he already knew her next move.

  After two weeks of one business meeting after another, Katrina was anxious to return to Montreal. She had been in contact with Dean regarding the status of the renovation. He informed her, the furniture she ordered had arrived and the house would be ready to place on the market by the end of the week. She didn’t advise him about her decision to retain her
childhood home. That news would be best revealed in person.

  One of Katrina’s business meetings was with her complete board of management to notify them of her decision to relocate the head office to Montreal.

  “Pierre will oversee the complete Paris production.” She nodded toward Pierre. “I’ve also handpicked several employees to join me in the new development of cafés.”

  While most of her management team was excited about the expansion, a few were displeased in the venture.

  One member, reviewing the detailed files she provided, glanced over his reading glasses. “Shouldn’t a project as large as this be deliberated further?”

  “Have you studied the possible risks?” another asked.

  “I assure you, I have given this development plan a great deal of consideration. The Canadian market is the perfect location to expand With-Her-Spoon Cafés.” She made eye-contact with each member of her management team. “The reports contain a complete analysis of my research.” Katrina took a sip of coffee and set the cup back on its saucer. “This growth matched the list found in my grandmother’s files.” She blinked to fight back tears. “And I know for certain, it’s where she wants me to be.”

  No one disputed her firm conclusion.

  With only three hours remaining before her flight, Katrina walked along the deck outside her office. She set down her coffee cup and then gazed into the Seine River and to the Eiffel Tower in the distance. This beautiful place would always hold a piece of her heart. She’d miss Paris and its elegant French charm, but she’d never say au revoir. Paris was home to With-Her-Spoon Cafés—a reason to visit often, and to share its grandeur with someone she loved.

  After a long flight from Paris to Montreal and the drive from the airport, she unlocked the door and stepped inside the cabin. With satisfaction, she gazed around at the familiar setting. This small space had been her home—and comfort for weeks, and would now see its own renovation. Katrina grabbed a measuring tape from one of her bags. Hooking one end of the tape to the kitchen baseboard, she walked to the opposite wall in the living room, and then wrote the measurements on a pad of paper on her desk.