Grey’s voice sounded from the door. “Everythin’ all right?”
My eyes swung to him, and my heart stopped.
Oh Lord, have mercy!
He’d changed into a dark grey suit with a button up, baby-blue shirt underneath. He left the first few buttons undone and didn’t wear a tie. It transformed him from a rugged mountain man to Mr. GQ. I had to force myself not to react, clamping my mouth shut.
Sam dropped her hands, but she squeezed mine quickly before turning to him, plastering on a smile. “Of course. Just meetin’ Clara.”
I followed her lead and faked it, smiling too. This man was gorgeously lethal, but it was not the time for that.
His eyes pinged between us, knowing she was lying. “Riiight.” He let the issue drop and gave me a dimpled smile.
This town was bad for my health!
I was in turmoil, but then Grey showed up and all I wanted to do was bask in his glory.
I needed to schedule a doctor’s appointment to get these mood swings checked out.
It couldn’t be normal.
Chapter 5
Grey
“Hold on a sec, Grey.” Sam stopped me as I started to follow Clarabelle…or Clara, as she so adamantly put it.
Something was up with this woman. I could practically smell fear wafting off of her.
Clara looked over her shoulder at me, her jaw clenched, and those pretty blue eyes of hers were filled with suspicion and trepidation.
And those eyes…Jesus!
They were all I saw when I came down the stairs, and damn it, they about dropped me to my knees. But then I saw what was in them. Every instinct I had wanted me to protect her and take away that vulnerability, that fear. A woman like her – any woman for that matter – should exude happiness.
“Go on ahead, Clara. My Tahoe is out front already heatin’ up. I’ll be there in a minute.”
She nodded and continued down the hall. I didn’t turn to Sam until she was out the door. I knew what was about to be said.
Sam didn’t make me wait, questioning immediately, “Why does she look so much like Stacy?”
“Or why did Stacy look so much like Clara?” I mused, still overwhelmed by the discovery.
Once I got over Clara’s eyes, I took in the rest of her face, and my heart almost stopped. I couldn’t believe it.
“This is strange, Grey. Creepy.” Sam moved closer to me and dropped her voice to a whisper. “I said somethin’ about Jon callin’ her Bella, and I swear, I thought she was gonna pass out, she was so spooked. Somethin’ is not right with her.”
I understood what she meant. She had the same reaction when I’d mentioned the pictures.
“I know. I’ve already figured that out. I damn near waylaid her just to get her to stay. When I first mentioned Jon, I thought she’d bolt.”
“Did he ever tell you about their fallin’ out?”
I shook my head. “Not really. He said it was some type of misunderstandin’.”
“Do you think he hurt her? Like somethin’ bad?”
Of course Sam wanted to figure out the mystery. I did too, but I immediately brushed off her notion.
“This is Jon, Sam. He was a pastor and a damn fine man. You saw what he did for this community. And he was my best friend, damn it. I wouldn’t have let a man capable of hurtin’ women around my family, especially you.”
She didn’t seem convinced.
“I’ll ride with you two. I’ve got everythin’ set for lunch. I was gonna wait for Mrs. Birdie to get here, but I’ll just leave her a note. Let me do that and change.”
Like that was it.
“You’re being nosey.”
“That too.” She had a sly tilt to her lips. “Can you blame me? Clara’s an enigma.”
“Fine. Hurry up and do what you’ve gotta do. I’m gonna head out to Clara. I don’t want her to be alone.”
I turned and strolled down the hall, my mind swirling. Sam’s deduction of Clara was exact – she was an enigma.
The first time I heard her voice on the answering machine, I didn’t pay attention. I was too consumed with grief over Jon’s passing – I still couldn’t believe he was gone – but the moment she answered her phone, something inside of me snapped into place. There was a quality in her voice that called to me on a basic, primal level. And then I met her – she was beautiful, stunning. But she wore her designer clothes like armor, totally contradicting the fear I detected in her.
I wanted to figure her out.
The conversation I had with Galen Talbert replayed in my mind again, making me question things even more.
♥♥♥
The morning after I spoke with Clara, my cell rang. I’d just finished the last of the preparations for the funeral and was about to leave Jon’s church. Since he was my best friend, I took it upon myself to take care of everything. Besides, Jon or Stacy didn’t have any family except Clara, and she wasn’t coming.
I didn’t recognize the number displayed on my screen, but I answered regardless. “Hello?”
“Is this Grey Raiden?” a deep, intellectual voice asked.
“Speakin’,” I said as I climbed into my Tahoe, more than ready to be at home, alone.
“My name is Galen Talbert.”
That rang a bell.
“Your name’s familiar, but I can’t place it.”
Where did I hear it?
I sat back and waited to start the engine, wondering.
“I was Jonathan and Clara’s surrogate father. I took custody of them after their parents passed away.”
“That’s right. I’m sorry, Mr. Talbert. It’s comin’ back now. Jon told me a little about you…said you were a good man.”
His chuckle held skepticism. “Did he now?” He paused. “I guess that’s moot at this point. Clara called me last night and informed me that Jonathan has passed on.”
Just the thought made my stomach clench. He died. His car, with Stacy in it, went right off a cliff.
“Yes.” My voice came out gruff, so I cleared it. “Yes. He… died Thursday mornin’.”
“How did he die?”
How can an innocent question invoke so much pain?
“They were on their way to the city to handle some business. From what the police told me, it looked like they dodged somethin’ in the road and lost control of the vehicle. Jon and Stacy went right over a cliff. They died on impact.” I shuddered at the thought and prayed that was true. If not, they died a fiery, agonizing death.
“Are you positive it was Jonathan in the car?”
That was a strange question to ask.
“Yes, sir. I…their weddin’ rings. I saw the rings and knew it was them.”
There wasn’t much left of their bodies, but the police had the rings. They were a special set that Jon had specially designed. If not for that, I wouldn’t have known right away, and we would have had to wait for the DNA testing or dental records to confirm it. This helped fast-track the funeral…like I knew Jon would’ve wanted.
“What’s this about Clara coming there?”
Another strange question.
I was still in disbelief that she said no. Who refuses to come to their brother’s funeral?
“Well, sir, I figured since she was his sister and all, she’d like to be here.”
“I’ve talked to Clara regarding this. I think it will do her some good to be there.”
Do her some good?
What in the hell does that even mean?
He went on, “She’s considering it. I’m hoping she’ll say yes.” There was a bit of worry in his tone, but he cleared it quickly, transforming back into a professional manner. “What is this about his estate? Do you know what Jon left her?”
“Kind of. I’m guessin’ his assets and personal items. Jon and I didn’t discuss things like that. But I’m supposed to be there, as well. It will be just the two of us.”
“Do you have a name for the attorney? I’d like to call him on Clara’s behalf. I am, afte
r all, her attorney.”
“Robert Lyndon. I can text you his number when we’re through.”
“Thank you.” He paused again, so I let him take his time – I was sure he’d have more questions for me. “I guess that is it.” Maybe not. “I’ll be in touch regarding Clara. As I said, I’m hoping she’ll change her mind and attend.”
“You aren’t?”
“I think it is best that I don’t.”
Another strangeness.
What is up with these people?
Do they have a heart at all?
Besides, it was like he was intentionally skating around an issue, an issue that I was clueless about.
Nevertheless, there was something I needed to address – an important matter Clarabelle didn’t give me a chance to broach.
“Mr. Talbert?”
“Please, call me Galen.”
“Galen, then. I wasn’t able to talk to Clarabelle about this. She hung up before I could say anythin’.”
“Yes?”
“Bella.”
His question was venomous and dripping with hostility. “What did you just say?”
What the hell?
“Bella. Jon’s daughter – Clarabelle’s niece and namesake. It’s my understandin’ that the only next of kin she has is Clarabelle. I wouldn’t be surprised if that’s another thing Lyndon addresses. I’m positive Jon would’ve given Clarabelle custody of her if somethin’ were to happen to him.”
“You’re telling me that Jon had a daughter? And he named her Bella?”
“Yes, sir.”
Why was this so unthinkable?
Galen sighed. “This just gets worse.”
How could a child be worse?
My temper was flaring, so I barked, “I’m sorry? Worse?”
“It’s not your concern. How-”
“What do you mean, it’s not my concern? Bella is at my mother’s house. Who do you think has been lookin’ after her since her parent’s died? We are damn lucky my mother was keepin’ her, or she would’ve been in that car!”
I couldn’t believe this man.
I heard Galen sigh again. “How old is the child?”
“Three months.”
“Oh, Jonathan.” There was something about the way he said Jon’s name that irked me. “How well did you know him?”
“He was one of my best friends. He was a good man.”
And he was now dead.
I closed my eyes at the reminder. I couldn’t believe this was happening. I keep expecting to see him in town or walk into the B&B to say hey.
“Hmmm, interesting. Did he mention anything about his family? Why they weren’t close?”
“Not a whole lot,” I disclosed. “That wasn’t somethin’ he liked to elaborate on all that often. He mostly spoke of the younger years. He said that his parents died when he was a teenager, though, and that all he had left was his sister. He said that he and Clarabelle had a fallin’ out around ten years ago. He never gave much other than that.”
“Right. Okay, Grey.” He sounded like he came to a conclusion. “I need a favor from you that is detrimental to Bella.”
“Why do I feel like I’m missin’ somethin’ huge?” I asked, my mind scrambled by this whole conversation.
He avoided the question completely. “Will you do what I ask?”
“I’ll hear you out, but I’m not makin’ any promises.”
“Fine, but like I said, this will be for Bella’s sake.”
“Go on.”
“Don’t tell Clara about Bella. I know Clara. She’s a very sweet, gentle person, but she needs to know that Bella will be hers before she sees her. Wait until the reading of the will.”
Huh?
“I don’t-”
“If you don’t, I don’t know how Clara will take this. I don’t know what she’ll do. There are things you don’t know about her – things that I cannot and will not tell you – but you need to do this for Bella.”
Way to twist my arm, old man.
I’d do anything for Bella. Stacy and Jon had been trying to conceive for years, and when they’d finally found out she was pregnant, it was huge for all of us. She was their little miracle. I’d been around since the day she was born and practically every day after that.
“I still don’t understand,” I told him, trying to sort out my thoughts.
“I know. And I realize that I’m asking you to lie to Clara. I am putting you in a very bad position, but she needs this, Grey. Bella would be very good for her, and she for Bella – I promise you that. This is best for their future.”
What aren’t you telling me, Galen?
“Fine. I can do that, but I’m blamin’ you if this goes south.”
He was steadfast in his response. “Then I will accept the consequences.”
♥♥♥
I had made sure everyone in town knew not to say anything to Clara about Bella at the funeral. I made it sound as if she was too upset to handle the news just yet.
My parents and Sam weren’t on board. They adamantly disagreed with Galen’s advice, but they’d do anything for Bella, as well.
I was lucky the town protected their own fiercely. They’d live up to their word, and no one would whisper a word about Bella. Otherwise, this wouldn’t work.
Mrs. Birdie was the one keeping Bella for us while we attended the funeral, which was why she was running late – she was picking Bella up from Mom. Mom promised to get Bella from Mrs. Birdie before I brought Clara back to the B&B. It was another reason I pressed Clara to ride with me. I was afraid she’d leave early, and the cat would be out of the bag.
And now that I’d done all of this and had met Clara, I felt like I’d made a deal with the devil. I didn’t want to deceive Clara. But then again, I saw how skittish she was.
This could be for the best.
Or it could blow up in all of our faces.
I just had to remind myself that this was all for a baby girls’ future. The one that had the same blonde hair and crazy-gorgeous blue eyes as the woman currently watching me as I climbed into my Tahoe.
Chapter 6
Grey
The drive was silent. Once Clara realized Sam was riding with us, she jumped out and got into the back seat. It was an almost desperate action.
Is she trying to get away from me?
I wasn’t sure, but it looked like it.
I kept checking on her in my rearview mirror, but she had her head turned to the window. Her body language screamed apprehension – she was rigid in her seat. Sam had opened her mouth at one point to spark up a conversation with Clara, but I shook my head as a warning before she could say anything.
This wasn’t the time for chitchat. Clara was barely holding herself together. Something was emanating from her that I couldn’t quite place.
Was she mourning her brother? What was Galen talking about? What happened to Clara? Did something happen to Clara?
As I pulled onto the road leading to the church – Jon’s church – it hit me like a ton of bricks why we were here. Preparing for Clara’s arrival had kept me distracted, but now that distraction couldn’t keep the emotions, the grief away any longer. It flooded my chest, suffocating me, and I could barely reign it in as I turned into the parking lot. I gripped my steering wheel, my knuckles white, to keep it from surfacing.
“You okay?” Sam whispered, placing her hand on my forearm.
I relinquished my grip and turned to her. “I will be once this is done and he’s put to rest.”
Her smile was sad. “I know.”
I glanced in the mirror again, only to find Clara observing us thoughtfully. She gave me a small smile, but this one was different. It spoke of kindred loss. Whatever issues she had with Jon, she recognized my pain and understood it on a different level than most.
I wasn’t quite sure how I felt about that…or her.
“Let’s get this over with,” I told Clara, nodding slightly in thanks.
Her smile slipped. She look
ed at the church, reluctant to get out. “I guess.” Her voice was light; it came out hushed and breathy.
We slowly exited my Tahoe and made our way to the front doors. As we grew nearer, Clara’s steps became more hesitant, slow. I stopped and peered back at her, forgetting my loss.
She was going to run for it.
I wasn’t going to let that happen.
I backed up a few steps and wound an arm around her shoulders, forcing her forward. “I’ve got you,” I whispered. “Everythin’s gonna be okay.”
“I’m not…” she trailed, then huddled in, attempting to get closer. “Okay. I’ve got it. I’ll be fine.”
Clara stayed tucked against my side as we entered the foyer. She reminded me of a scared, little rabbit as she surveyed our surroundings.
“I’m gonna run to the bathroom really fast,” Sam informed us. “I’ll meet y’all inside.”
I nodded and continued through the doors to the sanctuary. Pastor Neil and a lady were speaking quietly next to the pulpit, but they were the only ones here. Two closed caskets were already resting on the stage. Flowers and wreaths decorated each one, as well as the steps leading to the stage, probably from the grieving parishioners and townspeople.
Jon and Stacy were well loved, and their absence would be felt for a long time. They’d not only opened an outreach program for runaway teens, but they also poured money into this town and its community. I could go on and on about the things they did to help people. It was the one thing I’d respected the most about Jon and Stacy – they were selfless. No matter the cost, no matter the sacrifice, Jon and Stacy put their needs aside to do for others.
When I noticed Jon’s picture next to his casket, my gut clenched and wetness hit my eyes. Jon’s light hair was cut short, his brown eyes happy, and the smile lighting his face was a testament to that.
God, they are really dead.
My anguish subsided when I detected Clara’s reaction to the scene in front of us – she’d turned to stone next to me, halting our progress. Her face was white, and her eyes were wide with…horror?
“You okay?” I whispered.
Her chin wobbled. “Who…who is that?” She pointed to Stacy’s picture, the same one that looked a lot like her. The eyes were different – Stacy’s weren’t as blue – although their features were a lot alike. Not exact, but similar in many, many ways – the same bee-stung lips, jaw shape, flawless cheekbones, and high-arched brows. “Please tell me that’s not his wife.”
Finding Bliss (Bliss #1) Page 5