Knee Deep in Love: A Sweet Traveling Romance Novel (All Roads Lead to Love Book 1)

by Vivian Porter

  David hoped he appeared more interested than he really was. "Have you ever built homes or businesses for middle or low-income families?"

  Randy turned up his nose, and he looked shocked like David asked him to do something along the same lines as donating a kidney or giving all his money to charity.

  "No,” he responded. “We have certain clientele and strict guidelines we adhere to.”

  David sat back in his seat and got comfortable while Norman chauffeured them around San Francisco, and he let Randy do most of the talking since it was more than apparent the man loved hearing his own voice.

  "I think you'll be very happy with what I have to offer. I'm willing to double your present salary, and every Christmas, I give my employees a sizable bonus. Plus, I offer benefits such as health insurance, a retirement plan, and any expenses you incur while working—gas mileage and hotels—are paid for. I'm guessing by the absence of a ring on your finger that you're not married?"

  David looked wistfully at his left hand. "No, I'm not married."

  Randy nodded like he approved. "You're a smart man. I'm currently with my third wife."

  Norman took them to the Golden Gate Bridge, and they visited Fisherman's Wharf and Chinatown while Randy gave him history lessons about it all. He had to admit, the area was really beautiful, but it was difficult to enjoy it when his mind was on Candice and Sarah and wondering what they were doing back home in Lehi.

  "I have a few vacation homes in places like Milan, Paris, and Cozumel," Randy bragged. "There’s something that suits just about everyone, whether you like staying in a cabin in the mountains, a luxury suite, or a beachfront villa. Every year, I do a performance evaluation on all of my employees, and those who are working up to par by my standards get to stay in my vacation homes free of charge. How does that sound?"

  He wanted to tell Randy he'd done his fair share of traveling and could care less about staying in one of his fancy vacation homes but chose not to bruise his ego. "Sounds perfect."

  After an hour or so touring the sites, they went to Drennan Enterprises. It was a massive company and much larger than David expected. The building contained three stories and was divided into sections for engineers, designers, project directors, foremen, and accountants. He met most of Randy's employees, and it took two hours just to tour the building. When they were almost done, David was physically exhausted.

  "This would be your office," Randy said.

  He opened a door, exposing the largest office he'd ever seen in his life. His offices at MBC and Owens Industries could fit inside of it with room to spare. It was divided into two compartments, an office area and a conference area. The office was filled with a large mahogany desk, a few chairs, filing cabinets, and bookshelves that reached the ceiling. The window behind the desk covered the entire wall and had a gorgeous view of the Golden Gate Bridge. The conference room contained a long, rectangular table and sixteen chairs for meetings.

  "Did I mention you would have your own personal assistant too?" Randy asked.

  David shook his head. It was almost too much to take in at once, and he felt like a kid at Christmas time, only each present he opened was more elaborate than the last. It was nearing seven o’clock when they reached the end of his tour.

  "Let's grab some dinner," Randy suggested. "There's a restaurant around the corner that serves the best filet mignon in the city."

  David's mouth watered at the mention of it, and as they left the building and got back into the limousine, he was starting to understand why so many people fell in love with San Francisco.

  Chapter 28

  Candice

  Candice wasn't surprised to find Whitney sitting on her front porch steps when she returned home from picking Sarah up from school Thursday afternoon. When she got out of the car and helped Sarah out of her booster seat, she could tell by the expression on her sister's face that she was there for answers.

  "Hey, Aunt Whitney, look what I got today!"

  Sarah ran to her and showed off the new boots she had on while Candice moved more slowly getting her purse and keys from the car. The longer she could keep from having to tell Whitney why she called in sick to work, the better off she was. So far, she'd managed to go three days without confessing to anyone what happened between her and David, but apparently, the gig was now up.

  "That's some fancy cowboy boots she has on," Whitney said as Candice walked over to join her. "What's the big occasion?"

  She combed her fingers through Sarah's long brown hair and smiled. "No big occasion. Tomorrow's the last day of school, and I thought she deserved something special."

  Whitney didn't look convinced. "Sarah, sweetie, do you mind playing on the swing set while I talk to your mom for a little while?"

  Candice felt another twist in the knot in her stomach when Sarah went to her swing set beside the house to play and left them alone. Whitney scooted over so she could sit beside her on the step, and Candice did so reluctantly.

  "I can count on one hand how many times you've called in sick since you started working at MBC. I came over here to check on you, and now that I've seen you two went shopping, I know for a fact something's wrong, so spill it, sister."

  Candice set her purse and keys down and pulled her knees up to her chest. There was no getting out of it now, and she didn't know where to start. The past three days were the most miserable ones she'd been through since Barry died. Over the past two months, she and David never went a day without talking to each other, and going this long without hearing his voice was unbearable.

  "David was offered a better paying job in California, and he's there now, testing the waters to see if it's what he wants before making a final decision. I asked him politely not to come around again until he makes up his mind because it wouldn't be fair to Sarah."

  It felt good getting it off her chest, but when Whitney put her arm around Candice's waist and hugged her, she had to fight the urge to cry. She'd already spent three days crying in the privacy of her bathroom so Sarah wouldn't suspect something was going on.

  "It wouldn't be fair to you either," Whitney replied.

  Candice gave her a weary smile. "I'm a big girl. I can handle it."

  Whitney squeezed her waist. "I wish I knew what to say, but I’m afraid I just don't have the words."

  Candice leaned over so she could peek around the corner of the house and check on Sarah, who was busy swinging. She looked so happy in her new boots, and that was the only thing helping Candice smile for the time being. "Please, don't say anything to Mom. This is hard enough without having her feeling sorry for me, and I don't want her upset."

  Whitney rested her head on Candice's shoulder. "I won't."

  They sat in silence a few minutes, and Candice closed her eyes and enjoyed the warm breeze on her face. Summer was her favorite season, and although she'd had her heart set on spending this one with David, she was determined to make it a good one for Sarah, even if they had to go on their adventures without him.

  "He told me he loved me, Whitney. Why would he tell me that and then leave?"

  Hot tears sprang to her eyes, and she swallowed hard to keep them at bay. Whitney sat up straight and reached for her hand.

  "Candice, I can't explain it, but I've had a good feeling about David since the first day you told me about him, and I truly believe the two of you will be together. I'm not just saying that to help you feel better either. Maybe I'm crazy or too much of a romantic for my own good, but I believe that."

  Her comment made Candice smile. She had the same premonition about David when they first met, too, so perhaps there was something to them both feeling the same way. Even if it didn't turn out the way she hoped, Candice was still thankful David had come into her life because he helped her realize that falling in love again was possible.

  "Hey, why don't you and Sarah come to my house for a swim? Daniel is working late again, and we can have some girl time. I need it, and I know you do too."

  Candice wiped the tears
from her eyes. It was the best idea she'd heard all week, and she needed something to help take her mind off her troubles. She stood and waved her arms in the air to get Sarah's attention.

  "Come on! We're going swimming at Aunt Whitney's!" she yelled.

  Sarah jumped off the swing and came running with a huge smile on her face, which filled Candice with renewed determination. That smile meant everything to her, and she would do whatever it took to keep it there—with or without David.

  "If I couldn't be a girl, I'd want to be a fish!" Sarah proclaimed.

  Candice laughed as she tucked the covers under Sarah's chin later that night at bedtime. After spending the evening in Whitney's pool, they were worn out, but it was a good night and time spent with her sister and daughter was something she cherished.

  "I believe you," she replied. "You swim better than any fish I've ever seen."

  Her comment made Sarah giggle, which was music to her ears and helped her feelings tremendously. Truth be known, she was glad she’d confided in Whitney, and she was thankful her sister suggested some girl time at her house because it helped ease her mind from thoughts of David if only for a little while.

  "Do you mind if I sleep in your bed tonight?" Candice asked.

  Sarah seemed happily surprised. "I don't mind. Do you need one of my dolls to help you sleep?"

  Candice smiled and pulled her close. "I have everything I need right here."

  She closed her eyes but couldn't drift off to sleep. The first couple of days after David's visit, Sarah asked about him constantly, and it was like a stake to the heart knowing she might have to tell her the bad news if David decided to move to California. She never wanted to bring another man into her daughter's life only to have him leave, and the guilt she felt was overwhelming at times.

  A bumping noise caught Candice's attention, and she sat upright in the bed and listened closely. She heard it two more times before realizing it was someone knocking on her front door. Sarah was sound asleep, and when she looked at the clock on her nightstand and saw it was almost eleven thirty, she panicked. Who could be visiting this late?

  Candice crept down the hallway and into the den, and her heart skipped a beat when she peeked out the window and saw who was there.

  David.

  Chapter 29

  David

  She was wearing her favorite flannel pajama set, her hair was damp, and she had on a pair of fuzzy blue house slippers that had seen better days … and he'd never seen Candice look more radiant. He stood on her doorstep, not knowing what to say or do, but he would've been satisfied to just stand there and gaze upon her as long as she let him.

  "I'm sorry. I know it's late," he said. "I didn't ring the doorbell because I was worried Sarah might be asleep. Can I please come in?"

  She stepped to the side and let him enter, and his head swooned when he caught the familiar aroma of her shampoo. As they walked to the sofa in the den and sat down, he couldn't remember a time when he'd ever felt so nervous. It was almost like being in her home for the first time, and he remembered very well how nerve-racking that was.

  He'd spent the past few hours trying to come up with the right words to say that would convey what he felt in his heart, but now that he was in her presence, none of it seemed adequate enough.

  "How was your trip?" she asked. "Braxton said you weren't coming back until Saturday."

  David anxiously rubbed his palms over his thighs as he recalled the past two days he'd spent in California and all the highs and lows he'd been through. "San Francisco is an amazing city. There's so much to see, and my office at Drennan Enterprises overlooks the Golden Gate Bridge. The lights are beautiful at night. I've never seen anything like it."

  She looked down at her lap, and he could tell she was upset.

  "So, I guess you've made up your mind," she murmured.

  David turned sideways in his seat, and when he held her chin and gently lifted her head so he could look at her, his heart sank when he saw a lone tear roll down her cheek, which he wiped away with the back of his hand.

  "I'm not finished," he replied with a smile. "San Francisco is awesome, but Randy Drennan is the most pompous jerk I've ever met in my life."

  She tilted her head and gave him a quizzical look. "What did he do?"

  David shook his head. "It's not so much what he did but what he said. He told me in no uncertain terms that he only builds for people with a certain social status. Braxton mentioned that to me before I left, but it was far worse than I imagined. I've dealt with my share of arrogant, wealthy people in this line of work, but none of them hold a candle to Randy Drennan."

  Candice smiled. "I wish I could say I feel bad for you, but I'm actually glad he turned out to be a jerk. Is that terrible of me?"

  David laughed as he held her hands. "No, it's not. Candice, San Francisco might be a wonderful city, but it's not my home if you and Sarah aren't there. This is where I belong. This is home."

  When she started crying, he pulled her into his embrace and rocked her in his arms until she stopped. It felt so good holding her again. He didn't want to let go.

  "David, are you absolutely sure this is what you want? I can't spend my life worrying constantly if another job offer might take you away from me, and I won't put Sarah through that."

  David wiped the tears from her cheeks. He'd never been good with words, and he was so afraid he'd say the wrong thing or fail at making her understand just how serious he was.

  "Candice, I've never felt more alone then when I was in San Francisco surrounded by Drennan and his multitude of employees. Besides that, his company isn't the type I want to work for. Yes, Randy offered me some great things, but I need to be able to sleep at night, and my conscience wouldn't let me if I worked for someone like him. This trip made me realize just how good I have it at MBC and how proud I am to work for such an upstanding company. I'm here to stay, Candice. I promise you that from the bottom of my heart."

  She looked relieved, and he felt guilty for putting her through so much torment. He wished he could take it all back, and he was going to make it up to her somehow.

  "I'm so sorry I put you through this. I hope someday you can forgive me."

  Candice rubbed his cheek with the back of her hand. "There's nothing to forgive. You're here, and that's all that matters."

  A shuffling noise caught their attention, and David grinned when he saw Sarah standing in the doorway in her pajamas with a doll and blanket tucked under her arm.

  "Mr. David?" she asked.

  Candice held out her arms. "Doodlebug, what are you doing up? It's almost midnight."

  Sarah rubbed her eyes with her small fists and yawned as she walked over to the sofa. "I heard you talking, and I wanted to make sure Mr. David was here."

  His heart melted when she crawled in his lap and lay her head on his chest, and David wrapped her in his arms while Candice covered her with the blanket.

  "I love you, Mr. David," she whispered before drifting back to sleep.

  David's eyes welled with tears as he looked at Candice. "I love you too."

  She kissed him tenderly on the lips before resting her head on his shoulder, and David knew without a doubt in his mind he was right where he belonged.

  He was home.

  Epilogue

  Candice

  One Year Later

  "Sarah, this is the most excited I've seen you since the neighbor's horse got loose and wandered into our yard. What's gotten into you?"

  Sarah clapped her hands, and Candice laughed as she tried to help her get dressed for their camping trip with David, who was waiting for them in the den. Her eyes were as big as silver dollars, and she looked like she could literally jump right out of her skin.

  "I'm just so happy! Let's hurry up and go!" she exclaimed.

  Candice managed to get her clothes on, but her socks were mismatched. She went to take them off, but Sarah stopped her and told her there wasn't enough time and that they needed to get to the park. She g
rabbed her hiking boots before taking off and darting down the hallway in the direction of the den.

  "Good grief, what's gotten into that child?" Candice mumbled to herself.

  She looked around her room, expecting to find some empty candy wrappers that would explain why she was so hyper, but there was nothing. Candice shrugged and turned off the bedroom light on her way to the den where David was helping Sarah put on her boots. Almost a year had come and gone since his return from San Francisco, and as the memories from that day filled her mind and heart, she sighed contentedly.

  "Ready?" he asked.

  She and David checked the house one last time before they left, making sure everything was turned off, and as they all piled into David's truck, Sarah's excitement was contagious, and they couldn't wait to get to the park. They made it there just as the sun was setting. David was able to talk Sarah into putting their tent on the ground instead of in the bed of his truck, but it took Candice covering the label on a can of hairspray with a fake one she’d printed at work that read “Bear Repellent” to make her believe they were safe from bears once she sprayed it around their campsite.

  As soon as their tent was up, David gathered some sticks and tried to build a fire in the firepit for the weenie roast. Sarah stood back and watched, but he wasn't having much luck, and each time he put a match to the tinder, only to have it smolder and die before lighting a fire, she giggled uncontrollably. Witnessing how the two of them interacted was always a precious sight to behold, and Candice couldn't help but laugh with her. After trying different types of tinder and kindling, David was finally able to start a roaring fire that was perfect for roasting hot dogs and marshmallows.