by Elsie Davis
Something he couldn’t let happen.
Chapter Eight
The fresh morning air had been perfect for another horseback ride with Chad. Gemma had loved every minute of it, especially when they spotted a couple of foxes and then a doe with her two fawns. The hawk was a nice touch, but his screeching cries let them know he didn’t feel the same about the intrusion. The trails on the property were challenging in some areas, but the beauty of the creek passing through the back corner had been impossible to resist.
Most of their conversation had been spent bouncing ideas around for the carnival. Gemma couldn’t help a certain satisfaction knowing Chad had been impressed with her mind for detail and made no effort to hide it. It went a long way to bringing them closer, his words of praise something she’d longed to hear for most of her life.
They rode and talked almost as if they’d known each other a while, their stilted conversation a thing of the past. The ride also managed to shed more light on the man who up until a few weeks ago had been a mystery. And she, too, found herself admiring his many abilities, something she hadn’t expected. Well-respected, liked, good with kids, generous. Three days ago, she wouldn’t have used even one of those words to describe her dad. Katie had—and she’d been right.
After Chad left to work down at the barn, Gemma took Brody for a walk. Still nervous about letting him off his leash, they walked partway around the quarry before she gathered the courage to trust him. At least on the low side of the mountain, he shouldn’t be able to find too much trouble.
Brody ran around smelling everything, his puppyish dancing and prancing causing her to laugh. She picked up a stick and threw it. “Fetch.” And so, the game began. They played for fifteen or twenty minutes before she headed back up the hill, pleased when Brody came to heel next to her. And he stayed by her side all the way to the house, much to her relief.
Gemma grabbed the notebook and pen she always carried in her purse. It was time to get down to business and focus on the fundraiser. She started a checklist and a spreadsheet to organize the timing schedule of what needed to happen and when. To pull off an event such as this on such short notice, she would need everyone’s cooperation. Come Monday, she’d be burning up her ear with the phone, calling in favors and lining up advertising.
Every carnival needed a blow-up ball house and a blow-up slide. Next to the dunking booth entry, she’d penned in Chad’s name. The kissing booth, well, that would feature Jake and a few of the other single guys on the rescue team. Whoever she could rope into agreeing.
Jake would be a hit if the women’s heated looks as he’d walked out of Sally’s diner were any indication. The five-one-one rule would have to apply to keep things from getting out of hand and prevent her from losing her kissing volunteers. Five bucks for one kiss for one second on the cheek or lips.
Getting Jake to agree would be the hard part.
Chad showed back up at the house several times by mid-afternoon, normally with a suggestion or two to relay. Her mother’s text late in the afternoon to tell her she was checked into the spa, was the only other interruption to what turned out to be a productive day and one that left Gemma satisfied everything was planned out.
“How’s it coming?” Chad asked as he came through the door, taking off his jacket and hanging it on the hook.
“I’m done the first step. Now, we wait for Monday when the real action starts.”
“Great news. How about I throw on a couple of steaks to celebrate?”
“Works for me. I’m starved.” She’d skipped lunch by accident, focused on her planning. It was the same thing that happened anytime she got wrapped up in a project.
“Let me get changed and I’ll get right on it. I got just the right-size steaks to cure hunger issues.” He winked before heading down the hall.
* * *
Sunday morning arrived all too early after she’d stayed up late. Gemma glanced at her watch. She needed to get a move on. Tossing back the covers, she ignored the chilly air and cold floors as she hurried back and forth between the bathroom and the closet to get ready for church.
Still full after dinner last night, she wasn’t overly hungry this morning. The sixteen-ounce steak had been more than she could eat, but she’d done her fair share of damage to it. Her mom knew how to cook, but Chad knew how to grill. The steak was done to perfection with its melt-in-your-mouth tenderness and spicy kick, and she’d found herself eating way more than usual.
Afterward, they’d spent the evening talking more about the carnival and about life in general. Comparing notes in a way. Likes and dislikes. Places they wanted to see, things they wanted to do. Basically, making up for the lost time in the getting-to-know-you stage. But then she’d gone to bed, only to stay up and make more notes on her planner, jotting down some extra details they’d discussed.
Gemma was at the top of her game when it came to her job, but this event was more personal, and she wanted it to be perfect.
Chad’s invitation to church last night had caught her by surprise, and she’d found herself agreeing, wondering more and more about her dad. Unfortunately, she was exhausted and running behind this morning. Gemma finished getting ready in record time, grabbed a cup of coffee and her jacket and then hurried down the stairs to meet Chad, where he was waiting in the truck.
“Good morning. Sorry, I’m running behind. I hope jeans and a dress blouse are okay for church?” she asked as she climbed up into the truck.
“Good morning to you. You look just fine. Don’t worry.” He shook his head and chuckled.
“You’re probably the wrong person to ask. Men don’t worry about clothes.” She grimaced. It’s not as if she had time to change, so it would have to do.
“I was beginning to think you’d changed your mind about coming.”
“No, just overslept. I stayed up working on a few things.”
“I figured as much, that’s why I let you sleep.” Chad was always accommodating and considerate. The reasons to like him just kept piling up.
They pulled into the church parking lot, Chad driving to the back row to park.
"Think you parked far enough away?" she teased. The lot was only half full and yet they were parked in Timbuktu.
"I just like to leave all the closer parking for the people who need it."
As if he wasn't one of them, his limp still quite noticeable today. The extra-long horseback rides were probably making it worse, but she wouldn’t ask, because men like Chad would hate to be reminded of their weaknesses.
They joined in with other churchgoers flocking toward the entrance. Lots of hellos were exchanged, people genuinely pleased to see one another. Chad introduced her to the usher as his daughter and then to everyone else who stopped to talk to him on the way in. Shock was the general mood with every introduction as people tried to collect themselves and respond.
Inside the church, people mingled for a bit and headed off to take their seats. In a town this size, she wouldn’t be surprised if everyone had an informally designated seat they’d been sitting in for years. And yes, there were lots of folks wearing jeans and nice shirts. Way more relaxed than some of the churches she’d been to in Syracuse.
Chad stood talking with one of his friends, giving Gemma a chance to glance around.
Curious stares turned away when she returned their gaze. Off to one side, Gemma spotted Kyle sitting next to Jake. The boy was on his knees and turned around, watching everyone. Jake, on the other hand, sat facing forward, poring over the Sunday morning bulletin. He looked rather handsome in his blue sportscoat. Even Kyle had on a sport coat—the pair of them totally adorable together.
Kyle spotted her and waved. Her heart did a flip-flop as his smile wrapped around her, touching a place deep inside. It was a warm and fuzzy, make-you-feel-good-inside kind of smile.
Gemma waved back, but he missed it because he was too busy smacking his daddy’s shoulder to get his attention and pointing in her direction. Jake glanced at her and nodded his he
ad in acknowledgment, the barest hint of a smile on his face. No like father, like son here. Gemma waved again, but this time he missed it because Jake was turning Kyle around and settling him down in preparation for the sermon.
Chad and Gemma headed toward the middle of the church and took a seat.
Conversations lulled as the organist began to play, music filling the church with uplifting sounds that mixed sweetly with the choir’s voices. They sang several hymns, the congregation joining in, full of energy, praise, and love.
The songs ended, and the place became quiet as the pastor stepped up to the podium.
Gemma found herself listening intently, the message striking a chord within her. Twenty-five minutes later, the weight of the sermon lay on Gemma’s shoulders. It was as if the pastor had spoken to her. Forgiveness. Chad was a loved and respected member of the community. It was the adult version of the boy he’d been when he rode out of town pursuing his dreams. But could Gemma forgive him?
It was a question only she could answer, one that required her to find out the truth of what happened between her parents. The whole truth.
Outside the church, Kyle rushed up to her. “Gemma. Gemma. I saw you in chuwch. Did you see me?”
She scanned the crowd; positive Jake would be in hot pursuit of his son. She wasn’t wrong. Not more than twenty feet away, he was bearing down upon them.
“I did. I was surprised to see you in the big people’s church. Don’t you want to go to Sunday school with the other kids?”
“Nah. Some of the kids aw mean to me, so my daddy lets me stay wif him.” Kyle’s words tore at Gemma’s heart.
It was a shame kids could be so mean to other kids. She wanted to wrap him up in a bear hug and tell him not to let words hurt, but she held back, knowing Jake wouldn’t appreciate her interference. He’d made that point clear on several occasions.
“Kyle, what have I told you about running off?” Jake’s voice was stern with reproach and love, a combination she remembered well. Her own mother had used it on her many times.
“Sowy, Daddy.” Kyle’s crestfallen face echoed the sentiment.
Kyle was lucky to have a dad who cared enough to put him first above all else. Someone who was trying to make up for the fact his mother wanted nothing to do with him.
How his mother could walk away was mind-boggling and infuriating. Much the same way she didn’t understand her father’s decision. Especially the staying away part once he realized his mistake.
Jake rustled the boy’s hair and knelt to pull him close. “Thanks, buddy.”
“Look who I found. Miss Gemma. I was gonna ask her to come play and bwing Bwody again. Can she, Daddy, can she?” Kyle reached for her hand.
“Morning, Gemma. And no, Kyle, she can’t. I’m sorry. We have errands to run, and I’m sure Miss Gemma has a busy day planned with her dad.”
“Aw, shucks. You never let her come over.” His eyes filled with tears.
“Your daddy’s right, I’m going riding with Chad this afternoon.” Jake’s frown wasn’t warranted considering she was trying to help him out.
Jake let out a deep sigh. “Besides, after we have lunch at the diner and run our errands, that’s when we go to the park, so you can play. I know you don’t want to miss playing on the swing set and the slides.”
“Oh, yeah. I fo’got. I like the park. Let’s go, Daddy. We need to get done so I can go play.” Gemma smiled at the single-mindedness of a child when it came to playtime; the small redirection worked wonders with the boy.
Jake’s understanding of how to deal with a child was amazing, considering children didn’t come with manuals, and this was his first time out. She couldn’t help but envy the special bond they shared.
“Get going, you two. I’ve got to find Chad and see if he’s ready to leave. Oh, and Jake, we need to discuss the fundraiser. I’ve worked out a lot of details, and I want to go over them with you. Can we meet for lunch tomorrow?”
A flash of indecision crossed his face before resignation settled in.
“Sure. Meet me at Sally’s at one. If I’m late, you’ll have to forgive me. Sometimes it’s hard to know when the last patient before lunch will be gone.” He took Kyle by the hand, nodded, and left.
She’d agreed to meet him around his schedule, and for the cause, she would make it work. Which reminded her, first thing in the morning she needed to call her assistant about taking on her accounts. She wasn’t overloaded now, and the girl would welcome the commission.
A woman who could easily be in her late forties walked up to Gemma. Hair in a tight bun, face perfectly made up, and a matching pantsuit with color-coordinated heels, the woman was certainly more of a traditionalist in the church.
“Hello. Welcome to Hallbrook. I understand you’re new around here and of course, that you’re Chad Andrews’ daughter. No one ever knew he had a daughter, so it’s been quite a surprise. You seem vaguely familiar. Do I know your mother?” The woman pushed her glasses back on her nose to get a better look.
With Chad acknowledging her as his daughter, sooner or later someone would recognize her and put two and two together, but until then, Gemma wasn’t going to stoke the rumor mill.
“Hi. Yes, I’m sure it’s a surprise. As to whether you know my mother, I wouldn’t have a clue who she knew back then.” Gemma flashed a smile to take the sting out of her words.
“Chad must’ve been just a teenager when you were born. Boy did right good for himself with the PBR. Darn shame about the accident. Who’d you say your mother was?”
It didn’t take the woman long to get back to where she started. The opportunity to be in the know on the latest gossip to hit the small-town community was too special of a prize for the woman to resist.
“I didn’t. Amy Watson’s her name.” Gemma gave her mother’s married name on purpose, knowing the woman wouldn’t recognize it.
“Doesn’t ring a bell.” The woman was disappointed, but it served her right. Almost everyone would remember Amy Sanders, the unmarried woman who’d raised her daughter alone. Head held high; her mother hadn’t cared what people thought of her.
And Gemma had learned to do the same.
“Sorry.”
“No matter. At least he’s not turning up with a young child as a kid.” The woman shook her head and laughed. “That would put a damper on all the ladies who’ve been chasing him for years. Your dad’s quite the catch, but so far, no one’s been able to put a ring on his finger.”
The last thing she wanted to do was discuss Chad’s dating life. “Speaking of Chad, he’s looking this way, acting as if he’s ready to go. Got to run. It was a pleasure to meet you.” Not.
Gemma walked over to where Chad stood.
“I see you met Bertha Higgins. Lucky you.” The corners of Chad’s eyes crinkled with his all-knowing grin.
“We didn’t actually meet, meet. She forgot to mention her name in her quest for knowledge. Apparently, if you show up at church with a twenty-four-year-old daughter, it’s going to be a hot topic.”
“Yeah. Sorry about that. Our town is friendly, but some of the folks cross over to nosey. And Bertha’s at the top of the list. Followed closely by Mayor Tucker’s wife.” Chad shook his head in disgust.
“So how do you plan to explain away my sudden appearance?” Her own curiosity was in overdrive, the answer something her heart and brain needed to hear.
“I don’t. Things have a way of working themselves out, and I’m going to let the future take care of itself. What’s important to me right now is you. Not what anyone else thinks or wants to know.”
It was a solid answer, but one that didn’t fulfill her longing for the truth. But still, it did give her the warm fuzzies when he said she was important to him.
The rest of the day she helped Chad clean the barn before they headed out for a ride, this time taking Brody with them. He’d done well being around the horses, although at first, it had taken a bit to calm him down. By the time they returned, Gemma’s fears
about Brody getting into trouble had all but vanished. Lesson learned might be an appropriate phrase for more than one male she was hanging around.
* * *
The Monday morning rush was busy, but Jake had gotten through everyone’s aches and ailments in a timely fashion. Walking towards Sally’s diner, he prepared himself for the meeting with Gemma. The rescue squad needed a dose of capital, and Gemma’s idea was the dash of hope they needed to get it.
Her idea would normally require the efforts of a professional, something the town couldn’t afford to hire, but her offer to do this for free was not an opportunity the rescue squad or the community could pass up.
The only thing it wouldn’t be good for was him and his son.
Kyle was already becoming attached. His son had fallen in love with Brody, and his natural reservations to meet new people fell by the wayside for Brody’s owner. Gemma was part of the package. And outside of the matter between Chad and Gemma, Jake found himself noticing her as a woman, which was another problem he could ill afford. He wasn’t interested in dating, but if he was, he wouldn’t even consider taking out the daughter of one of his best friends. That situation would never turn out good—for him.
He pulled open the door of the diner and scanned the tables and the counter-service area for any sign of Gemma. Jake spotted her tucked in the corner booth. Busy on her phone, she hadn’t noticed him come in.
Her hair was pulled into a loose bun, ringlets of red cascading down one side of her head. The steel-blue sweater matched the color of her eyes, a detail he remembered all too well for a man who shouldn’t have been paying attention. She was in an animated conversation, and he hung back, waiting for her to finish the call.
Not for the first time, he wondered what brought her to Hallbrook and Chad’s doorstep. No one else had known he had a daughter, but the photo album Chad had hidden away told a story about a man who was very much involved in his daughter’s life.