Whatever It Takes: A Highland Springs Romance (Whatever Series Book 4)

by Leigh Fleming

  “I’m already going ten miles over the speed limit. Do you want to get there alive or not?”

  “But there’s no one on the highway. Now is your chance to shave a few minutes off the trip.”

  Like a fool, he’d let Meghan talk him into going to Highland Springs, even though her doctor encouraged them to stay close to home. She had caught him at a weak moment earlier that morning.

  “It’s only three hours away. I can be back at the hospital in plenty of time.” She had found him in his office with his head in his hands, fighting to control his anger. He’d ended it with Darla over voice mail. Whatever crazy notion he’d had of a future with her, being a family, was gone. How could he be with someone who would go behind his back and go to the press after he asked her not to? Trust was the most important thing in a relationship, and she’d lost his.

  “Where? What are you talking about?” His neck had strained from the simple motion of lifting his head and turning to his daughter, standing inside his office door. An overnight bag sat at her feet. “What’s that?”

  “I packed a bag. We’re going to see Darla.”

  “Wait. What the hell are you doing up here? You’re not supposed to go up steps.”

  “Dad!” She had rushed toward him and wrapped her hands around his arms, giving him a shake. “I’m fine. But Darla isn’t. We have to go see her.”

  “No.” He had spun in his chair, turning his back on her. “Go downstairs and rest.”

  “What’s the matter with you? Don’t you even care?”

  Of course he cared—more than he wanted to admit. He was in love with Darla, but she’d betrayed him by telling her secret to the world without his permission, threatened his chance for tenure, and risked his daughter’s health. Ever since the news broke, Meghan had been worked up, putting strain on her fragile heart.

  “I’m sure Darla will be fine.”

  “Dad, I can’t believe you’re acting like this. I thought you liked Darla. Actually, I thought you two had something going.”

  “There can’t be anything between us. She made sure of that.”

  “Fine.” He’d heard her lift her suitcase and head into the hallway. “I’ll drive myself.”

  Once she had gotten back downstairs, the rattle of keys being lifted off the hook had propelled him into action. Meghan was about to take his car and drive all the way to Highland Springs. He rushed down the stairs and caught her on the sidewalk outside their house.

  “Give me those keys, young lady.” He hadn’t barked at her like that since she was small. “You can’t drive yourself.”

  “Let’s go then. Time’s wasting.”

  She’d been so agitated and determined to see Darla, the only way to calm her down was to go to West Virginia. Maybe once she saw her mother, she’d relax and take better care of herself. If the call came through that a heart was available, they could be in Cleveland in a matter of hours. But what about him? How would he react when he saw Darla? He would just hang in the background and stay away from her. Torn between fury that she’d risked Meghan’s health by sharing the truth with the press, and desperately needing to hold her in his arms, Jason’s emotions rolled like the asphalt beneath their tires.

  “Yes!” Meghan pumped her fist when she saw the mileage sign. “Only thirty more miles to Highland Springs.”

  “Why don’t you lay your seat back and take a quick nap? We’ll be there before you know it.”

  “I’m too excited to sleep. I can’t wait to see her.” She turned in her seat, propping her knee on the space between them, and grabbed his right arm. “Can you believe she did it? She told the whole world what that old goat did to her.”

  “She should’ve warned us first.”

  “It doesn’t matter.”

  “It does matter. Here we are, running off to West Virginia instead of listening to your doctor. We’re taking a big risk, Meghan.”

  “I’ll be fine.”

  “Darla had every right to expose the governor, but couldn’t she have waited until after your surgery?”

  “Why wait? It wouldn’t have made a difference anyway.” She curled back into her seat, crossed her arms, and stared with determination out the windshield. “My condition is no worse now that the world knows. I’m going to be fine. Besides, no one knows it’s me—yet.”

  “What do you mean yet?”

  “As soon as I’ve had the surgery and I’m completely healed, I’m coming forward. I’ll call the New York Times or the Washington Post and give an exclusive interview.” Excited at the idea, Meghan sucked in a quick breath and spun around to face him. “Maybe Anderson Cooper will invite me on his show. Or Ellen!”

  “Ellen DeGeneres has famous celebrities on her show.”

  “By then, I’ll be famous.”

  “Please promise me…” Jason slowed down and pulled to the side of the highway. A conversation like this required his full attention.

  “Dad, what are you doing? Why are you stopping?”

  Once the car was safely pulled to the shoulder, he cut the engine and unlatched his seat belt. “Listen to me. This is a very sensitive issue.”

  “Don’t tell me you’re defending that guy.”

  “No, I’m not, but, Meg, he’s your biological father. Right or wrong, he’s your flesh and blood.”

  “I don’t see it that way. He’s a vicious child molester.”

  “Do you want the world knowing you’re the victim of a sexual assault? Why would you expose yourself to that?”

  Having removed her own seat belt, Meghan leaned back against her door, folded her arms across her chest, and stared at her father through narrowed lids. “Wait a minute. If it doesn’t bother me, why should it bother you?”

  “I didn’t say it both—”

  “You don’t want anyone to know because it will tarnish your perfect reputation.”

  “Meghan!”

  “It’s true. From the minute you found out about my heritage, you’ve wanted to keep it quiet, worried you wouldn’t get your precious tenure.”

  “That tenure guarantees my professional future.”

  “You can work anywhere.”

  “There aren’t as many full-time, tenured positions available for economics professors as you think. I’ve worked hard for this.”

  “You have, I know, but think about what Darla’s been through. Shouldn’t we support her?”

  Of course they should support her. She did the right thing by confronting the governor, but now that the world knew, it would only be a matter of time before Meghan’s and his names were pulled into it. More than one candidate was eligible for the tenured position, and knowing the chair of the department, he’d likely give it to the professor who wouldn’t be at risk of salacious press.

  “All I’m asking is that you not let it be known it’s you. We can support Darla through this but keep your identity hidden.”

  “I won’t make any promises. This issue is bigger than Darla, it’s bigger than me. It’s got to stop.”

  He’d never get through to Meghan, so he pulled back onto the highway and continued to Highland Springs. With each approaching mile, his stomach churned just thinking of seeing Darla again. The last time they’d been together had been incredible, but a lot had happened since then.

  Twenty minutes later, he pulled the car to the curb across from Darla’s, looking up at the stately Victorian.

  “Whoa, this is Darla’s house? It’s amazing!”

  “It’s quite a place.”

  “Come on. Let’s go.” Meghan jumped out of the car and dodged across the street without looking. His heart stopped. She ran up the steps and pushed open the iron gate. She wasn’t supposed to have any physical exertion. After pounding on the front door, she cupped her hands around her eyes and peered through the bay window.

  Jason crossed the street, glancing at the other historic houses on the block, trying to get his nervous energy under control. He wasn’t sure how he’d react when he saw her again.

&n
bsp; “I don’t think she’s here.” Meghan came to the edge of the porch with her hands on her hips. “Wonder where she is.”

  “She’s at the barbecue,” a slim man with thinning, gray hair shouted from two houses down. He walked toward his car, jingling his keys in his hand. “At the park. I’m headed there now if you want to follow me.”

  “Sure!” Meghan shouted back, skipping down the stairs at a speed her doctor would surely forbid. She grabbed Jason’s arm and tugged him toward their car. “Come on, Dad. We’re going to a barbecue. I’m starved.”

  Raucous voices, country music, and the smell of grilled meat filled the air as Jason and Meghan crossed the parking lot to the grassy lawn a few minutes later. Walking under the enormous Raspberry Festival Barbecue banner, they were met by hundreds of folks gathered in the shady park. An old-fashioned gazebo sat in the center, high on its perch, overlooking a duck pond, picnic area, and children’s playground. A makeshift stage was erected beside the gazebo where a sandy-haired man strummed an acoustic guitar, singing into a microphone.

  “Holy crap, they know how to throw a party in this town.” Meghan tugged Jason toward the line of grills, where sweating men were surrounded by smoke. “I’m starved.”

  “I thought you wanted to see Darla.”

  “After I get a hot dog.”

  The delay in meeting up with Darla was fine with him. He still wasn’t sure how he felt about seeing her, still angry she’d put them in this precarious position.

  “We can get something later. Let’s find Darla,” Meghan said, grabbing his hand.

  “It won’t be too long of a wait.”

  “Okay. Get me a hot dog and I’ll look for Darla.” Before he could stop her, she disappeared through the crowd. If only she’d slow down, keep her heartbeat slow and steady. This ordeal made him feel twenty years older.

  A group of people were in a tight circle over his shoulder, and their conversation caught his attention.

  “What do you suppose Darla will say in her acceptance speech?” a tall, rail-thin man asked.

  “If she were smart, she’d avoid the subject altogether,” an elderly woman said.

  “I might be wrong, but I think that bunch over there by the pond are reporters.” A barrel-chested man pointed toward the water.

  “The real trouble might be Jimmy and his posse over by the beer truck. They’re a handful even when they’re not drinking.” The thin man flicked his hand in the direction of a group of men, cheering on a mock fistfight between two bearded, burly men.

  “Exactly why her comments should stick to the award itself.” The older woman glanced over her shoulder at the reporters, and then at the rowdy men, with a disapproving huff.

  After Jason paid for their meals, he found a spot at a table farthest from the stage. He craned his neck to find Meghan as the tall, thin man he’d overheard earlier took the stage.

  “How’re you all doing out there tonight?”

  The crowd burst into rousing applause, whistles, and shouts.

  “You all enjoying the food?” Again, a loud eruption burst from the people. “Give a round of applause to Travis and the boys for fixing a mighty fine meal.” He waited until the clapping died down, and continued. “It wouldn’t be a barbecue without something to drink. Give it up for Tucker and his folks from Misty Mountain Brewery.” The MC stood back from the microphone and clapped a few seconds before resuming his acknowledgements. “Let’s hear it for Brody Fisk on the guitar. Thank you, Brody, for entertaining the folks.”

  While the attendees continued their appreciation for the food and spirits, Jason scanned the crowd for Darla. Sitting so far back, it was impossible to find her. She had to be here since she was receiving an award. The lively host continued speaking for a few minutes, thanking various people and commenting on the history of the festival. Finally, Darla stepped from behind the stage and stood at the bottom of the stairs. She was pale, stoic, but still so lovely. Even from this distance, he could sense her nervousness. Like a basic instinct, he wanted to cross the park and pull her into his arms, but Meghan did it for him. She hugged her mother and disappeared into the crowd.

  “Now, on with the festivities. As you know, every year, the City of Highland Springs bestows an award on the person who best represents our community. This year’s recipient needs no introduction. She’s a member of…”

  While the MC rattled off the list of Darla’s achievements, she marched in place, twisting her hands against her stomach. Meghan returned, breathing hard, as she climbed over the bench and took a seat beside him. “I found her.” She bit into her hot dog, holding her gaze on Darla. “She nervous.”

  “Without further ado, our Citizen of the Year, Miss Darla Jean Heartwood.”

  Boos rang out among the applause with equal fervor. It had never occurred to Jason that Darla’s own people would turn on her. She slowly took the stairs and walked across the stage to the microphone, still twisting her hands in knots. When she reached for the microphone, a deep, loud voice called out from the boisterous group by the beer truck. “Liar!”

  Feeling emboldened, the naysayers joined in with shouts of “Whore,” “Fraud,” and “Get off the stage.” Instead of running, the taunts seemed to give Darla strength. She dropped her hands, fisting them at her side, and raised her chin to the microphone. Meghan stood up, and Darla’s eyes locked on her daughter.

  The MC, with his brows knitted in anger, stepped in front of Darla and grabbed the microphone. “You all settle down, or we’ll have you thrown out of here. Let the woman speak.”

  The chastisement worked—for now. The bullies settled down as Darla lifted the microphone from the older man’s hand.

  “Thank you, Arthur. There are a lot of things I love about living in Highland Springs, West Virginia.” Speaking softly, she cleared her throat and continued. “Our close-knit community, the beautiful mountains, and our scenic river. Most of us were born and raised here, going to the same schools, attending church, and celebrating events like this one.” She stopped, took a deep breath, and glanced toward Meghan, continuing in a bold tone. “What I most love about living here is the opportunity to speak my truth.”

  Again the group of doubters grumbled amongst themselves.

  “There has been some disparaging news in the papers and on TV lately, throwing our town and state into the spotlight.”

  “Yeah, because of your lies!”

  Darla didn’t let the outburst disrupt her.

  “I’m sorry that I exposed our idyllic, little town to the national press, casting a shadow over who, to some, is a beloved and respected governor—a child of Highland Springs, just like I am.”

  “Sit down and shut up.” Another blast came from the angry group. “You don’t deserve an award.”

  It took all Jason had not to go over to the beer truck and punch that guy in the nose.

  “You’re right, Jimmy.” Several people sucked in an audible breath when Darla called out her attacker. “I don’t deserve this award. Yes, I’ve been a very active volunteer in our community because I want Highland Springs to continue to be the best place to live in America, but I’m far from being the esteemed person this award is meant to recognize. Not because of what happened to me when I was fifteen years old, but because I’ve waited so long to expose our governor for the vile man he truly is.”

  The half dozen men who’d been heckling Darla suddenly surged toward the stage, shoving people aside, even knocking some to the ground. Jason climbed over the bench seat and ran toward the mob. But before he could get to the hecklers, they were surrounded by a group of men who held them at bay until law enforcement officers could reach them. Jimmy and his friends were quickly escorted out of the park, still shouting their disgust at Darla. Through it all, she stood tall and resolute.

  “Isn’t she amazing, Dad?” Meghan asked as he returned to their table.

  Her eyes were big with proud, unshed tears, and his anger and frustration melted away. Darla was brave and strong—jus
t the kind of woman he’d want to be the mother of his child, the kind of woman he wanted by his side. What an idiot he’d been to try to stop her from setting free the secret that had eaten away at her for eighteen years.

  Darla took a deep breath and stood up to the microphone. “I realize there are many people here today who’ve known Clyde Fletcher a long time, voted for him, and respected him immensely. I didn’t do this to ruin his political career. I let my story be known because I had to. I’d held it in too long.” She turned her gaze to Meghan with a smile full of love. “I needed to do it for all the young women out there who deserve good role models in their lives. Women they can be proud of and look up to.”

  Meghan clutched Jason’s arm in her hands and smiled proudly at Darla.

  “I know I’ve hurt people—people who are important to me, people who I wish could understand why I did it.” Her gaze turned to Jason, making him feel two inches tall. “Holding back my story allowed Clyde Fletcher to achieve great things while it ate away at my soul. Time was up.”

  The crowd broke into loud applause with Meghan clapping and whistling along. Darla continued once the noise died down.

  “I had decided to return the Citizen of the Year award to the committee, but changed my mind. If they choose to rescind the award, I’ll understand. If not, I gladly accept it on behalf of all those women who’ve recently come forward with their own stories of harassment and abuse at the hands of Clyde Fletcher, and for all women who’ve stood up and are no longer victims.”

  The crowd exploded with cheer, everyone rising to their feet and clapping with enthusiasm. Committee members who had been sitting on the stage behind Darla surrounded her and pulled her into hugs.

  “Come on, Dad. Let’s go talk to her.” Meghan took off through the crowd, and Jason quickly lost sight of her. He couldn’t face Darla right now. What an ass he’d been, yelling at her over voice mail. Now he stood here like a coward, afraid to face her. It would serve him right if she wanted nothing more to do with him.

  He trudged toward the stage, weaving slowly in and out of the crowd as he formulated an apology. “I’m sorry” didn’t seem like enough. A few feet away, he found Darla and Meghan talking, waving their arms, and laughing on the stage. They loved one another—mother and daughter sharing time together. If he’d lost Darla for good, he wouldn’t stand in the way of their relationship. They needed one another.