To Honor

by Laura Scott

  Waiting for her?

  “Mom, isn’t that Principal Thomas?”

  “What?” Jesse came to an abrupt halt, his gaze narrowing with anger. “What is up with that guy anyway?”

  Good question. The way Dean Thomas kept showing up wherever she happened to be felt distinctly stalker-ish. “I don’t know. I made it clear I wasn’t interested.”

  At that moment, Dean looked up and saw her standing there with Jesse on one side and Cassie on the other. There was a flash of anger in his eyes before he abruptly straightened and turned to head inside the store.

  “You’re not going in there alone,” Jesse said. “We’ll go with you.”

  “Bucky can’t come inside,” she protested. “Just take care of Cassie, okay? I’ll be fine. There are plenty of people inside.”

  It was obvious Jesse didn’t like it, but he reluctantly nodded his agreement. He and Cassie turned and headed down Main Street toward Daisy’s Diner.

  Steeling her resolve, Carla entered the store. If Dean kept this up, she’d have no choice but to call the police.

  8

  Jesse mulled over the fact that Dean Thomas, the principal of Cassie’s elementary school, had been waiting for Carla outside the grocery store while making sure he walked Cassie and Bucky back to the diner. After seeing them safely inside, he returned to the B&B.

  He had to wonder if the guy was behind the attacks against him and the damage to his car. While he wasn’t a cop, being involved with computers gave him a logical way of thinking, and as he reviewed the timeline, he realized it didn’t quite add up. He hadn’t even known about Cassie being his daughter when he’d arrived at Daisy’s on Monday. He’d found out a short while later and hadn’t even left the diner before the damage had been done.

  Unless—was it possible Thomas had seen him talking to Carla through the window? Nah, it seemed a stretch to think the principal had figured out which car belonged to him. Sure, a cherry red Corvette stood out among other cars, but it didn’t carry a vanity plate with his name on it or anything. While it may not be as likely that one of the locals drove an expensive Corvette, he was convinced that people vacationing from Detroit or Chicago did. And there were plenty of tourists crowding Main Street.

  It didn’t make any sense, but once he pulled into the parking area in front of the B&B, he decided to place a call to Deputy Waldorf to give her the latest update.

  “Dean Thomas?” Doubt laced her tone. “He’s the principal of the elementary school.”

  Which didn’t make him a saint, but Jesse tried to hold back his annoyance. “I’m telling you, the guy is obsessed with Carla Templeton. I’ve seen him twice now watching her from afar. At the very least, you need to investigate whether or not he owns a motorcycle or was seen anywhere near Daisy’s on Monday during the lunch hour.”

  “Hang on a moment.” He could hear the clattering of the deputy’s fingers on the keyboard. “He owns a Dodge Ram pickup truck and a fishing boat. No motorcycle.”

  “But he could rent one.”

  “Anyone can rent anything,” Deputy Waldorf responded dryly. “Listen, Jesse, I’d need a warrant to get access to his credit cards, and I don’t think your suspicions are enough to get one signed by a judge. Even here in a small town, we tend to follow the same rules as the big city guys do.”

  “Yeah, okay.” He blew out a frustrated breath, wishing there was more he could do or say to convince her. There was something off about the guy. “Will you do me one last favor?”

  “Maybe.”

  “Talk to Carla Templeton. Thomas may not be the one responsible for the attacks against me, but the way he’s watching Carla is creepy. I think he needs to hear from law enforcement the definition of stalking as identified by state statute.”

  “Sure, I can do that.” The deputy’s voice sounded relieved, and he knew she was absolutely convinced Thomas wasn’t involved in the attacks against him. He wished he could be so sure. “Jesse, how long will you be in town?”

  “I’m supposed to head back to Chicago on Sunday, but I’m not sure if I’m doing that yet.” His car was still being repaired, so if he did go back on Sunday, he’d have to fly. Still, he’d told both Carla and Cassie that he’d relocate to McNally Bay yet hadn’t even started looking at potential places to live. His sisters would certainly offer the B&B, but he’d honestly prefer to be in town, closer to Carla and Cassie. As much as he didn’t like it, he may have to return to Chicago for a while before he could make the move official.

  “Watch your back,” Deputy Waldorf said, interrupting his thoughts.

  “I will.” He disconnected from the line and stared for a moment out the windshield of Jemma’s van. He’d promised his sisters that he’d have dinner with them tonight, but maybe after that he could start scoping out a place to live. Most of the vacant houses were rented during the summer, but something should open up by fall.

  The heat of the sun pouring in through the windows made him push out of the van to head inside. When he entered the great room, he stopped short when he saw that the young couple were seated across with Jemma enjoying a late afternoon snack. His sister’s blond hair was pulled back from her face, her brown eyes full of anticipation. He’d forgotten that Jemma had mentioned offering a tea of sorts to her guests each day.

  “Hi, Jesse.” Jemma jumped to her feet, treating him as a guest rather than a member of the family. “Come in and have a seat. What can I get you to drink? Iced coffee or tea? Or lemonade?

  “Lemonade sounds great.” He smiled at the young couple cuddled close on the sofa. “Good afternoon.”

  “Jesse, this is Rachel Martin and Eric Humphreys. They’re looking at booking a wedding here next year.” Jemma beamed, and he knew she was thrilled with the idea of booking weddings almost a year in advance. “I’ll be right back with your lemonade. Help yourself to my oatmeal and raisin cookies.”

  He wasn’t hungry, thanks to the impromptu picnic on the boat, but gladly accepted the lemonade. The young engaged couple raved about the photos that were taken during Jazz and Dalton’s wedding, which were also posted on the website for marketing purposes, while discussing options for their own nuptials.

  When the couple moved on, he rose to his feet to do the same. Only Jemma held up a hand to stop him.

  “Hold it,” she commanded. “What’s this we’re hearing of Cassie Templeton being your daughter?”

  With an inward groan, he wanted to smack himself for not mentioning it sooner. He’d forgotten that news traveled fast through the grapevine, even reaching the outskirts of town where the McNallys’ B&B was located.

  “It’s true,” he admitted, looking his sister directly in the eye. “But understand, I only just found out on Monday. Carla didn’t tell me prior to this, or things would have been very different. And we didn’t get a chance to tell Cassie the news until yesterday. I know I should have filled you and Jazz in, too.”

  “Yes, it was quite the shock for Jazz to hear the news from Mrs. Cromwell while at the hardware store.” Jemma came over to rest her hand on his arm. “Jesse, are you sure she’s yours?”

  “Absolutely. And if you watched Cass for any length of time, you’d see the family resemblance for yourself. She looks like her mom, but she has definite McNally mannerisms. In fact, that was how I knew she was mine. She smiled and reminded me of Jazz.”

  “Wow. That must have been a shock.” Jemma’s gaze was troubled, and he knew he wasn’t getting away until he’d told her the rest.

  After providing a quick overview, ending with how upset Carla’s mother, Irene Templeton, was about a McNally being the father of Carla’s child, he flashed a lopsided smile. “Obviously, I need to figure out a way to relocate here to McNally Bay. It won’t be easy. I’ll have to drive back and forth into Grand Rapids or Kalamazoo for access to an airport. But I intend to be a part of my daughter’s life.” And Carla’s too, but he wasn’t going to mention that just yet.

  “You’re welcome to stay here in the master sui
te,” Jemma quickly offered. “This is as much your home as ours.”

  “Thanks, but give me some time to evaluate my options.” He didn’t want to point out that living in a B&B wasn’t exactly what he was looking for. The constant ebb and flow of guests coming and going would drive him crazy. Besides, it was a car ride into town to see Carla and Cassie when he’d rather be close at hand.

  “Even for the short term,” Jemma persisted. “We’d love to have you.”

  “I appreciate it, Sis.” He reached out to give her a one-armed hug. “Again, sorry you found out through the town gossip.”

  “We’re used to Mrs. Cromwell,” Jemma said with a wave of her hand. “The way she’s been seeing Mayor Henry Banks, we’re all figuring she’ll be announcing her own wedding soon enough.”

  “True. Hey, maybe she’ll book a gazebo wedding!” Jemma groaned. He smiled and glanced at his watch. He had just enough time to start combing the internet for properties in the area. “Do you know anyone in the realtor business?”

  “Jazz and Dalton worked with a Melanie something-or-other when they purchased the old Stevenson place. I’m sure one of them still has her contact information.”

  “Great, thanks.” He figured he’d talk to Dalton at dinner. “See you in a few.”

  He walked through the kitchen and dining area to the master suite. After pulling his laptop out of his bag, he booted it up. First, he’d see what might be for sale, then reach out to the realtor Jazz and Dalton had used.

  The sooner he found a place to live in town, close to Carla and Cassie, the better. He didn’t trust that Dean Thomas guy not to do something crazy.

  Carla braced herself for a confrontation with Dean, but as it turned out, he bought a few things, then left without saying a word to her.

  She was relieved he hadn’t created a scene. Maybe she’d misunderstood what he’d been doing outside the store. There was no reason to assume he’d been waiting for her.

  Except, she’d caught the flash of irritation in his gaze when he’d noticed she was with Jesse.

  Pushing the issue of Dean Thomas aside, she waded through the myriad of problems needing her attention. Just like the day before, the store staff seemed to function fine without her, at least for a few hours.

  As the hours passed, Carla braced herself for the inevitable confrontation with her mother. It hurt that the woman who’d been so wonderfully supportive was now angry and aloof. Refusing to discuss why she was so upset with learning Cassie’s father was Jesse McNally.

  Frankly, she’d always assumed her mother had guessed the truth long ago. The similarities between her daughter and Jesse McNally were so obvious. There were times Cass reminded her of Jazz, too. She supposed it was a blessing her daughter shared her own hair and eye color, or the truth would have been uncovered long ago.

  The way it should have been, she silently acknowledged as she closed up the store and locked the door. Jesse was right. She could have called him to let him know she was coming.

  Easy enough to blame the lack of foresight on the fact that she’d been dealing with shocking news, but deep down, she knew that wasn’t completely accurate.

  She’d wanted to surprise him. To see how he reacted to seeing her without knowing she carried their child. To see if he had any lingering feelings for her.

  Witnessing how he’d kissed the blonde had convinced her Jesse didn’t love her, and really, probably never had. At least, not the way she’d loved him. Hurting from the sting of rejection, she’d been overwhelmed even further by her father’s reaction and subsequent heart attack.

  It occurred to her that maybe that was the main reason her mother resented the McNallys. Could it be she blamed Carla for her father’s death? That hadn’t been the case at the time, her mother had assured her that her father had complained of chest pains earlier but refused to do anything about it.

  Yet now, looking back, she wondered if her mother just couldn’t handle it. That seeing Jesse McNally was a reminder of how her husband had clutched his chest and dropped to the ground upon hearing the news.

  Pushing away the depressing thoughts, Carla left the store. She swept a gaze over the parking lot, confirming no cars lingered. And she couldn’t help looking over her shoulder every few steps as she made her way home. There was no sign of Dean Thomas, or anyone else for that matter. By the time she reached the house she shared with her mother, she had convinced herself that she was overreacting to seeing Dean lounging outside the grocery store.

  Even if he hadn’t gotten the message when she’d told him she wasn’t interested, he must realize it now.

  Her mother and Cassie were seated at the kitchen table playing Gin Rummy when she entered the house. Without making eye contact, her mother gestured toward the fridge. “There’s a plate of spaghetti in there for you.”

  “Thanks.” She glanced at the cards they were playing as she pulled the meal out and proceeded to reheat it in the microwave. “Who’s winning?”

  “Me!” Cass sounded smug.

  “Not for long,” her mother warned. She picked up a card off the deck and let out a shout. “Gin!”

  “Aw, Grandma. Are you kidding me?” Cassie looked disappointed and frowned when her mother displayed her hand. “Rats.”

  “Time to get ready for bed.” Her mother gathered the cards into a pile.

  “Okay.” Cassie didn’t argue but jumped up and came over to give her a quick hug. “Thanks for the fun day today. I hope we can rent a boat again really soon.”

  “You’re welcome.” She returned her daughter’s hug, noticing the tightness in her mother’s face as Cass mentioned the boat ride they’d taken with Jesse. “Now do as Grandma told you, brush your teeth, wash your face, and get into your pajamas.”

  “You know it’s still light out, right?” Cassie said in an adultlike tone before disappearing down the hall toward her room.

  Carla pulled the plate out of the microwave and carried it over to the table. She dropped into the seat across from her mother. “Mom, we need to talk.”

  Her mother concentrated on putting the cards in a neat pile as if they were the most important thing in the world. It was a long moment before she looked up. “There’s nothing to discuss.” Her tone was as cold as ice.

  Carla fought the urge to roll her eyes. Her mother could be very stubborn when she wanted to be. It had been a constant battle over chemo and radiation appointments, too. Her mother wanted to do everything alone, even when she was puking her guts out. Her mother’s determination to be strong had eventually faded when her body hadn’t been able to keep up with her will.

  The memory of those rough days had her softening her tone. “Do you want me to apologize, Mom? Because I will. I’m very sorry for putting you through this. I never intended to hurt you or Dad.”

  Her mother stared down at her hands for a long moment without speaking. Carla took a bite of spaghetti, even though the conversation was pretty much ruining her appetite.

  “I was young and foolish and in love.” Carla was almost whispering now, not wanting Cassie to overhear. “You raised me right, but I ignored your rules. If I could go back and do things differently . . .” Her voice trailed off because she couldn’t say it. Couldn’t say she wouldn’t do it again.

  Cassie was so much a part of her life she couldn’t regret what had happened nine years ago. Oh sure, maybe the way it had transpired, without Jesse being there to provide support, or how the news had impacted her father’s health.

  But not the fact that she’d given birth to a beautiful, spunky, and smart little girl.

  Her mother still hadn’t said anything, which was worrisome. There had never been a rift like this in their relationship, and she didn’t like that it was happening now.

  “Mom, please don’t take your anger toward me and Jesse out on Cassie. She is the true innocent in all of this. She needs you. I need you.” Tears stung her eyes, and she tried to blink them away.

  “I’ll always love you and Cassie,” he
r mother finally said, her voice thick with emotion. “But you’ll have to forgive me if I can’t say the same about Jesse McNally.”

  “Why?” She leaned forward, taking her mother’s hand in hers. “Because he got me pregnant? You know I carry just as much blame for that. It was both of us who wanted to be together, not just Jesse.”

  “Mom, I’m ready for bed!” Cassie’s voice broke into their intense conversation.

  “Coming, Cass,” Carla called without taking her eyes off her mother’s. She didn’t want the conversation to end like this. “I don’t understand why you and Dad hated Jesse and his family so much. He hated them before he knew I was pregnant, right? Just tell me why.”

  Again, there was a long pause before her mother answered. “For years, the McNally family acted as if they owned this town. It was the height of arrogance to name the bay after themselves, but that’s exactly what they did. Or their ancestors did.”

  “Okay.” Carla was trying to understand why the name of the town mattered so much.

  “I grew up here, just as your father did.” Now her mother looked her in the eye. “Your dad was good friends with Leon Tate, and his younger sister, Lucy, was my best friend.”

  A warning tingle raised the hair on the back of her neck. This explained why her mother had been sitting so close to Leon Tate yesterday.

  “Lucy was in love with Justin McNally. She was sixteen. Justin was a year older. He took her out on a boat ride late at night, well past dusk, along with a few of his friends. Something happened, an altercation of sorts. No one ever said for sure, but it doesn’t matter. The outcome was the same. Lucy died that night.” Her mother’s blunt statement struck deep. “And we all knew Lucy’s death was Justin’s fault. He was the one driving the boat.”

  The last part didn’t make sense to Carla, but she didn’t want to interrupt her mother’s story.