8

 

Riley glanced over at Calley as he drove. The way her jaw was clenched, it made him wonder if she might chip a tooth. They had taken the basic necessities from her apartment, stayed long enough for Eva’s private funeral, and then headed straight to Lincolnville.

“You can sit there and sulk the whole time, or you can learn to adjust.” He gripped the steering wheel. Why did she have to be so stubborn? Her perfume drifted over from her seat which did little to lessen his tension.

“I’m not sulking.” She turned her head so she faced the passenger-side window. “I just don’t think this is a good idea. The guy has to know Lincolnville is where I’d go.”

“Strangers stick out in a small town. It’ll be easier to spot someone there than most other places.”

“It’d just be safer for me to disappear.”

“Then let’s stop. I’ll pack a few things, and say goodbye to BJ before we take off.”

“You’re just trying to get out of doing the toast at the wedding.” She crossed her arms over her chest, but her eyes twinkled, and the corners of her mouth curled up. “The only reason you want to go with me is you’d miss me if I wasn’t around.”

Riley shook his head. This woman drove him crazy. One moment she was mad, the next playing around. He needed to find who wanted her dead before too long or he might be the one who ended up doing her in.

“You can’t admit it. Can you?” Calley said. “I’ve gotten under your skin.” She leaned her head back on the seat and looked over at him.

“I’m just trying to keep my aunt from being hurt.” He knew he should keep his eyes focused on the road, but his attention wanted to center on her instead. His eyes constantly glanced her way.

“You can say it’s all BJ, but I know better.” Almost as quick as it came, her smile faded, and she straightened. “Do you think it’ll be safe for BJ with me around?”

“BJ might not look like much in the way of strength, but don’t let her small stature fool you. She was born and raised a farm girl.” He ran his hand through his hair. “She also knows how to handle a gun.”

“It’ll only be until the baby comes anyway. Then you won’t have to worry.”

“Why’s that?”

“I plan to give him up for adoption so this guy can never hurt him. He must be after me for some reason I don’t know yet. Maybe he’s after the baby.” Her lip trembled. “I don’t know what he wants.”

Riley tapped his fingers against the steering wheel. His jaw ached from being clenched at the thought of some stranger causing Calley to give up her child. “I’m fairly sure it’s you he’s after, not the baby.”

“Me?”

“Why come at you with a knife now if it’s the baby he wants. He’d wait until it’s safe to take him. There’s no way the boy would have survived without you if taken now.” Riley stretched his fingers out. He hadn’t realized how tense his hands were. “This guy wants you dead. And you claim to not know who he is.”

“I don’t.”

The hesitation in her voice caused him doubt.

She must have heard the skepticism in her own voice. “I know you don’t believe me, but I don’t care. I may be a slut, but I’m not a liar,” she added.

Riley jerked the car to the side of the road. “I don’t ever want to hear that word again. You made a mistake. Everyone does. You need to stop listening to that mother of yours, and realize you’re worth ten of her.”

“It’s just hard when you’re alone, and the only thing you hear is bad stuff about yourself.” She stared down at her lap.

“You’re alone because you distance yourself. A lot of people care about you. You just need to realize it.” He took her chin in his hand and turned her face toward him. “Are you listening?”

“Yeah.” Her voice broke as she spoke.

He wiped a tear straggling down her cheek. “And no matter what that pompous woman says, you’re a wonderful person. You have a great sense of humor, and you care about others. Or you wouldn’t be worried about BJ or hurt by losing your friend.”

Riley stared down at her. Her mouth looked so inviting. He stroked her cheek with his knuckles. His thumb ran over her lips. Her mouth opened slightly. She leaned into his touch.

He shook his head. If they didn’t get back on the road he’d do something they both might regret. “We’d better go in case this guy is watching us.” He pulled the car back onto the interstate. Focus, focus, focus. He was focused. On Calley and not on what he should be.

“Wow.” Calley’s voice sounded light. “I think that’s the most you’ve ever said to me at one time.”

Riley bit his tongue to keep from smiling. She was right. In a short period of time, she’d gotten under his skin. More than that, she’d gotten into his heart.

 

****

 

Calley thought about what just happened. Riley acted like he was going to kiss her, but then stopped. She was sure of it. Would she have allowed it? She ran a hand over her lips, glanced over at Riley who stared out at the road. Little doubt she would have returned the kiss. There was only one explanation. Hormones.

Trees passed by in a blur as the patrol car sped down the interstate. How could Riley keep BJ safe with a killer on the hunt? And why did someone want her dead? She’d never hurt anyone bad enough to cause this type of hatred. It didn’t make sense that it would be Peter’s wife. She hadn’t had anything to do with him in months. Of course, there was Uncle Joe. She recalled the anger on her uncle’s face when she took the stand to testify against him. But how would he know where she lived, unless her mother told him? She shuddered. With the weirdos today, it could be some psycho she’d cut off in traffic, and he wanted her to pay for it.

For a brief moment, Calley considered telling Riley of her suspicions, but in the end chose to remain quiet. What if he still didn’t believe her?

The blue sky did nothing to help her mood. God, help me get through this. She wished she had the faith her family did. You can’t feel alone with God on your side. It’d been a long time since she felt Him inside her heart. Not since before that day in the back room of the garage with Uncle Joe. Calley rubbed her arms up and down to get the chill out. She needed God now more than ever before. Unfortunately, He’d turned his back on her.

“Are you cold?” Riley’s voice startled her.

“A bit.”

He turned down the air. “Better?”

She nodded. “Oof.” Calley fidgeted in the seat. “That was a good one.”

“What’s wrong?” Concern carried in Riley’s voice.

“The kid just gave me a good wallop.” She glanced at Riley whose brow creased. “Don’t worry. I’m not going into labor. After what I did to your boots, I’d hate to ruin your car as well.”

He glanced over at her with a scowl.

“Oh come on, it was a joke.” She laughed. “You really need to loosen up. It would just be another story to tell your grandkids. A crazy woman having a kid in your car.”

He shook his head, but she saw his lips curve upward. Why did he try so hard not to smile? It would probably look good on him. Not that he didn’t look good without one. Stop that. Her hormones must really be out of control.

Riley slowed the car as they pulled off the highway into Lincolnville. Calley glanced at the houses on the way to Riley’s. Most were large two-story brick homes with perfectly manicured lawns. Sweat covered her palms. Could Lydia and Matthew face any scrutiny that would occur because of her? She hated the thought of messing up their lives because of her mistake.

Riley slowed the car and pulled off the road to a tree-lined gravel driveway. After rounding a curve, they came to a clearing leading up to the white L-shaped home. A multi-colored banner draped across the front porch. Green and yellow balloons hung on each side. The sign read WELCOME HOME.

A tear formed in her eye. It didn’t feel much like home to Calley but she wouldn’t say anything and take the chance on BJ finding out. Calley wouldn’t hurt BJ’s feelings for the world. “I see BJ’s been busy.” Her words were barely audible.

“She has.” Riley walked to the trunk and pulled out Calley’s two suitcases and placed them on the ground. He took out the guitar and leaned it against the back passenger side door. “Can you get the guitar?”

Calley paused, looked toward the front porch. “Are you okay with this?” Riley didn’t say anything as he stared up at the banner. “I know you’re not much for pomp and circumstance.” She added.

“I’m not thrilled with the announcement, and balloons aren’t my thing either. But then again, you like the limelight, and BJ will do what BJ wants to do. It doesn’t really matter how anyone feels about it.”

Calley’s heart sank. She couldn’t tell if he wanted her here. Maybe it was really all for BJ. “I’m sorry.”

“Not your fault. I suggest we get inside. I’m sure there’s more.”

Calley grabbed the guitar case and followed Riley in. BJ rushed over from the kitchen.

“Calley, welcome. How are you holding up?” She gave Calley a hug and took the case from her hand.

“I’m fine. Thanks for the flowers for Eva’s service. That was nice of you.”

“I never did more than talk to the woman on the phone, but from what I did get to know of her, I liked her very much. Besides, any friend of yours has to be a wonderful person.” BJ wrapped her hand around Calley’s arm. “Now I’ve done some decorating. Not much, just a start. I didn’t want to get carried away without your input.”

Calley glanced around the living-room and kitchen area. She didn’t see anything new.

“Come on.” BJ’s grin told Calley something was up. Riley stood in the doorway of Calley’s room after taking her bags inside. BJ handed him off the guitar. He gave a shrug with his left shoulder then headed back inside the room with the case.

BJ walked Calley into the room Allison and Nanette had stayed in during the shower. It had been repainted from beige to a light blue color, and clouds floated across the wall. A white tree painted in the corner had branches reaching to the ceiling. The sun surrounded by a golden halo decorated the opposite wall. A painting of Jesus overlooking a small child hung to the right.

“I wasn’t sure of the color,” BJ said. “If you don’t like it, we can change it. We still need a crib, changing table, and of course, toys.”

“Like it? I love it.” The only furniture in the room was a white rocking chair with a blue pad that sat in the corner. “You did this for me?”

BJ again hugged her. A lump crawled into Calley’s throat. She couldn’t recall the last time anyone went to this type of trouble for her.

“Not just me. Sheryl did the clouds and the tree in the corner. And of course, the painting. I’m not sure who’s more excited about this baby of yours. Her, or me.” BJ walked to the rocking chair. “And this is from Lydia.” She opened the sea foam green quilt folded on the chair. It was decorated with giraffes, a tiger, and other baby animals.

The gift took Calley’s breath away. “This is so beautiful. I can’t believe you all did this.”

“Would you like this in your room or in here for now?” Riley spoke behind her.

She spun around, and her hand went to her heart. Riley held the cradle she and Eva had tried to put together. It was no longer lopsided. Calley’s lips trembled.

“Riley finished putting it together,” BJ said while Riley placed it at the foot of the rocking chair. “He personally added a special touch.”

A small gold plaque was attached to the front of the rich brown wood. Calley bent to read it. “In Loving Memory of Eva Martinez.” Her breath caught in her throat.

“Calley, are you all right?” BJ placed her hands above Calley’s elbows from behind her. “This must be too much for her. I just get carried away sometimes. Maybe you should lie down.”

“No, I’m fine.” She patted BJ’s hand. “It’s just so wonderful. It’s all so very wonderful.” She spun around, taking in all the kindness from her friends. For the first time in her life, Calley felt loved.