Chapter Thirteen

Katrina would describe her emotions as scared out of her wits while waiting to board the plane to Cold Lake, Alberta. The boarding ticket shook in her trembling hands. Why had she thought she could do this trip alone? She should have allowed Pierre to join her on this journey, but his declaration to support her had been short lived. They quarreled over Samuel’s motives. Pierre’s concerns about her father possibly wanting a piece of her fortune troubled her thoughts. Even while Katrina knew there could be truth to Pierre’s apprehension, she defended Samuel. If his purpose to connect was only money, why hadn’t he contacted her sooner?

Pierre continued to talk her out of her decision to meet Samuel until her patience snapped. He then changed his attitude and offered to accompany her to Cold Lake. She declined his offer and drove him to the airport. As she watched his flight to Paris depart, she questioned her future. Professionally, she and Pierre clicked, but away from business they were completely different. The few days he’d been in Montreal, they behaved more like awkward friends. If an engagement put a strain on their friendship, did a loveless marriage stand a chance?

Boarding the plane, Katrina located her row and sat by the window. She leaned against the headrest and closed her tired eyes.

“Is this seat taken?”

“All yours.” Keeping her eyes closed, she waved a hand toward the chair beside her. She adjusted the airline headphone in her ear. The subdued music helped relax her nerves.

“Great morning for flying,” he said.

The volume wasn’t loud enough to drown out the man’s voice. “If you say so.” My eyes are closed, take the hint.

“I bought a few magazines in the shopping area while waiting to board. If you get bored, feel free to borrow one.”

“Thank you, but I have a headache. I just need to rest.” Please take the subtle hint.

“Sorry to hear that. You know what’s good for a headache? Herbal tea. I don’t personally know if herbal tea works, but I have a friend who loves her tea. She swears by her tea.”

If he says tea once more, I’m going to choke him! Katrina clenched her jaw. Maybe if she didn’t respond, he’d stop talking—

“The sky is the bluest of blues today.”

Really? Did this man have no sense between his ears? Give me a break! She gripped the arms of the chair.

“I’m not sure what color I would use to describe the sky. Maybe Lightning Star or Rio Grande.”

Gasping, Katrina opened her eyes wide. “Nick?” Big brown eyes gazed upon her. Her heart skipped a beat. “What are you doing here?” His broad smile caused goose bumps to rise on her arms.

“I thought you might need a shoulder to lean on.”

She held back tears of happiness. “I thought you were some idiot man who wouldn’t shut up. I was about to tell you find another seat.” She sighed. “You don’t have to be here.”

“I can sit somewhere else if you’d prefer.”

He moved to stand, but she reached for his arm. “No, please stay.”

The Fasten Your Seatbelt light came on.

“Here we go.” Nick sat and placed his hand over hers on the armrest.

Katrina was on cloud nine, not because the plane flew above the cotton balls of clouds, but because of Nick’s surprising appearance. She wouldn’t take his kind gesture as forgiveness. However, this trip might be the perfect opportunity to repair their relationship.

During the flight, they kept their conversation focused solely on why they were flying to Cold Lake. She couldn’t have asked for a better travel companion. Katrina shared her fears and worries, and Nick listened and offered his thoughts. Her boiling uneasiness over this trip had calmed to a simmer. All thanks to Nick, who took control when the flight landed, collected her luggage carrier, flagged down a cab, and gave the driver their destination. Nick’s attention warmed her heart and gave her hope.

When she grabbed her luggage from the trunk of the cab, she had the bag quickly removed from her hands.

Nick slung his duffle bag over his shoulder and pulled the handle of her luggage through the hotel doors.

Katrina checked in at the front desk. She received her room key and then turned to Nick and spotted his furrowed brows.

“In my haste to get to the airport, I forgot to make a hotel reservation. They’re booked.” He picked up his bag. “I’ll find another hotel.”

“You must have something.” Katrina turned a pleading gaze on the female clerk.

The clerk, a blonde bombshell, batted her long, fake eyelashes, her gaze set on Nick. “I’m sorry, sir. There’s a convention this weekend. I’m afraid you’ll find most of the hotels in the area are full. I do wish I could do something.”

If the clerk pushed up her voluptuous girls any further, she’d tumble them onto the counter.

Katrina nudged her elbow against Nick’s arm. “Don’t worry, I have an idea.” She turned to the clerk and forced a tight smile. “Thank you for your help.” And then to Nick. “Come on.” She tugged his sleeve, pulling him from the front desk. “Could that woman have been any more obvious?”

“About what?”

“She was flirting.” Jealousy knotted Katrina’s stomach. “If her shirt was any tighter, the buttons would pop.”

“I didn’t notice.” Nick laughed.

Katrina punched his shoulder. “You can stay in my room.” When she saw his hand rise, she continued. “I booked a suite. There will be two double beds. I’m sure we can share the space.” She glanced over her shoulder. “Blondie said you wouldn’t find a vacancy, so it’s my offer, or become acquainted with the girls busting out of her shirt.”

Nick chuckled. “Do you think she’d charge me for breakfast?”

“Oh, I think breakfast would be on her.” Katrina winked.

The bellhop arrived and guided them to Katrina’s room. She gave him a generous tip and closed the door.

“I could have tipped him.” Nick pulled a few dollars from his pocket.

“My intent wasn’t to offend your ego.” She glanced around the room and couldn’t help but smile. The spacious, Victorian-themed suite was luxuriously furnished with Edwardian high ceilings, a stone fireplace, plush winged-back chairs, and two king-sized beds covered in the finest Egyptian cotton. A writing desk complemented the room, as well as a fully equipped kitchenette and private bar. “My room, my tip.”

Nick tossed his duffle bag on one of the beds. “Can’t say I’ve ever stayed in a hotel as fancy as this. I bet you and Pierre are no strangers to this comfort.”

Ouch! That stung. Katrina slumped, her shoulders sinking. “Nick, I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about Pierre.”

“Just because I’m here doesn’t change anything between us.”

“But you’re here?” That had to mean something.

He stared at the wall behind her. “I promised to help find your father. That’s what I’m doing. Once we return to Montreal, I’m done. Dean is completing the renovation.”

“So, we just walk away?” She clenched her jaw, grinding her teeth to hold back tears. “We leave as quickly as we entered.”

Nick nodded, picking up the telephone. “I’m calling room service. Do you want anything?”

Katrina shook her head. “I’m showering.” She picked up her handbag and stomped into the bathroom. Salty tears flowed onto her cheeks. Her heart was breaking. What would she do without Nick in her life?

Even though she had told Nick she didn’t want anything to eat, she was thankful he ordered dinner for two. Katrina hadn’t eaten since breakfast, so the filet mignon in a rich balsamic glaze, served with steamed asparagus and baby red potatoes, was water to her dry lips. She ate every delicious morsel on her plate, as well as a slice of warm apple pie topped by a scoop of ice cream.

After dinner, the conversation stifled. Katrina got ready for bed, knowing tomorrow would be an emotional day. She tossed and turned most of the night. Nick’s so-close presence and his musky aftershave tormented her dreams.

****

Nick loved watching Katrina sleep. One arm had come loose from her blanket and rested along her side. He longed to brush away the strand of hair covering her cheek, but remain seated at the table. She rolled from her side to her back, a slight murmur coming from her lips. He swallowed a mouthful of fresh brewed coffee, scalding the back of his throat. “Good morning, sleepyhead,” he said as her eyelids fluttered open.

She glanced at the clock and sprang out of bed. “Gracious, it’s almost nine. You should have woken me.”

His gaze travelled the length of her silk nightdress. Did the material have to graze every curve of her gorgeous body? “Samuel lives ten minutes away…” Nick choked on a mouthful of coffee. “He’s not expecting us until ten.”

She stepped past him, her nightdress brushing his leg. “Us?” Katrina stopped and walked to the table where breakfast dishes sat. “You’re coming?” She sat and draped a napkin over her lap.

Nick sprang to his feet, his stare anywhere but at the low-cut neckline. He clenched the back of the chair. “I thought you might want some support…” He narrowed his gaze on the cleavage peeking from the V of her nightdress then flicked it up to meet her stare. “Support in meeting Samuel.”

“I’d really appreciate that.” Katrina removed the cover on her plate. Steam rose from the stack of pancakes. She reached for the syrup, poured the liquid over her pancakes, and cut a piece with her fork, slipping the dripping slice into her mouth. “Mmm, these are delicious. Are you joining me?”

The food and service were exceptional. Nick could get accustomed to the perks of a classy hotel, and he’d enjoy the company even more—if she’d wear a robe. “I had toast. I…um…I’ll have a shower.”

Nick escaped to the bathroom and stepped under the cold water. When he had learned from Frankie that Katrina was taking this journey on her own, he didn’t hesitate packing a bag and driving to the airport. This meeting was important to Katrina and she shouldn’t go alone. Nick didn’t understand the absence of her fiancé, but didn’t question that fact. He was more than happy to take Pierre’s place. In more ways than one.

Ten minutes later, he exited the bathroom, letting Katrina have a turn. A half hour later, Nick rapped on the door and glanced at his watch. “Katrina, are you almost ready?”

“I’ll be out in a minute.”

“You said that ten minutes ago.”

She opened the door, still staring at her mirrored reflection.

Katrina looked amazing in a below-the-knee skirt and matching gray jacket covering a light pink blouse. He whistled.

“Is my outfit too much?” She sighed. “I don’t want to come across too stuffy.” She picked up her brush with a trembling hand. “This isn’t a corporate business meeting. Perhaps an outfit less conservative?”

Nick stood behind her and whispered in her ear, “You look absolutely beautiful.” He rested his hands on her shoulders.

She smiled at their reflection and then turned.

Her body was inches from his. He inhaled the fruity scent of her hair. If only they could go back in time, had left for the restaurant a few minutes sooner, and missed Pierre’s arrival. Nick took a step backward. “Where’s your ring?”

Katrina glanced down at her bare finger. “I’m not deceiving anyone. I just don’t want to talk about that topic today.” She brushed past him. “I guess we should get going.”

****

During the drive to Samuel’s house, Katrina fiddled with the zipper on her purse until the hook snapped. Her nerves were frazzled beyond control. Nick’s sweet effort to sway her attention in idle chit-chat didn’t help. She couldn’t think of anything other than the event about to take place.

Moments later, Nick pulled into the driveway and parked the rental car.

Katrina wiped her moist palms on her skirt and then clenched her purse tight in her hands, inhaling deep breaths. “I don’t think I can do this.”

Pulling the key from the ignition, Nick turned. “Then we’ll leave, but before we go, remember you’re a strong woman. You’ve faced more challenging moments than this.”

True, but none so personal. “He didn’t want anything to do with me years ago, so why does he want to see me now?”

Nick squeezed her shaking hand. “I’ll be here every step of the way. If you feel uncomfortable at any time, just say the word and we’re out of there.”

How she loved this wonderful man. She inhaled another deep breath. “Okay, I’m ready.”

Nick walked around to Katrina’s side of the car and opened her door.

She stepped out and glanced around the front yard. Various peonies, begonias, and rose gardens accented the white with black trim, two-level split entry, and two maple trees stood tall and proud on each side of a flagstone walkway. The property’s well-tended landscaping gave Katrina a small peace of mind that her biological father didn’t live in a dilapidated shack.

Smoothing away the wrinkles in her skirt with the palm of her hand, Katrina stumbled on the walkway.

Nick caught her elbow and then waited for her to continue. The front door opened before they arrived on the cement steps.

A woman, with gray hairs peeking along the middle parting of her hair, smiled. “You must be Mr. Porter.” The lady shook Nick’s hand. “Samuel was thrilled to get your call.” She turned to Katrina. “And you must be Katrina. I can tell by your eyes.”

Katrina held her breath and shook the woman’s hand. All thoughts were lost. Where’s my voice?

“I’m Paulina, Samuel’s wife. Please come in.”

They followed Paulina up a set of stairs to a sitting area. The room contained a black leather sofa, two matching lazy boy chairs, a three-piece cherry wood coffee table set, and a grand marbled-stone fireplace that went from floor to ceiling. Katrina released a breath. No shortage of money evident in this décor.

Paulina pushed aside the large pillows on the sofa. “Please sit and make yourself comfortable. Can I get either of you a cup of tea or coffee?”

Her heart pounded a rapid beat. She wanted to run, but Nick held her hand tight.

“Nothing for me, thank you,” Nick said.

Katrina, still searching for her voice, shook her head. She walked to the sofa and sat, letting go of Nick’s hand to clutch the strap of her purse.

Nick sat beside her, offering an encouraging smile.

“You have a lovely home.” Katrina finally spoke.

“Thank you. With Samuel in the military, we moved a lot. This is the first home we’ve had longer than two years. I refuse to move again.” Paulina laughed.

“I brought this for you.” Katrina fished in her purse for the container of tea and handed it to the woman. “They’re from our—my café.”

“Oh, Katrina, that’s very kind of you, thank you.”

The room then went quiet. Paulina’s nervous shaking hands matched Katrina’s. The woman sat on one of the reclining chairs, running a hand along the leather’s smooth arm rest.

Panic filled her, and Katrina turned to Nick.

He winked and placed a hand on her shoulder.

“My apologies,” Paulina said. “You’re probably wondering where Samuel is.” She shifted in the chair. “I’m not sure if you know, but he’s a doctor. There was an emergency on the base. He left at six this morning and hoped to return long before you arrived. I’m sure he won’t be much longer.”

“Maybe I will have a cup of coffee.” Nick smiled. “If it’s not too much trouble?”

“Of course not. I’ll be right back.” Paulina excused herself from the room.

Katrina mouthed the words thank you to Nick.

“Bringing tea was a kind gesture,” Nick whispered.

“My stomach is so knotted I can barely breathe or speak.” Katrina inhaled another deep breath through her tight throat.

Nick nudged a shoulder against hers. “Come on, this meeting is nothing. Remember how you challenged me when we first met?”

“Would that be when I slugged you?” She chuckled, but the humor was suddenly stripped as the front door opened and closed.

“Paulina, I’m home.”

Every bone in Katrina’s body froze. A breath hung in her chest.

Footsteps climbed the stairs. A man in an air force uniform reached the landing. He turned and his jaw dropped when his gaze met Katrina’s.

Involuntarily, the muscles in her hands clamped onto the purse strap. She didn’t have to ask if this man with tired wrinkles at the corners of his eyes was Samuel because he had many of attributes similar to her own—the color of his eyes, the shape of his nose, and his tall height. Yes, no denying she was his daughter. He looked extremely professional in his military attire. A blue shirt and black tie complimented the single-breasted tunic and matching pants, and his salt-and-pepper short hair was barely visible under a wedge cap.

“Katrina.” He removed his cap.

Paulina returned from the kitchen. “You’re a little late.” She planted a kiss on Samuel’s cheek.

“I’m sorry,” he said to his wife, but continued to stare at Katrina.

Nick stood and extended his hand. “Mr. Fisher, I’m Nick Porter. We spoke over the phone.”

“Of course.” Samuel shook Nick’s hand. “A pleasure to meet you. I owe you a great debt of gratitude. I’ve thought about this day for many years.”

He’s a good liar. Katrina clenched her jaw and dug her fingernails into her palms.

The whistle of a steaming kettle broke the awkward silence.

“Mr. Porter, would you mind helping me with the coffee?” Paulina smiled.

Nick placed a hand on Katrina’s arm and squeezed. He then followed Paulina to the kitchen, but turned before rounding the corner to flash an encouraging smile.

Katrina swallowed past the dry lump in her throat. Why did Nick leave? She needed him here.

Samuel sat on the chair beside the sofa. He fiddled with the wedge cap on his lap. “Well, where do we start?”

“I’m not sure.” Her voice was a mere whisper, but at least the words were audible. “I’m still processing the information that you’re my father.”

“Mr. Porter mentioned you found your mother’s letters. I’m sorry you had to find out about me that way.” He ran a hand through his short hair. “Perhaps I should start from the beginning.”

“That would be nice.” Katrina forced a smile, hoping he couldn’t hear her pounding pulse.

“I had no idea Kathleen was pregnant until after she gave birth. She wrote me a letter explaining she had met Daniel and he was raising you as his daughter. I went to claim you as mine, but you were just a baby. So young, and your mother thought telling you the truth would only confuse you.” Samuel shifted in his seat. “Daniel was the man you knew as your father, so I backed off. They sent me letters and photographs, but that small connection wasn’t enough. Kathleen and Daniel promised to tell you about me when you turned sixteen. Your mother said you’d be old enough to understand the situation better.”

Everything sounded too easy. His story seemed rehearsed. “You must have been relieved.” Bitterness snapped in her tone.

“No, not at all.”

“I’m twenty-eight years old. You never once contacted me.” Fingers clenched on her lap, she couldn’t hide the resentment.

“I was a part of your life.” He held out a hand, palm up. “You just don’t remember.”

Katrina frowned. What was he talking about? She would have remembered someone telling her Daniel wasn’t her father.

“I loved your mother with all my heart. From the moment I saw her, I was lost. We were young and irresponsible.” He paused. “I was part of a pretty rough crowd until I met your mother. The gang was known for vandalism and minor thefts. She gave me an ultimatum, them or her. Of course, I chose her. Unfortunately, one night I was in the wrong place at the wrong time. I had no idea when I went into the grocery store that they’d be there, robbing the store and wielding guns. The clerk was shot, and we were all arrested.”

Great, my father was a thug. No question why Gram disapproved of him. “You said you chose my mother.”

“I did, but I was known to be part of the gang and arrested due to prior association. The police didn’t believe me when I said I wasn’t involved in the robbery.” With a shake of his head, Samuel glanced down at the hardwood floor. “I was scared. I thought for sure I would go to jail. Thankfully, your grandmother stepped in. She posted my bail and hired a lawyer. I was cleared of any involvement.”

“Gram?” Katrina couldn’t believe what her ears were hearing. “According to the letters, I got the impression Gram didn’t like you. Why would she help?”

“Her assistance had a price. She told my parents she’d clean up my mess, as long as they made certain I disappeared from her daughter’s life.”

“I don’t believe you. Gram wouldn’t be so callous.” That was a lie. A stab of guilt pinched. She had seen her grandmother in action during many business meetings. A woman in the corporate world sometimes had to be ruthless to get attention from others.

“Your grandmother didn’t like me from day one. The robbery and shooting only added to her dislike. After your grandmother orchestrated the charges being dropped, Faith deposited a sum of money in my parents’ account.” He crossed his arms over his chest. “My parents jumped at the opportunity to get me away from the area. We moved and they enrolled me in a military school. In hindsight, I should thank your grandmother. I turned out a better person and have a good life.”

How nice for you. She couldn’t get past Samuel’s absence. “A life that didn’t include me.” She clenched her jaw, forcing control over the anger burning inside.

Samuel leaned forward. “Not true. I told your parents I wanted to be a part of your life. On your fifth birthday, I had planned to tell you the truth. When I arrived and saw you with Daniel, I couldn’t. Daniel was teaching you how to ride your new bike. You were having fun.”

She remembered that day. She glanced at her baby finger—to the tiny scar it held. Her father’s love would never be questioned. Daniel might not have been her biological father, but he was her father.

“You were so brave and said you could ride alone, but you fell and cut your hand. Daniel bandaged your finger and kissed your forehead. You wrapped your arms around his neck and called him Daddy. I couldn’t destroy that bond. You would have hated me.” Samuel cleared his throat. “But I wanted to be included, so your parents introduced me as your uncle.” His eyes glistened with tears. “You called me Uncle Fish.”

Katrina gasped. Her purse fell from her hands and onto the floor. “You’re Uncle Fish?” Now, she remembered him. Not by face, but from the postcards she had received from her uncle who traveled the world. She’d saved some in her dresser at home. “Uncle Fish…you…sent me the coolest gifts for my birthday and Christmas. You gave me a book about mermaids. That story was my favorite. I still have that book.” She felt her heart lift. Maybe Samuel hadn’t rejected her. “My parents told me you traveled a lot for your job and that’s why you couldn’t visit often. I thought you were a spy who defeated bad people.”

“My career in the military kept me away for long periods of time. Some of those deployments were in volatile countries. I’ve witnessed a lot of tragedy and death.” Samuel stood and pointed to a framed picture on the mantel. “You got me through those difficult days.”

Earlier, Katrina had been too tense to notice the photos. In an eight-by-ten silver frame was a picture of her wearing her junior high prom dress. “Mom made my dress. I felt like a princess.” Tears watered her eyes.

Samuel sat beside her on the sofa. “I have more in an album, but this photograph is special.” He pulled his wallet from his back pocket and tugged a photo from a compartment. “This is the first photograph I received from your mother.” The picture of Katrina as an infant was wrinkled and faded. “I anticipated your sixteenth birthday—the day we were to tell you the truth. Unfortunately, that day didn’t come.” Samuel lowered his voice. “Sandra called and told me about the accident.”

Katrina softened toward the man who she thought rejected her as his daughter. He must have seen such devastation during his career, and throughout that destruction, he clung to a small photograph of his daughter, who knew him as her uncle. “Gram moved me to Paris after my parents…”

“I’m so sorry.” Samuel reached for her hand. “I’ve always loved your mother, and Daniel became a good friend. I miss them terribly.”

Katrina fought the tears threatening to erupt. She didn’t want to relive the grief. “Why didn’t you contact me afterward?”

“I did, but Faith intercepted. She said you were grieving your parents. The timing was never right for your grandmother. Faith always had an excuse…” He stared at the fireplace, his jaw set tight.

Katrina faced Samuel. His furrowed brow led her to believe he wasn’t being completely honest. “What aren’t you telling me?”

“Over the next few years, I was deployed in and out of the country.” He shook his head. “I’m not using my job as an excuse. I should have tried harder to see you, but I didn’t want to walk into your life, tell you the truth, and then leave. I waited for a promotion which I knew would give me a permanent position. I then went to Paris.”

Katrina sat straight. This news surprised her. “You did?”

“Your grandmother met me at the airport. How that woman knew I was coming is still a mystery.”

“Gram was always two steps ahead of everyone else.” Her grandmother’s shifty involvement in this mess troubled her, but Katrina could never be angry with her grandmother because Gram had an advantageous reason for everything she did.

Samuel smiled. “She said you were away on business, and she promised to tell you. Faith asked me to give her time. I noticed she was ill and didn’t want to upset her—and I owed her.”

“Gram never said anything.” Why, Gram? Why did you keep secrets?

“I’m sure your grandmother thought she was doing what was best. I’m just thankful my letters to your mother found their way into your hands. I’ve waited a long time to be a part of your life, other than an uncle.”

Anxiety and tension lifted from Katrina’s shoulders. Samuel had been a small part of her childhood, and he definitely wasn’t after her money. He genuinely cared for Katrina. She wasn’t alone anymore, she had a father. “Where do we go from here?”

He tapped her hand. “I don’t expect you to call me Dad. I’ve always liked Uncle Fish.” Samuel chuckled. “Why don’t we start with Samuel?”

“I can do that.” Unable to stop herself, she gave him a big smile.

“I know this situation is overwhelming, but we’ll go slowly. I hope eventually you’ll see us as your family.”

“Us?”

Samuel pointed to the other photographs on the mantel. “Those are my other two children, Gregory and Jennifer.”

“I have a brother and a sister?” Warmth wrapped her in an embrace. She drew in a quick breath before the anxiety returned. What if her siblings didn’t like her?

“They’ve known about you for some time and can’t wait to meet you. Gregory is twenty and in the air force. Jenny is eighteen and hasn’t decided what she wants to do. I think she’d love some guidance from a big sister.”

While Katrina took comfort in knowing the truth about Samuel and looked forward to uniting with his family, she needed answers regarding her grandmother’s actions. Those answers would only be found in Paris.