WINTER SPENT THE first hour after Caleb’s surprise visit searching for news on her phone. Instead of helping Janet and Leanne with cleaning up the gallery or planning their next step, she hunkered down on a stool behind the cash register of Sweetwater Souvenir and hunted for details.
Every story she read and the single video she found, the one starring Bailey Garcia, of course, mentioned that Marjorie Callaway had sought treatment for a health issue. People were speculating that it was either cancer or dementia. Every source she read was the same until she hit the Sweetwater newspaper’s online list of headlines. One of them was written by Marjorie Callaway herself.
“Brilliant. So smart.” The bells rang over the door and Winter craned her neck to make sure someone else would help the retired couple who’d come in out of the cool March morning. Janet motioned over her shoulder with her thumb, a direct order for Winter to clear out, so Winter moved back to the gallery’s storage room to read the short, heartfelt announcement that the Callaway family was facing a challenge that so many other Tennessee families were struggling with. There were facts about how Alzheimer’s impacted communities, what treatments were available and what Marjorie was trying, and at the end, a piece of encouragement for anyone struggling with the same situation, those with the diagnosis and the ones who loved them, that they should live every single day.
“‘Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today. We don’t have to hide in the shadows, no matter what the diagnosis is. We have to get busy living. Start your treatment, but don’t wait for a cure to be happy.’” Winter read the first sentence of the last paragraph out loud. “‘Forget chores or obligations or errands. Skip those. Dreams and the things you’ve put off to try when life is easier or better or whatever your reason, do those today.’” She put down her phone and covered her face with both hands. Marjorie was right. And instead of listening to Senior or whoever gave her advice, she’d taken Winter’s words to heart and moved out front.
It was a brave maneuver. Smart. The Callaways had nothing to fear from their political or business rivals. The truth was out and they were going to go on living.
“What are you doing back here?” Janet asked. She and Leanne were blocking the doorway, concern wrinkling both of their brows. “This ain’t like you, hon.”
She was right. It was almost like Caleb had blown the old her into little pieces with his confrontation and then Marjorie had come along and squeezed those pieces to dust.
“Caleb was here and he was mad. He accused me of being behind this news story about his mother.” She pointed at her phone. “Marjorie Callaway wrote her own story. No one could tell it better. That’s expert-level public relations right there and she just…” Winter snapped her fingers. “I was the strategist running Whit’s campaign and life, even though I had to work my way around Senior, but there was his mother, right there, waiting for a spotlight.” Winter closed her eyes. “I want Caleb back here right now and I want to shove that story in his face and I want to demand an apology, and then I want to wrap my arms around his shoulders and squeeze him until he can’t breathe because he needs someone to do that because his mother is awesome and this news is scary but there’s still so much hope and…” Her shoulders slumped. “And I don’t know what else.”
When she managed to open her eyes again, both Leanne and Janet had moved closer, almost as if they wanted to hug her or comfort her but they weren’t sure how.
“Since when does Caleb Callaway’s opinion matter so much?” Leanne asked softly. The former baddest girl in town had taken a turn for the quiet and insightful and Winter wasn’t sure how much she liked it. Her face must have been twisted into a disgruntled expression. “Sorry. My therapist is rubbing off on me. In a good way.”
Janet chuckled at that and some of the overwhelming tension in the room evaporated.
“Caleb Callaway started to matter…” Winter replayed so many different times when she’d been impressed with Caleb. Out at Buckeye Cove, when he’d shared with her and made her smile even after she’d tried to leave him in the dust on the hike down. Over dinner with his crazy enjoyment of her mother’s home cooking. The way he’d known she needed his help at the gallery opening. The kiss.
“He mattered from the first time I barged into his office and demanded he care about Otter Lake.” Winter shoved a hank of hair behind her ear and realized how true it was. “If he’d hesitated, I wouldn’t have been surprised. If he’d said no, it would have confirmed my suspicions. Instead, he said yes and he told me to reach for more. Ash’s job was one thing. The whole adding him to the board of directors? That was all Caleb. If he hadn’t taken credit for slipping the report to Richard Duncan, how much harder would this life be right now. His opinion started to matter right then and there. He did something good for me and never once expected to profit from it. Instead, he’s had to put his own plans on hold.” And she still felt the guilt over that.
Her shoulders slumped. She hadn’t done what he accused her of, but she was still plenty at fault. Then she realized what she’d admitted to Janet and Leanne.
“So he didn’t leak the report and save The Aerie?” Janet pursed his lips. “All along I’ve been giving that boy the benefit of the doubt because he’d done a good deed, and he didn’t even do it?”
Winter began pacing. “He did more. I did that, released the report to protect The Aerie, but he protected me. And Ash. And made it possible for Ash to correct the problem, strengthen the reserve. Caleb did that. I didn’t ask for that. He did that on his own.”
“He’s kind of annoying, the way he always manages to do the right thing when you least expect it.” All of them turned to see Whit Callaway standing in the doorway.
They must have shared an angry, surprised expression because he held up both hands. “Sorry. I used the door. There were bells. No one heard them.”
Janet covered her heart with both hands. “My superpower is on the fritz! I didn’t even know there was a rich person in the vicinity, much less about to walk into the store.”
Leanne laughed and shook her head. “You’re tired. You need to rest. Come have a seat.”
“No way. Not with this Callaway. He broke our girl’s heart.” Janet crossed her arms over her chest and moved to stand next to Winter. “He won’t get another chance.”
Winter appreciated the effort, but all of her confusion and just…lostness had come down to this point. She needed to talk with Whit. “Janet, it’s okay. My heart is safe enough.”
Janet narrowed her eyes. “Well, you be careful, young man. Her heart might not be in any danger, but your neck is. Do you hear me?”
Whit nodded solemnly and moved aside as Leanne led Janet out of the storage room. Whit leaned a shoulder against the open doorway. “Can we talk here?”
Her first instinct was to demand to know what he wanted to talk about.
If this was another confrontation about his mother’s story, Winter would not be caught off guard this time. Whit would be sorry. Someone would be forced to call the cops for his protection.
All of that must have crossed her face. Whit held up his hands. “All of that? That’s not what I want to talk about. I have two things to say, then I’ll leave.”
Winter marched over to the stepstool she’d been using as a chair and sat. “How did you find me?” He’d be twice as shocked as Caleb had been when he saw what she was driving, so he hadn’t spotted her car and dropped in.
“I went to your house. I hoped your dad was there. He was not.” Whit stepped inside and leaned against the wall. “These paintings are amazing. Caleb’s working up some kind of commission with the artist for the lodge, isn’t he?”
Winter blinked slowly. Not yet he wasn’t, but he would be as soon as she whispered the suggestion in Janet’s ear. Because that was inspired.
“Local artists. That fits with the Tennessee heritage he’s going for.” Whit studied the stacked canvases against the wall, almost as if he had the urge to flip through them.
And that was the reminder that she didn’t need that they’d always been more alike than they were different.
“What did you want to talk about?” Winter asked. There was only way to get through this. Face it all directly. She’d tried the easy way out. That never worked for Kingfishers and it wouldn’t start now, especially if the Callaways were changing tactics to face the truth head-on. The whole idea was exciting.
“First, an apology. I’ll do it in public, too, since I’m the one who dragged this on the stage for everyone to observe, but between you and me, I’m sorry.” His solemn face made it hard not to trust his words. “I messed up. I messed up first by shoving this project through. Senior’s had this dream for a long time. I swear, most of the trouble in my life and with my brother goes right back to wanting to win Senior’s admiration.” He rubbed his forehead. “Caleb and I had it, but getting ol’ stone face to show any emotion is just… Doesn’t matter. That’s what I’m trying to wrap my head around. I had reasons for what I did, but they still hurt you and I owe you more than an apology for that. You were my best friend in the world. And I made the worst mistakes.” His lips were a tight line.
Since she’d never once imagined Whit Callaway, Jr. could say he was sorry, she knew it had to be a struggle.
“The marriage idea was dumb, Whit. Why did we try that again?” Winter asked.
He rolled his eyes. “The consultant. The one Senior hired when we first started talking about the capital. He wasn’t worth half of what Senior paid, although I appreciate the investment. Happily married candidates, or at least those who can pretend to be, poll better with voters. Who cares what they say? As long as they look the part…” He gave two thumbs up. “Dumb. Like my ‘stunt’ with Candace Hawthorne.”
Winter grimaced. “I had nothing to do with this story about your mother, but I did say ‘stunt’ to Bailey Garcia.” Should she apologize for that? The urge was strong. As long as they were getting things off their chests, she should clear the air. “I was having a bad day.”
He laughed. “It’s okay, we both had our reasons, but I never thought you had anything to do with Mom’s story. She showed me her final draft before she sent it to the Sweetwater newspaper. Senior was the only one who didn’t know.”
“And Caleb.” Winter rubbed her hand over the center of her chest, amazed all over again at how the memory of Caleb’s angry face made her heart hurt.
Whit watched her until he said, “He’s in Knoxville, taking over the reins of Callaway Construction. After this lodge, he’ll be stepping into Senior’s spot full-time.”
Winter studied Whit’s face. They’d been such good friends, sharing laughs over late-night pizza and standing side by side to win city-council elections. “You okay with that? It should leave more time for Senior to work with you on this campaign.” She wasn’t certain that was the best thing for Whit. If she considered their history, everything had gotten out of whack the minute Senior had come on board.
“Except Mom’s got other plans. They’ll be traveling. She’s decided someone who runs the Callaway charity should see the projects she’s been funding. That means visiting all four corners of Tennessee, although first they’re taking a vacation in Louisiana.” He shrugged as if he couldn’t understand why anyone would do such a thing.
Winter smiled. That was one thing she and Whit would always be in sync about. Vacation time confused them both.
“That’s the other topic I wanted to talk to you about. My campaign. I need you, Winter. Please come back.” Whit met her stare without flinching. “No one can argue that you were the magic behind our success. You know what I want to accomplish. This thing with the teachers and Richard Duncan? Education is the keystone I’m willing to live and die by, and he’s out there, shooting off his mouth. I mean…” Whit shook his head. “I need to win this election. You’re the key to that. Senior is out of the picture. Moving forward, it’s you and me.”
Winter studied her nails, worrying the cuticle of one thumb. Did he mean as a couple? How was she going to do this? Now that she’d seen the possibilities, she would never marry for his career or hers. “I can’t marry you.”
Whit tilted his head to the side and then laughed out loud. “Sorry. I didn’t do a good job of explaining. I want to hire you. Pay you to advise me. Like professionals. We’ll be smart. We’re going to do this the right way, even if it is the hard way. No more stunts. Sound strategy and policy. That’s it. I’ll win or I’ll lose, but the voters of Tennessee will know who Whit Callaway is.” He held both arms out. “Sometimes dumb, but always trying to do the right thing.”
For the first time since she’d walked out of the capitol after leaving the report on Richard Duncan’s desk, Winter knew what she wanted to do with her life. This was it. She was never meant to be the unofficial power behind the man. Her place was behind the podium, running meetings, setting goals for the Callaway team. This was the career she wanted: helping a good man who had some bad ideas but a solid heart lead the state they both loved.
“It’s not going to be easy, not with our history.” Winter stood and walked over to stand in front of Whit. “You’ve been out there, stunting. I’ve been over here trying to cause trouble and mostly failing. We’ve got our work cut out for us.”
Whit raised his eyebrows. “You are not wrong, but we’re Callaways and Kingfishers. Hard work doesn’t scare us.” He held out his hand, and Winter slipped hers inside before wrapping her arms around him. The hug reminded her of all the times they’d celebrated together. There was no more or less between them than shared purpose. Never had been, but that had seemed like enough.
Until Caleb Callaway had met her toe to toe.
“I have a couple conditions,” Winter said and Whit blew out a gusty sigh.
“Sure you do.” He thumped his head against the wall. “Hit me.”
She waved her balled-up fist in front of his nose. “Don’t you do anything to threaten the reserve or my brother ever again.” Whit nodded firmly. “And I’m going to live here in Sweetwater. I can’t go back to Knoxville, not now that I remember how much peace Otter Lake brings me. I’ll drive down there to work with you. I’ll hit the road with you, but I’m going to find a place here that is mine. All mine. Win or lose this campaign, I’m going to have a home to return to.”
Whit smiled. “Easy enough.”
Relief washed over her. The uncertainty about her job had been a weight. She loved the gallery and she’d continue to work there, but this was her calling.
“How soon do we start?” Winter asked. “I’ve got the media day at the lodge to complete and then…” She held up both hands. “I want to work.”
Whit nodded. “About that. The plan is to announce Senior’s retirement, ramping up the charitable foundation, Caleb’s promotion and hiring you all in the same spot. Think you can get a larger group of reporters there with the promise of more than one story?”
It was easy to imagine eyes lighting up when she suggested it to her contacts. “I can definitely do that.” That meant Caleb would return to the lodge at least one more time. What was she going to do about it?
“How are we going to handle this relationship moving forward, Whit?” Winter asked. His frown was easy to read. “I’m going to be dating. Someday, you will, too.”
He sighed. “Right, about that…” He smiled. “If your question means what I think it does, I want you to be happy. That’s all. Reporters will try to stir something up and we’ll… What did you used to say?”
“Hit them with the story we want them to tell.” He’d been listening to her. This was going to work.
“Yeah. I can be taught.” He slung his arm over her shoulder. “If I’m going to be spending more time in town, I should do some damage control. Should I start with the ladies out front? The older one was ready to gut me with a ballpoint pen.”
“She’s a good start, but lesson number whatever we’re on is never, never say the ‘older’ one about women who can vote. Her name is Janet. She’s awesome, but she could hurt you if I let her. Buy a painting. That’s one sure way to her heart.” Winter laughed and was amazed at how easy it was to let go of all her anger and hurt. With one apology, Whit had convinced her that what came next was going to be better.
“Did you ever tell me how you found me this afternoon?” Winter asked, curious again. No one in Sweetwater would have given him directions.
“I mentioned I’d stopped by your house. Had to talk to your mother.” Whit shivered. “Where was your dad?”
“He’s been teaching classes at the seniors’ center.” Winter chuckled at how grim Whit was. “You okay?”
Whit sighed. “Your mother is scary. I hope that’s the last time I have to meet with her alone again for a long time.”
“I know what you mean.” She grinned at him. “How soon am I going to get a paycheck? Until I move out of my parents’ house, you run the risk of meeting her.”
Whit pretended to consider. “I’ll leave a check before I go. Payment for this media day. That’s what we’ll call it. Know any good Realtors? If this is headquarters, we may both need new places.”
Winter laughed. “Let me introduce you to Janet Abernathy. She’s going to be your number one fan. Fast.”
Eventually, she was going to have to figure out what to do about Caleb, but it was nice to know what came after her media day for the lodge. She’d needed that purpose. Having it made it easier to focus on what she wanted next. As soon as Caleb returned to Sweetwater, she’d get started on it.