On Friday, a week later, Caleb walked down Main Street on his way to pick up Mia at Family Ties. Crowds attending Buffalo Gap’s Harvest Days filled the streets for the annual event in mid-October. Since local retailers stayed open extended hours to run deeply discounted sidewalk sales, hurrying through the throngs of eager shoppers was difficult.
About to cross the street, Caleb stopped in his tracks. Joel Crane, his biological father was heading straight for him. Immediately Caleb’s hackles went up, but with half the town mingling around them he refused to make a scene. He despised the gossip and innuendo he’d overheard since his father’s arrival, but he wasn’t about to back down or run away now, so he stood his ground and waited.
“Caleb.” A tentative smile flickered across his father’s face. “I was hoping to talk to you.”
“I have nothing to say to you.” Guilt chewed at his insides when a hurt-puppy-dog look washed across Joel’s face.
“But I have something to say to you, and it’s important. Please listen.” Joel touched his arm, but Caleb shook off his hand. “I didn’t kill her, son. I loved your mother. I wouldn’t have hurt her for anything in this world.”
“Wouldn’t you?” Infuriated, Caleb demanded, “You don’t think it hurt her when her husband came home drunk, called her names and bullied her when he didn’t get his way? We don’t have anything to discuss,” he grated. “Stay away from me.”
While his father protested, Caleb sidestepped him and continued toward Family Ties, seething.
“Caleb?”
A hand on his arm made him flinch. He whirled around. Mia stood behind him.
“You walked right past me,” she said.
“Sorry.” He exhaled heavily. “I just had a run-in with my father. You might want to reschedule our lunch. I’m not in a very good mood.”
“Why don’t we walk for a bit? I’ve been painting and I need some exercise.” She looped her arm through his and tugged on it to get him to move. “Isn’t it a gorgeous day? It seems like winter’s eons away.”
“Don’t kid yourself. We often have snow in early October. This year we’ve been lucky.” The mundane subject and Mia’s bright cheery tone chased away his dark mood. “What have you been painting? No, don’t tell me. Scenery.”
“Yes.” Her smile caused a flush of heat to warm Caleb’s frozen heart. “But not only that. Family Ties is wonderful, full of stories. Abby’s amazing. So are the two young women in residence. Their resilience is inspiring. One of them, Jan, is working on a little garden area at the back of the building.”
“Fall bulbs, I suppose.” Caleb frowned. “But she won’t be here to see them bloom.”
“Preparing the area makes Jan’s heart bloom now.” Mia’s kindly voice soothed. “Someone else will benefit from her work in the spring.”
“If it helps her I’m glad. I’ve been working with both of those women. Giving up a child isn’t easy and Jan in particular feels very guilty. It’s even more important to make sure her child has a wonderful home.” When Mia moved toward the town park, Caleb matched her steps, noting how the tension had left him. Funny how when he was around Mia his day always seemed brighter.
“You really care about your clients. I like that. What did your father want?”
The unexpected question brought back Caleb’s tension. He struggled to suppress his negative feelings but Mia noticed. She stopped beside a park bench, sat down and patted the spot next to her.
“Talk to me, Caleb,” she invited in that sensitive way she had.
“I don’t—” He stopped, surprised when her eyebrows drew together in a severe line.
“I think we can safely say that you’ve listened to my problems more than anyone should have to,” she said in a firm tone. “It’s about time I repaid the favor, so talk.”
“There’s not much to say. He’s looking for forgiveness. I can’t offer that.” Caleb added, “I doubt I ever will.”
“Okay, but couldn’t you at least listen to him? You’re his son. He misses you, wants to reconnect. You don’t have to offer anything,” she said when he glared at her. “But you could listen.”
“No.” Caleb shook his head. “I can’t.”
“Because?”
“Because he doesn’t deserve it.” He stiffened when she chuckled. “That’s funny?”
“Yes, it’s very funny.” Mia patted his hand as if to apologize, but her next words astonished him. “None of us deserve anything, Caleb. People say, ‘I deserve this,’ but we don’t deserve anything. Thankfully God loves us in spite of our unworthiness.”
“That’s not right.” He stared, confounded by her logic.
“Yes, it is.” Mia lifted her face into the sunshine. “God forgives us, not because we deserve it, but because He loves us. So, to me, it seems wrong when we who have been forgiven with such grace won’t forgive others.”
“So you’ve forgiven Harlan for deceiving you?” he shot back, and hated himself for saying it when a cloud dimmed the light in her lovely eyes.
“I’m trying.” She gave him a reproachful look. “It isn’t easy, but I’m trying to remember that he didn’t understand love. He was afraid of it. I can’t hate him for being afraid.”
“I don’t think that’s a good enough excuse for what he did.” Before Caleb could say more, Mia jumped to her feet.
“It’s my reason. Can we eat now?” Her loveliness made him catch his breath as she danced from one foot to the other, waiting for him. “I’m starving. And this time I am buying, so no arguments. Got it?”
“Yes, ma’am.” Her severe tone couldn’t suppress her resurfacing smile, and that amused him. “Where are you taking me?”
“That place over there.” She pointed to Eats, the priciest place in town. “Abby said they have the best lasagna, and that is exactly what I’ve been craving. Make sure you eat enough because you’re going to need it.”
“I am?” Caleb thought he’d never known anyone who found such sheer delight in life. Mia was embracing everything that came her way and somehow turned it into joy. “Why?”
“Because, Caleb, tomorrow morning I’m moving into Riverbend Ranch, and I’m hoping you’ll help me.” Ecstatic, Mia grabbed his hands and swung in a circle around him. Her happiness spilled all over him, chasing away the shadows of the past.
“At last. Congratulations,” he said. “Of course I’ll help.” Caught up in the joy of her news, Caleb grasped her waist, lifted her and swung her round, thrilling at her peal of laughter.
Mia’s elation and hope was contagious, but suddenly her eyes met his and Caleb realized how intimate the moment had become. Slowly he lowered her to the ground and gently released her, reluctant to let go of this amazing joy-filled woman but knowing he couldn’t allow her to burrow into his heart. Because he couldn’t bear to see hurt fill her expressive eyes when she realized he had nothing to offer her.
Mia balanced awkwardly for a moment, but before he could reach out an arm for support she righted herself. Her eyes held his, probing, asking questions, waiting.
“I hope you’ll be very happy at Riverbend, Mia,” he said sincerely.
“I will be. It’s going to be my new start,” she said in a firm tone. “I’m going to have a wonderful life.”
“You deserve it.” The words slipped out before he realized it. He glanced at her, saw her lips twitch and couldn’t stop his own chuckle. “Well, you do.”
“No, I don’t. But I thank God He’s given it to me. And I don’t want to argue with you, so let’s go eat.” She grabbed his hand once more.
Caleb followed, content to escape the intimacy of the previous moments but reveling in the pleasure of her company. He liked Mia, liked her spunk, her plucky courage, her determination to find a bright spot in everything. But there could never be more than friendship between them because, although he was certain that Mia was full of love just waiting to be poured out, he was not.
“I suppose you have to get back to the office soon.” When Caleb forgot about his father, he was utterly charming. Mia hated to see their time together end.
“Not necessarily.” He leaned back in his chair. “Did you have something in mind?”
“No. I’m just enjoying relaxing with you. Hearing about your childhood on the Grants’ ranch is interesting.” She waited until their server had brought his chocolate cake and he’d tasted it. “I’ve never been around animals much. I don’t think my mother liked the mess they caused. She loved order.”
“As a kid I had lots of pets.” He grinned at the memories. “A pet raven, a bull. Once I even had a pet snake, though that ended when Marsha found its hiding place. She is deathly afraid of them.”
“Me, too.” Mia couldn’t suppress her chuckle. When Caleb arched one dark eyebrow to ask why, she tapped the side of her cheek. “You look very nice in chocolate icing,” she teased, “but not very lawyerly.”
He made a face as he dabbed his napkin to remove the spot. “Want a taste?” he asked, holding out his fork loaded with icing.
“No, thanks.” She shuddered. “That’s enough sugar to add ten pounds.”
“With your energy level?” Caleb continued eating, but she knew his brain was dwelling on something else.
“I don’t eat a lot of sugar. Harlan’s mother died from diabetes and it was something he was always warning me about.” Caleb didn’t need to know how often she’d eaten sweets in private to avoid those comments.
“You won’t hear me putting down this good stuff,” Caleb promised, savoring his cake with obvious enjoyment.
“I want to ask you a nosy question, but you may not want to answer it,” Mia said, deciding to broach a subject that had been bothering her for a while. Though his eyes narrowed, he didn’t immediately shut her down. She liked that.
“You can ask,” he invited in that rumbly voice she found so attractive.
“You clearly love Lily. Why don’t you adopt her?” She hadn’t finished the question before Caleb began shaking his head.
“I can’t,” he said, his voice bleak.
“Because?” she pressed. Did the flickering in his silver-gray eyes mean he was hiding something from her?
“Well, for starters, I don’t have a home anymore.” He pushed away the rest of his uneaten cake. “I received an offer on the ranch this morning. I’m accepting it.”
“Congratulations.” His lack of expression piqued her curiosity. “That’s good news, isn’t it?”
“Yes and no.” He shrugged. “They want possession before winter, so I need to move out fairly soon.”
“You must have thought about somewhere else to live in Buffalo Gap when you listed it.” Mia tried not to be too obvious in studying his reactions, but she was intrigued by his blunt refusal to consider adoption.
“I’ve looked at a few places, but I don’t want to make any quick decisions. That’s kind of what I did when Lara and I bought the ranch,” he admitted.
“And you were sorry?” Were those shadows in his eyes regret?
“If Lara had lived, it would have been perfect. I could have helped her achieve her dream. But I never even considered I’d be left to run it. I’ve failed so miserably I had to have someone take all the animals.”
“I’m sure you did your best. I doubt Lara would ask more than that,” Mia soothed. “So now you have nowhere to live and that’s why you can’t adopt Lily?”
“Actually I do have a place to live. My parents have a little cabin on their land, beside the river.” A funny little smile twisted Caleb’s lips. “Dad used to be an outfitter. Over the years they’ve had hunters, birdwatchers, fishermen stay there in all seasons. It’s a bit primitive and certainly no place for Lily, but I can make do.”
“Is that what you want?” There was something in his words she didn’t quite understand. Reluctance, perhaps? “To make do?”
“No. I want my own place, a ranch but without cattle. A place with lots of space and freedom.” The words died away, as if he didn’t want to give away too much.
“So at heart you are a cowboy,” she teased.
“Always,” he said with a chuckle.
“But it won’t have a place for Lily.” Immediately his face tightened and Mia knew she’d pushed too hard.
“Look, I’m not the person to raise Lily,” he said, lips tightening with his irritation. “She’s a great kid, but it would be wrong for me to even try to be her father.”
“Wrong?” Mia didn’t want to keep pushing, but in her mind Caleb would be the perfect father. “Is it her leg?”
“Her leg?” His eyes widened and then narrowed. “The fact that Lily has a damaged leg has nothing to do with it. It’s because of me, because I can’t be who she needs. Can we leave now?”
“I’m keeping you from work. I’m sorry.” Mia waved to their server and handed him her brand-new credit card. While they waited, she gathered her things, aware of the tension between them. She signed the receipt, added a generous tip and rose.
“Thank you for lunch,” Caleb said, sounding slightly mollified.
“Thank you for joining me.” Mia walked out of the restaurant and waited until they were walking across the park, some distance from the restaurant before she let out a little whoop. “That felt so good.” She grinned, delighted with herself.
“What did?” The mystified look on his face made her burst out laughing.
“Paying for lunch. Independence,” she explained. “I’ve never had a credit card before. Harlan liked to live on cash.”
“Harlan liked to have you locked up, without access to any assets,” Caleb corrected sourly. “Never mind that they are your assets.”
“Let it go, Caleb.” She held his gaze. “It’s the past. It doesn’t matter now. I’m moving into a new home of my own. I don’t want to tarnish that with ugly thoughts. Be happy for me?” she begged, touching his arm with her fingertips. “Please?”
He studied her for several wordless moments. Finally his fingers curled around hers, warm and comforting. “Of course I’m happy for you, Mia. I can’t think of anyone who deserves a new home more.” He smiled, squeezed her hand, then let it go. “Though I still can’t help wondering why he bought Riverbend.”
“Maybe someday we’ll know. I believe God had a hand in it. Oh, look. It’s Lily.” Mia’s heart squeezed tight at the sight of the little girl sitting on a swing in the park’s playground, head down, shoulders dropping in a dejected way. “Why is she alone?”
“Hilda’s place is right over there. Look, she’s sitting on the front porch watching.” Caleb lifted a hand and waved. Hilda waved back.
“Lily looks so sad. Let’s go cheer her up.” Mia started toward the little girl, glad that Caleb followed without question.
“Hi, Lily,” she murmured, kneeling by the child. “How are you?”
“Sad.” Lily looked up, face streaked with tears. “I’m an orphan.”
Behind her, Mia heard Caleb groan.
“Who told you that, honey?” She brushed dark wet strands of hair away from the child’s tearstained cheeks.
“Some kids at school. They said orphans get sent to houses where they have to work for their food.” Lily sniffed. “My leg hurts sometimes. Maybe I can’t work hard enough. I get awful hungry.”
“Sweetheart, you’re never going to have to work for your food.” Caleb hunkered down beside Mia, his voice warm and tender with reassurance. “I’m going to make sure you’re always cared for. And you’re not an orphan.”
“How come?” Lily frowned at him, her gaze questioning. “My teacher read us a story about orphans. An orphan is a child who doesn’t got a family. That’s me.”
“But you do have a family, darlin’.” The tenderness of Caleb’s voice sent a rush of sweetness through Mia’s heart. What a good man he was. Her heart pinched when he slid an arm around Lily’s tiny waist, lifted her from the swing and hugged her against his side. “You have a family who cares about you very much.”
“Who?” Lily’s voice wobbled, as if she was afraid to believe what he was saying.
“Well, you’ve got me. Uncle Caleb, remember? Uncles are family.” He tickled her under the chin. “And you’ve got Mia. And you’ve got Ms. Vermeer looking after you, and Grandma Marsha and Grandpa Ben. They’re all your family and they love you very much.”
“We all care about you, Lily. We love you very much,” Mia added, struggling to keep her voice from breaking. “You’re not alone.”
“But that’s not real family.” Lily sniffed. “A real family has a mommy and a daddy.”
“Listen to me, darlin’.” Caleb tipped her chin so she had to look at him. “What makes a family isn’t a mommy or a daddy. What makes a family is love.” His fingertip smoothed away her tears. His voice oozed compassion and caring. “You are loved so much, my sweet Lily.”
Mia wanted to weep at the tenderness of his words and the love glowing in his silver eyes. As Lily’s smile peeked out she longed to wrap her arms around both of them and hang on. This big tenderhearted man had put aside his own inhibitions about love to reassure a little lost girl. Caleb would make a wonderful father. If only she could convince him to adopt Lily.
“Why didn’t Hilda come with you to the park?” Caleb said when several minutes had passed.
“’Cause I yelled at her an’ told her not to. I ran away.” An ashamed look turned Lily’s face sultry. “I was mad at those kids.”
“Hilda cares about you a lot, Lily. See, she’s sitting over there all alone.” Caleb brushed a tender hand over the little girl’s head. “She must be very worried to see you so upset. You need to apologize.”
“I know.” Lily’s head hung with shame.
“I’ll go with you.” Caleb rose, clasping her tiny hand in his. His eyes met Mia’s. “Will you come, too?”
“I’d love to.” Mia walked with the somber pair back to Ms. Hilda’s, where Lily offered her apology and was quickly tearfully embraced.
“You sure are a lucky girl.” Mia watched her as they munched on Hilda’s fresh cookies. “A lot of people care about you.”
“I know.” Lily looked down. “I didn’t mean to be bad. I just wanted my mommy back so I could be a family.” A lonely tear clung to her eyelashes.
Mia couldn’t just sit there and not do something. Caleb was there. Surely nothing bad could happen with him watching, nothing like what had happened before. She wrapped her arm around the little girl and snuggled her against her side.
“Tell me about your mom, Lily.”
Lily talked for a while about the things she remembered best. Then she drank her milk and ate her last cookie before asking, “Will you tell me about your mommy, Mia?”
Mia glanced around. Caleb had returned to his office for a meeting, but Ms. Hilda was sitting a few feet away on her porch knitting. She wasn’t alone with Lily.
“Please?” Lily begged.
“My mom was a lawyer, kind of like your uncle Caleb,” Mia began. “Her job was to help people and she worked very hard to do that.”
“What about your daddy?” Lily asked.
“I didn’t have one. I asked my mother about him once,” Mia murmured, suddenly transplanted back in time to her tenth birthday. “My mom got a very sad look on her face and said he’d gone away and wasn’t going to come back. I could see that talking about him made her sad, so I never asked about him again.”
“That’s like my daddy!” Lily sat up straight, eyes flashing. “When I was little I asked my mom who my daddy was. She said I didn’t have one. That night I heard her crying, so I didn’t ask about my daddy anymore.”
“It’s hard to understand grown-ups sometimes, isn’t it?” Mia comforted. “But we all have a daddy, one who loves us very much.”
“You mean God, don’t you, Mia?” Lily nodded. “Auntie Lara talked about Him all the time. My mommy was her sister. Auntie Lara said her and mommy’s daddy was God and He was the bestest dad anyone could have.”
“Auntie Lara was right,” Mia said, thankful for Lara’s faith. “God loves us very much. We can talk to Him whenever we want. He doesn’t get tired or go away or get too busy to listen. He’s always with us.”
“I know.” Lily snuggled against her side. “God’s a nice daddy, isn’t He, Mia? I think He’s kind of like Caleb. I love Caleb.”
“He loves you, too, sweetheart.” Mia reveled in the joy of having the sweet girl tucked against her side as the autumn sun warmed them.
Oh, God, I want a family, too, she prayed silently. I want a child just like Mia. Please, could You erase the past and make it possible for me to be a mother? Please?
But even as she prayed, she knew it couldn’t be. She’d hurt an innocent child. Unwittingly, true, but that child had died because of her. She couldn’t be trusted with another. So the next best thing was to get Caleb Grant to see that he was the perfect father for Lily.
“I think I’ve worn you out already.” Mia chuckled when Caleb blinked his eyes open and pushed away from the kitchen island. “I thought Saturday would be your best day. That’s why I chose today to move.”
“Huh?” He frowned.
“Because it’s your day off,” she clarified. “Like you’d have more energy? I guess I should have found more moving helpers for my move to Riverbend.”
“You should have bought less stuff,” he shot back, enjoying the happy smile she’d been wearing all day. “I’m just thankful that furniture stores deliver. Carrying in all your quilt fabric has aged me ten years, though.”
“Poor old man. We’re almost finished.” She held out a tray of doughnuts. “Have another to give you some energy.”
“No, thanks. I’m already on a sugar high.” He glanced around the kitchen, a little shocked by how quickly she’d made it look like home. Shiny new copper pots swung from a rack above the massive stove. Bright green accents scattered here and there made it look as if Mia had cooked in this kitchen for years. The whole effect was enhanced by strategic placing of vigorous plants he’d helped her unload from her car. “Are you satisfied with it?”
“Mmm, pretty close,” she mused. “Let’s take a tour and I’ll make notes of what else I need. Starting with my workroom.”
“Do I have to go in there again?” he teased. “Your talent scares me a little.”
“How?” She turned on him in surprise.
“You do everything so well. It’s intimidating.” He looked around the room. Her bright paintings hung everywhere, bringing light and happiness. “I think you need another lamp in here for nighttime.”
“I have another, but I can’t remember where it is.” She sounded as if she was concentrating on something else. He’d learned that look in her eyes meant she’d begun visualizing another design for her quilt fabric. “The built-ins are perfect for storing my fabric.” She hugged herself. “I’m going to love working here.”
“Let’s look at the rest.” He left and walked to the living room, pushing away the urge to replace her arms with his. “I thought this room was too big, but your interior designer was right. The huge furniture makes it cozy, along with the fire.” He sank into the plump cushions with a sigh. “I still think you should have chosen leather, but...”
“Leather’s too cold. I’ve had enough cold to last me a lifetime.” Mia inclined her head toward the dining room. “It looks great but it’s intimidating. I don’t know enough people to fill all those chairs.”
“You soon will.” Caleb grinned at her frown but didn’t pursue the matter. “Upstairs?”
She nodded and preceded him up the winding staircase. “This is my room,” she said as she pushed open the double doors.
“It’s lovely.” Which was an understatement, Caleb decided. Among the azure blues and deep sea greens Mia radiated like a mermaid in her ocean. “I thought maybe you’d choose white and frilly,” he mumbled, not intending for her to hear.
Mia laughed. “Frilly? Not my style.”
“But this isn’t the master bedroom,” Caleb exclaimed.
“That’s too big for just me.” Her cheeks turned an attractive pink. “Besides, I like this view of the garden better.” As she led the way down the hall, he saw her glance below to the courtyard at the front of the house. “There are a whole lot of cars arriving,” she said in a surprised tone.
“Uh-huh.” Caleb grinned at her. “They’re here for you, for a housewarming.”
“For me?” Mia stared at him. “They don’t even know me.”
“That’s why they’re here,” he said with a chuckle. “Do you think we should go and greet them?”
“Oh. Yes, of course.” Mia led the way downstairs. “I wish I’d had time to change into something less casual.”
“You look great. They’ll love you. Stop worrying,” Caleb said.
“How did they know I was moving in today?” she asked.
“I told them.” He grinned, then reached around her to fling the door wide.
Caleb knew Mia’s head was whirling as people flowed into her new home bearing dishes of savory goodness and gifts they insisted were simply a welcome to the community.
“We want you to feel at home and free to call on any of us at any time,” Mayor Marsha said, speaking for the group. “Everyone’s a neighbor in Buffalo Gap.” Her gaze moved from the open door to Caleb. “Everyone,” she said pointedly.
Not understanding her emphasis on that word, Caleb glanced out the door and saw Joel standing there.
“Why, Mother?” Caleb demanded in a low voice.
“He’s a part of our community now, Caleb,” she said in a firm tone. “We’ve never excluded or ostracized anyone and we’re not going to start with your biological father.”
Acutely aware of the many sets of curious eyes around him, Caleb debated walking out the door, until he glanced at Mia. She’d been so happy moments before. He couldn’t ruin this for her, but he wasn’t going to talk to Joel Crane either. Not today. Not ever. He stalked away.
The small, older man who watched Caleb walk away with hope dying was the man who’d murdered Caleb’s mother? Mia’s heart ached for the two as Caleb left and his father’s shoulders slumped at the snub. The entire room had fallen silent. She stepped forward.
“Please come in,” she invited, holding out her hand. “I’m Mia Granger.”
“Thank you,” he said so quietly she barely heard him. “I’m Joel Crane. Caleb’s—” His chin drooped.
“Father,” she finished loud enough for the others to hear. “Welcome here. Thank you for coming.”
Marsha began directing operations, and the awkwardness of the moment dissipated as Mia’s guests resumed chatting with each other.
“It isn’t much but I brought some chips and dip,” Joel said. “I’m afraid I’m not a very good cook.”
“Among other things.” Caleb now stood at her elbow, his glare fierce.
“Caleb, please,” she whispered, standing on tiptoe to whisper in his ear. “This is my first real home. I want to enjoy it, for people to feel welcome here. Please don’t spoil this for me.” Mia slid her arm in his, knowing how deep his aversion for his biological father went and yet desperate to keep the peace. “Please?”
The ice in his silver eyes made her insides quiver. A moment later her heart sank as he nodded and then excused himself.
“I’ll go,” Joel said, and handed her the bag of chips. “Marsha insisted I come, but she was wrong. I don’t belong here.”
“You live in Buffalo Gap, don’t you?” Mia asked. At his nod she smiled and threaded an arm through his. “Then, you belong here. Let’s meet these people.”
Actually her guests introduced themselves to her, none of them showing the least bit of anger or judgment that Joel Crane was among them. Except for Caleb. He hung in the background, watching everything with his icy glare. Mia was on her way to talk to him when a shout stopped her.
“Mia!” Lily hobbled across the room and threw herself into Mia’s arms. “I came to see your new house.”
“I’m glad you did.” She hugged the little girl tightly, then glanced at her other guest. “Welcome, Ms. Hilda. Is that some of your delicious lemon pie?”
Hilda said that it was, then hurried toward the kitchen. That was when Mia heard Lily say, “You’re Caleb’s dad.” Her head tilted to one side when Joel nodded. “He’s mad at you,” she said.
“Honey, Joel and I are meeting people. Would you like to come along?” Mia intervened.
“Uh-uh. I want to talk to Uncle Caleb about my birthday party.” Lily awkwardly hurried away.
“I have apologized to Caleb for causing the accident with his mother, you know,” Joel murmured. “Or tried to. He won’t hear me.”
“I know,” Mia whispered, and squeezed his hand. “Caleb is in a lot of pain. We’ll just have to keep praying that God will touch his heart.”
“That’s why I’ve stayed here,” Joel admitted. “I keep praying God will heal the breach between my son and me. Meanwhile I accept whatever jobs I can get and wait.”
“I’ll pray, too,” she promised.
They finished their tour of the room. At the end of it, Mia was certain she’d never remember all the names. Then Mayor Marsha said a short grace and announced that there was enough food for everyone to help themselves. Mia stood in a corner, content to watch and listen, savoring the pleasure of having her friends and neighbors share food in her home.
For the first time in ages she didn’t feel left out or on the sidelines. Today she felt as though she had taken the first step to truly belonging. Thanks to Caleb.
“Are you angry at me?” Caleb’s quiet voice broke her introspection.
“For what? This?” She waved a hand toward the crowd. “This makes me extremely happy. It’s exactly how I wanted Riverbend Ranch to be. Full of friends, fun and happiness. It’s an answer to my prayers.” She blushed as she said the words that lay on her heart. “You are an answer to prayer, Caleb. I’ll never be able to thank you enough for helping me take this step.”
“You did it on your own,” he said before accepting a cupcake from a tray Abby Lebret was passing around. “But as long as you don’t mind me inviting half the town...”
“I’m glad you did,” she said. “You’re the best friend I ever had.”
Best friend?
Caleb smothered his frown. Nothing worse than being a best friend to a lovely woman. Especially one as beautiful as Mia.
“I’ve never had many friends.” Mia’s gaze followed Lily as she limped from one person to the next, her eyes dancing with excitement as she chatted. “Not like Lily has. Everyone seems to love her.”
“What about the friend from church who’s going to live in your other house?” Caleb hoped he didn’t sound as disgruntled by the knowledge as he felt.
“You mean Arthur?” Mia blinked at him looking startled. “I guess I never thought of him like that.”
“He’s not a friend, but you’re letting him live in your house?” Caleb said.
“Yes, because of his grandchildren.” Mia’s green eyes darkened. “Their mother’s in rehab. Their father abandoned them. Their grandfather is trying to put some stability in their lives. I thought living in the house instead of their tiny apartment could help him do that.”
Caleb couldn’t speak because of a coughing fit caused by choking on his cupcake. He’d spent all this time being jealous of a grandfather? And why was he jealous anyway? Mia was nothing to him but a means to get Lily’s future solidified. Right?
Yeah, right, his brain snickered. It’s because of Lily, has nothing to do with the way your soul lifts when you see Mia, or the way she can make you feel that anything is possible if you try hard enough. Your chest gets tight and you can hardly breathe when that sweet scent of hers fills your nostrils because of Lily. Uh-huh.
Caleb cleared his throat and shut off the mocking voice.
“You should come see my old place,” Mia invited, her wide grin revealing how much she approved of the changes. “It’s amazing.”
“What are you two whispering about in this corner?” Mayor Marsha demanded.
“We’re not whispering, Mother,” Caleb said.
“Yes, you were.” Marsha studied him with a knowing smile. “I can always tell when you’re not telling me the truth, Caleb.”
“We weren’t exactly whispering,” Mia said. “I was about to ask Caleb if he thought your family would be available to come for Thanksgiving dinner.”
“Well.” Caleb choked back a laugh at Marsha’s consternation. For once she seemed at a loss for words. “I, um, think we’d be delighted.”
“Don’t you have to check with Sis and Dad?” He kept his face as innocent looking as possible while silently cheering for Mia. He’d never known anyone to dumbfound his mother.
“I’m sure they’d love to come, but I will check with them and let you know. Will that be all right?” Marsha smiled when Mia nodded. “Good. Well, dear, I have a meeting, so I must leave. I do want to wish you all the best in your new home, though. I hope you’ll be very happy.”
“Thank you.” Mia gracefully conceded to Marsha’s effusive hug. “Your mother is a lovely woman,” she said as Marsha called her goodbyes to the rest. “You’re so lucky.”
“Lucky?” Caleb blinked in surprise. No one had ever said that to him before.
“Yes. Lucky, or rather blessed,” Mia said in a firm tone. “You could have had far less loving foster parents than the Grants. God certainly looked after you.”
Mia left to speak to several others who were following Marsha’s lead and leaving. Caleb mused on what she’d said.
He’d never thought of himself as lucky or blessed. Actually in his deepest heart he’d held a grudge against God for breaking up his family, for letting his mother die, for allowing his father to escape just punishment, though he’d always been glad the authorities had made sure he didn’t have to live with a drunk who’d never been able to care for him. But blessed?
Years replayed in Caleb’s memory of the many kids he’d met in the foster system and the horror stories of the families they’d been sent to. He’d never experienced any hardship, never needed anything. Marsha and Ben had showered him with affection from the moment he arrived. They still did. They loved him and they made sure he knew it.
What had he given them back? Duty? Obedience? He owed them much more, but that was why he couldn’t keep on allowing soft thoughts for Mia to grow. Caleb couldn’t love. He knew that. Lara had known that. But he didn’t want Mia to know it. It would diminish him in her eyes, and Caleb so wanted to be the man she admired.