Chapter Thirteen

“Hey, Dad, what happened?” Leif took a gigantic bite of the overstuffed roast beef sandwich he’d made.

“It’s a cinch your appetite’s good.” Michael pointed to the half empty plate in the center of the table. “Is that your second or third sandwich?”

“I don’t know. I’m just hungry. Basketball tryouts were brutal today. I think I made the team.”

“That’s great, son. Just don’t let your grades slip.”

Michael slowly ate his sandwich, his appetite dimmed by what Liana and Brittany must be going through.

“So, did things fall apart with Liana? You weren’t out as late last night as I thought you’d be.”

Michael quit pretending to eat his lunch and set the sandwich on the saucer. “Aren’t you the Einstein of the social scene? Since when do I need to tell you about my dates?”

Leif held up both hands. “Hey, I’m just sayin'. Something’s off.”

“You’re right.” Michael puffed his cheeks and released the air in a long slow breath. “It does have to do with Liana, but probably not what you think. Liana’s ex shook things up today. Brittany had to hear about some stuff from the past; events she didn’t know about. It upset both of them.”

“That’s too bad. I like Brittany. Well, I like Liana too. She’s really a cool lady, and attractive for her age.”

Michael hooted with laughter. “Her age! She’s five years younger than I am. Does that make me a dinosaur?”

“No, you’re still active and everything. So, how’d it turn out?” Leif’s amber eyes reflected his concern.

Michael only disclosed how Brittany learned Jack, Frank’s brother, was her biological father. Leif should know about Frank’s crazy behavior in case Frank showed up, or Brittany needed someone to talk to.

“Wow.” Leif pushed his plate away and crossed his arms. “Poor Brittany. Her dad—well the guy she thought was her dad—sounds whacked. Do you think he’ll come here? I mean, if he’s as freaked out as he sounds, he could try to kidnap her.”

A chill spread up the back of Michael’s neck. “Good God, I hope not.” He pushed his chair back and stood so fast the chair rocked on its legs. “I should call Liana.” He scrambled to his landline and punched out her number. She answered on the third ring. “Liana, have you heard from Frank since I left?”

“No, I haven’t heard from him since the voice mail on Brittany’s phone. I’m sure he’s in touch with his attorney.”

“I don’t want to scare you, but there’s a possibility Frank could show up in Kalispell and either guilt Brittany into going with him, or take her anyway. He was here for Thanksgiving. He knows the lay of the land.”

“The thought crossed my mind when he and Molly took Brittany out last Saturday. But now? Would he make another trip here to take her away?”

“Calm down, sweetheart. You need to be aware it could happen. Is it okay if we come over?”

“I don’t want to monopolize more of your time. You have a son to take care of and houses to build.”

“Right now, I need to know you and Brittany are okay. I’ll bring steaks and make dinner.”

Silence.

Could a two-month relationship survive so many life-changing events?

“Are you sure it’s not an imposition?”

He released a breath he didn’t realize he’d been holding. “We’ll be right over.” Michael glanced at his son who made a face, but shrugged and nodded.

Michael almost skipped down the stairs to the basement where he filled the firebox of his wood-fired boiler heating system. When he reentered the kitchen, Leif had Lucky outside for a walk. He stood at the window and enjoyed the sight of his son playing with the dog.

Life could be so odd and unpredictable. He vowed to appreciate every moment he spent with his children, and with Liana and Brittany.

****

“That didn’t take long,” Liana said when she opened the door to let Michael and Leif inside.

“I couldn’t wait.” Michael claimed her mouth in a wet possessive kiss.

Liana didn’t want to stop, but with Leif in the entry behind Michael, and Brittany behind her, now wasn’t the time. She pulled away and smiled at Michael’s grinning teen.

“Hello, Leif.”

“Hi, Liana. Sorry you’re having such a bad time.”

Liana hugged him before she looped her arm through his and turned to Brittany. “How about you two duke it out on a computer game while Michael and I make dinner?”

Brittany lifted her chin toward the den. “Okay, Saxon, let’s see if you can win this time.”

Liana sighed as they disappeared into the den. “Kids are so resilient. Brittany and I had a great talk. She’s upset, but she’s trying to adjust. She’s much more sophisticated about my other revelation than I was at her age.”

“Have you heard from your lawyer?”

Liana put the steaks on a plate. “Did you and Leif eat lunch, or should we start the steaks now?”

“When we’re ready to eat, I’ll cook dinner. You didn’t answer me. Have you heard from your lawyer?” He rounded the bar and wrapped his arms around her. He pulled her back against his front and buried his face in the side of her neck.

Liana wiggled against him and moaned. “Just what I needed. Yes, I called my lawyer. He doesn’t think Frank has a chance in court since the alimony was never court ordered.”

Michael pressed his lips to her ear, sending goosebumps over her entire body, and whispered, “Good point.”

Liana lifted her chin to give him better access to her sensitive skin. “I could charge him with harassment take him to court for child support, but I don’t want to. I just want this to be over.”

She turned and looped her arms around his neck. “Even if Frank decided to resurrect the grounds for divorce, California is a no-fault state. The law doesn’t care about the supposed affair.”

“Sounds like you’ve had a busy afternoon.”

He claimed her mouth and his probing tongue sent her senses reeling. Liana wiggled closer and discovered the hard evidence. He wanted her as much as she wanted him. She moaned against his mouth. “I guess that answers my question.”

“What question?”

“Was one night enough?”

“Forever won’t be enough.” Michael kissed her again. “If I don’t stop, we’ll have some explaining to do to the kids.”

Liana’s heart lifted from the deep hole she’d been in all day. “I’m so glad you came over.”

The phone rang. Michael raised a dark brow. Reluctant to allow anyone into their evening, she glanced at the caller ID. “I have no idea who’s calling. Guess I’d better answer.” She hit the green button and put the phone to her ear.

“Liana? It’s Molly Matthews.”

“Molly.” Liana turned toward Michael and pointed to the phone with a frown. “What’s happening?”

“I’m worried about Frank. He told me the shocking news about Brittany’s paternity. I can’t believe he didn’t tell me the truth long ago. He loves her so much, Liana. Why does their relationship have to change?”

“It didn’t have to, Molly. Frank’s the one who drove a wedge between them. Brittany loves him.”

“He said you’re dragging him to court to get full custody of Brittany.”

“That’s not true. I finally stood up for myself and served him with settlement papers to end the alimony I’ve paid him every month for the past four years.”

“Alimony? Are you kidding me?”

“It’s a long story, but I never intended for Brittany to stay away from Frank. Frank wouldn’t let me stop making the payments without the penalty of him disclosing certain things to Brittany. Lies, basically. Frank’s ruining his relationship with everyone.”

“I’m sorry for you and Brittany, but I’m really worried about Frank. When he called this morning, he sounded a little unhinged and said he’d see me later, but he hasn’t shown up or called.”

Uneasiness curled in Liana’s stomach. “Please call me if you hear from him, and I’ll do the same. Should I call you at this number?” Liana verified the number with Molly before she disconnected the call. “That was Frank’s fiancée.”

“So I gathered.”

“Molly hasn’t heard from him since early this morning. I’m really worried, Michael. She said when he told her about Brittany’s paternity, he sounded unhinged. He told her I’m trying to take Brittany from him.”

“He’s probably been unstable for a while, Liana, you just didn’t see it. It’s easy to adjust to certain behaviors in people. Believe me, I know.”

Michael put his arms around her. “I’ll stay as long as you want me to.” He tilted his head and gazed into her eyes. “I think we should call Richard and get some law enforcement advice.”

“Now, I really feel creeped-out.” Liana rested her head on Michael’s chest. “Frank could be on his way to snatch Brittany.”

“Forewarned is forearmed.”

“Brittany’s ballet recital is tomorrow night. I don’t want her life disrupted.”

“We’ll do what we can. Whoever Richard recommends can keep an eye on her when she’s out of the house. You’ll take over when she’s at home. I plan to work on your bedroom tomorrow, so if you have an outside appointment, I’ll watch for anything suspicious. If you have a photo of Frank, I’ll show it to my crew.”

Liana rubbed her upper arms to dispel the chills. “I hate this! It didn’t need to happen. He was always so possessive, but I attributed it to his jealousy over Jack. Now, I see it as mental illness. I should have done something about it a long time ago.”

“Stop it.” Michael bracketed her arms, and gave her a gentle shake. “Quit heaping the blame on yourself. Frank’s an adult, not a child. Doesn’t he have a family?”

Liana nodded. “His parents live in San Francisco and used to visit often.” She grabbed her head with both hands and closed her eyes. “Oh, I don’t know. One day you think you have so many problems, so much stress. Out of the blue something happens and it all boils down to elemental survival and protecting your loved ones.”

“Realty can be a harsh thing, but not always a bad thing. It’s a check to get us back to what’s important.”

“I just don’t want Brittany hurt. Physically or emotionally.”

Michael handed her the cell phone. “Call Richard, or I will. You should dig out a photo of Frank so I know who to look for.”

****

Every creak in the house, every breath of wind through the trees startled Liana. An evening with the Saxon men should have been fun. She and Michael had weathered her confession and Frank’s unstable behavior. Instead, each time the phone rang or a branch scraped the window, she jumped.

Liana told Brittany about Molly’s call. The best defense against Frank’s craziness was for Brittany to know everything.

Michael and Leif were a godsend. They made her feel safe and kept Brittany’s mind at least partially off her father. Leif suggested they play a board game, so Brittany pulled out her old version of Monopoly.

Liana’s usual enthusiasm for buying and selling properties was dulled by her fear of Frank prowling around her house. She had just paid Brittany the rent for Park Place when something occurred to her. Frank spent Thanksgiving Day in her house. He’d stayed when she left to meet Michael. He could have checked out the house, learned all the entrances, what windows belonged to which rooms.

She shivered.

“Need a sweater?” Michael’s question startled her out of her paranoia.

Liana glanced down. She’d been rubbing her arms and probably looked like a maniac.

“Yes. I’ll be right back.” She slipped from the living room and closed her bedroom door. Oh, my gosh. Would she make it through the night without falling apart?

She took the phone into the bathroom and called Shari.

“Liana, is everything all right?”

“I’m hiding out in my own house. The upside is, Michael and Leif came over for dinner and we’re playing Monopoly. Shari, what if Frank takes Brittany? I’ll lose my mind if anything happens to her.”

“Do you really think Frank would harm Brittany?”

“I don’t know what to expect from him anymore.”

“For heaven’s sake, don’t shake up Brittany. She has to be completely off-kilter already.”

“You’re right.” She sighed and lowered the toilet seat and sat down.

“Hmm, I think I’ll call Richard just to make sure we’re not overlooking something. He’s at an Elk Foundation meeting. Have you met the guy he sent to watch the house tonight?”

“We did. He’s seems very compassionate and sharp. I can’t thank you and Richard enough. You’ve done so much for us.” Liana straightened the roll of toilet paper. “I must confess, I was jealous of your relationship with Brittany. I think I had a slipped cog.”

“Jealous?” Shari sounded genuinely amazed. “Liana, Brittany loves and respects you. You’re her mom. She’d never want to replace you. I just wanted to help, to take some of the pressure off until you were settled into your job and new home.”

“I realize that now.” She leaned back and jumped when her back hit the cold tank. She giggled and stood up to peer at her reflection in the mirror. “I’m a ninny!”

“What happened? What did you do?”

“I’m in my bathroom so the others wouldn’t hear me call you. I’m supposed to be getting a sweater. I’d better get back to the game before they send out a posse.”

“Yeah, if the posse is Michael, you might be detained even longer.” Shari giggled.

“You’re naughty, my friend, but accurate!” Laughter lifted some of the heaviness from her chest. “I’ll see you at the recital tomorrow night.”

She left the bathroom and grabbed a long cashmere cardigan before she hurried into the living room. Michael glanced at her and an image of them locked in the bathroom flashed through her mind.

“I almost went after you.” His eyes warmed to a slow burn.

Liana tingled from head to foot. Her awareness of Michael helped dull her fear of what Frank might do. She smiled at Leif and Brittany. “Whose turn is it?”

Michael struggled to tamp down his fantasies. He ached to hold her and kiss the worry from her brow. With the kids around, he’d have to wait to show her how much he wanted her.

Brittany playfully punched his arm. “It’s your turn, Michael. Are you too tired to play?”

Michael chuckled and rolled the dice. “Kensington Palace. I’ll buy it.”

“Dad,”—Leif peered at the board with tired eyes—“it’s Boardwalk.”

“Wouldn’t you rather own Kensington Palace?” Michael winked at Brittany.

“No, I’m happy in Lakeside.” Leif yawned with all the abandon of a growing teenage boy.

Liana laughed at their antics, folded her arms on the edge of the table and glanced between the kids. “Maybe we should call it a night. I’m so grateful for your company, but we’re all exhausted.”

Michael reached across the board-game and clasped her hand. “Are you sure you’ll be all right?”

“The detective is parked outside. I’ll lock all the windows and doors the moment you leave.”

“No, we’ll check the windows and doors before I leave. Remember, I’m only a quick call away.” Michael cringed at Brittany’s worried expression. “I’ll bet Lucky wonders where we are.”

Brittany brightened. “I want to see Lucky. It seems like something always happens and we don’t go to your house. How are the puppies?”

“Squealing, eating and growing like weeds. Your recital’s tomorrow night. How about dinner at our house next week sometime?” He raised a brow at Liana.

Brittany wiggled in her chair and smiled. “I can’t wait to see the puppies. Can we go over Monday night, Mom?”

“Do you have ballet Monday night?”

“Nope. The Nutcracker performance tomorrow night is our last recital until after the first of the year.”

Michael gathered up the game pieces and money. “It’s settled. Dinner on Monday night with puppy time.” He smiled at Brittany. She’d accepted his presence from the start and seemed happy about him dating her mom.

Brittany hugged him goodnight. “Would you and Leif come to my recital?”

Michael’s throat tightened. He glanced over her head and met Liana’s approving smile. “We’d love to, wouldn’t we, Leif?”

“Sure.” Leif shrugged and stuffed his hands in his jeans pockets.

“Let’s check those windows and let you ladies get some sleep.” Once Michael confirmed the windows were all firmly shut and locked, he and Leif said goodnight and headed for the truck. Clamping his hand on his son’s shoulder, he grinned. “You okay about watching a group of girls dance around in tutus?”

Leif grinned. “I’ll suffer through it.”

Michael waved at the private eye, relieved the guy looked alert. He’d rather spend the night on Liana’s couch, but it wouldn’t be fair to Leif or the dogs. They needed to go home.

He had a feeling Frank was more hot air than physical danger. At least he hoped so. Nevertheless, he’d learned a long time ago to never underestimate an enemy.

****

The night dragged by.

Michael dozed off and on, his mind on Liana. Each time he roused, he reached for the phone, but pulled back before he dialed. She should be asleep and he didn’t want to disturb her. At three in the morning he gave up and stumbled to the kitchen to make coffee.

Before he’d met Liana, he’d believed his life was complete and satisfying. He built quality houses, spent time on the lake, and both his kids were doing great. Meredith, well, she was only a mild pain in the ass.

He’d been content and only occasionally missed female companionship. By some quirk of fate, he met Liana. She created something so big, so mind blowing, he didn’t think he’d ever be satisfied with the way things were before Lucky brought them together. He hadn’t known what he missed until that gutsy little blonde with the big green eyes shook up his quiet, low-key world.

The coffeemaker gurgled and sputtered before it expelled the last ounce of dark, rich coffee. Michael filled a mug, wandered into the dark living room and gazed through the floor to ceiling windows. The clouds had moved out during the evening, and the moon cast a bright silver glow over the backyard and across the lake in a column of iridescence. He glanced at the dark outline of his boat and froze.

Something on the dock moved.

Michael blinked a couple of times to lubricate his tired eyes and stared hard at the area around the boat.

A shadowy figure emerged. He stepped away from the windows, glad he hadn’t turned on a light, other than the one over the sink in the kitchen. It faced the side yard, so wasn’t visible from the boat dock.

Lucky ambled out of Leif’s room. Her tail swished from side to side. Michael crouched and patted her head. “It’s okay, girl, I see him. You go protect our kids.” He herded Lucky into Leif’s room where they kept the puppy box at night.

For a few seconds, he watched his son sleep. If something went bad, Leif needed to be aware and alert. “Son, wake up.”

Leif moaned and rubbed his eyes and peered through the darkness at his dad. “What? What time is it?”

“Three-thirty. Someone’s at the boat. I want you awake in case we need to call the sheriff’s office.”

Leif sat up, his eyes wide. “Why don’t we call the sheriff right now? That’s what they get paid for.”

Michael ruffled his son’s wild hair. “Don’t let them hear you say that. Maybe you’re right. Stay in your room and keep Lucky calm. I don’t want her to bark and scare the guy away.”

Michael’s boat wasn’t a small fishing craft, but a cabin cruiser with a full galley and bunks. An RV on the lake. It’d cost a chunk of his retirement money, and he didn’t intend to let some bum live in, or vandalize it. He dialed 911 and reported the prowler. Dispatch assured him they’d have a couple of patrol cars headed his way in about two minutes.

Michael moved toward the windows and buttoned his Levis as he scanned the moonlit backyard and dock. Nothing. He barely breathed, waiting for something to move.

A light flared. The prowler leaned over the edge of the boat. The idiot had set off a flare!

“Leif! The boat’s on fire—call the fire department!”

“Dad! Don’t go out there!” Leif hollered from his bedroom, but Michael kept going. His bare feet crunched against the frosty grass, his shirttails billowed. Someone threatened his home, and he wasn’t going to get away with it.

He pounded onto the dock and blinked. The bastard was gone. He glanced around the deck before he leaped into the boat to use one corner of his shirt to grab the flare.

“Ouch! Dammit!” He stumbled over some ropes on the deck and barely reached the side of the boat before his shirt ignited. His heart hammering, he pitched the flare into the lake and smothered the flames on his shirt.

From the house, Lucky barked and snarled. A chill of premonition spread up his neck and scalp and adrenaline coursed through him.

“Leif.”

Michael raced to the house and slammed through the door into the pitch black living room. In the glow from the kitchen light, a large man dragged something toward the front door. Lucky’s barks were earsplitting as she danced around the intruder. The man didn’t seem to realize Michael had entered the house and continued his slow movement toward the foyer.

Michael wished his hunting rifle was handy, but he’d locked it up in his bedroom. He stayed close to the wall and edged around the living room. Where was Leif?

Lucky snarled and grabbed at the man’s leg.

“Damn dog, let go of me!”

Michael took advantage of the distraction and leaped on the man’s back. They both went down. Michael’s elbow connected with the slate floor. In the jumble, he realized Leif was the thing the man had dragged to the foyer.

Sharp fear sliced through him. “Leif? Son? Are you okay?” His eyes on the shadowy figure, he hoped his voice would rouse his son.

Leif groaned and tried to roll away from the scuffle.

With a shriek that would make his Cherokee ancestors proud, Michael pinned the intruder to the floor and pummeled him until he harmlessly lay groaning.

Breathing hard, Michael pushed off the floor and hit the switch and flooded the entry with light. His mind rapidly registered two things: Leif was pale and unconscious on the floor and the intruder was Frank Nash.

Frank struggled to his feet.

Michael’s blood ran cold. “What the hell are you trying to prove, Nash?”

Filled with rage, Michael knocked Frank against the wall. Frank surged toward him and pulled off a punch. Bells rang through Michael’s head.

“You’re took my daughter from me. I want you to know what it’s like.”

“You crazy son-of-a-bitch.” Michael slammed into him, knocking him to the floor. “I’m not taking Brittany from you.”

Frank yelled, and with insane strength, threw Michael against the entry wall. Before Michael could react, Frank grabbed Leif’s arm and pulled him toward the living room. Michael rebounded, snarled and raced through the house. He slammed Frank into the French doors. The glass shattered and showered the carpet and Leif with sparkling shards.

Michael waded through the glass and cold-cocked Frank. The bastard crumpled.

Lucky’s frenzied barking and the wail of sirens penetrated Michael’s rage. He dropped to Leif’s side. “Son.” His voice broke and his eyes watered. “Leif, wake up.”

“Mr. Saxon?”

Michael glanced over his shoulder. Two officers and a paramedic had entered the house. “Please, help my son.”

The paramedic hurried to Leif’s side, a medical bag in his hand. He lifted an eyelid and flashed Leif’s eye with a penlight and took his pulse. “He’s coming to.”

Michael rocked on his heels and flinched.

“Mr. Saxon, your son got quite a knock to the head, but he’s young and strong. I’ve seen him at basketball practice. He’s a tough kid.”

“Mr. Saxon,”—another officer touched Michael’s shoulder—“I know you’re worried about your son, but I have a couple questions.”

“Yeah, sure. Whatever it takes to get that scum behind bars.”

“He’s cuffed and in the patrol car. Do you know the identity of the man?”

Michael scrubbed at his face with both hands. “His name is, Frank Nash. His ex-wife, Liana Campbell moved to Kalispell with her daughter about six months ago. She and I are seeing each other.” He paused and rubbed his forehead. He wished they’d drill him later so he could focus on Leif. “Liana lives on Evergreen Road. We figured Nash might show up, so we hired a PI to watch over her. Here is his number.” Michael fumbled for his wallet before he remembered he’d left it on the dresser.

Everything moved in a slow motion haze even though he hurried into his bedroom for his wallet and truck keys. He handed the private investigator’s card to the officer.

“Thanks.” The officer read the card and scribbled on a pad. “Go to your son. We’ll take Nash in and notify the private eye. An officer will inform Ms. Campbell in person. We’ll have more questions for you later. In the meantime, you’d better get your feet looked at. You have some nasty cuts.”

His feet could wait. Michael rushed to the living room where the paramedics were lifting Leif to a gurney. “We’re taking your son to the hospital for observation. He’s been awake, but drifted off. His vitals are good. His pulse is a bit high, but that’s to be expected. He likely has a concussion.”

Michael took Leif’s hand and walked along the gurney. “Son, wake up. It’s Dad. You need to wake up.”

Leif groaned and opened his eyes a crack. “Dad? What happened?”

“You were knocked out. We’re taking you to the hospital to make sure you’re all right.”

“I came out of my bedroom to call the fire department and my head exploded.” Leif grimaced and tried to touch the back of his head, but the paramedic caught his hand.

“Take it easy, champ. We’ve stopped the bleeding, but you need to leave it alone.” The paramedic placed Leif’s hand on his chest. “It’s gonna hurt for a bit. They’ll give you something for the pain once we get to the hospital.”

Michael checked on Lucky, who had calmed down and rejoined her pups in their box. “You were a good girl, Lucky. You probably saved Leif’s life.” He choked back tears. “Rest with your pups now. I’ll see you later.”

He started for the door and realized he was still barefoot. His feet hurt like hell. No way could he wear his boots. He slipped on a pair of flips-flops and left the house.

****

“Dad?” Leif lifted his arm and patted the air.

“I’m here, son.” Michael caught up with the nurses rolling Leif’s gurney from the ER to his room, and grasped his hand. Leif had been examined by two doctors. The test results showed no permanent damage. The doctor’s advised Leif stay overnight to be monitored.

“Who was it, Dad? Who set fire to the boat and hit me?”

“Frank Nash, Liana’s ex.”

“So he did show up. Is the boat okay?”

“You’re all I care about, son.” He grimaced when every step ground the tiny shards of glass into his feet, but he didn’t want Leif to worry about him. His son needed to heal and he needed the security of his dad being in charge and okay.

When they stopped at the elevator, Michael brushed his son’s shiny black hair away from his forehead and kissed his brow. “We’ll see to the boat later when you feel better.”

“What about Liana and Brittany? You should go tell them, Dad. Liana shouldn’t hear about this without you.”

“Liana is a strong woman. She’s also a mother and she’d want me to stay with you. I’ll see her later.”

“Man, he came out of nowhere. Lucky went crazy.”

“Lucky is why I ran back to the house. She tried to protect you.” Michael’s voice caught. He dragged his shirtsleeve across his eyes and sniffed.

The nurses wheeled the gurney into the elevator. Michael squeezed in beside them, keeping hold of his son’s hand.

Leif looked at his dad and tightened the grip. “I’m okay, Dad. It’s going to be okay.”

For the second time that night Michael did something he hadn’t done in a very long time. He kissed his son’s brow and cried with relief.

****

The doorbell peeled through the silent, dark house and jerked Liana out of what had already been a very restless night. Her heart hammering, she threw on her robe and hurried to the foyer. A glance out the side light showed the private investigator and two officers on the porch.

“It’s okay to open the door, Ms. Campbell.” The PI stepped forward and raised his hand in greeting.

Liana unlocked the dead bolt and opened the door a crack.

“Can we come in? We have some news.”

Liana stepped back and motioned for them to continue into the living room.

Brittany stumbled from the hall, her eyes squinted, her hair a mass of auburn lights.

“What is it, Mom? What happened?”

Liana hurried to her daughter and looped her arm around Brittany’s waist. Her daughter might be tall and turning into a woman, but she was still young enough to need Liana’s strength from time to time.

“I’m not sure, honey. Officers, wh-what’s happened?”

“Ms. Campbell, there’s no easy way to put this. Your ex-husband was involved in an incident at the home of Michael Saxon. Mr. Nash is under arrest and in the Flathead County jail.”

Liana wobbled and sank to the couch. The officers related how Frank had broken into Michael’s house. The fire on the boat. Frank knocked Leif unconscious. Her stomach roiled.

One of the officers kneeled in front of the couch. “Can I get you some water, Ms. Campbell?”

“No, I’ll be fine. I need to call Michael and check on Leif.”

“He’s at the hospital. Would you like for one of us to drive you there?”

“I’ll be fine. Thank you so much for telling me in person.”

“Ms. Campbell, do you want me to stay until daylight?” The PI hesitated at the front door.

Liana searched her mind. Frank had been the threat and he was locked up. “No. I think we’re fine now. Thank you for being here.”

“Of course. I’ll check in with Richard in the morning.”

The officers and PI left.

“Oh, my gosh! I can’t believe he did this!” Brittany sobbed. She wrapped her arms around herself and rocked on the edge of the couch. “Dad hurt Leif?”

“I’ll call Michael.” Her brain in a fog, she dialed Michael’s number twice before her fingers worked. It went directly to his voice mail. “Oh, Michael, I’m so sorry you got tangled up in this mess. What can we do to help? We’re so worried about Leif. Please call us.”

“I can’t believe he did this!” Brittany repeated, and sprang from the couch to pace the length of the room. “What’s wrong with him?”

Liana wanted to race to the hospital this instant, but she had to assure Brittany first. She caught her in her arms and stroked her hair. “I don’t know, honey. I guess he had problems we weren’t aware of. A person can’t change this quickly and do something so terrible out of the blue.”

“I should have gone to see him. Maybe if I’d been there, he wouldn’t have done this.”

“Don’t blame yourself. You can’t feel responsible for the actions of others. It’s taken me years to learn that lesson. I bogged myself down with guilt over things I couldn’t change or control. I don’t want you to do the same thing.”

“You did?” Brittany sniffed and hiccupped.

“Yep. I wasted so much time and emotion. I blamed myself instead of finding a solution.”

Brittany wrapped her arms around her mom and hugged her tight. “You deserve to be happy, Mom. I think you should marry Michael.”

A pang shot through Liana’s heart. “Right now, Leif is all that matters.” After what happened tonight, Michael might never want to see her again.

“Of course, but I know Michael loves you, Mom.” Brittany’s mahogany eyes took on the wisdom of a much older woman. “I see how he watches you. I like Leif too. He’d make a cool stepbrother.”

“Are you up to a trip to the hospital?”

“Yes. I’ll throw on some clothes and be right out.”

Liana watched her daughter disappear into her room, before she returned to her bedroom to dress. Michael had to be going through hell. Even if Leif’s prognosis was good, Michael’s son had been injured, his life threatened. No parent should have to go through such trauma.

Her mind raced as they locked the house and hurried to the frost-covered car.

The trip to the hospital was a nerve-wracking blur. Leif’s recovery was the most important thing, but she couldn’t stop believing Frank had ruined any chance of her and Michael being together.

Parking outside the ER, Liana and Brittany entered the hospital. Their wet boots squeaked against the polished tile as they hurried to the reception desk.

“May I help you with something?” The tired eyed receptionist pursed her lips.

“We’re here to check on Leif Saxon. He was just admitted through the ER.” Liana clasped her shaking hands. The impact of Frank’s actions swept through her. Her knees shook. She gripped the countertop.

The receptionist tapped something into her computer and read the screen. The sterile silence of the lobby, the tick of the minute hand on the wall clock and the muffled voices from somewhere beyond the secure door, made Liana want to scream with frustration.

“Yes, he was admitted, and he’s on his way to a room for the night. He can only be seen by close family.” She peered over the black rim of her glasses. “Are you close family?”

“No. He and his father are close friends of ours.” She gestured toward Brittany and back to herself.

“In that case I’m sorry, but you can’t see him tonight. You’ll have to check with Mr. Saxon tomorrow.”

Liana glanced at Brittany, who nibbled on her bottom lip and sniffed. Tears balanced on her lower lids. Her daughter had been through so much in a very short time. Neither of them could rest or think of anything else until they confirmed Leif’s condition. “Can you call the room and let Mr. Saxon know we’re here?”

“No, I can’t disturb them while the nurses are hooking up the monitors. You’ll have to connect with them later.”

Liana turned to her daughter. “All we can do is go back to the car and wait for Michael to call.”

The electric doors swished open and the winter chill hit them. Liana shivered and picked up her pace. In the car, she started the engine and flipped the heat on high.

“What should we do?” Brittany turned in the seat and pulled her jacket closer.

“Wait.” Liana sighed. “Now I know exactly how other people feel when there’s a crisis and they can’t access the people they care about. We have to wait. Maybe Michael will check his messages.”

Her cell phone rang. Her stomach churned. She hit the connect button. “Michael. How’s Leif?”

“Physically, the doctors say he’ll be fine in a few days. His concussion is mild, and there’s no internal bleeding.”

Physically. The word echoed through her head.

Liana pressed her hand to her forehead. “What do you mean, physically? My god, they don’t believe there’s brain damage do they?”

“No, but he’s been through a trauma, Liana.”

“I’m so sorry. Brittany and I are in the parking lot. They won’t let us come up.” She caught a sigh through the phone connection.

“He’s drowsy from the pain medication. Take Brittany home and get some rest. I can’t think past getting Leif back on his feet.”

Liana’s chest tightened and her heart ached. To contemplate losing Michael was too unbearable. She’d never expected to fall so completely in love. Thanks to Frank’s retaliation and her secrets, her chance to spend her life with Michael might have ended before it began.

She fiddled with her key chain and tried not to cry. “Go back to Leif and please give him our love. If you have a chance later, we’d like an update. Day or night.” She slumped against the seat. Please, please forgive me for everything that’s happened.

“I should know something later this morning. Bye.” Click.

Liana bit her bottom lip. She’d been through heartache before, but this was different. She’d never loved a man like she loved Michael. Somehow, she’d have to survive. She had to for Brittany’s sake.

She struggled to compose herself. Damn Frank Nash for the damage he’d done, and the hurt he’d caused. She turned toward Brittany. “Michael has enough on his hands without worrying about us. We’ll go home and wait.”

“Did he say Leif is all right?”

She repeated Michael’s update. “Michael is rightfully upset.”

“I hope he doesn’t blame us for what Frank did.” Brittany swiped at her own tears and sniffed.

Liana shifted the SUV into gear and her fragile emotions into parent mode. “Leif and Michael won’t really blame us. Sometimes when a tragedy happens there’s too much pain to go back to the way things were before.”

“I hope you’re wrong!” Brittany flounced in her seat. “I’m sure Michael’s in love with you! How could he hold what Frank did against you?”

“Please, Brittany, don’t worry about it. Right now, we need to go home and try to sleep. Your recital’s this afternoon.”

Brittany sighed and leaned her head against the door.

Liana needed to reach the solitude of her bedroom before she fell apart and cried her heart out.