A Daughter's Redemption

“Just get it out in the open. I’m telling you, if it wasn’t for—you know—I think you would hit it off. She’s cute.”

Cute was an understatement Caleb wasn’t willing to acknowledge. “That was a low blow.” He slid his protective goggles over his eyes and powered up the circular saw.

“Sorry. I wasn’t thinking.” Phil’s voice cut over the grating whine of the blade.

Caleb powered down. “I don’t want to talk about her—or any of this. Everything was fine when I was here alone, but this is getting ridiculous.”

“So stop.”

It sounded simple enough, but he had a promise to keep. A little hammering and painting was the least he could do, and he wasn’t about to give it up, though it didn’t minimize the stress of dealing with Dan’s daughter. If the situation were different, he might actually enjoy her company and the seemingly endless stream of friendly conversation. The interest sparkling in her eyes that he knew he had no right to return. The more time they spent together, the tighter he had to guard himself—at least until he devised a way to reveal the truth.

Phil pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose. “Forget all this for a while. Let’s grab some lunch.”

“You should’ve called first.”

“I tried. You didn’t answer.”

“Leave a message.”

“I’ve left three. Look, man, you can’t hide out forever. People don’t hate you if that’s what you’re thinking.”

“I never said that, but let’s be honest. People in town are getting pretty ugly.” Caleb fixed his eyes on the pile of lumber at his feet. “Now if you don’t mind, I have a porch to rebuild. I have to keep busy until the review board hearing. You have no idea what it’s like to have your job and your reputation hanging in the balance.” It was a crushing weight that never left him room to breathe or the freedom to rest. The review board’s recommendation to the chief would determine his future.

“Working yourself to death isn’t going to make time speed up. Maybe what you need is to forgive yourself.” Phil checked his cell phone. “There’s still time to grab a bite to eat before my next appointment. Come on. It’ll do you good, and it wouldn’t hurt your cause to be seen out and about. Let people see that you have nothing to hide.”

“I don’t have anything to hide. And I don’t want to keep my job based on PR moves that came from my lawyer friend.” Caleb removed the goggles from his head. He worked the elastic with nervous fingers. “My career means everything to me. I have to keep it based on merit, based on the review board’s belief I did the right thing. Any other reason isn’t good enough.” Not for him and not for his father’s memory.

“It’s all about perception.” Phil gestured with his hands. “Face it, doing work out here makes you look bad. Like you believe you were wrong.”

“I don’t care what it looks like. I’m here because I promised Dan I’d do everything in my power to help. I couldn’t do it at the scene—” he choked down the familiar knot in his throat “—so I’m doing it here.”

Phil leaned against the sawhorse Caleb set up in the clearing between the cabins. “I’m telling you what the perception is. It’s important that you know. Now come to town with me.”

“Lunch won’t solve anything.” It wouldn’t help him forget his career was in jeopardy. Or forget Robyn’s hopeful smile when she offered him coffee—the only thing she’d found in the cupboard. No, stopping long enough to eat was a bad idea.

“Will I at least see you at church this week?”

A vise gripped Caleb’s stomach. For the past few Sundays, he’d done his best to keep a comfortable distance from the church—and Dan’s friends inside of it. “Maybe.”

“Hang in there.” Phil clapped Caleb on the back.

The silence after Phil drove away was short-lived. Robyn’s rental car swerved into the dirt lot, kicking up a dust cloud. She barreled out and slammed the door.

Caleb searched her face for what had caused this uncharacteristic level of emotion. “You’re back early. Need help bringing in the groceries?”

Robyn stopped short of the table, arms folded. “It’s unbelievable.”

“What’s wrong?” His instinct was to offer her a shoulder and tell her everything would work out. Instead, he stayed rooted behind the sawhorse and hoped his expression didn’t betray his worry over what she may have discovered in town. “Didn’t you find Ginger?”

“I’m not upset over Ginger, and I never made it to the store.” Robyn’s words were pinched, her eyes fiery. “She told me more about my father’s accident.”

Adrenaline slammed through his veins. He’d known this moment was coming, but there was nothing he could’ve done to prepare. He shot up a silent prayer and wheeled in a large breath. “There’s always more to the story.”

“You’d better believe there is.” Robyn fisted her hand on her hip, and a gust of wind stirred her hair. She swept the strands away from her reddening cheeks. “Evidently, the whole situation was preventable.”

He swallowed, then nodded for her to continue.

“I was under the impression that a teenage driver hit my dad on the side of the road and that was it.” She covered her mouth and took several moments to collect herself. “But Ginger told me that a police officer was chasing him. That despite the station’s policy, the cop pursued. He endangered the public, and look what happened.”

Caleb stood tall despite the dread that pummeled him. It was time to take the consequences and trust the Lord to handle the outcome. There was no fear in truth, of that he was convinced. So why did his conscience burn with every word from Robyn’s mouth?

“As it turns out, the cop hasn’t even been fired. If it wasn’t for this officer’s bad judgment, my dad would still be alive.”

His heart wrung with a bitter mixture of guilt and relief. Obviously no one had told her who he was, but it was only a matter of time—time that would run out quickly in a town the size of Pine Hollow. An apology hummed in his chest, trying to pressure its way out. He resisted, unsure he could live with the confession. Certain he would implode without it.

“I don’t know why this had to happen. It probably sounds ludicrous, but I planned on making things right with my dad one day. Now I never can.” Robyn’s face turned to stone. “But I intend to find out who did this, who ruined our lives. And believe me—he will pay.” She brushed away a lone tear, her mouth drawn tight.

Caleb stood, dread pressing against his rib cage like an anvil. He wiped the sweat beading on his forehead and waited for his nerves to calm. How could he ever admit to Robyn that the person she was looking for, the one who destroyed her chance to reconcile with her father, was him?

Chapter Four

Caleb’s face blanched, and his throat bobbed with a swallow. He sat on a nearby stump. “I’m sorry.”

“Not at all.” Robyn waved him off, regretting her outburst. She drew a deep breath to compose herself. “I didn’t mean to sound so hysterical. It’s just that...” She glanced toward the tree line at the sound of an approaching vehicle. A silver truck rounded the bend—one she recognized from the funeral. Her mouth went dry. “It’s Brad.”

“He was here before, clearing the place out.” Caleb stood, a guarded expression in his eyes. The truck stopped abruptly.

She smoothed the hem of her shirt and braced herself. She’d been praying for a chance to talk to Brad and Abby before they left town, before they all parted ways again—this time for good. Now was her chance, and she hoped she appeared calmer than she felt. “You’ve met my half brother?”

“Not exactly.” Caleb’s jaw flexed when Brad shut off the engine. “He didn’t say much when he was here, other than telling me he knew exactly what was on the property. His meaning was implied.”

Robyn cringed, wondering how bad their encounter was. “Why’s he here? There’s not much left except heavy furniture, and he’d need help for that.” She schooled her features as Brad slammed the truck door and closed the gap between them. “How are you?”

“Fine.” He whipped off his shades. “Where’s the rest of the paperwork?”

“What paperwork?” She stepped back.

Brad walked toward her, then halted when he noticed Caleb off to the side. “Don’t play dumb. Dad’s files. What’d you do with them?” He nailed her with his gaze and raised a pointed eyebrow.

“I haven’t seen any files.” She forced a smile, despite the uneasiness growing inside her. She chose her words carefully, rather than slipping back into big-sister mode and demanding to know what had gotten into him. “Come inside, and I’ll get us some coffee.”

He brushed past. “I need to have a look around.”

Robyn started to follow, but Caleb gently tugged her elbow. She turned toward him. “I’m going to help my brother.” Even though she didn’t have a clue what he was looking for, and didn’t appreciate his attitude. But more than anything, she wanted to make a connection with him while she could. She’d already learned life didn’t give a person unlimited time to repair relationships.

Caleb shook his head, his gaze trailing Brad. “Let him go. Something’s not right.”

Anxiety wormed through her as she watched her half brother storm into the house. Maybe if she helped, he’d be less agitated. “You don’t understand.” She pulled away from Caleb, vaguely aware his hand had been steadying her. She started toward the house. “It might be my only chance.”

“Your only chance to what?” Caleb’s gentle tone reeled her back.

“To talk to him.” It pricked her conscience to know she’d waited so long to reconcile that she was down to chasing her angry brother, who clearly didn’t want to be bothered. She closed her eyes to clarify her thoughts. “I know it sounds ridiculous, but if I don’t go after him now, that might be it.”

Caleb held up his hands. “I won’t stand in your way. Be careful.”

The warning lingered in her head as she made her way up the steps. What did Caleb know that she didn’t? She reached for the door at the same time Brad opened it. He pounded down the steps.

She stumbled out of his way. “Did you find what you were looking for?”

Brad wheeled to face her, his stale breath assaulting her. “Does it look like I did?”

Frustrated, she counted to three before answering. “You didn’t have time to find anything. Let me help—”

“You can help by telling me what you did with the rest of Dad’s files. There had to have been more.” Brad raked his hand through his dark blond hair.

Robyn walked down the steps into the clearing, thankful for Caleb’s presence. This wasn’t the little brother she remembered—mischievous, but kind. This seemed like someone else altogether. “I haven’t seen any files or paperwork, but I’ll keep my eyes open. How about I call you if I find them?” She pulled her phone out of her pocket.

“Like that’s going to happen. I know you took them.” Brad fisted his hand and made a sudden move toward her.

Caleb cut him off. “Calm down, bud. There’s no need to accuse Robyn. Let’s talk this out.”

Brad pointed at Caleb’s chest. “This is none of your business.”

“I’m making it my business.” Caleb stood firm, arms crossed.

Silence shrouded the clearing long enough for Robyn to swallow the nervousness rising in her throat. She shot up a quick prayer. “I’m only trying to help.”

Brad’s jaw ticked, and even with Caleb between them, Robyn could feel the anger coursing through her brother. “I don’t know why Dad left this place to you, but one thing is sure—you don’t deserve it.” He pointed at her. “According to the will, everything on this property that’s not nailed down belongs to me and Abby. If I find out you’re holding back...” He let his threat hang as he turned and made for his truck.

Robyn exhaled, hands trembling. “I’ve never seen him like this.” She looked at Caleb, drinking in his cool demeanor that reassured her during this unexpected encounter. “I don’t know what I would have done if you hadn’t been here. I mean, I’m sure he would’ve calmed down eventually. He’s probably still upset about Dad—we all are.”

“Don’t make excuses for him.” Caleb retreated behind the sawhorse.

“I’m only saying that he wouldn’t act that way if it wasn’t for the circumstances.” She searched his eyes for understanding.

“His behavior isn’t excusable.” Caleb pulled out his measuring tape.

“You’re right.” She shook her head, trying to get her mind around what just happened. “Thanks for stepping in.”

“Anyone would.” He marked the lumber and didn’t meet her eye.

“I think most people don’t like to get involved.”

“You might want to stay away from him.”

“I can’t. He has every right to come here and get our father’s belongings. I hate to admit it, but he made me uneasy.” Robyn rubbed a chill from her arms, then dipped her head to lock into Caleb’s gaze. “I hope you’re here when he comes back.”

* * *

She wouldn’t be saying that if she knew who he was, and the realization stung.

What was coming over him? He couldn’t deny the surge of protectiveness that blasted through him when Brad appeared to threaten Robyn. To believe it had anything to do with the way she looked at him with those hopeful blue eyes would only further derail his plans to reveal his identity.

Why hadn’t he unburdened himself of the truth when he had the chance? The moment he’d arrived at Lakeside the confession stuck in his chest like wood glue. And bringing it up now while Robyn expressed her gratitude after the encounter with Brad didn’t seem right, either.

“He almost completely ignored me at Dad’s services, but I could understand that. Then after we found out Lakeside went to me, he stopped talking altogether. But this—I don’t know what to make of what happened just now. Maybe I should call Abby and see what she thinks.” She reached into her pocket and pulled out her phone.

“Who’s Abby?” Caleb leaned on the sawhorse, gauging Robyn’s emotions.

Tears glittered in her eyes, but she maintained her composure. “My half sister. She’s close to Brad, so maybe she can tell me what’s going on and what paperwork he’s looking for.”

That must’ve been the woman who’d come with Brad when they hauled out most of the furniture. Since he hadn’t been to the funeral, he didn’t know who was who in terms of the family. Thankfully, they didn’t know him, either. Caleb measured the lumber propped on the sawhorse, his mind working overtime to focus on anything but Robyn’s sweet demeanor. It wouldn’t do him any good to get distracted from his mission. “If that’s what you want.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“Exactly what I said.” He marked the cut line and hoped it was right.

“If you have something to tell me, spit it out.”

Boy did he, but judging by the tremor in her voice and the red splotches in her cheeks, she was still traumatized. Adding to it seemed cruel. Neither could he stand here and pretend he’d be around the next time her crazy brother showed up—or pretend he was innocent.

“Just keep your guard up. He doesn’t seem like the kind of guy who’ll let family loyalty keep him from getting whatever he’s after.” Caleb set down the pencil and measuring tape, exhaled and began to pack his tools. Though there was still a good four hours of daylight left, he was ready to shut down. He needed quiet time to think. To pray. To dig up enough courage to come clean and hope Robyn let him continue to work at Lakeside, though judging by her outburst before Brad showed up, he may as well be packing his tools for good.

Then what would happen to her? He’d seen guys like Brad before—who used intimidation or whatever means necessary to get their way. Men who picked on women were cowards—and needed to be watched.

“You’re right—again. I don’t really know him anymore.” Robyn shoved her phone back into her pocket. “My mom’s been telling me for years that I’m too trusting.”

No joke. He could be an ax murderer, and she’d still be chatting away like they were having a picnic. After the way she made excuses for her brother, Brad could very well cheat her out of the property Dan had specifically wanted her to have. And while Caleb’s promise was to Dan, he didn’t want to see all his hard work benefit Brad.

“Are you done for the day?” Robyn watched him. “I was hoping you’d show me how to patch the walls in the house. I saw the drywall kit, and I’d like to get started.”

Caleb wiped the sweat from his forehead. The breeze rustled the tall grass in the clearing, cooling his face. “Tomorrow.”

She folded her arms. “You’re sure cutting out early.”

That’s right—she thought he was hired help. If he were being paid, instead of funding the whole project himself and laboring for free, it would be early. Realizing the futility of resisting her, Caleb nodded. He whisked past her toward the main house, determined to finish quickly.

“Just give me a few minutes. If you show me how to do it, I can finish the job. Trust me, I want to help so we can get this place on the market.”

“Anxious to leave?” He refused to turn around and let her see the spark of interest he was sure was in his eyes. Every encounter with Robyn made it harder to smother the attraction, and he spent an enormous amount of energy to keep from looking at her. To stay quiet and aloof. He held the door open and allowed her to pass.

She paused a beat before answering. “There are a lot of memories here, and some of them I’d rather not relive. Besides, I have a job and a life I need to get back to.”

“Understandable.” He turned over an empty paint bucket and sat near the part of the wall needing repair. Leaving this job to her wasn’t a good idea, but it was her house. “Are you sure you want to start the walls on your own?”

“I’m perfectly competent, if that’s what you’re worried about.”

Caleb dared to look into Robyn’s eyes. His heart jackhammered in his chest, and his mouth dried like the Arizona desert. What was it about her that had his head turned inside out? In the few short days since they’d met, he found his thoughts veered toward Robyn more often than not, and he looked forward to seeing her even though he knew with unshakable certainty this couldn’t end well.

“So show me what to do.” She picked up a putty knife and smiled.

“If you wait until tomorrow, I can do it.”

“It’s only right for me to fix it since I’m the one who put it there.” Robyn’s smile waned as she set down the knife. “You know how this hole got here? One day Abby and I were practicing for the softball tournament and whack!” She chuckled. “Instead of fixing it, Dad moved the high-back chair in front of it. As you can see, he wasn’t really handy.”

“Did you get in trouble?”

She tilted her head, lips tight. “Not at first. We were younger, and Dad hardly ever got riled up. But when my stepmom saw it—” she exhaled before continuing “—she let me have it. Not Abby, of course. Just me.” She cast her gaze to the floor. “I was ten when that happened, when I started to realize that she only tolerated my summer visits, but I wasn’t really welcome.”

“Sorry to hear that.”

Robyn straightened and waved him off. “That was a long time ago. I’ve had a great life—it’s just that coming back here reminds me of the hard parts.” She stepped away and gazed out the window. “I don’t even know why I’m telling you this. I get chatty when I’m nervous.”

Poor woman must be nervous all the time.

“How about you? Are you from Pine Hollow?”

“I’m a transplant from Flagstaff.” He tried to keep a brisk tone. The less questions, the better—at least until the time was right.

“I know all about being a transplant. But Brad and Abby—they had a rock-solid childhood here. It’s no wonder he’s not really happy about me taking over Lakeside.”

Talk about an understatement. Who knew what Brad might have done had Caleb not been around? He hated to judge, but Brad set off every internal alarm he had. “When do you suppose he’ll be back?”

Robyn shrugged. “Hopefully not until he calms down. I just want to be part of the family again. After being away for so long, I know it won’t be easy, but I’m starting to realize family is the only thing that matters.” She turned over another empty paint bucket and sat next to him. “You’re right. I really don’t want to do this today. Mostly I wanted to keep my mind off what happened. I guess I’m more shaken up than I thought.”

And with good reason.

In that moment, he made a decision he hoped he wouldn’t regret. Leaving Robyn alone to face her brother wasn’t acceptable. If that meant he had to keep to himself a few more days until the ruckus blew over, he’d do it. Only then would he tell her who he was—and what he’d done. After all, the best way to keep his promise to Dan was not only to restore the property but to look out for his daughter.

Chapter Five

Raindrops streaked the windshield and pattered against the roof of the truck. Caleb parked in front of The Tasty Pastry, then reached behind the seat to grab an umbrella. But before he could offer it to Robyn, she hopped out. Caleb pocketed his keys and followed.

“I forgot how much I love monsoon season.” She turned her palms upward.

Caleb fed the parking meter, then glanced around for anyone who might have noticed him with Robyn. He refused to be caught off guard, and while coming to town was taking a big risk, he hadn’t been able to tell Robyn no when she asked to ride along. In fact, he was starting to realize the word no wasn’t in her vocabulary not only when she wanted something but also when asked for help. He liked that about her, even if half the time it drove him crazy.

“What time should I meet you back here?” Her gauzy shirt billowed in the breeze and made her eyes sparkle.

The sight of her slender form and dimpled cheek distracted him. It had distracted him all morning while they worked on patching the walls. He’d found himself sneaking glances at her far too often when he should have been focusing on the repairs. He prayed he’d have enough time to finish before it was necessary to tell her who he was.

“Caleb, did you hear me?”

He snapped back to the present. “An hour.”

“Sounds great.” She waved at someone down the road. “There’s Ginger. See you,” she called over her shoulder.

He ducked inside The Tasty Pastry, where the smell of fresh bread and coffee greeted him. The tables sat empty, and only the owner occupied the tiny shop.

“Caleb Sloane, you’ve been away too long.” Ida Jones came around the counter and smothered him with a maternal hug.

“I haven’t been away, just laying low.” He stepped back and perused the display case.

“That’s plain silly.” She grabbed a towel and wiped the counter. “I know half the town is having a conniption, but they need to get over it. You didn’t do anything wrong, and if you ask me, we’re all better off with Aaron Dirkson behind bars so he can’t hurt anyone else.” She sighed. “Like Dan. Anyway, you did what you thought was right.” She fisted her hand on her ample hip. “You know I once caught Aaron trying to set fire to the trash in the Dumpster out back? That’s the least of what he was into, from what I hear.”

And Caleb knew she’d heard plenty. “I appreciate your vote of confidence, Mrs. Jones.”

“Someone told me they’re going to let people have their say when the review board meets. I plan to give them a piece of my mind.” With a flair, she pulled her apron strings tighter. “Now when is that, again?”

A fresh wave of anxiety punched him at the mention of the hearing—and with it the possibility of losing his job. “They pushed the date back. It’ll be a month from yesterday.” Every day more nerve-racking than the one before.

It’s in Your hands, Lord.

Despite his mistake in judgment, God still had a plan. He had to keep on believing it or he’d go berserk. Yet living like he believed it proved to be another matter.

“You don’t have a thing to worry about. Maybe folks will settle down by then.”

Or get more worked up. No, he had to stop thinking that way. Keep praying. Keep believing. Keep working at Lakeside. “It’s good to know people like you still have a good opinion of me.” He glanced over his shoulder to make sure no one was on their way into the shop, then leaned on the counter. “What have you heard about Brad Dawson?”