Gift-Wrapped Family

“I can’t understand that, either. You’re sure he and Reba—?” Her tone told him she wanted it to be otherwise.

“I’m pretty sure. You saw the resemblance for yourself.” Caleb hated saying it, hated the hurt filling her eyes and the wash of tears. But he’d feel bad for any woman in this situation. “I’m sorry.”

“Our marriage was a sham.” Mia choked out the words. “I’d accepted that it was only because of my mother that he married me, but now I suspect he really married me to get her money.”

“Yes,” Caleb agreed.

“We had nothing in common. Harlan didn’t care about God or keeping His commandments, but this is so far from—” For a few moments she gave way to bitter tears.

Caleb wanted to fold her in his arms and soothe her, but that wouldn’t be proper. He barely knew Mia and yet he longed to make her world right? Silly and impossible. His own past had taught him that nothing could erase the betrayal she must be feeling. So he let her cry, knowing she needed the release.

“You said Lily is five?” Mia hiccupped a sob. “That means they’ve been together about as long as we’ve been married. Why stay married to me if he was in love with Reba?” She dashed a tear from her cheek. “Why not marry her? Create a family with her?”

“There’s no way you’ll ever know.” Caleb refused to restate the obvious lure of her money. He wasn’t sure she had an inkling of how much her mother had left her, but his sources told him the number was high, very high.

“He knew how much I love children,” Mia said on a sob. “I would have liked to meet Lily.” Suddenly she gulped and her eyes went dead. “I guess he thought I’d hurt—”

Caleb waited, curious about the comment.

Mia paused, licked her lips, then continued in a quieter voice, “Harlan said he never wanted to have children.”

“Judging by the amount of attention he paid Lily, I’m guessing that part was true.” Caleb frowned. I’d hurt—? Mia wouldn’t hurt a flea. He knew that for certain, though how he knew it was a question he’d ask himself later.

“If he didn’t want a child, then why—?” Her wounded voice died away.

“Maybe it was Reba’s idea. Maybe she hoped having Lily would solidify their relationship. Or maybe Lily was an accident.” He wanted to lift Mia’s spirits and wondered why it seemed so important to do that.

“I don’t believe any child is ever an accident,” Mia said firmly. “Every birth is a promise from God. I wish—I wish I could have a child.” She began to weep as though her heart was broken.

Caleb watched helplessly, thinking what a wonderful mother this caring woman would make. Somehow he knew that Mia was cut from the same cloth as his mother had been. Mia would welcome a child, make it feel loved, the most important person in her world. Mia would intrinsically know how and when to give a hug. Things Caleb lacked. Because of his father.

“May I give you some advice?” he asked when he couldn’t stand to watch her weep any longer.

“Of course.” Mia blinked away her sadness. Hope fluttered in its place.

“Harlan betrayed you. There’s nothing you can do about that. But he’s gone.” How odd it was to advise Mia to do what he couldn’t. “I’m sure you did your best to be his wife, but now you have to forget all the whys of the past and move on to what’s next.”

“What is next?” She frowned at him. “I doubt anything’s truly changed. I’ll continue designing. I like doing that. Maybe I’ll have some repairs done on the house if I can afford it.”

“Is that all?” Frustrated by her simple response, Caleb wanted Mia to widen her horizons, to think about the possibilities that could fill her life now.

“That’s quite a lot for me, actually,” Mia said pertly.

“But you could do much more.” Caleb turned off the highway toward Buffalo Gap and Riverbend Ranch. “You have opportunities now, Mia. You should take advantage of them.” When she didn’t immediately answer he glanced her way and found her studying him, a pensive look on her face.

“Opportunities like what?” she asked.

“Do you drive?”

“No. I don’t know how.” She shook her head, her amazing hair trembling with the motion. “My mother wasn’t in favor of me learning.”

“You were only seventeen then,” he reminded her. “Your mother probably thought she’d get you lessons later.”

“Maybe. Harlan didn’t want me to drive,” she said thoughtfully.

Caleb wasn’t surprised by that. Freedom to drive anywhere meant Harlan risked Mia seeing him with Reba.

“Why did you ask?” She studied him, her head tilted to one side.

“Wouldn’t now be a good time to take driving lessons? When you get your driver’s license you can buy a car.” Caleb watched her eyes flare, heard her gasp.

“I can’t afford a car!”

“I think if you ask Bella she’ll tell you that you can afford to buy a car,” he said, hiding his smile. So she still didn’t know. “Maybe two of them.”

“Why would I need two cars?” Though Mia frowned at him, she was clearly captivated by the possibility of learning to drive wherever she wanted to go. “I suppose I could learn to drive Harlan’s car, though it’s very big and fancy. I wouldn’t want fancy. I might ruin it.”

“A car can be fixed,” Caleb said, irritated that Mia was so willing to deny herself a simple thing that would bring her freedom. “If you like trees and open spaces, you should consider moving to the ranch.”

“I couldn’t do that.” Mia looked shocked by the idea. “It’s not mine.”

“It will be.” He took pity on her confusion. “I did some investigating. I was trying to figure out how to get some money for Lily from Harlan’s estate.”

“Oh.” Mia frowned at him, obviously troubled by his admission.

“I learned that the ranch is fully paid for. There is no mortgage or lien on it. Harlan is listed as the sole owner, so it will pass to you.” He paused for a moment. “If you lived there, you could have Lily visit.” He let out his pent-up breath, hoping she wouldn’t be repulsed by the idea of seeing her husband’s child.

“No, I couldn’t. I could never have Lily visit,” Mia said in a very firm tone.

Caleb stared, surprised by how adamant she sounded. He didn’t ask why. Mia’s world had already been turned upside down. He didn’t want to add to that now.

“Anyway, I thought you said she was being adopted?” she added.

“Actually, I didn’t say that. Abby Lebret runs Family Ties. She’s the one who will find Lily a home,” he said in his most calming tone. “I’m just trying to help. Don’t worry. Sooner or later Lily will have a family.”

“Everything is such a whorl.” Her confusion tugged at him. “Nothing is what I believed it to be, especially Harlan having an affair.” She blinked furiously. “I didn’t see that coming.”

“Because he didn’t want you to. Because you trusted him,” Caleb said. How could he have ever thought her capable of dissembling? “Don’t blame yourself. I’m sure he went to great lengths to make sure you didn’t suspect him.”

“Proof that I’ve been living in a fairy world.” Mia blew out a sigh that ruffled the hairs across her brow. “I feel like Alice in Wonderland after she fell down the rabbit hole. Everything is bewildering.” Fear crept across her face. “I should go home and wait until it’s all sorted out.”

“You can’t run away from the truth, Mia.” Caleb’s heart ached for her. It had to be horribly confusing to have your entire world turned upside down. “This is just a visit. You don’t have to decide anything. You’re only going to take a look at Riverbend.”

“I guess.” Mia gazed out the window with appreciation, repeatedly commenting on the glorious colors of the hillside foliage. “I wish I had my camera,” she said wistfully. “I’ll never remember these exact shades of red and orange.”

“Why do you need to?” Then Caleb remembered her paintings. “You can use my phone,” he offered, pulling to the side of the road. “I’ll email the pictures to you. You do have email?” he asked as an afterthought.

“Of course. I have to. That’s how I connect with my employers.” Mia’s impish grin made his heart rate pick up. “I don’t live completely in the Dark Ages, you know.”

“I never said—” Caleb took a second look at her face and chuckled. When he’d first met Mia he never expected her to be such a delight.

One that he wanted to know much better.

* * *

“I’ve probably drained your battery and clogged up your data space with all my pictures,” Mia said as she handed over Caleb’s phone. “But I just can’t get enough of these colors.”

“How will you transfer them to fabric?” he asked as he helped her back into his car.

“I’m not sure I can.” She smiled, feeling more carefree than she had felt in ages. “But I have to try. Those brilliant reds and oranges would make wonderful quilts combined with leafy greens and silvers, and those subtle shades of browns. Maybe if I—”

Realizing she was chattering, Mia went quiet, pretending to ignore Caleb’s searching look. He was a nice man, sometimes gruff and grouchy, but she was fairly certain that was a mask to hide his soft inside. She knew no one else who would have dived into her affairs, helped her find a lawyer and then taken her for this ride. With every mile her questions about Caleb Grant grew.

Suddenly Mia’s mind went blank as a lovely log home appeared before her, two stories with fence-post railings and a swing on the deck that exactly matched one she’d dreamed about in the days when dreams still seemed possible.

“Welcome to Riverbend Ranch,” Caleb said. She felt his stare even though she wasn’t looking at him.

“It’s so beautiful.” Mia gaped at the magnificent house. Set against a stand of dark green evergreens, the log home stood proudly, waiting to welcome whoever stepped through the massive door. She could feel its warmth and hospitality drawing her from here.

“Come on.” Caleb waited for her to exit the car, then shoved the door and grabbed her hand. “Let’s explore.”

Walking beside him, Mia felt funny, odd and yet somehow wonderful with her hand dwarfed in his. Tall, strong, dependable Caleb. Though leery of trusting anyone, she somehow felt Caleb Grant was the kind of man you could always depend on. Still, mistrust had taken root in the past few hours. She wasn’t going to depend on Caleb for anything more than some help.

“I grew up in a house like this.” He paused to gaze at the structure. “My parents still live there. I’ll take you to meet them sometime.”

Questions about Caleb’s family multiplied. Maybe someday she’d know him well enough to ask them. Her thoughts scattered at the sight of the roses climbing the railings.

“Aren’t they glorious?” Mia let go of his hand because his touch made her stomach woozy. She bent to inhale the scent of the whitest bloom. “Persians always smell the best.”

“You know roses?” Caleb looked surprised.

“I grow them in my back garden, though never as big as these.” She climbed the three front steps, turned and took in the view. “I can see for miles. So beautiful yet so odd.”

“Why odd?” Caleb sank down on one of the rockers.

“Harlan hated the outdoors, animals, anything not city. He liked sleek and modern, not oldie moldy, as he called it.” She shrugged. “Maybe he bought this place for Reba.” She turned to look at him. “Do you think so?”

“Why would he? Reba had a condo in Calgary. Besides, her name isn’t on the deed, only his. And he’s owned this place for several years.” He voiced his theory. “For the past three years there’s been an upswing in ranch sales around Buffalo Gap. I wonder if he hoped to resell this place for a nice profit over what he paid for it.”

Mia waited, realizing Caleb had something else to say.

“The local real estate agent commented that Harlan never went inside. She said he had a sheaf of papers. He walked the property while consulting his papers, then told her he’d take it.”

“Like I said—it’s odd.” Knowing Harlan hadn’t been inside made it easier for Mia to look through the windows. She gasped at the huge stone fireplace covering the end of one wall, a beautiful chandelier that sparkled in the sunlight and a lovely circular staircase. Suddenly conscious of how nosy she must seem, she backed away. “Excuse me,” she said, her cheeks burning.

“Why?” Caleb shrugged. “Don’t you want a closer look inside?”

Startled, she whirled around and asked, “Can we?”

“While you were soaking in the autumn colors I texted the caregiver and asked her to unlock it.” Caleb turned the knob, pushed the door open and waved a hand for her to enter.

“That was kind of you.” Mia walked past him, heart thudding. Caleb Grant was a very kind man, and very handsome, and very... Forcing her focus off him, she glanced around as the warmth of the house enfolded her like a comfortable quilt.

“Do you like it?” Caleb asked quietly.

“Who wouldn’t? This is what a real home feels like.” Mia ran her hands along a log, reveling in its satin smoothness. She gazed up at the vaulted ceiling. “The details are spectacular.”

“It’s big, I’ll say that.” Caleb strolled through the front room into a dining room and then the kitchen. Mia followed him, mentally placing her few precious items here and there. “Like it?” he asked, stopping in the kitchen.

“What’s not to like?” The big sunny room overlooked a backyard with a screened gazebo, a fountain and a child’s play set—for Lily, the child Harlan never wanted? The child she could never have. That hurt too much so Mia refocused. “The patio has a place for campfires and picnics.” Her mind immediately began envisioning a fall campfire and the scent of burning leaves.

“Look at this room.” Realizing Caleb had moved on, Mia followed his voice. “I think it’s a family room, but the windows give it amazing light. You could paint in here.”

“Plus, there’s another fireplace to make it cozy.” Riverbend was like the house Mia had once cut out of a magazine and dreamed of ever since, though she’d never dared pray for it. That was too much to ask when she didn’t have anyone to share it with, not even a husband now. “It’s a family home.”

“It could be.” Caleb insisted she inspect the four upstairs bedrooms. Each boasted a fantastic view. “It’s a nice place,” he said when they returned to the front porch.

“Nice?” His simple words jerked Mia from her bemusement. She sat on the porch swing and used her toe to push back and forth. “It’s amazing. But I can’t understand why Harlan bought it. It’s not his type of home at all.” She glanced at Caleb and felt her cheeks burn. “At least I didn’t think it was. I guess I didn’t really know him at all.”

“Forget Harlan. I’m starving. Let’s go have lunch.” A moment later they were heading down a gravel road into town. Caleb pointed out different houses and named neighbors. “I live about four miles in that direction,” he said, pointing.

“On a ranch.” Mia heard the squeak in her own voice. Caleb must have heard it, too, but he simply nodded. “I didn’t think of you as a rancher,” she said. “I guess that makes me a bad judge of character again.”

“Actually you’re right. I’m not a rancher.” He didn’t look at her as he said, “I bought the ranch with a friend, as a sort of investment. Lara was Reba’s sister.”

Mia jerked upright, surprised he’d known Harper’s secretary. Some suspicious gremlin in her head warned that Caleb was still a stranger.

“Lara was a veterinarian. The ranch was to be a refuge for injured or displaced animals.”

“It’s not that now?” Mia asked, sensing something had saddened him.

“It was Lara’s dream. I’ve tried to keep her dream going, but I’m failing. I finally took my mom’s advice and listed the place last week.” Caleb pulled into a parking space in the small town. “Brewsters is a good place to eat,” he said, his voice flat, emotionless.

Mia got out of the car, her mind trying to piece together the puzzle of Caleb Grant. This Lara must have been important to him. His voice had softened when he said her name, a trace of fondness lingering as he spoke of her.

Brewsters turned out to be a homey diner with tantalizing aromas filling the air. Most of the lunch crowd had left when a woman Caleb introduced as Paula Brewster greeted them and took their orders. Mia was about to sip her tea when an older woman bustled over and swallowed Caleb in a hug.

“You should have told me you’d be here, honey. I’d have changed my plans and shared lunch with you.” The woman turned sharp inquisitive eyes on Mia. “Hello.”

“This is Mia Granger, Mom. Mia, this is my mother and the town’s mayor, Marsha Grant.”

“Granger?” The woman frowned. “Any relation to Harlan Granger?”

“Mia was his wife.” Caleb shook his head at his mother so subtly that Mia almost missed it. It seemed like a warning. “We were just looking at Riverbend.”

“It’s a gorgeous place. Too bad no one’s living there. It needs a family.” Marsha fluttered her hand at someone near the door. “I’d love to stay and visit, but I have a council meeting. Welcome to Buffalo Gap, Mia. I’m sorry about your husband, but I hope you come back again. Bye, dear.” She brushed a kiss against Caleb’s bristly cheek and then hurried away.

“Your mother seems very nice,” Mia said politely.

“She’s actually my foster mother and she is nice. Also nosy. I’ll be inundated with questions about you later on.” Caleb didn’t seem worried. In fact, a small smile curved his lips.

Foster mother? Mia hesitated a moment, then asked, “Did your family have problems?”

“You could say that.” His harsh laugh shocked her but not as much as his words. “My father murdered my mother. Marsha became my foster mother. She and her husband, Ben, later adopted me. Your mother made sure my father could never get custody of me again.”

* * *

Caleb watched shock fill Mia’s face and wondered why he’d felt the need to tell her the truth so harshly. His personal story was bad enough, but there was no need to couch it in such bitter terms, except that for the third time this week he’d just glimpsed his birth father here in Buffalo Gap, this time right across the street from Brewsters. In a flash the same old anger had bubbled up inside and splashed all over poor Mia.

“I’m sorry.” Her lovely green eyes grew misty with suppressed emotion as she touched his hand in a brief gesture of sympathy. “That must have been very hard for you.”

“I managed.” No way was he going to dump the rest of his sordid life on her. “Marsha and Ben were a godsend. I even got a sister out of the deal. Cindy’s a social worker in Calgary. She and Abby have worked together on several cases at Family Ties.”

Their food arrived. Caleb dug into his soup and sandwich with gusto until he noticed Mia picking at hers.

“Is something wrong with it?” Feeling helpless at the sight of her tears, he said, “Mia—”

“I’m being silly.” She sniffed and forced a smile. “It’s just that I haven’t eaten out in such a long time. Harlan said we had to save money—” He saw anger flash in those green eyes before she looked down. “Anyway, it’s very nice of you to bring me here.”

Caleb’s heart pinched at those words. She was grateful for a meal out? It emphasized the solitary life Mia had led. How could Harlan Granger have treated this sweet woman so shabbily?

“Now I’ve ruined your lunch.” She groaned. “I’m sorry.”

“Nothing’s ruined.” He studied her for a moment. “I want to ask you something, Mia, but I don’t know if I should.”

Her smile flickered nervously. “What is it?”

“Since you’re here in Buffalo Gap anyway, would you like to visit Lily?” Caleb held his breath as he waited for her answer.

“I don’t know.” Mia’s fearful look returned.

“We wouldn’t have to tell her exactly who you are,” he reassured her. “It’s just that with her mother gone she gets lonely and...” He let it trail away, knowing he was asking too much when Lily was her husband’s child with another woman. “Never mind.”

“Actually, I think I would like to see her, as long as you’ll be there.” Mia played with her teacup. “Maybe seeing her would bring some sense to this strange day.”

“Great!” Caleb found himself grinning. “Lily’s a sweet girl. This was Reba’s hometown. She used to come back and visit Lara a lot, so folks in town got to know Lily. In fact, over the years almost everyone in town has taken a turn babysitting her.”

“Even you?” Mia studied him from beneath her lashes.

“Even me,” he agreed quietly, remembering the fun times he and Lara had spent with Lily. “Her aunt and I used to date so Lily calls me her uncle.”

“Used to date?” Mia stared at him, waiting.

“Lara died six months ago.” He met her gaze and saw questions widening her eyes.

“Oh. Where does Lily live now?” He thought Mia played with her cup to hide her expressions.

“Officially I’m her guardian. Lara and Reba lost their parents years ago, so Lily’s staying with a woman named Hilda Vermeer, a foster mother.” He grimaced. “She was a real tartar when I was a kid, but she’s mellowed a lot since. I think Lily feels safe with her.”

“Children should feel safe,” Mia murmured almost to herself.

“Your mother said that to me once.” Caleb figured it was unlikely that Harlan would talk about his former partner. He thought Mia must feel starved for details about her mother. Again that desire to protect her bloomed inside him.

“She protected you from your father,” Mia said thoughtfully. “Maybe that’s why she arranged for me to marry Harlan, to keep me safe.”

Not Pia’s best decision, Caleb mused, given the jerk Harlan turned out to be.

“It’s past three,” he said after checking his watch. “Lily will be home from kindergarten. I could phone Hilda, ask her if we could come over.” He waited, certain that if Lily and Mia could form a bond, chances were that Mia might agree to support Harlan’s child and legal action against the estate wouldn’t be necessary.

And you wouldn’t feel so guilty for not adopting Lily yourself.

“I don’t know.” Hesitation was written all over her face. But something dark and fearful also lurked in her eyes, something Caleb didn’t understand.

“It doesn’t have to be a long visit,” he encouraged. “I drop in to see her most days. You can say hello.” She didn’t look convinced, so he pushed harder. “Don’t you want to see Harlan’s child?”

“Yes, but—” A nerve ticked in her cheek “You don’t understand.” She glanced sideways at him, then sighed heavily. “Today has been full of surprises.”

“I know. It hasn’t been easy for you and this must have come as quite a shock. But surely meeting a five-year-old girl doesn’t scare you.” Caleb immediately regretted those words because it was clear Mia was panicking at meeting Lily. “I’ll be right there,” he soothed. “We can leave whenever you want.”

That seemed to ease her fears. “You’re sure?”

“It’s just a meeting, that’s all.”

“As long as you stay. I can’t be alone with her,” Mia said, her voice raspy.