A Father For Bella

He laughed as he scanned the view. “It’s spectacular up here. When I was a kid, I always felt like I was riding to Heaven when I went up on the chairlift.” He paused and looked up toward the sky. “I remember thinking God could hear me better since I was up higher.”

Faith had felt that way once upon a time, but not anymore. Not since God took away the only man she’d ever loved.

The chair stopped with a jerk despite being only halfway to the top.

Great.

This wasn’t how she’d planned on spending her morning. Stuck on the slopes and talking about God. With another abrupt movement, the chair continued its climb. She released a sigh of relief.

Joshua turned and flashed a crooked smile. “Phew. For a minute there, I thought we’d be up here for a while and forced to continue this strained conversation.”

Reaching the top of the mountain, they disembarked and waited for the others. Since everyone was an advanced skier, she’d brought them to the Black Bear’s most difficult slope, the Matterhorn.

With the group gathered in a circle, Faith adjusted her goggles. “The report said the trails are a little icy this morning, so everyone use caution. If you choose to break off from the group, make sure you check in with me when you return to the inn, so everyone is accounted for. Even though you’re all advanced, I think you’ll find the Matterhorn to be quite a challenge. Be safe, but most important, have fun.”

Faith watched as the couples headed down the slope, breaking off as she’d expected.

“You ready?”

She flinched at the sound of his smooth voice and the smell of sweet peppermint. “Ready?”

“Yeah, unless you plan to stand here admiring the view for the rest of the day. What do you say—wanna ski together?” Joshua suggested as he adjusted his goggles.

The sooner she got down to the bottom and away from him, the better. “Sure, let’s go.”

She dug her poles in the ground and pushed. The cold air exploded in her face as she glided down the slope. This was where she was happiest. Swishing down the slopes, she felt as though she was leaving all of the hurt and pain behind. Too bad it always waited for her at the bottom.

Several minutes into the run, she spied Joshua off to her left. He whooshed down the hill with the ease of a professional. Her stomach lurched when she hit an icy spot and almost took a spill. Seconds later, she watched as Joshua’s poles went flying into the air and he was suddenly tumbling down the slope straight toward a cluster of trees. She made a quick turn with her skis. A wave of snow swooshed in the air before she came to a dead stop. She pushed forward in his direction—but it was too late. Joshua had hit the trees and was lying motionless in the snow.

Crouching by his side, she removed her skis and dropped to her knees. “Joshua! Can you hear me?” Her heart pounded through her jacket. She reached into her pocket and grabbed her phone to call for help.

“Black Bear Inn, can I help you?” Thankful Mrs. Watson answered on the first ring, Faith struggled to catch her breath.

“Mrs. Watson—it’s Faith. There’s been an accident up on Matterhorn at marker five. Can you call Doug? He and Jerry will need to bring the stretcher. And please, hurry. Mr. Carlson is unconscious.”

Faith ended the call and stuffed her cell into her pocket. She reached toward Joshua and carefully removed his goggles, not wanting to move him the slightest bit. “Can you hear me?” His eyes remained closed.

Within minutes, the rumble of the approaching snowmobile echoed up the slope. “Hang on, help is coming.”

She rubbed her wet glove across her forehead. Why had she allowed him to come without seeing his ability as a skier, first? She’d been out with the others in the group and knew they were qualified to ski a challenging run. She held her breath as Doug and Jerry gently lifted Joshua and placed him on the stretcher.

Thirty minutes later, she was pacing the floor at Valley Memorial Hospital. The fluorescent lighting buzzed overhead, triggering her memory. She had to get out of here. And fast. Beads of perspiration surfaced on her forehead. She took a sip of the bitter coffee and grimaced. Everything about this place made her stomach queasy.

“Faith!”

She turned and spotted Mrs. Watson racing down the hall. For a sixty-eight-year-old woman, she was in great shape.

“I got here as fast as I could. How’s Mr. Carlson?”

Amazingly, she wasn’t even out of breath. “He’s with the doctor now. They’re doing a CT scan.” Faith had been relieved once Doug and Jerry got Joshua to the bottom of the slope and the ambulance had been waiting. “He regained consciousness on the way here. Hopefully he’ll be okay.”

Mrs. Watson pulled off her coat and flung it on a nearby chair. “So what happened?”

All the way to the hospital, Faith had recalled the last few minutes on the trail. “I’m not sure. One minute he was skiing like a professional, and then he went down. He must have hit some ice.”

“Well, thank God you were with him. What if he’d been up there by himself?”

Faith had the exact thought. That trail didn’t get as much use as the intermediate and beginner’s slopes. Who knows how long he could have lain up there? She shook off the negative thought.

The two women paced the floor for the next thirty minutes. They both turned at the sound of approaching footsteps.

“Hello, Faith, Mrs. Watson.” The tall, slender red-haired man smiled before slipping his wire-framed glasses on.

“Hello, Dr. Maxwell,” they responded in unison.

He extended his hand to Faith. His grip was firm. “I understand Mr. Carlson is a guest at your inn.”

“That’s correct. He checked in with us yesterday. Is he going to be okay?” It had been four years since she’d been in this hospital. Her knees weakened. The sooner she could get out of here the better.

“He’s regained consciousness and gave us his father’s number, but we weren’t able to reach him. Mr. Carlson said it was okay if we talk with you about his condition, since his father probably wouldn’t call back.”

Faith lifted an eyebrow. Odd. What kind of father wouldn’t return a phone call concerning his injured son?

The doctor skimmed the papers on his clipboard. “He’s very fortunate he didn’t sustain any broken bones. He’s got a mild concussion and will need to be monitored closely for a day or two.”

“Oh, no problem whatsoever, Doctor. Faith and I can take care of him.”

What? Why was Mrs. Watson so quick to volunteer her services? If she wanted to care for him, fine, but there was no way Faith would play nurse. She had enough on her plate. “Uh...can’t he stay here? Things are really hectic right now.” Her world was about to turn upside down if she didn’t figure out a plan to place a bid on the inn. She couldn’t lose it...it was all the security she and Bella had in their life.

Mrs. Watson stepped forward. “Nonsense, Faith. With your medical background, we can handle the inn and Mr. Carlson. After all, it’s the least we can do for a guest who’s planning such a long stay.”

“Exactly what I was thinking. With four years of medical school under your belt, you’re more than qualified,” Dr. Maxwell said. “Besides, he’s contributing to our local economy and it’s important we give special attention to our out-of-town visitors. We want to keep them coming back, don’t we?”

What was happening here? Faith raked her fingers through the back of her thick hair. Yes, she had completed medical school. She’d just begun her residency when her entire world collapsed around her. Medicine was part of her past—and exactly where it would stay.

The overhead intercom filled the hall with static, paging Dr. Maxwell. “I have to get going. I’ll keep Mr. Carlson overnight for observation, but you can pick him up tomorrow afternoon.”

Faith didn’t remember agreeing to this, but what else could she do? She released a heavy breath. She’d been overruled. “We’ll be here.”

She wasn’t doing this on her own. Mrs. Watson seemed anxious to volunteer, so she would be the one to care for him. Faith had no intention of utilizing her medical background—ever. How could she? The memories were too haunting.

Chapter Three

The following afternoon at the inn, Joshua burrowed his throbbing head back into a mound of oversize down pillows. “This really isn’t necessary. I’ll be fine. Besides, the doctor said it was only a mild concussion. He did release me, you know?”

“It’s not ‘only.’ A concussion of any degree shouldn’t be ignored.”

He eyed Faith, wondering how she’d ended up with the short straw. Judging from her stiff posture and stony expression, playing babysitter wasn’t something she wanted any part of. “So how did you get stuck with me?” He’d rather have stayed at the hospital than be cared for by the woman whose life he was going to turn upside down.

“You were fortunate. Head injuries aren’t something to take lightly. Like it or not, we’re stuck with each other for the next forty-eight hours. Mrs. Watson is supposed to help, but she’s had some sort of emergency in the kitchen.” She turned toward the plantation shutters, closing both.

“I just took a little tumble.” He knew God had been watching over him yesterday, and for that he was thankful. He’d skied long enough to know the risks involved. Years ago, a good friend from college was left paralyzed following a skiing accident. “This all seems like a little too much, don’t you think?”

“Actually...no.” She picked up a pitcher of water sitting on the dresser and poured him half a glass. “You need to let me know if you develop a headache or if you experience any dizziness or blurred vision.” Faith placed the water on the nightstand.

“How did you become such an expert on concussions? Is it part of some training you had to take to work here?”

She fidgeted with the gold chain around her neck. “Something like that.”

Boy, he’d been around some tight-lipped people before, but hers were cemented shut. It was obvious his questions were making her uncomfortable, but why? “Can you please hand me my laptop? It’s over there on the desk.”

Faith firmly planted her hands on her hips. “You can’t use your computer for the next two days.”

This was outrageous. He wasn’t going to put his life on hold because of a slight bump on the head. He had too much work to do to get ready for the auction. “Please bring it to me.”

Her feet appeared glued to the floor.

He peeled back the tan-and-black flannel blanket and placed his feet on the gleaming hardwood floor. “Fine—I’ll get it myself.”

Her face turned cherry red. “You most certainly will not! Get back in the bed.” She lunged toward him. “You don’t seem to understand the precautions that must be taken following a head injury. You’re my responsibility and I’m telling you, complete bed rest is a must. That means no computers, television or reading.”

Releasing a heavy sigh, he flopped back against the pillows and covered himself with the blanket. “Can I at least have my phone?”

“No electronics of any kind. Do you understand?”

He didn’t understand. A thought surged into his mind: Could she know the real reason why he was here? Was that why she was keeping such a close eye on him and not even allowing him access to his business files? There was no point in hiding the reason he was in Whispering Slopes. She’d find out sooner or later anyway. “Please, let me have my laptop. I have pressing business to address.”

She shook her head. “I’m sorry. Nothing is so important to jeopardize your well-being. Please don’t make me remove your devices from the room.”

Joshua shot her a look. “Look—I may as well be up-front with you. I’m here for the auction.” He gripped the blanket, prepared for her reaction.

Silence filled the room. For a second, he wished he hadn’t removed the batteries from the clock. The ticking would be better than the sound of her angry breaths.

Faith fiddled with the guest towels before she finally spoke. “If that’s the only reason you’ve come, you’re wasting your time. There’s not going to be an auction.”

Obviously, the woman was in denial. And why wouldn’t she be? She’d lose her home and possibly her job. Maybe he could hire her—but really, why would she want to work for him? “What makes you say that?”

She rolled her shoulders back. “I plan to contact the owner before the auction. I’ll make him an offer, so an auction won’t be necessary.”

“And you have that kind of—” He bit his tongue, realizing he’d overstepped his bounds, but it was too late.

Her face grimaced. “Not right at the moment, but I’ll get it. This property is way too important to me to let it go. I’ll explain it to the owners. They’ll understand.”

If she only knew whom she was up against, she’d realize she was fighting a losing battle. His father couldn’t care less about her family. He certainly didn’t care about his own. “I wouldn’t count on it.”

Faith approached his bed and crossed her arms. “How would you know?”

“The so-called sympathetic owner happens to be my father. I’ll give you a heads-up...he’s the least understanding person you’ll ever meet.” He knew the man well enough to know money always came first. RC Carlson wouldn’t give a hoot if this place was important to her. If he had any heart at all, his own son wouldn’t be going behind his back to try and purchase the inn.

She stared at the ground and then tilted her head up. “Your father owns this property?”

Giggles outside the door and a light knock brought an abrupt end to their discussion.

“Faith, it’s Joy. Are you in there?”

“It’s my sister. She has Bella with her today.”

He sat up a little more, curious to meet Faith’s twin. “By all means, we might as well have the entire family in on this conversation.”

She shot him a glare before opening the door.

“Mr. Joshua!” Bella tore into the room and bounded onto the bed. “Are you okay?” She nuzzled her head into his shoulder and his heart melted.

“I’m just fine...well, I would be if your mother ever lets me out of this bed, or at least allows me to use my laptop. She seems to be the expert on concussions.”

Bella pulled away. “She was almost a doctor.”

His eyes narrowed as he turned to Faith. “Almost a doctor?”

She strolled toward her daughter and hoisted her off the bed. “Bella, go downstairs and see if Mrs. Watson needs any help in the kitchen. We’ll be down in a couple of minutes—run along, now.”

At the door, the child turned. “I hope you’re better in time for the snowman-making contest, Mr. Joshua. You can be on our team.” She skipped out the door, whistling a melody.

Faith’s sister approached his bedside. “Hello, I’m Joy.” She extended her slender hand and smiled.

Both women had caramel hair and fair coloring, but their chestnut eyes were different. Faith had a far-off sadness in her eyes; the light had been extinguished. Maybe it had to do with Bella not having a father around, but perhaps that had been by choice.

He shook Joy’s hand. “I’d stand up, but she might chain me to the bed.” He tipped his head in Faith’s direction. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Joy.” He smiled. “All joking aside, I am thankful for your sister’s help when I fell. Being stuck on top of a mountain overnight isn’t on my bucket list.”

Her smile was warm, unlike her sister’s.

“It sounds as though she returned the favor,” she stated.

“What do you mean?” Faith interjected as she walked closer toward the bed.

“Well, you were there to help Joshua yesterday on the slopes and he helped you find Bella the other evening.” Joy smiled at Joshua. “According to my niece, you came out from nowhere, like a superhero. That’s what she called you.”

His face heated. “I don’t know about that—anyone would have done the same.”

“Faith tells me you plan to stay for several weeks. You must work in a business that allows you the luxury of working anywhere.”

“Actually, Joshua is here to bid on the inn. Isn’t that right?” Faith’s eyes practically seared his skin.

He’d gone from superhero to villain in a matter of seconds. “Ah...yes, it is.”

“He was just telling me RC Carlson—you know, the man I write my rent check to—is his father. Small world, isn’t it?”

Beads of sweat peppered his forehead. “Listen, I’m not really up to discussing this right now.” His head pounded. Perhaps there was more to this concussion thing than he realized.

She reached for Joy’s arm. “Let’s go. He needs his rest.”

Faith turned before exiting. “I’ll have Mrs. Watson bring up your dinner.”

His stomach churned. “No, thank you. I think I’ll hold out until breakfast. I really just want to sleep.”

“Okay, but dial 99 if you need anything. The call will forward to my house.”

And with that, she pulled the door shut.

Joshua released a heavy breath. He’d thought being up-front with Faith would relieve some of his guilt, but unfortunately, it hadn’t happened. The sweet little girl who’d showed so much concern could lose her home, thanks to him. But what else could he do? He had to move forward to honor his mother’s memory. She’d always been there for him—he needed to be there for her.

* * *

“Mommy, can I wear my white dress to church today?”

With her hands wrapped around a steaming cup of coffee, Faith sat at the kitchen table and gazed out the window. The black-capped chickadees were busy devouring the birdseeds she’d put out yesterday. “No, sweetie, that’s a summer dress.”

“I can wear my heavy coat—please.”

Opposite the feeder, the thermometer read twenty degrees. “It’s below freezing outside. Put on the pretty long-sleeved black-and-white dress.” She took a slow and easy sip. Caffeine—exactly what she needed this morning. She thought back about the past couple of days. She hadn’t realized until last night, as she tossed and turned in bed, how emotionally draining it had been being back in a hospital, especially the ER. To make matters worse, now she’d been forced to care for a man whose business plan would make her homeless and unemployed. Where would she and Bella go? Whispering Slopes was the only home they’d known.

Patent leather shoes tapped along the hardwood floor. “Mommy, will Mr. Joshua be okay?”

She turned toward the doorway and her heart squeezed. Bella had a way of melting her worries. Wearing Faith’s favorite dress, her daughter looked like a princess. “I think he’ll be fine. Mrs. Watson is keeping a close eye on him today. He just needs rest.” She headed toward the pantry and pulled out a box of cereal, trying to ignore the concerns she had about Bella’s growing attachment to Joshua.

“Why aren’t we having pancakes?” Bella’s shoulders drooped as she took a seat at the table.

Sunday morning pancakes were a tradition for a couple of years; they’d been Bella’s father’s favorite. After he died, she’d continued the tradition with her daughter. With her mind on the auction and playing nurse, she’d completely forgotten. “I’m sorry, there’s not enough time for pancakes this morning.” She poured the chocolate puffs into Bella’s favorite cereal bowl and bit her lip. “What if we have them for dinner instead?”

Bella’s chair squeaked as she bobbled up and down. “That’s even better.”

“It is?” Faith poured the milk and placed the bowl in front of Bella.

“Because pancakes are for breakfast—we’re breaking the rules.” She giggled and scooped a spoon of puffs into her mouth.

Faith ran her hand through her daughter’s curls. “You’re a goof—now eat. Mrs. Underwood will be here any minute to take you to Sunday school.”

Bella took a sip of her orange juice. “Why aren’t you taking me?”

She didn’t want her daughter to know anything about the auction until she had all the facts. Faith strolled to the coffeepot and poured another cup. “Aunt Joy is coming over this morning. I have to talk with her about something.”

Bella swallowed her last bite. “About what?” She lifted the bowl and started to drink the now-chocolate milk.

Faith reached for her hand. “Use your manners, please.” She took the dish, placed it into the stainless-steel sink and turned on the faucet. “If you want chocolate milk, you’ll drink it from a glass, not a bowl. Now hurry along and brush your teeth.”

“But I want to stay and listen.”

Faith walked toward her daughter with her arms crossed. “Bella.”

Bella gulped down the last of her juice and zipped toward her bedroom.

Gravel crunched outside. Faith glanced out the window and spied Mrs. Underwood’s minivan cruising up the driveway. The horn tooted. Faith opened the front door, just off from the kitchen. She waved as a blast of January air smacked her in the face. “She’ll be right out.” Shutting out the cold, she shuffled into the laundry room and grabbed her sweater. “Bella, your ride is here,” she yelled down the hallway.

“Coming.” The girl tore into the laundry room and snatched her coat.

“Aunt Joy and I will see you after Sunday school.” Faith stooped down and kissed her cheek.

“Love you, Mommy.” She hopped down the porch steps and rushed to the van.

Fifteen minutes later, dressed in a tan pantsuit with a long-sleeved chocolate turtleneck underneath, Faith topped off her coffee and placed it into the microwave for one minute. Her heart squeezed as she recalled how special Sunday morning coffee used to be before Chris died. As though they were the only people in the world, they’d share their hopes and desires during those precious predawn hours. Their first dream had come to fruition with the birth of their daughter. The second had died in the fire, along with Chris.

The microwave beeped. Faith removed the steaming mug as the sound of a car door slamming signaled her twin’s arrival. Her heart raced, anxious to get Joy’s thoughts on the auction.

A chilly draft consumed the room as Joy made her entrance into the foyer and sauntered into the kitchen. “So what’s so urgent, sis? The message you left at three o’clock this morning sounded a little cryptic.” She reached for a coffee mug and poured herself a cup before stripping off her coat and flinging it across the back of the kitchen table chair. “What on earth were you doing up so early?”

“Trying to quiet my racing mind—I need to talk to you about something.”

Joy studied her twin. “What’s wrong? Is Bella okay?”

“Yes, she’s fine. It’s about the inn going up for auction.” Saying it out loud made it even more real.

Joy’s brow crinkled as she slumped into the chair. “What’s the big deal? Businesses go under new management all of the time and nothing changes. You and Bella won’t be forced to move, and you’ll be able to keep your job—after all, you’re the reason the place is so successful.”

Their voices fell silent as a cardinal chirped outside the window.

Despite her worries, she smiled. “I never told you, but Chris and I talked about purchasing an inn one day. At first, I thought it was silly, but Chris really wanted it. In time, I warmed up to the idea and actually became as excited as he’d been. We spent hours huddled around the kitchen table making plans. I have two notebooks packed with our ideas, sketches, costs—everything.” Faith shivered. “If only we’d put our dream into action sooner, he’d be alive.”

“Come on, don’t go down the road of blaming yourself. Chris loved his job.”

True—but she’d pushed him into a field he’d never considered, all because she needed security. What kind of security did she have now? Sure, there was a life insurance for Bella’s college tuition, but she’d lost her best friend, Bella had lost her daddy, and sadly, Chris had never fulfilled his dream. “I’m thinking about bidding on the Black Bear...” Her voice trembled.

Joy’s mouth dropped open. “Are you serious?”

Tears escaped Faith’s eyes. “I forced Chris into a job he never wanted. He would have been content to work along with his father, building furniture for the family business.”