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Gift-Wrapped Family
Lois Richer


A Family for ChristmasTwenty-three-year-old widow Mia Granger is shocked to learn her late husband fathered a child out of wedlock. Now the handsome lawyer representing the young orphan's adoption agency is pressing Mia to meet the girl. She's touched by how deeply Caleb Grant cares about the five-year-old, especially given his own harrowing past. But with all the betrayals in her life, Mia is scared to open her heart to anyone. When she learns she owns a lovely ranch she never knew existed, Mia wonders if it's a home meant for a family of three—just in time for Christmas.







A Family for Christmas

Twenty-three-year-old widow Mia Granger is shocked to learn her late husband fathered a child out of wedlock. Now the handsome lawyer representing the young orphan’s adoption agency is pressing Mia to meet the girl. She’s touched by how deeply Caleb Grant cares about the five-year-old, especially given his own harrowing past. But with all the betrayals in her life, Mia is scared to open her heart to anyone. When she learns she owns a lovely ranch she never knew existed, Mia wonders if it’s a home meant for a family of three—just in time for Christmas.


“You said Lily is five?” Mia hiccuped a sob.

“That means my late husband and his secretary were together about as long as we were married. Why stay married to me if he was in love with someone else?” She dashed a tear from her cheek. “Why not marry her? Create a family with her?”

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

“He said he never wanted to have children.”

“Judging by the amount of attention he paid Lily, I’m guessing that part was true.”

“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 him or her 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.


LOIS RICHER loves traveling, swimming and quilting, but mostly she loves writing stories that show God’s boundless love for His precious children. As she says, “His love never changes or gives up. It’s always waiting for me. My stories feature imperfect characters learning that love doesn’t mean attaining perfection. Love is about keeping on keeping on.” You can contact Lois via email, loisricher@yahoo.com, or on Facebook (LoisRicherAuthor).


Gift-Wrapped

Family

Lois Richer






www.millsandboon.co.uk (http://www.millsandboon.co.uk)


You shall love the Lord your God

with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.

—Deuteronomy 6:5


Contents

Cover (#u3f9276b0-7178-5738-9f36-6d6ae4191a74)

Back Cover Text (#u3d83f169-ba07-545b-9d77-fcc2dc340db9)

Introduction (#u93b63bb8-f311-5446-ab57-bb0a40dc67e5)

About the Author (#u13963b28-9726-5f9c-9252-acfab5d4fdd3)

Title Page (#u422e8d16-dc32-5588-a711-dd600c1c0afa)

Bible Verse (#u8f5da5db-c1d0-5fc1-b3e7-1c1d75d70a9f)

Chapter One (#ulink_6dca73f5-2895-5276-a647-f6eb53e616c3)

Chapter Two (#ulink_644a477c-b711-5870-bff0-edceebc27bd0)

Chapter Three (#ulink_197edbde-1515-52db-a8c2-7bb0af72b52c)

Chapter Four (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Five (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Six (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Seven (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Eight (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Nine (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Ten (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Eleven (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Twelve (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Thirteen (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Fourteen (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Fifteen (#litres_trial_promo)

Epilogue (#litres_trial_promo)

Dear Reader (#litres_trial_promo)

Extract (#litres_trial_promo)

Copyright (#litres_trial_promo)


Chapter One (#ulink_e272ef70-8264-500d-8f43-e86723139e95)

“This can’t be the place.”

Lawyer Caleb Grant matched the address on the paper in his hand with the crooked numbers on a small bungalow that had seen better days in this Canadian neighborhood of Calgary, Alberta, and grimaced.

“Are you sure you gave me the correct address?” he asked into his phone. Having confirmed his location, he opened the rickety gate.

The serious disrepair of the house contrasted with the garden in front, which bloomed in a riot of color. Mia Granger must be a dab hand with plants. How could a woman with this tender gift for gardening ignore his plea to help a bereaved child?

Before Caleb could reach the end of the cobbled path, the weathered front door opened. A slim woman with masses of strawberry blonde hair tumbling around her shoulders stepped outside and reached for the mailbox. Her hand stilled when she saw him.

“C-can I help you?” she asked in a voice so quiet he barely heard it.

“I’m looking for Mia Granger. Does she live here?” Caleb watched her ivory skin pale.

“I’m Mia. Are you another bill collector?” she said in a breathless voice. “I’m sorry but—”

“I’m a lawyer with Family Ties. It’s an adoption agency in Buffalo Gap.” He saw no recognition on her face. “Someone called you about me.”

“No one called,” she murmured in a scared voice, golden-red hair shivering in the wash of sunlight sneaking through a few dappled leaves left on a towering poplar tree.

“They should have.” Caleb frowned. Mayor Marsha had talked him into coming here. She’d also promised she’d notify widow Granger of his arrival. When a flicker of worry widened Mia’s emerald eyes, he decided he could deal with Marsha later. “I’m here about Lily.”

“Who?” As hard as Caleb searched her puzzled face, he saw no sign that she was prevaricating. “I think you must have the wrong—”

“She’s the five-year-old daughter of your husband, Harlan Granger, and his mistress, Reba Jones.” Though Caleb hated to be so blunt, there was no easy way to do this. “Lily lost both her parents in the car accident that took your husband two weeks ago.”

“How dare you?” Mia Granger gasped. One hand grabbed onto the shaky wrought iron railing.

“Are you all right?” Troubled by her ashen face, Caleb reached out to steady her, but the woman backed away.

“You’ve got everything wrong,” she insisted in a tearful voice. “Reba was Harlan’s secretary. They certainly didn’t have a child together. Please leave.” She turned away.

“I’m so sorry to trouble you.” Caleb’s instincts told him he couldn’t leave now. He had to reach this woman’s heart, for Lily’s sake.

“Then, don’t.” Her pale, pinched face implored him to leave her alone. But Caleb couldn’t do that.

“I’ve checked the birth records,” he said softly. “Lily is their child.”

Mia paled even more. She shook her head.

“It’s true. Please, may I please come inside and talk to you?”

Her distrust of him showed in the gold sparks that changed her emerald eyes to hazel. Given the deceitful husband she’d married, Caleb didn’t blame her for that. But he was also curious. Torn between trying to believe she was truly bewildered but feeling suspicious that she was trying to avoid him as she had his phone calls, Caleb pressed harder.

“I truly do not want to add to your pain.” He employed the calming tone he often used with a skittery witness on the stand. “I only want to help this little girl.” He pulled a picture from his chest pocket and held it out. “Lily Jones.”

Mia looked at the photo. When her eyes widened and her trembling lips parted in a gasp, Caleb knew he was making up lost ground. But then he saw something puzzling in her gaze—yearning?

“She’s a beautiful child, isn’t she?” Caleb hated causing this gentle woman more grief, but he was determined she understand that Lily’s future was at stake.

“The eyes—they’re quite startling.” Mia’s gaze remained riveted on the picture.

“The same color as Harlan Granger’s.”

“Many people have dark blue eyes.” Mia finally handed him the photo with a sigh. “I suppose you’d better come in,” she said in obvious resignation. She allowed him through and then closed the door. “This way.”

Caleb followed, noting that the interior of the house had probably once been magnificent. Though it hadn’t aged gracefully, it was spotless. The Victorian-style sofa Mia indicated with the wave of one hand was as desperately uncomfortable as it looked, but Caleb sat on it anyway, keeping his face impassive.

Mia Granger stood in front of the massive bay window in a puddle of bright October sunshine. She wore a pair of shabby jeans that looked too big and a faded teal sweater that drooped from her lean curves. Her beautiful hair flowed over her shoulders like a pale copper cape. When she caught Caleb staring, she crossed her thin arms across her chest defensively.

Caleb couldn’t stop staring. Backlit by the sun, the shape of Mia’s face brought memories of his mother, the mother he’d loved so dearly and lost to his murderous father.

“What was your name?” she prodded.

“Caleb Grant. As I said, I represent an adoption agency called Family Ties.” Caleb shook off his memories and concentrated on the delicate woman in front of him. Do your job, his brain ordered.

“Lily is one of their children waiting to be adopted?” Mia sank onto an armchair that could have sat three of her and nestled against the folds of a colorful quilt draped across the back of it.

“Not exactly. I wanted to explain when I called, but your phone is always busy or no one answers.” He studied her face, surprised by the flush of red in her cheeks.

“Sometimes I take it off the hook. Or I don’t answer. I can’t take any more calls from those to whom we owe money.” Mia stared at her hands.

Owe money? Caleb hadn’t expected that. It threw him off, made him wonder if she was trying to con him. He decided to turn the conversation back to Lily because Mia had made a connection with her picture.

“Lily may eventually be adopted. First we have to sort out her custody and what she’s owed from her father’s estate.” Caleb decided that while Mia might look innocent, she wasn’t stupid. She immediately straightened.

“Mr. Grant,” she began in a regal tone.

“Caleb,” he interrupted.

“Caleb,” she agreed softly. “You think my late husband is this child’s father. I assure you you’re wrong.” She continued, her voice growing steadily stronger. “I don’t have any money to give Lily. If I did, I would certainly help the poor child.” She paused for a moment, then murmured, “I never knew Reba had a daughter, but then I didn’t know Harlan’s staff well.”

“Lily was his child, too,” Caleb insisted. A new stain of red flushed her cheeks, bringing his sympathy. If he’d known Mia was unaware of her husband’s affair, he’d have handled this differently.

“I sympathize with Lily because as a child I lost my mother suddenly, too,” she said, ignoring his remark. “But I’m sorry, there’s nothing I can do for her. I owe money myself.” The receding blush returned and deepened. She lowered her gaze.

“But, Mia, your husband’s estate must be considerable.” Caleb couldn’t believe her temerity. He knew from his research that Granger was loaded. He’d dealt with many prevaricators in his career and was oddly disappointed to realize sweet-looking Mia was one of them. But that sweetness wouldn’t stop him from seeking Lily’s rightful inheritance.

“Why do you assume that?” Mia’s gaze made him feel guilty for poking into her private world. “My husband was a lawyer, but we’re certainly not wealthy. You can see how we live.” She glared at him. “Harlan had to take whatever cases he was offered. In fact, he often had to go out of town to find work.”

The certainty in Mia Granger’s voice bothered Caleb. She looked and sounded as though she genuinely believed what she was saying. But if they were so hard up, why hadn’t her husband moved his office from its expensive downtown location to a less pricey area?

“What about the ranch? There’s a lot of land attached to that, valuable land.” He studied her intently, surprised when her forehead furrowed.

“What ranch? Harlan and I were married for six years. We never owned a ranch.” Caleb figured she saw something in his face, because the last of her words faltered before she whispered, “Have we?”

“What has your lawyer told you?” Caleb figured his best hope was to untie this mess without further alienating her.

“You mean Trent Vilang? Harlan’s partner,” she explained, as if Caleb didn’t already know that. “I’ve been feeling unwell since Harlan’s death, so Trent’s only told me the bare bones about the estate.”

“And that is?” For Lily’s sake, Caleb pressed, ignoring her frown at his inquisitiveness.

“Trent said there was barely enough money to pay off the firm’s bills and Harlan’s cre—” Mia gulped. The sheen of tears washed her eyes, but she lifted her chin and finished with quiet dignity, “His cremation.”

“I see.” As Caleb’s uncertainty mushroomed he glanced around, searching for a clue to his next step. His glance stalled on the oil painting over the fireplace. “Lovely painting. Who is it?” he asked, as if he didn’t know.

“My mother.”

“Your mother was Pia Standish?” He was speaking to the daughter of the woman he’d admired most of his life? Now nothing made sense.

“Did you know her?” Mia’s curiosity was evident.

“I did.” Caleb declined to discuss his childhood interaction with the legendary legal genius, but he couldn’t suppress a smile remembering Pia’s potent courtroom condemnation of his father. “I was her client once. I never forgot her.”

“I never saw her at work, but I’ve heard she was a good lawyer.” There was something wistful in Mia’s voice.

“Pia was beyond merely good,” Caleb told her. “Her firm, Standish Law, was the biggest in the province. I remember seeing well-known people in her office.”

“I used to think we were well off,” Mia mused reflectively. “At first I thought that’s why Harlan agreed to marry me.”

“Excuse me?” Caleb stared at her. Who would need to be coerced to marry this lovely woman?

“I was seventeen and in boarding school when I was summoned home. My mother told me she’d been diagnosed with brain cancer. She told me that for my own protection I was to marry this lawyer who worked for her, Harlan Granger.” Mia’s voice faltered. “She said he’d take care of me.”

“He was much older. Why would he agree?” Caleb asked.

“Money, I suppose. Harlan received my mother’s law firm as a kind of dowry.” Her green eyes grew troubled. “Mother had a nice house.”

“I was there once.” Caleb remembered his awe at visiting the huge mansion.

“Harlan sold it after she died,” Mia said, staring at something Caleb couldn’t see. “I thought it should have brought us plenty of money, but Harlan said Mother had run up large debts trying to find a cure. He sold the house to pay off what she owed.” Her lips pinched together. “I was sorry to lose some of our things,” she added in a small, hurt voice.

Mia’s defenselessness, her sadness touched Caleb. He gave her time to regroup while he shot off a text message to his paralegal. Find out everything about Mia Standish Granger. Stat.

“That’s why your claim is so incredible.” Mia rose. “I’ve lived here since I married Harlan. We’ve had to be very frugal while he revived her firm. We— I’m not rich, Mr. Grant.”

“Your mother didn’t leave you any money of your own?” He searched her face, no longer certain she was lying.

“I’m afraid not. Everything goes to pay the bills.” A tiny smile flitted across her incredibly beautiful face. “Would you like some tea?”

“I would. Thank you.” Caleb hated tea, especially herbal tea, but he’d learned the fine art of pretending to drink it when his best friend Lara was alive, because she’d loved tea and he’d wanted to love her. It still rankled that he’d never felt the strong emotion for her that Lara claimed to feel for him, to realize that he couldn’t love anyone because of what his father had done.

Caleb shoved those uncomfortable thoughts away and concentrated on Mia. She had to be pretending her marriage was solid, but he was determined she’d admit the truth before he left here, and if that required tea drinking, that was what he’d do.

“Let’s go to the kitchen. It’s warmer there.” Mia waited for his nod, then led the way. “Have a seat,” she invited as she pulled out a mismatched chair from the big oak table. “Do you have a particularly favorite tea? I have a good variety.”

Caleb blinked when she opened a cupboard door to reveal neatly organized rows of small packages of tea. “Do you ever!”

“My stomach’s been upset since Harlan—died.” Mia regained her composure. “Trent’s been a dear friend. He consulted an herbalist for me and brings home teas for me to try. They haven’t helped yet, but...” She shrugged and smiled. “Take your time deciding which you’d like.”

“Any kind is fine.” A previous investigation on Trent Vilang had left Caleb with tons of questions. “Dear Trent” had befriended widows before and some of those ladies had become very ill. Caleb kept his reservations about the man to himself as Mia moved around her broken-down kitchen.

Anything that could sparkle in this room did, but the house and especially this kitchen needed to be gutted, and no amount of soap or elbow grease could fix that. Then suddenly, beyond the kitchen, he spied bright sunshine.

“Would you rather sit in the sunroom?” Mia asked, noting his interest. “It’s quite warm today because the sun’s out. That’s when I love working there the most.”

“What is your work?” Caleb’s curiosity built. Her job was one detail he hadn’t yet discovered. Mia looked too delicate for any kind of physical work. Cellist. Or maybe pianist, he guessed.

“Oh, it’s nothing,” she demurred.

Caleb thought that sounded like someone else’s assessment. But he said nothing as she rinsed out a small brown china teapot.

“I dream up designs for quilt fabrics,” Mia finally said almost apologetically.

“Oh.” That fit, Caleb decided, then realized that though he’d just met Mia, he’d instinctively known that employment suited her. Getting too involved. Maintain your distance, his brain scolded. That was difficult to do with this intriguing woman.

“When my designs are incorporated into fabric, the company sends me a bolt of each. I then make up several quilts to feature various aspects of the fabric and how to use it. It’s nothing like the law,” she apologized. “Nothing at all like the important work Harlan did.”

“Why should it be like his?” Caleb wished he’d met the man who’d made his wife feel that her work was trivial. “It’s just as important to have beautiful things in the world as it is to have the law.” She had the tray ready. “Can I carry something?”

“The tea?” Mia smiled her thanks and led the way into a sunroom that took his breath away. Vibrantly painted canvases lay sprawled around the room, flowers in riotous color, a seaside scene, the cool white on white of deepest winter. “I’m sorry it’s so crowded. Harlan was always after me to stack these away.” Mia gulped, then reached to move one.

“Please leave it. They’re beautiful,” Caleb said, and meant it.

“Oh.” Startled green eyes met his before quickly veering away. “Thank you. Please sit wherever you like.” She poured their tea and then sat across from him on a rickety wicker chair whose quilted cushion said it had been well loved. “Mr. Grant—”

“Call me Caleb.” Nothing in her expression to suggest she was flirting or playing games, but Caleb clung to his defenses anyway. He had a job to do. He couldn’t let her sad situation get to him.

“Very well, Caleb. Well, other than serving you tea, I don’t know how I can help you.” Mia Granger frowned. He thought it a shame to mar the beauty of her face, but the helplessness in her next words irritated him. “What is it you expect of me?”

“I’m not sure.” Caleb remembered Lily’s parting words. Can you find me a home, Uncle Caleb? Please? That plea from Lara’s niece broke his heart. “I came here hoping to learn the truth, but I’m not sure you know it.”

“Whose truth? Yours?” Mia sipped her tea. “Like your claim that Harlan had a ranch.”

“He did. Riverbend Ranch.” Caleb thought her eyes widened for a second.

“We didn’t have a ranch. If we had, why would we live here?” she asked with some asperity. “Why would Harlan need to travel for his business?”

“Are you sure he did ‘need’ to?” Though she tried to hide it, Caleb had seen Mia’s reaction to the word Riverbend. Now his senses were on high alert. She was hiding something, and he intended to find out what, despite that gaze of wide-eyed innocence.

In Caleb’s experience very few women could carry off a claim of innocence. Lara had been one, but he wasn’t totally certain about Mia because there were even fewer women who managed to tug at his compassion, and she did.

Surprised by the emotions she raised in him, Caleb decided he’d best be on guard around Mia Granger. Anything but friendship was impossible.

* * *

Caleb Grant was the most handsome man Mia had ever met. Tall, lean and dark, he exuded confidence, something she’d always admired but lacked. At the moment, Mia didn’t like the way he studied her with his silver-cold eyes. Nor did she like how his tall muscular body invaded the place where she’d mostly lived alone. She especially didn’t like the calculation in his voice, as if he expected to catch her in a lie.

Caleb’s suggestion that Harlan had been unfaithful stung. The situation hadn’t been ideal, but she’d done her best to be a good wife after a simple ceremony at city hall had joined them in holy matrimony. No, they didn’t share a strong, fairy-tale love. But he’d kept her safe after her mother died and she was grateful. Mia mourned his death. Now she was all alone.

But even though they hadn’t really been married, not the way other couples were, that didn’t mean Harlan would have done what Caleb Grant said.

On the tail of those thoughts, snippets of details dawned. Hadn’t she always felt uneasy over Harlan’s frequent late-night meetings with Reba? And the way Reba touched his shoulder so fondly before jerking her hand away when she realized Mia had come to the office for her one and only visit? That had stuck in Mia’s mind for ages, especially after Harlan had ordered her to stay away. But that didn’t mean...

She shoved her wayward thoughts out of her mind. She’d think about Harlan and Reba later. Right now Caleb Grant was here. He was a lawyer. Maybe he’d have some advice that could help sort out her pressing financial problems. Inhaling a breath of courage, she dived in.

“Caleb, this land, er, ranch you speak of Harlan owning. Where is it?”

“Riverbend Ranch is outside Buffalo Gap, about thirty-five miles from here.” Caleb’s innocent gaze turned cunning. “Do you know of it?”

He’d seen her reaction to that name, so there was no point in pretending. Mia rose, walked to her big battered desk and removed a thin file. She held it out.

“What’s this?” he asked, taking it from her.

“It’s about Harlan’s estate, according to Trent, Harlan’s partner and also my lawyer.” She sat down, lifted her cup and took a refreshing drink. “Go ahead and look. Riverbend is a lawsuit my husband was handling, if I understand those papers correctly.”

His eyes searched hers. Mia held it until—there went her stomach again, clenching and whirling as if some flu bug had hold of it. A minute earlier she’d felt perfectly fine, but now she closed her eyes and waited for her stomach to settle.

“Are you all right?” Caleb’s eyes bored into hers.

“A little flu. I hope you don’t catch it.” Mia sat perfectly still, hands in her lap. When he didn’t move she said, “Please read it. I’ll wait.”

She watched him, amazed by the speed with which he scanned the documents she’d taken hours to peruse. Less than two minutes later he looked up, his mouth stretched tight in a grim line.

“You see? There’s nothing about a ranch or money,” she said, her voice dropping at the stern look on his face. “I’m not lying.”

“This is all Trent gave you? Nothing more?”

Mia shook her head.

“Did you sign anything recently?” Caleb voice was tight and sharp.

“Of course. There were a number of papers Trent needed me to sign to deal with my husband’s estate.” She shivered, intensely disliking this inquisition but not sure how to stop it.

Caleb had said he was a lawyer and she was sure he was a good one, though she’d never heard of this adoption agency, Family Ties. But as a lawyer he would know how to get people to say things—she should be on guard. He might actually be from some collection company.

“Do you have copies of what you signed?” Caleb demanded.

“No. Trent said he’d copy them at the office and bring them back. He hasn’t yet returned with them.” Something in the frost of his silver-steel eyes made her shiver. “Is—is anything wrong?” she asked hesitantly, and reared back when he nodded.

“Yes. I think quite a lot is wrong.” Caleb closed his eyes and rubbed his temples. “Mia, this will be hard to hear, but you must listen because it’s the truth. I’ve been investigating your husband’s affairs, for Lily’s sake. Nothing I’ve found indicates he was hard up for money or that he or Trent had taken on a new client in months.”

“But that can’t be.” She struggled to sort it out and looked at him. She saw nothing but honesty in his expression. Could it be true? “Then, what were he and Reba doing on all these trips?”

“That’s what we need to discover.” Caleb glanced at his ringing phone, read the message and frowned. When he lifted his gaze to hers, the icy anger made her shiver. “Did you know your lawyer filed documents this morning seeking to take over all your affairs because he says you are incompetent?”

“What?” Mia couldn’t believe Trent would do such a thing.

“We need to act fast to protect you. Call Trent,” Caleb ordered. “Ask him to come here. Beg if that will get him here immediately.”

“Why?” She was afraid to trust Caleb, to trust anyone, yet there was something in Caleb’s hard, cold eyes that reassured her he would not be part of any wrongdoing.

She didn’t truly trust him, but if he was right about Trent, who else could she turn to for help? She picked up the phone and pressed in her lawyer’s number.

“Trent, it’s Mia. Can you c-come here? P-please? It’s urgent.” She listened to his gruff excuses but said nothing. Finally he agreed. “Th-thank you.” She hung up.

“Well?” Caleb Grant’s silver eyes probed hers.

“H-he’ll be here in half an hour. But I have no idea what I’ll say to him. What do I do?” Even asking the question scared Mia.

“I’ll speak for you.” Caleb’s fierce glare faded slightly. “I know it hurts and you don’t want to think about it right now, but Harlan Granger was not the man you thought he was and neither is his partner. Something’s been going on, something more than an affair. I intend to find out what. Okay?”

A picture of Harlan and Reba together, laughing and loving, sharing a child, while she sat alone, would not leave Mia’s mind. Her husband had always been cool, distant and businesslike. He’d promised her mother he’d care for her. Surely he couldn’t, wouldn’t have turned to another... Suddenly her stomach heaved and Mia could think of nothing but escape.

“Excuse me.” She hurried to the bathroom, where she was violently sick.

Oh, Lord, I feel so bad. And something is terribly wrong. Please help me.

She’d barely had a chance to regain her breath when he rapped on the door.

“I’m all right,” she called, irritated by her weak voice. “I’ll be out in a minute.”

“We need to hurry.” Caleb’s voice left little room for argument. In fact, he was leaning against the hall table impatiently tapping his foot when she emerged. Feeling disheveled and weaker than she’d ever been, Mia walked slowly to the sunroom and sat down. She reached out to take her cup, but Caleb ordered, “Don’t touch that.”

Mia flinched and drew her hand away. “Why?”

“I believe there’s something in your tea that makes you sick.” His tone was harsh.

“Caleb, that’s ridiculous,” she burst out. Maybe he was wrong about Harlan... “Trent would never—”

“I’m pretty sure he’s done it before,” he said, certainty in his voice. “You’ve been drinking the stuff for days and you’ve felt ill about that long, right?”

“Yes. But—” Mia stared at her cup as frightening scenarios played through her mind.

“That tea should be tested. The police will be here shortly.” Caleb’s lips tightened. “They can do that. I’ve also ordered an ambulance.”

She felt herself sway and grabbed the table. “Why?”

“To check you out and take blood samples that will discern if something’s off in your system.” Caleb leaned forward and covered her hand with his. His touch sent ripples of awareness up her arm. “Mia, you won’t like what I’m about to say.”

“Is it worse than you saying Harlan was having an affair? That he had—a child with his secretary?” She had to force the words out. When Caleb nodded she saw pity on his face. She did not want his pity, so she straightened her spine. “Go ahead, say it.”

“I believe that Harlan, along with Trent, was running some kind of scheme to secrete money. After Harlan died in the car accident, I believe Trent saw a way to get that money for himself.” Caleb frowned. “I think Riverbend Ranch is the reason, though I haven’t yet made all the connections. In order to get the ranch, Trent needs you out of the way.”

Mia sat in stupefied silence as Caleb explained about the ranch her husband had supposedly bought. He spoke of a petition for divorce Harlan had supposedly filed the day he died and listed a money trail Caleb claimed he was still uncovering.

Dazed and ill, horrified to imagine the man she’d married was capable of such betrayal, Mia tuned out the pain and hurt that threatened to overwhelm her. How could it be possible? How could God have betrayed her trust? She’d believed for so long that He was there, protecting her, comforting her in her lonely marriage. Now it felt as though He’d played a horrible trick, just as Caleb claimed Harlan and Trent had. It was too much to deal with.

Her brain numb, she sat silent as Caleb told the same story to the police when they arrived. They waited in the kitchen when she let Trent inside. Mia could see guilt build in Trent’s eyes as Caleb pummeled him with questions. She couldn’t bear to believe that this friend, one of the few she had and the only one she’d truly trusted since Harlan’s death, had deliberately set out to hurt her.

While Trent scrambled for a defense, Mia held her whirling emotions at bay. For now she’d be strong. But in her heart of hearts she knew she believed Caleb’s accusations. So deep was her feeling of betrayal, she couldn’t even manage a silent plea to God for help. He’d let this happen. How could she trust Him again?

A detective arrived, showed Trent a warrant for his arrest and after a few questions told the officers to take her lawyer to the station. The detective seemed to know Caleb and the two whispered together before Caleb introduced her to Detective Ed Gray.

“Our police station has been investigating Harlan Granger for several months via a request from the IRS who are tracking what they believe is unreported income,” the detective told Mia. “This new information about your lawyer adds to our investigation. For that reason I hope you’ll allow these paramedics to take a sample of your blood. Then I’ll need to ask you some questions.”

“Okay.” Mia remained silent when he beckoned the paramedics forward. They took several vials of blood, which were then handed to an officer, who sealed them in an evidence bag and left with another officer.

“They’ll have our lab run tests on your blood,” the detective explained. “As a precaution, I’d like the paramedics to check you over now.”

Mia nodded and the two medical people got to work.

“Your vitals seem to be getting stronger,” they told her sometime later. “You’ll be okay.” The detective thanked and dismissed them.

Mia was rolling down her sleeve when two men came out of her kitchen carrying evidence bags that contained her teas. Her heart sank a little further. Could it be true—had Trent been trying to poison her?

“Now for the questions.” Detective Ed Gray’s face tightened.

Mia did her best to answer everything he asked, even though some of his questions puzzled her. From time to time she glanced at Caleb. His gaze never wavered from her. But it was not a flattering look. It was a suspicious look that asked how she could have been so naive.

In retrospect Mia asked herself the same thing as she finally accepted that she’d been incredibly stupid to have trusted her husband. But it had never occurred to her to not trust him because her mother had. In fact, she’d placed Mia’s life in his hands. And Trent was Harlan’s trusted partner. So why— She silently groaned, tired of trying to make sense of it.

As the weight of her situation settled on her shoulders, Mia wanted to be left alone. And yet she didn’t want to be alone to think about Harlan’s betrayal. They hadn’t had a normal marriage, but to imagine that he’d betray her with Reba—

One word played over and over in her mind. Betrayed. And following it—you can’t trust anyone.

“Mrs. Granger?” The detective touched her shoulder.

“Sorry. What did you say?” She forced herself to concentrate.

“I know all of this must come as a shock, especially right after your husband’s death, but one of my officers has phoned to say Trent just admitted to lacing your teas with a substance to make you sick.” He gave her a sympathetic smile. “Our medical people advise drinking plenty of fluids to flush it out of your system. You can thank Caleb for acting on his instincts. There should be no long-lasting effects.”

“Thank you.” Mia looked at the lawyer and the detective, not knowing what else to say. Everything seemed surreal, like being an actor in some horrible play she couldn’t escape.

“The total of what Trent and your husband perpetrated isn’t yet clear, but we’ve launched a full investigation,” the detective explained.

“Oh.” If possible, Mia now felt worse. The rest? There was more betrayal in store for her?

“I suggest you retain new legal counsel who can begin sorting through your husband’s affairs.” The detective inclined his head toward Caleb. “I can vouch for Caleb. He’ll be straightforward with you. And to be frank, I think you’re going to need his help.”

Relief swamped her. Surely if the detective trusted Caleb, she could, too, if only for a little while, just until things were straightened out. A niggle of hope flickered to life. Maybe with Caleb’s help she could finally dare to imagine a future with hope. Please, Lord?

“Any questions?” the detective asked.

“Why did Trent want to hurt me?” Mia asked.

“I can’t answer that yet.” He gave Caleb a sideways glance. “But I will find out, I promise you.”

“Thank you,” she said again. A thought pricked her brain. “I don’t know if it’s important, but Trent didn’t buy all of those teas. Harlan brought some home from several of his trips. So if Trent did try to hurt me, and I’m still struggling with that, only some of the tea would be affected.”

The two men shared a look before the detective nodded, then said goodbye.

“What do I do now?” she asked Caleb, feeling lost, when the detective was gone.

“Were all your bank accounts joint?” When she nodded he said, “Let’s go.”

“Where?” His hand on her arm urged her to move. Mia grabbed her handbag from the hall table and followed Caleb outside. She jerked her arm free of his grip to lock the door. “Where are we going?”

“To a bank so you can open an account in your own name.” He held open the door of a luxurious black car. “A bank where you haven’t dealt before. You’ll withdraw everything from your old accounts and put it in there.”

“Why?” Confused and upset with questions tumbling through her brain, not the least of which had to do with Harlan and a dark blue–eyed little girl named Lily, Mia protested, but Caleb was adamant.

“If my suspicions are right, what you signed were papers giving Trent legal custody of your affairs, which will allow him to drain every resource you have as dry as a stone.” He shook his head when she would have protested. “If he is released today, he could make the transactions immediately and you’ll be broke until everything’s sorted, which could be a very long time.”

“I’m broke now,” she whispered.

“That’s according to Trent, who isn’t the best source for the truth.” Caleb pulled to a stop in front of a small bank, turned and asked in a harsh tone, “Don’t you get it?”

“I get that you believe Trent was stealing from me,” she whispered, afraid to believe it but more afraid to disbelieve this man. “I don’t get why.”

“Greed.” Caleb Grant’s face softened as he looked at her. Transfixed by the change of his gorgeous eyes from ice to melted silver, Mia barely flinched when his hand lifted to brush the swath of curls off her face. “It was greed, Mia.”

“For money that you think Harlan had.” She sighed. “Which he didn’t. I don’t understand.”

“I have a hunch greed is something a woman like you could never understand.” For a moment Caleb’s compassion almost undid Mia. Until his mouth firmed and the frost returned to his eyes. “Here’s the bank. Better get the transfer started.”

Despite her reservations, Mia had to depend on him; she had no one else. But she had to be careful. Though she knew little about men, she knew that despite the help he’d given her, Caleb Grant didn’t suffer naive women like her easily.

It would take a lot for Mia to trust again.


Chapter Two (#ulink_7fbd37aa-d097-531b-ad76-7781d8e10002)

“I can’t be your legal adviser, Mia. I represent Family Ties. Our intent is to seek reparation from your husband’s estate for his daughter, Lily Jones.” Caleb swallowed. “I have a conflict of interest.”

Wasn’t that the truth? Caleb had been all gung ho to oppose Mia when he left his office this morning. Somehow in meeting her, hearing her side of the story and seeing how ill Trent had made her, he’d done an about-face. He now wanted to help Mia, but his own legal position combined with the loss and confusion filling her lovely face during their elevator ride to the twelfth floor made him feel utterly powerless.

“What are we doing here?” Mia asked.

“I have a very good friend, a lawyer, who is one of the best. That’s who we’re going to see. She’s straight as an arrow. You can trust her and I promise she’ll help you.” Caleb wished he could be the one to guide Mia through the difficult parts to come and reassure her each step of the way, though he wasn’t clear on why it suddenly seemed imperative for him to protect her. Maybe it was because he hated seeing the innocent conned and Mia was certainly innocent. He now had no doubt about that.

Bella Jourdain was the best in her field. If anyone could get Mia out of the mess her husband and his partner had made, Bella could. Once they were shown into her inner sanctum, he hugged the older woman heartily then leaned back to study her lined face.

“How come you never get older, Bella?” Caleb asked.

“Clean living, kiddo.” Her almost black eyes scanned Mia. “This is Pia’s daughter?”

Caleb introduced them. Then he laid out the problem for Bella, having received a text confirmation that his office had already faxed her most of the pertinent information on the case so she wouldn’t be completely in the dark.

“You believe the partner, Trent, has been embezzling?” Bella mused, scribbling madly.

“I suspect Harlan Granger was doing the same.” Caleb wished he could spare Mia when she frowned at him as if he’d betrayed her. He continued because it was the only path he knew to get Mia and Lily justice. “My assistant just dug up old court records indicating that Mia’s mother, Pia Standish, left an in-trust account for her daughter to be administered by Granger until Mia was twenty-one.”

“But I’m twenty-three and I’ve never heard of any account,” Mia protested.

“Exactly.” Caleb glanced at Bella, one eyebrow arched.

The older woman tapped a pencil against her lips for several seconds, then rose. “You’ll have to leave now, Caleb.”

“But I haven’t finished.” He glared at his old friend.

“You’ve finished here. You represent Family Ties and Granger’s child. We both know you can’t be privy to any further personal conferencing between me and my client. I appreciate your help, but I must protect my client and you. So it’s time for you to leave.” Bella walked to the door and pulled it open. “Sorry.”

Knowing she was right but frustrated that he hadn’t yet found the answers he sought for Lily, Caleb walked to the door.

“But he’s been helping me. I want Caleb to stay,” Mia said.

“Bella is your lawyer, Mia, and she’s very good at what she does. Her concern is your interest, and until she’s got things sorted out, you must listen to what she says,” Caleb reassured her. Funny how quickly he’d come to like Mia, how fast he’d moved from resenting her for Lily’s sake to trying to help her. “I’ll wait outside.”

“Okay.” Mia’s green gaze chided him for abandoning her.

Bella gave him an arch look before she closed the door behind him.

Caleb sat in the waiting room thinking about how vulnerable Mia seemed seated in that big austere office. Only this morning he’d been planning to try to coerce her into offering money for Lily’s care. He knew now that he wouldn’t force her into anything.

That change of heart confused Caleb. But one thing was for sure. He might feel empathy for Mia, want to help—even rescue her, but he couldn’t let any of those emotional responses sway his goal to obtain justice for Lily. She was the true innocent here. His concern for the lovely Mia, even though she’d been done wrong, could not affect his professional judgment. But why did God always allow the innocent to get hurt?

He texted his office for an update, glad to be away. Hours of fighting legal battles for clients who’d been wronged was the reason he’d chipped in for half the ranch with Lara. He’d seen it as a place to escape his work and since her death he’d been very grateful for the freedom it offered. His birth father’s appearance in Buffalo Gap last week had made him even more grateful because too many angry memories from the past now assailed him. The only way Caleb could exorcise his loathing for the man was with long horseback rides into the hills. As a kid he’d always gone out there to clear his mind. Some things never changed.

Only now when he rode the ranch he saw Lara. Would he ever forget her last words to him?

You’ve let bitterness take over your world so much, I think it’s wiped out your ability to love, Caleb. All I can feel is your hate for your father. It’s consuming you. Deepening our relationship with your hate for him between us isn’t going to work. You need to let forgiveness heal your heart before we can talk about a future together.

Forgiveness? Impossible when Caleb couldn’t rid his mind of the image of his father shoving his mom and her falling backward down the stairs. That was his last memory of her. An hour later she was dead, and his world had never been the same. Sometimes late at night, alone on the ranch, he could still hear her telling him about God, how He loved Caleb, how they had to forgive his drunken father as God forgave them.

Caleb couldn’t do it. How did a man who killed his wife deserve forgiveness? How could God forgive a sin like that? It didn’t matter that scripture insisted that God forgave no matter what. Caleb couldn’t forgive. That inability to reconcile with God ate at his soul like an acid that left only bitter wounds in its place.

His past drove Caleb to go beyond mere duty to ensure every child from Family Ties went to a home where love ruled. That was also what compelled him to find justice for sweet Lily, a delightful child whose father never bothered to know her. How could God forgive that?

Caleb’s phone chimed. He read the texted answer to his last question, then sent another. The stream of responses piqued his interest. Bella might try to shut him out of Mia’s affairs, but Caleb had contacts. He intended to use every one to find out the truth, because somewhere in this mess was Lily’s birthright.

“I can go now.”

Caleb looked up from his phone, surprised to see Mia standing in front of him. They walked to his car in relative silence, but once they were inside, the intensity of her clear green gaze focused on him.

“Thank you for taking me to Bella. She’s quite a character.” Mia continued to study him. “Is it rude to ask how you met?”

“I was her law clerk. She taught me a lot.” Caleb started the car before realizing he didn’t know where to take her. “Do you want to go home?”

“I suppose so.” The way Mia said it made Caleb think she did not relish a return to her dowdy home.

“What would you like to do?” he asked, curious about her thoughts. She looked slightly dazed, but then who wouldn’t after hearing they had a trust fund they’d never heard of, that her husband had betrayed her and that he’d left behind a child? And that wasn’t even mentioning the attempt to steal her inheritance, information that had just been confirmed.

“It’s kind of you, but I don’t want to take up any more of your time,” Mia said after a tiny hesitation. “I can take the bus from here. You don’t have to drive me home.”

“I don’t have to, no.” Caleb could see there was something on her mind. “I’m offering. Is there something else you’d like to do?”

“Yes.” The response spilled out in a rush. “I’d like to see this Riverbend Ranch you mentioned.” Her eyes softened to misty green. “A ride out of the city would be lovely. Space, freedom, nothing but green grass, hills and trees—it’s been so long since I’ve been away from home.” The light in her eyes faded. “But that’s too much to ask.”

“The place is yours. You should see it.” Caleb felt a smug satisfaction saying that. He wanted to be the one to show Mia Riverbend Ranch, to watch her eyes stretch wide with wonder, hear her breathy gasp when they drove up the circular driveway. Somehow he knew that Mia would appreciate everything about the ranch.

“Of all the things Bella explained to me, I understand this ranch business the least. Why would Harlan buy such a place and keep it a secret from me?” Her voice quavered. “I must have done something.”

“No. You did nothing, Mia.” Caleb clenched his hands on the wheel, wishing he had more to offer than paltry words to soothe her wounded heart. “It was Harlan. There was something wrong with him that made him go outside his marriage for companionship.”

“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.

“Hilda and I will both be there.” He smiled. “I’m so glad you’re doing this. You’ll love Lily.” Caleb made the call and after a few minutes’ drive they were at Hilda’s.

Caleb saw Mia’s face soften when she caught sight of the little girl sitting in a corner of the porch. She studied Lily intensely, taking in every detail of her stepdaughter.

“Welcome. I’ve made us some iced tea. It’s so lovely today we’ll drink it on the porch,” Hilda said after Caleb had introduced Mia.

He wasn’t surprised to see Lily hang back. Since her mother’s death she’d become unsure and tentative about most things. He hated the way the little girl clung to Hilda’s skirt as if fearing she’d be abandoned again. Caleb knew he wasn’t capable of giving her what she needed, but he had a hunch Mia could, if she would.

“Iced tea would be lovely. Thank you.” Mia smiled. The warmth in her words reached Hilda’s heart judging by Hilda’s wide smile.

“Have a seat. It won’t take me a minute.” The older woman bustled inside.

Caleb knew Lily would have preferred to follow Hilda, but that would have meant walking in front of Mia, thereby revealing her damaged leg. He felt his heart squeeze with regret, saddened to see the formerly bubbly child now standing silent in the corner, dark blue eyes riveted on Mia. He struggled to find a conversation opener and came up blank.

“It’s a lot of hair, isn’t it?” Mia mused aloud, reaching a hand to her head. Though she didn’t actually look at Lily, it was obvious the child was the target of her remark. “Sometimes I wish it was shorter like yours. Your hair is so pretty. Those ribbons are perfect.” Mia caught her own hair in her hand and tried to twist it into a ponytail like Lily’s.

“You look like a clown.” Lily promptly burst into the giggles.

“I know.” Mia pulled out a small tablet and a pen from her purse and began sketching a clown with big curly hair, a bulbous red nose and striped balloon pants. “Like this?” she asked, holding out the pad.

Clever, Caleb silently applauded. Why had Mia been afraid when she was so obviously at ease with children?

Mia held the drawing so that Lily had to move nearer to get a good look, which meant she awkwardly shifted her leg. Mia didn’t seem to notice. Instead, she kept drawing, adding to the sketch. In moments Lily was fully vested in the picture, pointing out areas that needed enhancement.

“Can you draw a dog, a brown one?” Lily asked.

“I’ll try.” Mia began sketching until under Lily’s tutelage the face of a chocolate Lab appeared.

“It’s perfect.” Lily grinned. “That’s the dog I want. And I’m going to call him Mr. Fudge.”

“That’s a great name,” Mia said. “Who doesn’t like fudge?”

The air left Caleb’s chest in a rush of relief. This relationship was going to be a success. Mia would make it so because that was the kind of woman she was: caring, gentle and full of love just waiting to be expressed. Maybe her fear had to do with Lily’s father, and yet he saw no fear in Mia now, just a sweet spirit that Lily was warming to. He’d been right to bring them together.

He studied the two heads, one so dark, one shimmering with light, just like her mother’s. He had a hunch that Mia would one day make some lucky child an incredible mother. Some child—like Lily?

Caleb seldom prayed anymore. God seemed too far away. But this afternoon the soundless plea slipped from his heart.

Can You find Lily a new mom, God?

As Lily’s giggles filled the air, Caleb couldn’t think of anyone he’d rather see her with than sweet, gentle Mia.


Chapter Three (#ulink_1d2a392f-a01c-5f05-a8e2-a8dc97746335)

“Lily’s an incredible child.” Mia couldn’t conceal how moved she was after meeting her husband’s daughter.

“You didn’t feel a barrier because she’s, well, your stepchild?”

“Not at all.” Her certainty surprised Mia. “It’s obvious Harlan was her father. Those eyes and that chin give it away, but Lily is her own person. She isn’t responsible for Harlan’s betrayal. She’s just a little girl who’s lost her mother.”

“I’m glad you feel that way,” Caleb said warmly. The admiration and appreciation in his gaze warmed a lonely place Mia always kept hidden.

Perhaps it also emboldened her because she blurted, “What happened to Lily’s leg?”

“A riding accident.” Caleb shuddered. “A year ago she was on a horse for the first time and it threw her. Lily broke her leg. It was a complicated break and hasn’t healed well.”

“Can it be fixed?” Mia asked.

“Reba told Lara she couldn’t find a surgeon willing to try another operation.” Caleb’s forehead furrowed. “I haven’t had time to check into that. Abby Lebret, the woman who runs Family Ties and is trying to find Lily a home, might have more information.”

“Family Ties—oh, yes, the adoption agency you mentioned. So you’ve handed care of Lily over to them?” Mia said, not managing to hide her disapproval.

“It seemed best. I’m not father potential,” he said, defensively, Mia thought.

“I thought you were very loving with her, exactly as a father would be.” She mentally replayed her meeting with Lily. “She reminds me of myself at her age.” She didn’t realize she’d spoken her thoughts aloud until she heard Caleb’s voice.

“How is that?”

“I was a sickly child. I missed a lot because I was often in hospital or at home recuperating.” Wishing she’d kept silent and fearing Caleb would press to hear more, Mia explained, “It was hard socially when I joined school after the others had already made friends.”

“You think Lily’s missing out like that?” The idea seemed to startle him. “I’ve been so intent on getting her affairs worked out that I never gave much thought to her social state.”

“She seems a bit restrained. That’s probably due to just losing her mother, but I have a feeling her leg also holds her back from being more outgoing.” Mia shrugged. “I may be way off base. I’m not a child expert.” She gave a harsh laugh. “Far from it, in fact.”

“Actually you’re right. Before the accident, Lily was bubbly, giggling all the time. You’re the first one I’ve heard make her laugh in ages.” His frown reappeared. “I should visit her more often. Maybe take her out so she doesn’t brood. I’ll have to do better.”

Caleb’s soft voice, his thoughtful words and the gentle goodbye kiss he’d brushed across Lily’s cheek all revealed his soft spot for her. Mia found it indescribably attractive that this hard-nosed lawyer became putty in Lily’s tiny hands.

“Thank you for taking me to meet her. She’s a darling child. It’s Harlan’s loss that he didn’t really know her.” It was the first time she’d ever said anything negative about her husband, but after meeting Lily, Mia was annoyed that he’d apparently ignored the sweet little girl, his own daughter.

“You and she seemed to bond.” Caleb’s mild tone made her check his face. Nothing unusual there, but the way he’d said it, almost smugly...

“Who wouldn’t bond with Lily?” Mia was immediately sorry she’d said that because they both knew Harlan hadn’t bonded with her. “I wish you the best in finding her a new family to love her,” she added, hoping to dissuade him from considering her as a candidate for Lily’s mother.

“Thanks.” Caleb fell silent.

Mia bit her lip. If Caleb knew about her past, the mistake she’d made that had cost a child his life—she refocused, saw his face alter into that blank-mask look he favored.

“So what’s next for you, Mia?” he asked.

“That’s the second time you’ve asked me that question.” Wondering at the reason for his query, Mia searched his face for a clue. “Why?”

“Just wondering if you’d come and visit her again,” he said.

Visiting Lily alone was the last thing she could do.

“I have no way to get out here. I don’t drive, remember?” The joke fell flat when Caleb suddenly slowed and turned right. “Wh-where are we going?”

“To do some driver training.” He flashed a grin before pulling onto a seldom-used gravel road. “Ready?”

“I can’t—” Mia gulped, then swallowed her words when he jumped out of the car. When he opened her door, she reminded him, “I don’t have a permit.”

“We’ll rectify that later. This is my land, so right now you’re perfectly legal to drive on it since I’m with you. Trust me. I’m a lawyer.” He gave her a cheeky grin. “If you get into trouble, I’ll bail you out, or sweet-talk the cops.”

Trust wasn’t something Mia was ready to give, but what choice did she have?

“You may regret this,” she advised. When it became clear he wasn’t backing down, she sighed her resignation, walked around the car and climbed in on the driver’s side. “Fasten your seat belt,” she ordered as if she knew what she was doing.

Caleb obeyed with a deep-throated chuckle. “Yes, ma’am.”

“Now what?” She prayed she didn’t ruin his vehicle. It looked expensive. She flicked the key as told and flinched when the motor ground too long.

“Twist, then let go,” Caleb directed calmly. Mia repeated the action with better results. “Good. Now you need to start moving. Right pedal is the gas.” He waited for her nod. “Left is the brake. Keep your foot on that while you put the car into gear and then gently press on the gas pedal.”

Mia followed his words and gave a little squeal when the car started rolling forward. She froze, her fingers clinging to the wheel as the car headed for the ditch.

“You do have to steer,” Caleb said in a mild tone as he turned the wheel so the car returned to the middle of the road. “Don’t worry about oncoming traffic. I’m the only one who lives on this road. I moved out here after Lara died.”

It took all Mia’s concentration to keep the car centered. She knew he was impatient for her to speed up, but she was terrified to do so.

“You can move a little faster,” Caleb hinted after she’d driven at a snail’s crawl for five minutes.

“I’ll try.” She pressed the gas, but the wheels felt squishy, so she slowed down until she was comfortable. Well, as comfortable as she could be driving his car. “I like this speed. I don’t feel as if I’m losing control,” she said when he hissed in a breath of frustration.

“Maybe it’s the gravel,” he suggested. “I doubt you’ve driven on that before.”

“I’ve never driven on anything before,” she reminded him with an impish smile. “Oh, there’s your house.” She studied the sprawling ranch home. “It’s nice.”

“Eyes on the road,” he reminded her.

“Oh, dear.” Mia jerked the wheel to center the car once more then realized the road turned in a circle. Steering around it wasn’t as easy as it looked. When she found herself heading for a massive pine tree, she pressed her foot against the brake pedal with all her strength.

Caleb gave an “oof” as he slammed back against the seat. Mia risked a look at him, disgusted to find he was laughing.

“It’s not funny,” she said, irritated that he’d put her in this situation.

“Yes, it is.” His silver eyes glittered with amusement. “You drive like a scared girl.”

“I am a scared girl,” she growled, but he only laughed harder. “I think it’s time for you to take over.” She lifted her hand to unclasp her seat belt, but Caleb laid his over it. “What?”

“You’re still in gear, Mia.”

Too aware of his warm hand on hers, she shifted the lever into Park then glanced at him. “Okay?”

“Uh-uh. One thing you’ll learn early on is that when you get in a driving pickle, you have to get yourself out.” His gentle voice soothed her skittery nerves. “Don’t expect to do everything right at first. You haven’t done this before. It’s natural to make mistakes.” He drew his hand away. “I’m sorry I laughed at you.”

“No, you’re not,” Mia contradicted, frowning as the corners of his lips tipped up.

“No, I’m not,” he agreed. A chuckle burst from him. “You’re a good sport, Mia.”

“Thank you. I think.” Her breath caught as she met his gaze. Why did Caleb Grant have to be so good-looking?

“Now try again,” he ordered.

She sighed, shifted back into Drive and turned the wheel, slowly easing down the road.

“Very good,” he praised. The words sounded like music to her ears.

“I’m sure most women have their driver’s license long before they’re my age,” she said, suddenly awkward in his presence. “I must seem like a dinosaur to you.”

“Pretty young dinosaur. Actually, I think you have a lot of guts.” The quiet compliment drew her glance his way. Caleb smiled. “Not everyone would meet her husband’s daughter and then take on learning to drive after what you’ve been through today. I don’t think Harlan had a clue about what a strong woman you are. You have a lot of courage, Mia.”




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