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 orphanâs adoption agency is pressing Mia to meet the girl. Sheâs 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 itâs a home meant for a family of threeâjust in time for Christmas.

âYou said Lily is five?â Mia hiccuped a sob.

âThat 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?â She dashed a tear from her cheek. âWhy not marry her? Create a family with her?â

âThereâs no way weâll ever know.â Caleb refused to restate the obvious lure of Miaâs money. He wasnât sure she knew how much her mother had left her, but his sources told him the number was high, very high.

âHe said he never wanted to have children.â

âJudging by the amount of attention he paid Lily, Iâm guessing that part was true.â

âI wish I could have a child.â 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 Godâs boundless love for His precious children. As she says, âHis love never changes or gives up. Itâs always waiting for me. My stories feature imperfect characters learning that love doesnât mean attaining perfection. Love is about keeping on keeping on.â You can contact Lois via email, loisricher@yahoo.com, or on Facebook (LoisRicherAuthor).

Gift-Wrapped

Family

Lois Richer

www.millsandboon.co.uk

You shall love the Lord your God

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

âDeuteronomy 6:5

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text

Introduction

About the Author

Title Page

Bible Verse

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Epilogue

Dear Reader

Extract

Copyright

Chapter One

âThis canât be the place.â

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.

âAre you sure you gave me the correct address?â 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.

âC-can I help you?â she asked in a voice so quiet he barely heard it.

âIâm looking for Mia Granger. Does she live here?â Caleb watched her ivory skin pale.

âIâm Mia. Are you another bill collector?â she said in a breathless voice. âIâm sorry butââ

âIâm a lawyer with Family Ties. Itâs an adoption agency in Buffalo Gap.â He saw no recognition on her face. âSomeone called you about me.â

âNo one called,â 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.

âThey should have.â Caleb frowned. Mayor Marsha had talked him into coming here. Sheâd also promised sheâd notify widow Granger of his arrival. When a flicker of worry widened Miaâs emerald eyes, he decided he could deal with Marsha later. âIâm here about Lily.â

âWho?â As hard as Caleb searched her puzzled face, he saw no sign that she was prevaricating. âI think you must have the wrongââ

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

âHow dare you?â Mia Granger gasped. One hand grabbed onto the shaky wrought iron railing.

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

âYouâve got everything wrong,â she insisted in a tearful voice. âReba was Harlanâs secretary. They certainly didnât have a child together. Please leave.â She turned away.

âIâm so sorry to trouble you.â Calebâs instincts told him he couldnât leave now. He had to reach this womanâs heart, for Lilyâs sake.

âThen, donât.â Her pale, pinched face implored him to leave her alone. But Caleb couldnât do that.

âIâve checked the birth records,â he said softly. âLily is their child.â

Mia paled even more. She shook her head.

âItâs true. Please, may I please come inside and talk to you?â

Her distrust of him showed in the gold sparks that changed her emerald eyes to hazel. Given the deceitful husband sheâd married, Caleb didnât 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.

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

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 gazeâyearning?

âSheâs a beautiful child, isnât she?â Caleb hated causing this gentle woman more grief, but he was determined she understand that Lilyâs future was at stake.

âThe eyesâtheyâre quite startling.â Miaâs gaze remained riveted on the picture.

âThe same color as Harlan Grangerâs.â

âMany people have dark blue eyes.â Mia finally handed him the photo with a sigh. âI suppose youâd better come in,â she said in obvious resignation. She allowed him through and then closed the door. âThis way.â

Caleb followed, noting that the interior of the house had probably once been magnificent. Though it hadnât 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 couldnât stop staring. Backlit by the sun, the shape of Miaâs face brought memories of his mother, the mother heâd loved so dearly and lost to his murderous father.

âWhat was your name?â she prodded.

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

âLily is one of their children waiting to be adopted?â 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.

âNot exactly. I wanted to explain when I called, but your phone is always busy or no one answers.â He studied her face, surprised by the flush of red in her cheeks.

âSometimes I take it off the hook. Or I donât answer. I canât take any more calls from those to whom we owe money.â Mia stared at her hands.

Owe money? Caleb hadnât 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.

âLily may eventually be adopted. First we have to sort out her custody and what sheâs owed from her fatherâs estate.â Caleb decided that while Mia might look innocent, she wasnât stupid. She immediately straightened.

âMr. Grant,â she began in a regal tone.

âCaleb,â he interrupted.

âCaleb,â she agreed softly. âYou think my late husband is this childâs father. I assure you youâre wrong.â She continued, her voice growing steadily stronger. âI donât have any money to give Lily. If I did, I would certainly help the poor child.â She paused for a moment, then murmured, âI never knew Reba had a daughter, but then I didnât know Harlanâs staff well.â

âLily was his child, too,â Caleb insisted. A new stain of red flushed her cheeks, bringing his sympathy. If heâd known Mia was unaware of her husbandâs affair, heâd have handled this differently.

âI sympathize with Lily because as a child I lost my mother suddenly, too,â she said, ignoring his remark. âBut Iâm sorry, thereâs nothing I can do for her. I owe money myself.â The receding blush returned and deepened. She lowered her gaze.

âBut, Mia, your husbandâs estate must be considerable.â Caleb couldnât believe her temerity. He knew from his research that Granger was loaded. Heâd dealt with many prevaricators in his career and was oddly disappointed to realize sweet-looking Mia was one of them. But that sweetness wouldnât stop him from seeking Lilyâs rightful inheritance.

âWhy do you assume that?â Miaâs gaze made him feel guilty for poking into her private world. âMy husband was a lawyer, but weâre certainly not wealthy. You can see how we live.â She glared at him. âHarlan had to take whatever cases he was offered. In fact, he often had to go out of town to find work.â

The certainty in Mia Grangerâs voice bothered Caleb. She looked and sounded as though she genuinely believed what she was saying. But if they were so hard up, why hadnât her husband moved his office from its expensive downtown location to a less pricey area?

âWhat about the ranch? Thereâs a lot of land attached to that, valuable land.â He studied her intently, surprised when her forehead furrowed.

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

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

âYou mean Trent Vilang? Harlanâs partner,â she explained, as if Caleb didnât already know that. âIâve been feeling unwell since Harlanâs death, so Trentâs only told me the bare bones about the estate.â

âAnd that is?â For Lilyâs sake, Caleb pressed, ignoring her frown at his inquisitiveness.

âTrent said there was barely enough money to pay off the firmâs bills and Harlanâs creââ Mia gulped. The sheen of tears washed her eyes, but she lifted her chin and finished with quiet dignity, âHis cremation.â

âI see.â As Calebâs uncertainty mushroomed he glanced around, searching for a clue to his next step. His glance stalled on the oil painting over the fireplace. âLovely painting. Who is it?â he asked, as if he didnât know.

âMy mother.â

âYour mother was Pia Standish?â He was speaking to the daughter of the woman heâd admired most of his life? Now nothing made sense.

âDid you know her?â Miaâs curiosity was evident.

âI did.â Caleb declined to discuss his childhood interaction with the legendary legal genius, but he couldnât suppress a smile remembering Piaâs potent courtroom condemnation of his father. âI was her client once. I never forgot her.â

âI never saw her at work, but Iâve heard she was a good lawyer.â There was something wistful in Miaâs voice.

âPia was beyond merely good,â Caleb told her. âHer firm, Standish Law, was the biggest in the province. I remember seeing well-known people in her office.â

âI used to think we were well off,â Mia mused reflectively. âAt first I thought thatâs why Harlan agreed to marry me.â

âExcuse me?â Caleb stared at her. Who would need to be coerced to marry this lovely woman?

âI was seventeen and in boarding school when I was summoned home. My mother told me sheâd 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.â Miaâs voice faltered. âShe said heâd take care of me.â

âHe was much older. Why would he agree?â Caleb asked.

âMoney, I suppose. Harlan received my motherâs law firm as a kind of dowry.â Her green eyes grew troubled. âMother had a nice house.â

âI was there once.â Caleb remembered his awe at visiting the huge mansion.

âHarlan sold it after she died,â Mia said, staring at something Caleb couldnât see. âI 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.â Her lips pinched together. âI was sorry to lose some of our things,â she added in a small, hurt voice.

Miaâs 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.

âThatâs why your claim is so incredible.â Mia rose. âIâve lived here since I married Harlan. Weâve had to be very frugal while he revived her firm. Weâ Iâm not rich, Mr. Grant.â

âYour mother didnât leave you any money of your own?â He searched her face, no longer certain she was lying.

âIâm afraid not. Everything goes to pay the bills.â A tiny smile flitted across her incredibly beautiful face. âWould you like some tea?â

âI would. Thank you.â Caleb hated tea, especially herbal tea, but heâd learned the fine art of pretending to drink it when his best friend Lara was alive, because sheâd loved tea and heâd wanted to love her. It still rankled that heâd never felt the strong emotion for her that Lara claimed to feel for him, to realize that he couldnât 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 sheâd admit the truth before he left here, and if that required tea drinking, that was what heâd do.

âLetâs go to the kitchen. Itâs warmer there.â Mia waited for his nod, then led the way. âHave a seat,â she invited as she pulled out a mismatched chair from the big oak table. âDo you have a particularly favorite tea? I have a good variety.â

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

âMy stomachâs been upset since Harlanâdied.â Mia regained her composure. âTrentâs been a dear friend. He consulted an herbalist for me and brings home teas for me to try. They havenât helped yet, but...â She shrugged and smiled. âTake your time deciding which youâd like.â

âAny kind is fine.â A previous investigation on Trent Vilang had left Caleb with tons of questions. âDear Trentâ 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.

âWould you rather sit in the sunroom?â Mia asked, noting his interest. âItâs quite warm today because the sunâs out. Thatâs when I love working there the most.â

âWhat is your work?â Calebâs curiosity built. Her job was one detail he hadnât yet discovered. Mia looked too delicate for any kind of physical work. Cellist. Or maybe pianist, he guessed.

âOh, itâs nothing,â she demurred.

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

âI dream up designs for quilt fabrics,â Mia finally said almost apologetically.

âOh.â That fit, Caleb decided, then realized that though heâd just met Mia, heâd instinctively known that employment suited her. Getting too involved. Maintain your distance, his brain scolded. That was difficult to do with this intriguing woman.

âWhen 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. Itâs nothing like the law,â she apologized. âNothing at all like the important work Harlan did.â

âWhy should it be like his?â Caleb wished heâd met the man whoâd made his wife feel that her work was trivial. âItâs just as important to have beautiful things in the world as it is to have the law.â She had the tray ready. âCan I carry something?â

âThe tea?â 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. âIâm sorry itâs so crowded. Harlan was always after me to stack these away.â Mia gulped, then reached to move one.

âPlease leave it. Theyâre beautiful,â Caleb said, and meant it.

âOh.â Startled green eyes met his before quickly veering away. âThank you. Please sit wherever you like.â She poured their tea and then sat across from him on a rickety wicker chair whose quilted cushion said it had been well loved. âMr. Grantââ

âCall me Caleb.â 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 couldnât let her sad situation get to him.

âVery well, Caleb. Well, other than serving you tea, I donât know how I can help you.â Mia Granger frowned. He thought it a shame to mar the beauty of her face, but the helplessness in her next words irritated him. âWhat is it you expect of me?â

âIâm not sure.â Caleb remembered Lilyâs parting words. Can you find me a home, Uncle Caleb? Please? That plea from Laraâs niece broke his heart. âI came here hoping to learn the truth, but Iâm not sure you know it.â

âWhose truth? Yours?â Mia sipped her tea. âLike your claim that Harlan had a ranch.â

âHe did. Riverbend Ranch.â Caleb thought her eyes widened for a second.

âWe didnât have a ranch. If we had, why would we live here?â she asked with some asperity. âWhy would Harlan need to travel for his business?â

âAre you sure he did âneedâ to?â Though she tried to hide it, Caleb had seen Miaâs 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 Calebâs experience very few women could carry off a claim of innocence. Lara had been one, but he wasnât 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 heâd 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 sheâd always admired but lacked. At the moment, Mia didnât like the way he studied her with his silver-cold eyes. Nor did she like how his tall muscular body invaded the place where sheâd mostly lived alone. She especially didnât like the calculation in his voice, as if he expected to catch her in a lie.

Calebâs suggestion that Harlan had been unfaithful stung. The situation hadnât been ideal, but sheâd done her best to be a good wife after a simple ceremony at city hall had joined them in holy matrimony. No, they didnât share a strong, fairy-tale love. But heâd kept her safe after her mother died and she was grateful. Mia mourned his death. Now she was all alone.

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

On the tail of those thoughts, snippets of details dawned. Hadnât she always felt uneasy over Harlanâs 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 Miaâs mind for ages, especially after Harlan had ordered her to stay away. But that didnât mean...

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

âCaleb, this land, er, ranch you speak of Harlan owning. Where is it?â

âRiverbend Ranch is outside Buffalo Gap, about thirty-five miles from here.â Calebâs innocent gaze turned cunning. âDo you know of it?â

Heâd 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.

âWhatâs this?â he asked, taking it from her.

âItâs about Harlanâs estate, according to Trent, Harlanâs partner and also my lawyer.â She sat down, lifted her cup and took a refreshing drink. âGo ahead and look. Riverbend is a lawsuit my husband was handling, if I understand those papers correctly.â

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

âAre you all right?â Calebâs eyes bored into hers.

âA little flu. I hope you donât catch it.â Mia sat perfectly still, hands in her lap. When he didnât move she said, âPlease read it. Iâll wait.â

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

âYou see? Thereâs nothing about a ranch or money,â she said, her voice dropping at the stern look on his face. âIâm not lying.â

âThis is all Trent gave you? Nothing more?â

Mia shook her head.

âDid you sign anything recently?â Caleb voice was tight and sharp.

âOf course. There were a number of papers Trent needed me to sign to deal with my husbandâs estate.â 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 sheâd never heard of this adoption agency, Family Ties. But as a lawyer he would know how to get people to say thingsâshe should be on guard. He might actually be from some collection company.

âDo you have copies of what you signed?â Caleb demanded.

âNo. Trent said heâd copy them at the office and bring them back. He hasnât yet returned with them.â Something in the frost of his silver-steel eyes made her shiver. âIsâis anything wrong?â she asked hesitantly, and reared back when he nodded.

âYes. I think quite a lot is wrong.â Caleb closed his eyes and rubbed his temples. âMia, this will be hard to hear, but you must listen because itâs the truth. Iâve been investigating your husbandâs affairs, for Lilyâs sake. Nothing Iâve found indicates he was hard up for money or that he or Trent had taken on a new client in months.â

âBut that canât be.â She struggled to sort it out and looked at him. She saw nothing but honesty in his expression. Could it be true? âThen, what were he and Reba doing on all these trips?â

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

âWhat?â Mia couldnât believe Trent would do such a thing.

âWe need to act fast to protect you. Call Trent,â Caleb ordered. âAsk him to come here. Beg if that will get him here immediately.â

âWhy?â She was afraid to trust Caleb, to trust anyone, yet there was something in Calebâs hard, cold eyes that reassured her he would not be part of any wrongdoing.

She didnât 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 lawyerâs number.

âTrent, itâs Mia. Can you c-come here? P-please? Itâs urgent.â She listened to his gruff excuses but said nothing. Finally he agreed. âTh-thank you.â She hung up.

âWell?â Caleb Grantâs silver eyes probed hers.

âH-heâll be here in half an hour. But I have no idea what Iâll say to him. What do I do?â Even asking the question scared Mia.

âIâll speak for you.â Calebâs fierce glare faded slightly. âI know it hurts and you donât want to think about it right now, but Harlan Granger was not the man you thought he was and neither is his partner. Somethingâs been going on, something more than an affair. I intend to find out what. Okay?â

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

âExcuse me.â She hurried to the bathroom, where she was violently sick.

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

Sheâd barely had a chance to regain her breath when he rapped on the door.

âIâm all right,â she called, irritated by her weak voice. âIâll be out in a minute.â

âWe need to hurry.â Calebâs 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 sheâd ever been, Mia walked slowly to the sunroom and sat down. She reached out to take her cup, but Caleb ordered, âDonât touch that.â

Mia flinched and drew her hand away. âWhy?â

âI believe thereâs something in your tea that makes you sick.â His tone was harsh.

âCaleb, thatâs ridiculous,â she burst out. Maybe he was wrong about Harlan... âTrent would neverââ

âIâm pretty sure heâs done it before,â he said, certainty in his voice. âYouâve been drinking the stuff for days and youâve felt ill about that long, right?â

âYes. Butââ Mia stared at her cup as frightening scenarios played through her mind.

âThat tea should be tested. The police will be here shortly.â Calebâs lips tightened. âThey can do that. Iâve also ordered an ambulance.â

She felt herself sway and grabbed the table. âWhy?â

âTo check you out and take blood samples that will discern if somethingâs off in your system.â Caleb leaned forward and covered her hand with his. His touch sent ripples of awareness up her arm. âMia, you wonât like what Iâm about to say.â

âIs it worse than you saying Harlan was having an affair? That he hadâa child with his secretary?â 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. âGo ahead, say it.â

âI 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.â Caleb frowned. âI think Riverbend Ranch is the reason, though I havenât yet made all the connections. In order to get the ranch, Trent needs you out of the way.â

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 sheâd 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? Sheâd believed for so long that He was there, protecting her, comforting her in her lonely marriage. Now it felt as though Heâd 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 Trentâs eyes as Caleb pummeled him with questions. She couldnât bear to believe that this friend, one of the few she had and the only one sheâd truly trusted since Harlanâs death, had deliberately set out to hurt her.

While Trent scrambled for a defense, Mia held her whirling emotions at bay. For now sheâd be strong. But in her heart of hearts she knew she believed Calebâs accusations. So deep was her feeling of betrayal, she couldnât even manage a silent plea to God for help. Heâd 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.

âOur 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,â the detective told Mia. âThis new information about your lawyer adds to our investigation. For that reason I hope youâll allow these paramedics to take a sample of your blood. Then Iâll need to ask you some questions.â

âOkay.â 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.

âTheyâll have our lab run tests on your blood,â the detective explained. âAs a precaution, Iâd like the paramedics to check you over now.â

Mia nodded and the two medical people got to work.

âYour vitals seem to be getting stronger,â they told her sometime later. âYouâll be okay.â 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 trueâhad Trent been trying to poison her?

âNow for the questions.â Detective Ed Grayâs 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 sheâd 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, sheâd placed Miaâs life in his hands. And Trent was Harlanâs trusted partner. So whyâ 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 didnât want to be alone to think about Harlanâs betrayal. They hadnât had a normal marriage, but to imagine that heâd betray her with Rebaâ

One word played over and over in her mind. Betrayed. And following itâyou canât trust anyone.

âMrs. Granger?â The detective touched her shoulder.

âSorry. What did you say?â She forced herself to concentrate.

âI know all of this must come as a shock, especially right after your husbandâs death, but one of my officers has phoned to say Trent just admitted to lacing your teas with a substance to make you sick.â He gave her a sympathetic smile. âOur 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.â

âThank you.â 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 couldnât escape.

âThe total of what Trent and your husband perpetrated isnât yet clear, but weâve launched a full investigation,â the detective explained.

âOh.â If possible, Mia now felt worse. The rest? There was more betrayal in store for her?

âI suggest you retain new legal counsel who can begin sorting through your husbandâs affairs.â The detective inclined his head toward Caleb. âI can vouch for Caleb. Heâll be straightforward with you. And to be frank, I think youâre going to need his help.â

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 Calebâs help she could finally dare to imagine a future with hope. Please, Lord?

âAny questions?â the detective asked.

âWhy did Trent want to hurt me?â Mia asked.

âI canât answer that yet.â He gave Caleb a sideways glance. âBut I will find out, I promise you.â

âThank you,â she said again. A thought pricked her brain. âI donât know if itâs important, but Trent didnât buy all of those teas. Harlan brought some home from several of his trips. So if Trent did try to hurt me, and Iâm still struggling with that, only some of the tea would be affected.â

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

âWhat do I do now?â she asked Caleb, feeling lost, when the detective was gone.

âWere all your bank accounts joint?â When she nodded he said, âLetâs go.â

âWhere?â 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. âWhere are we going?â

âTo a bank so you can open an account in your own name.â He held open the door of a luxurious black car. âA bank where you havenât dealt before. Youâll withdraw everything from your old accounts and put it in there.â

âWhy?â Confused and upset with questions tumbling through her brain, not the least of which had to do with Harlan and a dark blueâeyed little girl named Lily, Mia protested, but Caleb was adamant.

âIf 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.â He shook his head when she would have protested. âIf he is released today, he could make the transactions immediately and youâll be broke until everythingâs sorted, which could be a very long time.â

âIâm broke now,â she whispered.

âThatâs according to Trent, who isnât the best source for the truth.â Caleb pulled to a stop in front of a small bank, turned and asked in a harsh tone, âDonât you get it?â

âI get that you believe Trent was stealing from me,â she whispered, afraid to believe it but more afraid to disbelieve this man. âI donât get why.â

âGreed.â Caleb Grantâs 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. âIt was greed, Mia.â

âFor money that you think Harlan had.â She sighed. âWhich he didnât. I donât understand.â

âI have a hunch greed is something a woman like you could never understand.â For a moment Calebâs compassion almost undid Mia. Until his mouth firmed and the frost returned to his eyes. âHereâs the bank. Better get the transfer started.â

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 heâd given her, Caleb Grant didnât suffer naive women like her easily.

It would take a lot for Mia to trust again.

Chapter Two

âI canât be your legal adviser, Mia. I represent Family Ties. Our intent is to seek reparation from your husbandâs estate for his daughter, Lily Jones.â Caleb swallowed. âI have a conflict of interest.â

Wasnât 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, heâd 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.

âWhat are we doing here?â Mia asked.

âI have a very good friend, a lawyer, who is one of the best. Thatâs who weâre going to see. Sheâs straight as an arrow. You can trust her and I promise sheâll help you.â 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 wasnât 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.

âHow come you never get older, Bella?â Caleb asked.

âClean living, kiddo.â Her almost black eyes scanned Mia. âThis is Piaâs daughter?â

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 wouldnât be completely in the dark.

âYou believe the partner, Trent, has been embezzling?â Bella mused, scribbling madly.

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

âBut Iâm twenty-three and Iâve never heard of any account,â Mia protested.

âExactly.â Caleb glanced at Bella, one eyebrow arched.

The older woman tapped a pencil against her lips for several seconds, then rose. âYouâll have to leave now, Caleb.â

âBut I havenât finished.â He glared at his old friend.

âYouâve finished here. You represent Family Ties and Grangerâs child. We both know you canât 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 itâs time for you to leave.â Bella walked to the door and pulled it open. âSorry.â

Knowing she was right but frustrated that he hadnât yet found the answers he sought for Lily, Caleb walked to the door.

âBut heâs been helping me. I want Caleb to stay,â Mia said.

âBella is your lawyer, Mia, and sheâs very good at what she does. Her concern is your interest, and until sheâs got things sorted out, you must listen to what she says,â Caleb reassured her. Funny how quickly heâd come to like Mia, how fast heâd moved from resenting her for Lilyâs sake to trying to help her. âIâll wait outside.â

âOkay.â Miaâs 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 heâd been planning to try to coerce her into offering money for Lilyâs care. He knew now that he wouldnât force her into anything.

That change of heart confused Caleb. But one thing was for sure. He might feel empathy for Mia, want to helpâeven rescue her, but he couldnât 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 sheâd 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 whoâd been wronged was the reason heâd chipped in for half the ranch with Lara. Heâd seen it as a place to escape his work and since her death heâd been very grateful for the freedom it offered. His birth fatherâs 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 heâd 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?

Youâve let bitterness take over your world so much, I think itâs wiped out your ability to love, Caleb. All I can feel is your hate for your father. Itâs consuming you. Deepening our relationship with your hate for him between us isnât going to work. You need to let forgiveness heal your heart before we can talk about a future together.

Forgiveness? Impossible when Caleb couldnât 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 couldnât do it. How did a man who killed his wife deserve forgiveness? How could God forgive a sin like that? It didnât matter that scripture insisted that God forgave no matter what. Caleb couldnât 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?

Calebâs 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 Miaâs affairs, but Caleb had contacts. He intended to use every one to find out the truth, because somewhere in this mess was Lilyâs birthright.

âI can go now.â

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.

âThank you for taking me to Bella. Sheâs quite a character.â Mia continued to study him. âIs it rude to ask how you met?â

âI was her law clerk. She taught me a lot.â Caleb started the car before realizing he didnât know where to take her. âDo you want to go home?â

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

âWhat would you like to do?â he asked, curious about her thoughts. She looked slightly dazed, but then who wouldnât after hearing they had a trust fund theyâd never heard of, that her husband had betrayed her and that heâd left behind a child? And that wasnât even mentioning the attempt to steal her inheritance, information that had just been confirmed.

âItâs kind of you, but I donât want to take up any more of your time,â Mia said after a tiny hesitation. âI can take the bus from here. You donât have to drive me home.â

âI donât have to, no.â Caleb could see there was something on her mind. âIâm offering. Is there something else youâd like to do?â

âYes.â The response spilled out in a rush. âIâd like to see this Riverbend Ranch you mentioned.â Her eyes softened to misty green. âA ride out of the city would be lovely. Space, freedom, nothing but green grass, hills and treesâitâs been so long since Iâve been away from home.â The light in her eyes faded. âBut thatâs too much to ask.â

âThe place is yours. You should see it.â 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.

âOf 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?â Her voice quavered. âI must have done something.â

âNo. You did nothing, Mia.â Caleb clenched his hands on the wheel, wishing he had more to offer than paltry words to soothe her wounded heart. âIt was Harlan. There was something wrong with him that made him go outside his marriage for companionship.â

âI canât understand that, either. Youâre sure he and Rebaâ?â Her tone told him she wanted it to be otherwise.

âIâm pretty sure. You saw the resemblance for yourself.â Caleb hated saying it, hated the hurt filling her eyes and the wash of tears. But heâd feel bad for any woman in this situation. âIâm sorry.â

âOur marriage was a sham.â Mia choked out the words. âIâd 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.â

âYes,â Caleb agreed.

âWe had nothing in common. Harlan didnât care about God or keeping His commandments, but this is so far fromââ For a few moments she gave way to bitter tears.

Caleb wanted to fold her in his arms and soothe her, but that wouldnât 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.

âYou said Lily is five?â Mia hiccupped a sob. âThat means theyâve been together about as long as weâve been married. Why stay married to me if he was in love with Reba?â She dashed a tear from her cheek. âWhy not marry her? Create a family with her?â

âThereâs no way youâll ever know.â Caleb refused to restate the obvious lure of her money. He wasnât sure she had an inkling of how much her mother had left her, but his sources told him the number was high, very high.

âHe knew how much I love children,â Mia said on a sob. âI would have liked to meet Lily.â Suddenly she gulped and her eyes went dead. âI guess he thought Iâd hurtââ

Caleb waited, curious about the comment.

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

âJudging by the amount of attention he paid Lily, Iâm guessing that part was true.â Caleb frowned. Iâd hurtâ? Mia wouldnât hurt a flea. He knew that for certain, though how he knew it was a question heâd ask himself later.

âIf he didnât want a child, then whyâ?â Her wounded voice died away.

âMaybe it was Rebaâs idea. Maybe she hoped having Lily would solidify their relationship. Or maybe Lily was an accident.â He wanted to lift Miaâs spirits and wondered why it seemed so important to do that.

âI donât believe any child is ever an accident,â Mia said firmly. âEvery birth is a promise from God. I wishâI wish I could have a child.â 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.

âMay I give you some advice?â he asked when he couldnât stand to watch her weep any longer.

âOf course.â Mia blinked away her sadness. Hope fluttered in its place.

âHarlan betrayed you. Thereâs nothing you can do about that. But heâs gone.â How odd it was to advise Mia to do what he couldnât. âIâm 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 whatâs next.â

âWhat is next?â She frowned at him. âI doubt anythingâs truly changed. Iâll continue designing. I like doing that. Maybe Iâll have some repairs done on the house if I can afford it.â

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

âThatâs quite a lot for me, actually,â Mia said pertly.

âBut you could do much more.â Caleb turned off the highway toward Buffalo Gap and Riverbend Ranch. âYou have opportunities now, Mia. You should take advantage of them.â When she didnât immediately answer he glanced her way and found her studying him, a pensive look on her face.

âOpportunities like what?â she asked.

âDo you drive?â

âNo. I donât know how.â She shook her head, her amazing hair trembling with the motion. âMy mother wasnât in favor of me learning.â

âYou were only seventeen then,â he reminded her. âYour mother probably thought sheâd get you lessons later.â

âMaybe. Harlan didnât want me to drive,â she said thoughtfully.

Caleb wasnât surprised by that. Freedom to drive anywhere meant Harlan risked Mia seeing him with Reba.

âWhy did you ask?â She studied him, her head tilted to one side.

âWouldnât now be a good time to take driving lessons? When you get your driverâs license you can buy a car.â Caleb watched her eyes flare, heard her gasp.

âI canât afford a car!â

âI think if you ask Bella sheâll tell you that you can afford to buy a car,â he said, hiding his smile. So she still didnât know. âMaybe two of them.â

âWhy would I need two cars?â Though Mia frowned at him, she was clearly captivated by the possibility of learning to drive wherever she wanted to go. âI suppose I could learn to drive Harlanâs car, though itâs very big and fancy. I wouldnât want fancy. I might ruin it.â

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

âI couldnât do that.â Mia looked shocked by the idea. âItâs not mine.â

âIt will be.â He took pity on her confusion. âI did some investigating. I was trying to figure out how to get some money for Lily from Harlanâs estate.â

âOh.â Mia frowned at him, obviously troubled by his admission.

âI 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.â He paused for a moment. âIf you lived there, you could have Lily visit.â He let out his pent-up breath, hoping she wouldnât be repulsed by the idea of seeing her husbandâs child.

âNo, I couldnât. I could never have Lily visit,â Mia said in a very firm tone.

Caleb stared, surprised by how adamant she sounded. He didnât ask why. Miaâs world had already been turned upside down. He didnât want to add to that now.

âAnyway, I thought you said she was being adopted?â she added.

âActually, I didnât say that. Abby Lebret runs Family Ties. Sheâs the one who will find Lily a home,â he said in his most calming tone. âIâm just trying to help. Donât worry. Sooner or later Lily will have a family.â

âEverything is such a whorl.â Her confusion tugged at him. âNothing is what I believed it to be, especially Harlan having an affair.â She blinked furiously. âI didnât see that coming.â

âBecause he didnât want you to. Because you trusted him,â Caleb said. How could he have ever thought her capable of dissembling? âDonât blame yourself. Iâm sure he went to great lengths to make sure you didnât suspect him.â

âProof that Iâve been living in a fairy world.â Mia blew out a sigh that ruffled the hairs across her brow. âI feel like Alice in Wonderland after she fell down the rabbit hole. Everything is bewildering.â Fear crept across her face. âI should go home and wait until itâs all sorted out.â

âYou canât run away from the truth, Mia.â Calebâs heart ached for her. It had to be horribly confusing to have your entire world turned upside down. âThis is just a visit. You donât have to decide anything. Youâre only going to take a look at Riverbend.â

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

âWhy do you need to?â Then Caleb remembered her paintings. âYou can use my phone,â he offered, pulling to the side of the road. âIâll email the pictures to you. You do have email?â he asked as an afterthought.

âOf course. I have to. Thatâs how I connect with my employers.â Miaâs impish grin made his heart rate pick up. âI donât live completely in the Dark Ages, you know.â

âI never saidââ Caleb took a second look at her face and chuckled. When heâd first met Mia he never expected her to be such a delight.

One that he wanted to know much better.

* * *

âIâve probably drained your battery and clogged up your data space with all my pictures,â Mia said as she handed over Calebâs phone. âBut I just canât get enough of these colors.â

âHow will you transfer them to fabric?â he asked as he helped her back into his car.

âIâm not sure I can.â She smiled, feeling more carefree than she had felt in ages. âBut 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 Iââ

Realizing she was chattering, Mia went quiet, pretending to ignore Calebâs 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 Miaâs 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 sheâd dreamed about in the days when dreams still seemed possible.

âWelcome to Riverbend Ranch,â Caleb said. She felt his stare even though she wasnât looking at him.

âItâs so beautiful.â 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.

âCome on.â Caleb waited for her to exit the car, then shoved the door and grabbed her hand. âLetâs explore.â

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 wasnât going to depend on Caleb for anything more than some help.

âI grew up in a house like this.â He paused to gaze at the structure. âMy parents still live there. Iâll take you to meet them sometime.â

Questions about Calebâs family multiplied. Maybe someday sheâd know him well enough to ask them. Her thoughts scattered at the sight of the roses climbing the railings.

âArenât they glorious?â Mia let go of his hand because his touch made her stomach woozy. She bent to inhale the scent of the whitest bloom. âPersians always smell the best.â

âYou know roses?â Caleb looked surprised.

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

âWhy odd?â Caleb sank down on one of the rockers.

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

âWhy would he? Reba had a condo in Calgary. Besides, her name isnât on the deed, only his. And heâs owned this place for several years.â He voiced his theory. âFor the past three years thereâs 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.â

Mia waited, realizing Caleb had something else to say.

âThe 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 heâd take it.â

âLike I saidâitâs odd.â Knowing Harlan hadnât 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. âExcuse me,â she said, her cheeks burning.

âWhy?â Caleb shrugged. âDonât you want a closer look inside?â

Startled, she whirled around and asked, âCan we?â

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

âThat was kind of you.â 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.

âDo you like it?â Caleb asked quietly.

âWho wouldnât? This is what a real home feels like.â Mia ran her hands along a log, reveling in its satin smoothness. She gazed up at the vaulted ceiling. âThe details are spectacular.â

âItâs big, Iâll say that.â 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. âLike it?â he asked, stopping in the kitchen.

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

âLook at this room.â Realizing Caleb had moved on, Mia followed his voice. âI think itâs a family room, but the windows give it amazing light. You could paint in here.â

âPlus, thereâs another fireplace to make it cozy.â Riverbend was like the house Mia had once cut out of a magazine and dreamed of ever since, though sheâd never dared pray for it. That was too much to ask when she didnât have anyone to share it with, not even a husband now. âItâs a family home.â

âIt could be.â Caleb insisted she inspect the four upstairs bedrooms. Each boasted a fantastic view. âItâs a nice place,â he said when they returned to the front porch.

âNice?â His simple words jerked Mia from her bemusement. She sat on the porch swing and used her toe to push back and forth. âItâs amazing. But I canât understand why Harlan bought it. Itâs not his type of home at all.â She glanced at Caleb and felt her cheeks burn. âAt least I didnât think it was. I guess I didnât really know him at all.â

âForget Harlan. Iâm starving. Letâs go have lunch.â A moment later they were heading down a gravel road into town. Caleb pointed out different houses and named neighbors. âI live about four miles in that direction,â he said, pointing.

âOn a ranch.â Mia heard the squeak in her own voice. Caleb must have heard it, too, but he simply nodded. âI didnât think of you as a rancher,â she said. âI guess that makes me a bad judge of character again.â

âActually youâre right. Iâm not a rancher.â He didnât look at her as he said, âI bought the ranch with a friend, as a sort of investment. Lara was Rebaâs sister.â

Mia jerked upright, surprised heâd known Harperâs secretary. Some suspicious gremlin in her head warned that Caleb was still a stranger.

âLara was a veterinarian. The ranch was to be a refuge for injured or displaced animals.â

âItâs not that now?â Mia asked, sensing something had saddened him.

âIt was Laraâs dream. Iâve tried to keep her dream going, but Iâm failing. I finally took my momâs advice and listed the place last week.â Caleb pulled into a parking space in the small town. âBrewsters is a good place to eat,â 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.

âYou should have told me youâd be here, honey. Iâd have changed my plans and shared lunch with you.â The woman turned sharp inquisitive eyes on Mia. âHello.â

âThis is Mia Granger, Mom. Mia, this is my mother and the townâs mayor, Marsha Grant.â

âGranger?â The woman frowned. âAny relation to Harlan Granger?â

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

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

âYour mother seems very nice,â Mia said politely.

âSheâs actually my foster mother and she is nice. Also nosy. Iâll be inundated with questions about you later on.â Caleb didnât seem worried. In fact, a small smile curved his lips.

Foster mother? Mia hesitated a moment, then asked, âDid your family have problems?â

âYou could say that.â His harsh laugh shocked her but not as much as his words. âMy 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.â

* * *

Caleb watched shock fill Miaâs face and wondered why heâd 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 heâd 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.

âIâm sorry.â Her lovely green eyes grew misty with suppressed emotion as she touched his hand in a brief gesture of sympathy. âThat must have been very hard for you.â

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

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

âIs something wrong with it?â Feeling helpless at the sight of her tears, he said, âMiaââ

âIâm being silly.â She sniffed and forced a smile. âItâs just that I havenât eaten out in such a long time. Harlan said we had to save moneyââ He saw anger flash in those green eyes before she looked down. âAnyway, itâs very nice of you to bring me here.â

Calebâs 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?

âNow Iâve ruined your lunch.â She groaned. âIâm sorry.â

âNothingâs ruined.â He studied her for a moment. âI want to ask you something, Mia, but I donât know if I should.â

Her smile flickered nervously. âWhat is it?â

âSince youâre here in Buffalo Gap anyway, would you like to visit Lily?â Caleb held his breath as he waited for her answer.

âI donât know.â Miaâs fearful look returned.

âWe wouldnât have to tell her exactly who you are,â he reassured her. âItâs just that with her mother gone she gets lonely and...â He let it trail away, knowing he was asking too much when Lily was her husbandâs child with another woman. âNever mind.â

âActually, I think I would like to see her, as long as youâll be there.â Mia played with her teacup. âMaybe seeing her would bring some sense to this strange day.â

âGreat!â Caleb found himself grinning. âLilyâs a sweet girl. This was Rebaâs 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.â

âEven you?â Mia studied him from beneath her lashes.

âEven me,â he agreed quietly, remembering the fun times he and Lara had spent with Lily. âHer aunt and I used to date so Lily calls me her uncle.â

âUsed to date?â Mia stared at him, waiting.

âLara died six months ago.â He met her gaze and saw questions widening her eyes.

âOh. Where does Lily live now?â He thought Mia played with her cup to hide her expressions.

âOfficially Iâm her guardian. Lara and Reba lost their parents years ago, so Lilyâs staying with a woman named Hilda Vermeer, a foster mother.â He grimaced. âShe was a real tartar when I was a kid, but sheâs mellowed a lot since. I think Lily feels safe with her.â

âChildren should feel safe,â Mia murmured almost to herself.

âYour mother said that to me once.â 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.

âShe protected you from your father,â Mia said thoughtfully. âMaybe thatâs why she arranged for me to marry Harlan, to keep me safe.â

Not Piaâs best decision, Caleb mused, given the jerk Harlan turned out to be.

âItâs past three,â he said after checking his watch. âLily will be home from kindergarten. I could phone Hilda, ask her if we could come over.â He waited, certain that if Lily and Mia could form a bond, chances were that Mia might agree to support Harlanâs child and legal action against the estate wouldnât be necessary.

And you wouldnât feel so guilty for not adopting Lily yourself.

âI donât know.â Hesitation was written all over her face. But something dark and fearful also lurked in her eyes, something Caleb didnât understand.

âIt doesnât have to be a long visit,â he encouraged. âI drop in to see her most days. You can say hello.â She didnât look convinced, so he pushed harder. âDonât you want to see Harlanâs child?â

âYes, butââ A nerve ticked in her cheek âYou donât understand.â She glanced sideways at him, then sighed heavily. âToday has been full of surprises.â

âI know. It hasnât been easy for you and this must have come as quite a shock. But surely meeting a five-year-old girl doesnât scare you.â Caleb immediately regretted those words because it was clear Mia was panicking at meeting Lily. âIâll be right there,â he soothed. âWe can leave whenever you want.â

That seemed to ease her fears. âYouâre sure?â

âItâs just a meeting, thatâs all.â

âAs long as you stay. I canât be alone with her,â Mia said, her voice raspy.

âHilda and I will both be there.â He smiled. âIâm so glad youâre doing this. Youâll love Lily.â Caleb made the call and after a few minutesâ drive they were at Hildaâs.

Caleb saw Miaâs 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.

âWelcome. Iâve made us some iced tea. Itâs so lovely today weâll drink it on the porch,â Hilda said after Caleb had introduced Mia.

He wasnât surprised to see Lily hang back. Since her motherâs death sheâd become unsure and tentative about most things. He hated the way the little girl clung to Hildaâs skirt as if fearing sheâd be abandoned again. Caleb knew he wasnât capable of giving her what she needed, but he had a hunch Mia could, if she would.

âIced tea would be lovely. Thank you.â Mia smiled. The warmth in her words reached Hildaâs heart judging by Hildaâs wide smile.

âHave a seat. It wonât take me a minute.â 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.

âItâs a lot of hair, isnât it?â Mia mused aloud, reaching a hand to her head. Though she didnât actually look at Lily, it was obvious the child was the target of her remark. âSometimes I wish it was shorter like yours. Your hair is so pretty. Those ribbons are perfect.â Mia caught her own hair in her hand and tried to twist it into a ponytail like Lilyâs.

âYou look like a clown.â Lily promptly burst into the giggles.

âI know.â 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. âLike this?â 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 didnât 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.

âCan you draw a dog, a brown one?â Lily asked.

âIâll try.â Mia began sketching until under Lilyâs tutelage the face of a chocolate Lab appeared.

âItâs perfect.â Lily grinned. âThatâs the dog I want. And Iâm going to call him Mr. Fudge.â

âThatâs a great name,â Mia said. âWho doesnât like fudge?â

The air left Calebâs 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 Lilyâs father, and yet he saw no fear in Mia now, just a sweet spirit that Lily was warming to. Heâd been right to bring them together.

He studied the two heads, one so dark, one shimmering with light, just like her motherâs. He had a hunch that Mia would one day make some lucky child an incredible mother. Some childâlike 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 Lilyâs giggles filled the air, Caleb couldnât think of anyone heâd rather see her with than sweet, gentle Mia.

Chapter Three

âLilyâs an incredible child.â Mia couldnât conceal how moved she was after meeting her husbandâs daughter.

âYou didnât feel a barrier because sheâs, well, your stepchild?â

âNot at all.â Her certainty surprised Mia. âItâs obvious Harlan was her father. Those eyes and that chin give it away, but Lily is her own person. She isnât responsible for Harlanâs betrayal. Sheâs just a little girl whoâs lost her mother.â

âIâm glad you feel that way,â 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, âWhat happened to Lilyâs leg?â

âA riding accident.â Caleb shuddered. âA 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 hasnât healed well.â

âCan it be fixed?â Mia asked.

âReba told Lara she couldnât find a surgeon willing to try another operation.â Calebâs forehead furrowed. âI havenât 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.â

âFamily Tiesâoh, yes, the adoption agency you mentioned. So youâve handed care of Lily over to them?â Mia said, not managing to hide her disapproval.

âIt seemed best. Iâm not father potential,â he said, defensively, Mia thought.

âI thought you were very loving with her, exactly as a father would be.â She mentally replayed her meeting with Lily. âShe reminds me of myself at her age.â She didnât realize sheâd spoken her thoughts aloud until she heard Calebâs voice.

âHow is that?â

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

âYou think Lilyâs missing out like that?â The idea seemed to startle him. âIâve been so intent on getting her affairs worked out that I never gave much thought to her social state.â

âShe seems a bit restrained. Thatâs probably due to just losing her mother, but I have a feeling her leg also holds her back from being more outgoing.â Mia shrugged. âI may be way off base. Iâm not a child expert.â She gave a harsh laugh. âFar from it, in fact.â

âActually youâre right. Before the accident, Lily was bubbly, giggling all the time. Youâre the first one Iâve heard make her laugh in ages.â His frown reappeared. âI should visit her more often. Maybe take her out so she doesnât brood. Iâll have to do better.â

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

âThank you for taking me to meet her. Sheâs a darling child. Itâs Harlanâs loss that he didnât really know her.â It was the first time sheâd ever said anything negative about her husband, but after meeting Lily, Mia was annoyed that heâd apparently ignored the sweet little girl, his own daughter.

âYou and she seemed to bond.â Calebâs mild tone made her check his face. Nothing unusual there, but the way heâd said it, almost smugly...

âWho wouldnât bond with Lily?â Mia was immediately sorry sheâd said that because they both knew Harlan hadnât bonded with her. âI wish you the best in finding her a new family to love her,â she added, hoping to dissuade him from considering her as a candidate for Lilyâs mother.

âThanks.â Caleb fell silent.

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

âSo whatâs next for you, Mia?â he asked.

âThatâs the second time youâve asked me that question.â Wondering at the reason for his query, Mia searched his face for a clue. âWhy?â

âJust wondering if youâd come and visit her again,â he said.

Visiting Lily alone was the last thing she could do.

âI have no way to get out here. I donât drive, remember?â The joke fell flat when Caleb suddenly slowed and turned right. âWh-where are we going?â

âTo do some driver training.â He flashed a grin before pulling onto a seldom-used gravel road. âReady?â

âI canâtââ Mia gulped, then swallowed her words when he jumped out of the car. When he opened her door, she reminded him, âI donât have a permit.â

âWeâll rectify that later. This is my land, so right now youâre perfectly legal to drive on it since Iâm with you. Trust me. Iâm a lawyer.â He gave her a cheeky grin. âIf you get into trouble, Iâll bail you out, or sweet-talk the cops.â

Trust wasnât something Mia was ready to give, but what choice did she have?

âYou may regret this,â she advised. When it became clear he wasnât backing down, she sighed her resignation, walked around the car and climbed in on the driverâs side. âFasten your seat belt,â she ordered as if she knew what she was doing.

Caleb obeyed with a deep-throated chuckle. âYes, maâam.â

âNow what?â She prayed she didnât ruin his vehicle. It looked expensive. She flicked the key as told and flinched when the motor ground too long.

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

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.

âYou do have to steer,â Caleb said in a mild tone as he turned the wheel so the car returned to the middle of the road. âDonât worry about oncoming traffic. Iâm the only one who lives on this road. I moved out here after Lara died.â

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

âYou can move a little faster,â Caleb hinted after sheâd driven at a snailâs crawl for five minutes.

âIâll try.â 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. âI like this speed. I donât feel as if Iâm losing control,â she said when he hissed in a breath of frustration.

âMaybe itâs the gravel,â he suggested. âI doubt youâve driven on that before.â

âIâve never driven on anything before,â she reminded him with an impish smile. âOh, thereâs your house.â She studied the sprawling ranch home. âItâs nice.â

âEyes on the road,â he reminded her.

âOh, dear.â Mia jerked the wheel to center the car once more then realized the road turned in a circle. Steering around it wasnât 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 âoofâ as he slammed back against the seat. Mia risked a look at him, disgusted to find he was laughing.

âItâs not funny,â she said, irritated that heâd put her in this situation.

âYes, it is.â His silver eyes glittered with amusement. âYou drive like a scared girl.â

âI am a scared girl,â she growled, but he only laughed harder. âI think itâs time for you to take over.â She lifted her hand to unclasp her seat belt, but Caleb laid his over it. âWhat?â

âYouâre still in gear, Mia.â

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

âUh-uh. One thing youâll learn early on is that when you get in a driving pickle, you have to get yourself out.â His gentle voice soothed her skittery nerves. âDonât expect to do everything right at first. You havenât done this before. Itâs natural to make mistakes.â He drew his hand away. âIâm sorry I laughed at you.â

âNo, youâre not,â Mia contradicted, frowning as the corners of his lips tipped up.

âNo, Iâm not,â he agreed. A chuckle burst from him. âYouâre a good sport, Mia.â

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

âNow try again,â he ordered.

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

âVery good,â he praised. The words sounded like music to her ears.

âIâm sure most women have their driverâs license long before theyâre my age,â she said, suddenly awkward in his presence. âI must seem like a dinosaur to you.â

âPretty young dinosaur. Actually, I think you have a lot of guts.â The quiet compliment drew her glance his way. Caleb smiled. âNot everyone would meet her husbandâs daughter and then take on learning to drive after what youâve been through today. I donât think Harlan had a clue about what a strong woman you are. You have a lot of courage, Mia.â

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