Blue Skies, Season 2, Episode 8 (Rising Storm) Read online

  “Ready?” Marcus asked as they came to a closed hospital room door.

  “As I’ll ever be.” She reached for the door handle, and then stopped for a moment to look back at her brother. “Marcus?”

  “Yeah?” he replied, his eyebrows raised in question.

  “I’m sorry. For everything.”

  “I know. Honest to God, I do. And believe me, I sure as hell know what it feels like to spiral out of control.”

  She held his gaze for a minute, and then pushed open the door and walked into her mother’s room.

  Joanne was lying back against her pillows, her face turning every conceivable shade of purple and blue. Her arm was in a splint and monitors beeped incessantly behind her as various machines kept track of her vital statistics. She looked so small and helpless. And yet in Dakota’s mind’s eye, all she could see was her mother leaping in front of her, drawing her father’s wrath away from her. The truth was that Dakota’s mother was the opposite of small and helpless.

  She’d stood strong against a monster for years. She’d taken beatings just so that Dakota and Marcus and Mallory would be safe. Everything good in Dakota’s life was due to her mother’s diligence. And she’d thrown it all back in her mother’s face at every opportunity. Shame washed through her, hot and heavy, threatening to tear her into pieces.

  “Oh, honey,” Joanne said, holding out her arms. “Come here. Let me see you. I just want to know you’re okay.”

  Dakota felt the tears fall as she ran to her mother’s side. “Oh, God, Mom, I thought he was going to kill you.”

  Joanne smiled through her own tears. “I thought he was going to kill you.”

  “But he didn’t. We’re here. And we’re alive. And he…” She swallowed, trying so hard to make sense of this new reality. “He’s dead.”

  “I’m so sorry, baby. I know you loved him.” Joanne reached out to stroke her hair, the gesture bringing memories of so many other times when she’d done just the same.

  “No.” She shook her head. “I loved the idea of him. But the father I believed in never existed. I was lying to myself, Momma, and because of that I hurt you so much. I’m the one who’s sorry. How can you ever forgive me?”

  “There’s nothing to forgive. You’re my child, Dakota. From the first moment they laid you in my arms, I loved you. And there’s nothing you can ever do that will change that fact. Nothing.”

  Dakota gave her mother a watery smile. “Well, you’ve got to admit I gave it a good try.”

  “You were always my wild child. And you know what’s really funny about that? I was just like you when I was growing up. I hated this town. And I hated the restrictions my family kept trying to put on my life. So I rebelled.”

  “And married Daddy.”

  “Yes. But it didn’t turn out quite like I’d planned.” A shadow passed across her mother’s face.

  “I’m so sorry. I thought you were making it all up. That you were persecuting Daddy. But all that time, he was… he was…”

  “Your father was a very sick man. He wasn’t happy with his lot in life, and he chose to take that out on the people around him. I just happened to be the closest person in line.”

  “And you kept it from us so that we wouldn’t get hurt, too.”

  Joanne’s smile was tender. “Like I said, you’re my children. Nothing is more precious. I’d happily give my life for any of you.”

  “You almost did.” Dakota wiped away her tears, forcing herself to stand strong. If her mother could do it, so could she. “But at least now it’s over. Have you…have you talked to Sheriff Murphy?”

  “I have.” This time her mother’s smile was wistful and hopeful all at the same time. She looked ten years younger.

  “And did he propose? I mean, it’s pretty obvious he’s always been crazy about you.”

  “No. And even if he did, I wouldn’t agree to marry him. At least not now. It’s important sometimes to make your own way, Dakota. And as much as I care about Dillon, I need to find myself, figure out who I want to be.”

  Dakota frowned, confused. “So you’re not going to see him?”

  “I am. I’m just not going to jump too fast into anything. Right now, I want to concentrate on you and your brother and sister. And I want to help Tate win that election. Truth is, I just need time to heal.”

  Dakota nodded, although she wasn’t sure she completely understood. Wasn’t having the right man in your life the goal women were supposed to strive for? At least it had always seemed that way to her.

  But then she’d been wrong about most things so far, so maybe this was something else she’d managed to totally screw up. Maybe her mom was right. Maybe the more important thing was to figure out who she truly was—or more importantly, who she wanted to be. Maybe the only one who could really save her was herself.

  Crazy notion.

  But then again, maybe not.

  * * * *

  Celeste stood outside Ginny’s room wanting so much to walk through the door and at the same time being terrified to do so. Her grandson was waiting inside. Jacob’s son. Jacob’s, Ginny’s—and Logan’s. As much as she’d struggled with the idea, she knew now that the two of them belonged together. And that what they felt for each other had nothing to do with how Ginny had felt about Jacob. Or how Ginny felt about his son.

  Lost in her own grief, Celeste had almost lost the most important gift Jacob could have left behind. A piece of himself. Made in a moment of love with his very best friend—of that she was convinced.

  She also knew in her heart, that this new life, this new Jacob, could never replace her son. And that the idea she’d even entertained the thought for a second was ludicrous. But now, if Ginny could forgive her, she had a chance to be a part of this new family.

  Everything around her was shifting and changing. Her sister’s life. Her niece’s and nephew’s. Even Travis had a new direction, though she’d heard through the grapevine it wouldn’t be with Kristin. The point was that this was her chance for something new. For something better. With her daughters. With her sister and her family. And with her new grandchild.

  Sucking in a fortifying breath, Celeste pasted on a smile and walked into the room. Ginny lay propped up against the pillows, Logan sitting on the bed beside her, the baby wrapped in a blue blanket cuddled in Ginny’s arms.

  It was a miracle in the truest sense of the word. And Celeste prayed that they’d let her be a part of it.

  “I hope it’s okay that I came,” she said.

  “Of course it is,” Ginny replied with a beaming smile. Logan slid a possessive arm around her shoulders, his look not nearly as welcoming. Not that Celeste blamed him. “I know you’re dying to meet your grandson,” Ginny continued.

  Celeste wasn’t sure she’d ever heard sweeter words, but she held her ground. “I am, but first I need to apologize to you. I didn’t handle any of this very well. And I wasn’t kind to you. I didn’t even try to understand.”

  “I was the one who lied,” Ginny said. “You had every right to be upset. And as far as I’m concerned, it’s all water under the bridge.”

  “Well, for what it’s worth, I’m truly sorry. And if you’ll let me,” she paused, her gaze moving to Logan, “if both of you will let me, I’d like to be a part of the baby’s life. Only as much as you’ll allow, of course.” She searched their faces, looking for some sign that they weren’t going to throw her out of the room. “I don’t want you to think I’m going to try and take over or demand more than is warranted under the circumstances. I realize I haven’t given you any reason to believe that, but…”

  “Celeste,” Logan said, raising a hand to stop her. “We want you to be a part of Jake’s life.”

  “Jake.” She repeated the word like a prayer.

  “Yeah,” Ginny said, stroking her son’s silky cheek. “It’s too hard to call him Jacob. You know?”

  Celeste nodded, still rooted to the spot.

  “He’s got Jacob’s eyes,” Ginny said, this
time shifting to offer the little boy, who was squirming, tiny fists flying as he scrunched up his face.

  Celeste walked over to the bed, sitting down in the chair beside it, her heart pounding as she held out a hand and Jake grabbed a finger. “It’s too early to know for sure,” she said. “Their eyes can change color still.”

  “I know, but look at him,” Ginny said. “He’s got Jacob’s smile, too. And that isn’t going to change.”

  Ginny held out the baby, and Celeste tenderly took him into her arms. He was so precious. So beautiful.

  “I think he looks like Ginny, too,” Logan said, his arm still around her, but he was smiling now, looking down at the baby, his eyes full of love.

  “Definitely. Especially all that curly dark hair.” Celeste smiled. “You’re both going to be amazing parents.” And in that moment, Celeste realized she truly meant that. Had Jacob lived, things would surely have been very different, but it seemed somehow that things had worked out okay anyway. Life always found a way. She of all people should know that.

  Ginny blushed and Logan’s arm tightened around her. “We are going to be good parents,” he agreed. “And what we don’t work out on our own, you and Marisol and my mother will make sure we figure out.”

  “It takes a village,” Celeste said with her first true smile. “Or, whether you like it or not, at least half the people in Storm.”

  “I heard about Travis,” Ginny said, her face full of concern. “I’m so sorry.”

  “Don’t be.” Celeste shook her head, rocking her beautiful grandson. “It was a long time coming. And we’re all going to be better because of it. I truly believe that. What we have to do now is concentrate on the future.” She cooed at the baby, then looked up at Ginny and Logan with a smile. “And from where I’m sitting, it’s looking pretty bright.”

  Chapter 9

  Lacey sucked in a breath and looked out across the crowd gathered for the dedication of Jacob’s bench as Pastor Douglas recited a prayer. Her mother and her aunt stood off to one side with Francine Hoffman. Lacey had to admit that despite everything, Celeste looked really good. For the first time in forever, she seemed to be more herself.

  Her father stood at the opposite side of the gathering, looking tall and handsome and maybe a little lost. She and Sara Jane had been spending time with him at their mother’s urging. Funny that, even though she’d all but washed her hands of him, her mother was still watching out for her dad. Lacey smiled, thinking that Jacob would have been proud of Celeste.

  Once he’d gotten over the enormity of being a father.

  Close to where her mom and aunt were standing, Ginny and Logan stood surrounded by various Murphys and Morenos, including Mallory and Luis, who grinned and waved when they caught her eye. Ginny was holding baby Jake. Jacob’s son. Her nephew. Lacey’s stomach clenched at the enormity of it all.

  It had been almost a month since her life and half the town’s had literally imploded around them. Hector Alvarez was dead, which to hear most tell was a blessing. But Lacey knew that he’d left behind a legacy that wouldn’t easily be forgotten. Mallory’s mom was getting better. Stronger every day. She’d resumed working Tate’s campaign, and she and the sheriff had been seen out and about more than once.

  Marcus and Brit seemed to be settling down. He’d even started building a ranch house out on some land he and Ian Briggs owned. And Ginny and Logan had made it official. They were getting married. Which seemed like a good thing. Something her brother would probably approve of.

  The senator and his mother had left town. Simply pulled up stakes and moved to Austin. Well, they still had the house here, but thankfully, they’d moved on to greener pastures. At least for now. It made life easier for Jeffry, who was talking to Scott and Max. He waved when she caught his eye, looking more happy and relaxed than he had in years.

  Chase and Anna Mae were holding hands while Rita Mae was deep in conversation with Tate, Mary Louise Prager, and Tate’s dad, while Tate’s brother Tucker was totally absorbed in Hannah Grossman.

  Seemed like there was a rash of domestic bliss in the air. Lacey felt a little twinge of envy, and then shook her head. She was way too young to worry about settling down. As if to underscore the point, or maybe just the opposite, Max Marshall chose that moment to send her a wolfish grin. Maybe there was something to all this boy-needs-girl stuff after all. Her lips curled up in an answering smile.

  “You ready?” Sara Jane said, interrupting her flirtation with Max, the pastor just finishing the invocation.

  “Yeah,” Lacey said, smiling at her sister. It was time. Time to honor her brother. Time to recognize all that he was. Time to let him finally rest in peace. She moved to the podium and looked out across the gathered group of people. Friends, acquaintances, and family. She’d lived here her whole life. And seeing everyone come together to honor her brother, she realized just how lucky she’d been to grow up in a place like Storm.

  “Thank y’all for coming. I’d like to think that Jacob can see all of you and know how very much he was loved. He wasn’t here with us for nearly as long as we would have wanted or he deserved, but the time he was with us…” Her gaze moved to Ginny. “Well, he made it count. He was a loyal friend. And a wonderful son. And the best brother ever. And if he could have been here now, I know he’d have made an amazing father.”

  She swallowed, tears pricking the back of her eyes. “But I also know that even though he’s gone, he lives on in each of us. He will always be a part of the fabric of Storm. He’ll live on in our memories. And we’ll see him in Jake’s smile. And when we sit here on this bench, we’ll think of him. Of all that he was. And all that he gave us.”

  Lacey smiled through her tears, her gaze moving from her sister to her father and finally to her mother. “And so I give you my brother Jacob’s bench. And I ask you to remember him always.”

  Everyone clapped and smiled, and Lacey stepped away from the podium, her mother waiting for her off to the side.

  “I’m so proud of you, sweetheart. And Jacob would be proud, too.” Her mother had come so far from the day she’d found her in the cemetery. “It was a lovely thing to do.”

  “I just wanted everyone to be able to remember him.” She hugged her mother and then turned to the other people waiting to commend her on the presentation of the bench.

  Finally, everyone made their way to the parish hall where Tara and the other ladies of the church had laid out a fabulous spread.

  Ginny stopped Lacey as she walked into the vestibule. “It was really nice what you did today. Jacob would have loved it.”

  “Well,” Lacey grinned, “maybe on the inside, but you know on the outside he’d have been embarrassed by all the attention.”

  “True.” Since the birth of the baby, the two of them had made their peace. Lacey was still ashamed of the way she’d treated Ginny, but the older girl seemed to have totally forgiven her, going so far as to ask her to be Jake’s godmother. It was a huge responsibility and it made Lacey proud to think that Ginny trusted her with the job.

  Patrick, Logan’s brother, was standing in as the godfather.

  “Where’s Jake?” she asked, pulling her thoughts to the present. The baby was never very far from Ginny’s side.

  “With your mom and my sister.” She nodded to where the two women stood cooing over the baby. “He’s just over three weeks old and they’re already spoiling him rotten.”

  “It makes her really happy,” Lacey said, watching her mom’s look of unadulterated delight. “Thank you for letting her be a part of his life.”

  “Of course,” Ginny was quick to assure.

  “I don’t know. Considering the way we both treated you after the truth came out, I wouldn’t have blamed you for not letting anyone from our family within fifty yards of Jake.”

  “We all made mistakes, Lacey. Me most of all. And Jacob would want you guys to be a part of Jake’s life. And honestly, I do, too.” She paused for a moment, and then continued. “How are things
with your dad?”

  “Different. And difficult. And better, too, if that makes any sense.”

  “Did you know about him and Kristin?”

  “No. I didn’t. And now it doesn’t really matter. It’s time for him to find his own way, you know?”

  “Yeah, I do. Anyway, I’m glad your mom’s better. And I’m glad we’re friends again.”

  “Me, too.”

  Ginny gave her a quick hug and moved over to Celeste and Marisol, clearly ready to retrieve her son.

  “Hey, you ready to jet?” Jeffry asked. “I know it’s kind of your party, but we were all thinking of heading to the lake.”

  She glanced over to where Mallory, Luis, Scott, and Max were waiting.

  From across the room, her mom nodded, telegraphing her approval with the gesture. Lacey returned her mom’s nod as she linked arms with Mallory. Life in Storm might be different now, and in all honesty her family would never truly be the same, but Lacey finally had her priorities straight. And thankfully, she had her friends back. And somehow, in the moment, that’s the only thing that truly mattered.

  That and knowing that wherever he was, Jacob was smiling in approval.

  * * * *

  “Penny for your thoughts?”

  Dakota looked up from her seat on Jacob’s bench to see Patrick standing over her. Most everyone had either headed for home or was still inside the parish hall. She’d made an appearance at the dedication, feeling like she owed Jacob that much, but she could only stand the whispers and sideways glances so long.

  “I was thinking about Jacob. And Storm.” She shrugged. “About my family. All of it, I guess.”

  “I’m glad you came. It was good that you were here.”

  “I suspect you’re a party of one then. Most everyone in there wishes I’d stayed home. I’m not sure they’re ever really going to forgive me for what happened on Founders’ Day.”

  “I think you’ll be surprised. It just takes time.” He sat down next to her on the bench, his large frame filling the space, the heat of his body comfortable against her side. Patrick Murphy was a good man and she was lucky to be able to call him a friend.