Jill Weatherholt - A Father For Bella

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

Her smile was warm, unlike her sister’s.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

And with that, she pulled the door shut.

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

* * *

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

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

“I can wear my heavy coat—please.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“But I want to stay and listen.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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