Lois Richer - Gift-Wrapped Family

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

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

“Your mother seems very nice,” Mia said politely.

“She’s actually my foster mother and she is nice. Also nosy. I’ll be inundated with questions about you later on.” Caleb didn’t seem worried. In fact, a small smile curved his lips.

Foster mother? Mia hesitated a moment, then asked, “Did your family have problems?”

“You could say that.” His harsh laugh shocked her but not as much as his words. “My father murdered my mother. Marsha became my foster mother. She and her husband, Ben, later adopted me. Your mother made sure my father could never get custody of me again.”

* * *

Caleb watched shock fill Mia’s face and wondered why he’d felt the need to tell her the truth so harshly. His personal story was bad enough, but there was no need to couch it in such bitter terms, except that for the third time this week he’d just glimpsed his birth father here in Buffalo Gap, this time right across the street from Brewsters. In a flash the same old anger had bubbled up inside and splashed all over poor Mia.

“I’m sorry.” Her lovely green eyes grew misty with suppressed emotion as she touched his hand in a brief gesture of sympathy. “That must have been very hard for you.”

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

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

“Is something wrong with it?” Feeling helpless at the sight of her tears, he said, “Mia—”

“I’m being silly.” She sniffed and forced a smile. “It’s just that I haven’t eaten out in such a long time. Harlan said we had to save money—” He saw anger flash in those green eyes before she looked down. “Anyway, it’s very nice of you to bring me here.”

Caleb’s heart pinched at those words. She was grateful for a meal out? It emphasized the solitary life Mia had led. How could Harlan Granger have treated this sweet woman so shabbily?

“Now I’ve ruined your lunch.” She groaned. “I’m sorry.”

“Nothing’s ruined.” He studied her for a moment. “I want to ask you something, Mia, but I don’t know if I should.”

Her smile flickered nervously. “What is it?”

“Since you’re here in Buffalo Gap anyway, would you like to visit Lily?” Caleb held his breath as he waited for her answer.

“I don’t know.” Mia’s fearful look returned.

“We wouldn’t have to tell her exactly who you are,” he reassured her. “It’s just that with her mother gone she gets lonely and...” He let it trail away, knowing he was asking too much when Lily was her husband’s child with another woman. “Never mind.”

“Actually, I think I would like to see her, as long as you’ll be there.” Mia played with her teacup. “Maybe seeing her would bring some sense to this strange day.”

“Great!” Caleb found himself grinning. “Lily’s a sweet girl. This was Reba’s hometown. She used to come back and visit Lara a lot, so folks in town got to know Lily. In fact, over the years almost everyone in town has taken a turn babysitting her.”

“Even you?” Mia studied him from beneath her lashes.

“Even me,” he agreed quietly, remembering the fun times he and Lara had spent with Lily. “Her aunt and I used to date so Lily calls me her uncle.”

“ Used to date?” Mia stared at him, waiting.

“Lara died six months ago.” He met her gaze and saw questions widening her eyes.

“Oh. Where does Lily live now?” He thought Mia played with her cup to hide her expressions.

“Officially I’m her guardian. Lara and Reba lost their parents years ago, so Lily’s staying with a woman named Hilda Vermeer, a foster mother.” He grimaced. “She was a real tartar when I was a kid, but she’s mellowed a lot since. I think Lily feels safe with her.”

“Children should feel safe,” Mia murmured almost to herself.

“Your mother said that to me once.” Caleb figured it was unlikely that Harlan would talk about his former partner. He thought Mia must feel starved for details about her mother. Again that desire to protect her bloomed inside him.

“She protected you from your father,” Mia said thoughtfully. “Maybe that’s why she arranged for me to marry Harlan, to keep me safe.”

Not Pia’s best decision , Caleb mused, given the jerk Harlan turned out to be .

“It’s past three,” he said after checking his watch. “Lily will be home from kindergarten. I could phone Hilda, ask her if we could come over.” He waited, certain that if Lily and Mia could form a bond, chances were that Mia might agree to support Harlan’s child and legal action against the estate wouldn’t be necessary.

And you wouldn’t feel so guilty for not adopting Lily yourself.

“I don’t know.” Hesitation was written all over her face. But something dark and fearful also lurked in her eyes, something Caleb didn’t understand.

“It doesn’t have to be a long visit,” he encouraged. “I drop in to see her most days. You can say hello.” She didn’t look convinced, so he pushed harder. “Don’t you want to see Harlan’s child?”

“Yes, but—” A nerve ticked in her cheek “You don’t understand.” She glanced sideways at him, then sighed heavily. “Today has been full of surprises.”

“I know. It hasn’t been easy for you and this must have come as quite a shock. But surely meeting a five-year-old girl doesn’t scare you.” Caleb immediately regretted those words because it was clear Mia was panicking at meeting Lily. “I’ll be right there,” he soothed. “We can leave whenever you want.”

That seemed to ease her fears. “You’re sure?”

“It’s just a meeting, that’s all.”

“As long as you stay. I can’t be alone with her,” Mia said, her voice raspy.

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

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

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

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