Chapter 15
Chapter Fifteen
E ven if it would be a good distraction, Liam couldn’t find it in him to work today. And sure, it was Sunday, but that had never stopped him before.
Liam reached for the remote on the nondescript, black coffee table and flipped the channel on the penthouse’s big-screen television until he hit a basketball game. He rubbed his left bicep, which was sore from the workout he’d put it through yesterday at four a.m. in the tiny hotel gym. That’s what happened when a guy couldn’t sleep.
And his lack of sleep had nothing to do with all the details he and Dad had discussed last week in the office, readying Liam to take over as CEO. Nope, not at all. He’d even met with the board, all of whom approved of the transition of power. Throughout it all, he’d seen an unexpected and new joy in his dad’s eyes. Relief, maybe, too. The thing his father had feared was coming true, but instead of being terrible, for Dad it was turning into the best thing.
Of course, Marianne had a lot to do with that. She makes me feel like a new man. A younger man. And life has all of these possibilities now.
Liam was happy for him. Of course he was. This was all he’d dreamed about too.
At least, it had been.
Now, though…
He mashed the button on the remote to turn up the volume. Maybe the broadcaster’s voice would drown out the one in Liam’s head telling him he’d made a horrible mistake in leaving Dani behind.
In not trying.
Was she right? Was he a coward?
But he just couldn’t handle the idea of failing someone else—someone he loved.
Groaning, Liam set his head against the back of the couch and stared at the stark white ceiling high above him. Then he glanced around the spotless living room, where white walls and meaningless abstract art mocked him.
There was a beep out in the hallway, and the door opened to Liam’s left, near the full-size kitchen that had been cleaned by the hotel staff just this morning. Every plain white mug, plate, and piece of silverware had been put back in its proper place, and the counters had been cleared.
This place may be occupied, but it wasn’t lived in.
And Liam was sick of it.
Dad and Marianne walked into the kitchen carrying a few bags of takeout. Marianne wore her sparkling pink glasses with a chain around her neck, a scarf, and her black coat, which Dad helped her out of with all the care he’d always shown to Liam’s mom.
Liam breathed out slowly. This was his why—giving Dad the chance to have a life after so many years of taking care of him alone.
He joined them in the kitchen, pasting on a fake smile. “What are you two up to this evening?” Leaning in, Liam gave Marianne a quick kiss on the cheek.
Marianne smiled and patted his shoulder. “Joining our favorite boy for dinner.”
“Unless we’re interrupting your plans,” Dad said, digging into the plastic restaurant bags and pulling out a few containers. “In which case, feel free to go out and do whatever you youngsters do for fun.”
“Chaz, don’t call him a youngster.” Laughing, Marianne swatted Dad’s arm and nudged him aside so she could plate the food. “You make me feel old.”
“You are old, woman.” Dad winked. “But still beautiful.”
Liam folded his arms over his chest, a real smile taking over his face now. “You sure you wouldn’t rather eat alone? The two of you seem quite content to have a date night.”
“Stop it now. You know you are always welcome here.” Marianne’s cheeks turned pink as she opened the first container, which held a salad with tomatoes, red onions, croutons, olives, and banana peppers. She plated some of it and picked the croutons out then placed a roasted chicken breast from the other container on the plate.
When she handed it to Dad, he scoffed. “The croutons are the best part.”
“And they’ll spike your blood sugar, you ninny.” Marianne glanced at Liam. “You want some, or did you have plans after all?”
“No plans here. But I’m not very hungry.”
Dad was already digging in, right there at the counter. But at Liam’s declaration, he paused. “Since when?”
Liam shrugged. “I ate a late lunch.” It was mostly true, if a container of yogurt and a few nuts equaled lunch.
Waving his fork at Liam, Dad shook his head. “I don’t buy it. You’ve been quiet all week, and at first, I took it as extreme focus with the big changes coming up. But then Marianne pointed out that you haven’t seemed like yourself ever since you came home, and I have to agree, especially if you’re not eating.” His father set his fork down and rounded the counter, placing his hand on Liam’s shoulder. “What’s going on, son?”
Marianne suddenly snapped her fingers. “Chaz, I forgot to get dessert. I’m going to run to the bodega on the corner, all right? Be right back.” Then before either of them could protest, she grabbed her bag and scurried out.
“That woman.” Dad’s mouth hitched upward to one corner. Then he studied Liam, sighed. “Are you having trouble with the idea of me moving on from your mom? I know we talked about it, but the reality might be different.”
“What? No, Dad.”
“Is it Marianne then? I thought you considered her like a second mother, but maybe?—”
“I love her. I love her for you. That’s not it.” Liam headed back to the couch and plopped down. After being on Dani’s couch, this one felt so stiff, ungiving. “Grab your dinner. I don’t want it to get cold.”
“I’m not going to eat without her anyway.” His father joined him. “Tell me what’s on your mind, son.”
“I can’t.” Because if his dad knew, he might not retire. And that wouldn’t solve anything.
The buttons on Dad’s shirt strained against his stomach as he shifted to face Liam. “Okay, then. Let me tell you what Marianne thinks is wrong. I was positive it was about me and her, but maybe she’s right instead.” Dad rubbed the corner of his droopy eyelid. “She thinks you don’t really want to be CEO.”
Liam’s chest tightened, and it grew more difficult to breathe. “Why does she think that?”
“I notice you’re not denying it.” Dad’s mouth drew flat. “Son, I thought this was what you wanted. You’ve been on me to retire for years now. And I know you were all gung-ho about the project with Travis—which I am still planning to approve in quarter three, once we have the funds—but I thought that the main impetus behind that was you wanting to be here in town. Settle down. Get a place of your own like you’ve been talking about. But if I was wrong, if you don’t want to be CEO, I?—”
“No, I do, Dad. I see how happy you are, how much healthier you’re going to be once this transition takes place. Think of all the stress I’m saving you.” He scratched behind his ear. “You’ve had a rough go of it, and you deserve to relax. To finally be happy.”
“Liam, I may have had some knocks in my day, but I’ve lived a very happy life.”
“But Mom. My sister.”
Dad pressed his fist against his knee, knocking a few times. “Yes, that was the worst time in our lives. But I’ve tried to make up for that. Tried to be what you needed anyway.”
“You have been. You’ve been a great dad. A great boss.”
“I know I haven’t been perfect. Marianne’s also pointed out that perhaps I’ve taught you some of my workaholic tendencies.”
Liam had to laugh at that. “She’s a very perceptive woman.”
“Hmm, don’t tell her that or she’ll never let me live it down.” Then Dad sobered. “Son, back to what you said earlier. It’s never been your job to save me. You know that, right? I’m the parent. It’s my job to protect you, not the other way around.”
“But Mom said…” No. He didn’t want to burden Dad with that.
“What did she say?”
His dad’s eyes looked so earnest, as if desperate to know more about her last moments. By the time he’d gotten back into town from his business trip, it had been too late. Mom and the baby had been gone. And Liam had deprived his father of knowing what had really happened because he’d been ashamed.
Now, though, he poured out the story. Every moment. Every bit of guilt. Even what Mom had said right before they’d loaded her into the ambulance.
Dad was quiet for a while, leaning forward on his knees, staring at the carpet. Then, finally, “Thank you for telling me, son.”
“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner.” Liam wiped away a tear.
“You don’t have anything to be sorry for.” At Liam’s protest, Dad held up a hand. “You were a young boy, but your mother was always in awe of what a big helper you were. And you were so excited to have a sister. You promised to help with her, even do middle-of-the-night diaper changes.” His father chuckled. “I think you would have too. You’ve always been a good boy, someone who wants to help. But somewhere along the way, you took too much on yourself.”
Dani had said something similar, hadn’t she? “Maybe. But if I didn’t, then who would have?”
“We’re a lot alike, you know. Both of us afraid to give up control. Afraid to fail the people depending on us,” Dad said. “Did you know I started going back to church with Marianne the last few weeks? Before we even started dating. She saw how depressed I was with you gone and at the prospect of this hotel deal sinking the company.”
Liam lifted his eyebrows. “Yeah? That’s great, Dad. And you’ve found comfort there?”
“I have. The sermon this last week was about remembering that God cares about the birds of the air, how He feeds them. And if He cares that much about birds, how much more does He care about us and all the people we love?”
The truth hit Liam in the sternum, and he lifted his hand to rub at his chest. “But that doesn’t mean we can just abandon our responsibilities.”
“No, but it means we don’t have to take on something that was never meant to be ours in the first place. God will take care of us. He will take care of our people. We must do our best, but in the end, He’s in charge anyway. And His plans are good. But it’s up to us to trust Him and take that leap of faith, even when it seems risky to us.”
Liam sat back against the couch cushion. Wow. When he thought about that—about surrendering control and all of his worry to someone infinitely more capable than him—it was like a weight coming off his shoulders. He could breathe again. “But what does that mean in terms of the company?”
“That depends on you, son. Do you want to be CEO? Don’t think about me or the employees or any of that. What do you want?”
“Honestly?”
“Of course. Because while there are times when we have to follow God’s calling and it might make us uncomfortable, He gave us certain talents and abilities. He gave us passion for certain work. And if you’re not finding that passion in being a CEO—something I did love—then I will find someone else who will care for this company and its employees like I did.”
“Wait. What?” Liam blinked. “If I turn it down, you won’t go right back to being CEO?”
“I might do it part time until we find the right candidate, but Travis and Jimmy both have shown great leadership and potential. I think either of them would be willing to step up in the interim, maybe see if it’s a good fit. Especially given their desire to be in Los Angeles more, what with their families and all.” Dad frowned. “I never meant for you to feel trapped by this, Liam. I want you to find your God-given purpose. To follow the paths where He’s leading you. If you’re willing to take the risk.”
“Taking risks has never been my strong suit. In business or in life. Love.” He blinked. Coughed. “Someone recently told me that what happened with Tiffany a few years ago was me running away. That it was cowardly. I didn’t think so. I guess I thought I was saving us both inevitable heartache when things didn’t work out. But maybe this person was right.”
“When someone experiences loss at a young age like you did with your mom, it’s not unusual for them to learn that love can be a risk. That loving—and losing—hurts more than anything else.” Dad patted Liam’s shoulder. “But never taking the risk might be the greatest risk of all. Think of how dull life would be without love. How aimless. You reminded me of that, Liam. That God has all sorts of good things He wants for our lives. But if we’re even too scared to try, well, I think that would be the most tragic thing of all. Even more tragic than losing someone we love.”
Oh man. Liam inhaled a trembling breath. “What if it’s too late? What if I already lost someone because I wasn’t willing to try?”
Dad’s eyebrows rose. “Ah, so Marianne was right about that too. There’s a young lady. Perhaps that niece of Seb’s you mentioned?”
Liam nodded. “But I royally screwed up, Dad.”
“The good thing about screwing up is it gives the rest of us the chance to practice forgiveness.” Dad gave Liam’s shoulder another pat then stood and headed to the door, which he opened.
Marianne was standing in the hallway, looking sheepish. “I was trying to wait until y’all were done.”
“We’re done. Come on in, and let’s hear Liam tell us all about this woman you say he’s crazy about.”
“Glad to know you will admit when I’m right.” With a wink and a bow, Marianne strode inside to the kitchen, where she removed some sugar-free candies from the plastic bag in her hands. “Sounds like we also need to discuss what you can do to make it up to this woman. Dani, is it?”
“What are these?” Dad picked up the bag and examined them. “You trying to kill me with the fake stuff?”
They started bickering, and Liam slid into a chair at the dining room table, a smile easing onto his face. Dad was going to be okay, and not just because Marianne was here to help take care of him.
God was going to do it too. It wasn’t all up to Liam. God was working everything out—if Liam would only take the leap.
“Okay, Lord,” he muttered under his breath. “I hurt Dani a lot. Walked away from her just like everyone else in her life. Now I need your help to get her to talk to me again. Think we can manage that?”
“Of course He can manage that.” Marianne approached with a plate of food she placed in front of Liam. Did the woman have supersonic hearing? “With God, all things are possible.”
* * *
A week ago, this is the last place she’d expected to be.
Not that it was all that strange for Dani to be sitting on a bench in Blueberry Hill Park on an early Monday evening. From here, she could see the schoolhouse overlooking the park, its windows lit and welcoming, prepared for locals to arrive in the next half hour for the town hall meeting where the Grand Hotel project and plan for the development going forward would be officially announced.
But she would never have guessed a week ago that she’d be here with two coffees, waiting for Mom to show up.
All week long, her conversation with Aunt Elise had banged around inside her head. She’d tried to ignore her aunt’s suggestion that forgiveness was the only way forward. Had even protested it at first.
Of course, she had said she’d do anything.
But that ? “How can I possibly forgive the person who started all of this?” she’d asked.
“In God’s strength, that’s how.” Aunt Elise had locked elbows with Dani, patted her arm, and resumed their stroll as if Dani hadn’t just had an emotional breakdown. “And remember. You aren’t doing it for her—though I know she will greatly benefit from it. You’re doing it for yourself. There’s nothing worse than bitterness to break a heart into pieces. And besides all of that, it’s what God requires of us.”
“Some might say He requires too much.”
“He sent his son to die for you, Dani. The least you can do is die to your own self-perceived right to hold a grudge against your mom. Especially when that grudge is killing you on the inside. He just wants you to be free.”
Free. What would that feel like? Dani had tried to shake the thought off all week long, busying herself with work. But then she’d think of Liam and her desire to have her family together again. And she’d realized that even if she somehow managed to get everyone back here, there was a lot of forgiveness that was going to have to take place.
And it had to start somewhere. Might as well be with her.
A lone figure trudged up the park pathway, her shoulders hunched against a breeze that only served to bolster Dani—to remind her that she was not alone. Her Heavenly Father was here, in her heart, all around her, in the people of this town. Whatever happened right now with her mother or tonight at the meeting or even beyond that, with the hotel and the revival of the island, Dani would never be alone again.
She placed the coffees on the bench and stood. Waved at her mother, who was now only a few feet away. It had been eight years or so since Dani had seen her in person, and though Becky Jonathon was still beautiful and poised, there was an emotional heaviness surrounding her that hadn’t been apparent to Dani before. Maybe because she hadn’t wanted to see it. Or maybe the choices Mom had made had finally caught up with her.
With a deep breath, Dani finally spoke. “Hi, Mom.”
“Hi, pumpkin.”
The term of endearment swaddled Dani’s heart and squeezed. Neither woman moved, though something in Becky’s expression told Dani she wanted to wrap her daughter up and never let go. But she’d lost that right.
Still, what right did Dani have to hold it against her if she was truly sorry?
Then again, maybe she wasn’t sorry. Maybe she didn’t know how she’d wounded Dani. And there was a difference between forgiving and forgetting. Dani had had another long talk with Aunt Elise about that last night, and her aunt had explained that godly boundaries were a good thing. That if she bared her heart to her mother and her mother stomped on it, or didn’t accept responsibility for her actions, Dani could still forgive her without allowing her to continue to trample her feelings.
Still, Dani prayed for strength to say what she’d come here to say—and to hear what she longed to hear in return.
But if it didn’t happen, she’d be okay.
Dani coughed, turned, picked up the coffees, and handed one to Mom. “I hope you still like it black.”
“I do.” Mom took it between her gloved hands, inhaled the scent of the still-warm brew. “Mmm.” Then she took a sip and sighed. “Nobody makes coffee like Jill. I’ve missed it.”
“Then why didn’t you come back for it?” The words were out before Dani knew it—and tinged with more hurt than she’d intended.
Mom studied Dani, frowning. “I was ashamed of leaving it in the first place. Knew I didn’t deserve to have it in my life anymore. It was too good for me.”
Uncle Seb had been right. But despite her fears, Mom was here. And for now, that was enough.
Dani chewed on the inside of her cheek. “Maybe it felt all the more abandoned because you didn’t even try. Maybe it felt like you didn’t care about it anymore. That you were happier with your mainland coffee.” It was ridiculous to continue speaking of things metaphorically, but it was easier than saying the truth.
“Oh, honey.” Mom took a step closer, then hesitated. Clearly, she didn’t want to overstep or scare Dani away. “I was such a fool to think that anything but Jonathon Island coffee would satisfy.”
Dani’s throat went dry, and she hugged her own coffee to her chest. “It’s really good coffee.” Then she started to laugh, because how silly was this conversation? Silly, but healing too.
In a flash, her mom set her own cup back down on the bench and moved toward Dani, her arms open. Waiting. “It’s amazing coffee. And I’m so sorry it took me so long to tell it—to tell you—how much I love it. How much I love you.”
“Mom,” Dani breathed, rushing into her mom’s arms, releasing tears she’d held in for so long.
“I’m so sorry, Dani girl. Can you ever forgive me?” Mom finally pulled away and brushed the tears from under her daughter’s eyes. Her own glistened too. “I know I ruined our family. I threw it all away because…well, I can’t even tell you why, and it doesn’t matter.”
“It does matter. And someday, maybe someday soon, I’d like to dissect all of that. We have a lot of conversations to have, a lot to catch up on. Some of them will be hard.”
Mom nodded. “As they should be. But if you are willing to have them, I will be here for as much time as you have to give me.”
“I’m willing. And yes, I forgive you.” The words rushed out like a healing flood, bringing with it a peace like Dani had never known. “But as for time, I don’t have much more to give you tonight. I’m just glad you were able to meet.”
Mom bit her lip, nodded. “Of course. Where are you rushing off to? A date?” She smiled.
“Ha. If you consider a town hall meeting a date, sure.”
“Town hall meeting? Is this about the hotel project? Seb told me something about rebuilding it. I’m surprised you got your father to agree.” Mom looked like she wanted to say more—to ask more. Maybe about Dad? But she didn’t.
“Me too.” Dani picked up her drink again, and Mom followed suit. They started walking down the path up the ridge toward the school. “But he did, and I worked with a developer in California who helped me put together some amazing plans.” The new lead—a Rob somebody—was supposed to have arrived earlier today, but the admin assistant at Stone Development had called to say there had been a slight change of plans and that the site manager wouldn’t make it until later. Possibly not until tomorrow.
Which was fine. She wasn’t eager to meet Liam’s replacement anyway.
Mom looped her arm through Dani’s, and it felt so nostalgic, so familiar, Dani nearly started to cry again. “Seb told me all about your promotion and what a great job you’re doing to revitalize the town. I’m so proud of you, Dani.”
“Thanks, Mom.”
They approached the school, where several families were in the process of parking their golf carts and walking in. Dani turned to her mother. “You’re welcome to come in, but I know you haven’t wanted to see certain people, so please don’t feel obligated.”
Mom squinted her eyes, as if that would allow her to see into the school and know whether the residents who’d made her feel unwelcome on the island were in attendance. Most likely, they were. But then she straightened and shook her head. “I wouldn’t miss my girl’s big reveal for the world. If you’re sure you don’t mind me being there.”
Just the fact Mom was willing to face the firing squad for her meant a lot. And if she was willing to give Jonathon Island another try, maybe it wasn’t as impossible as Dani had thought to get the rest of her family back here too.
Tonight, though, was about sharing their plans with the town. Hopefully everyone would be on board. But if it meant restoring the town’s glory, bringing the economy back up so residents didn’t have to choose between staying and surviving financially, then Dani couldn’t think of anyone who would be against that.
Together, she and Mom strode through the front doors of the brick building, turning left to enter the multipurpose room that served as cafeteria, the school gym, and a place for town assemblies with its small stage at one end. Folding chairs had been set up in two rows, and about half of them were already occupied. Uncle Seb and the town council waited near the stage, and when Seb saw Dani and her mom together, his smile rivaled the Cheshire Cat’s. He stepped away from Patrick Kelley and strode toward them.
Mom stopped at the back of the chairs, squeezing Dani’s arm before dropping it. “Go get ’em, my girl. I’ll be cheering you on from here.”
“All right, if you’re sure you’ll be okay.”
“I’ll be great.” Mom lowered herself into a chair, her hands a bit shaky. It must be really hard for her to be back here.
But she was here.
And now that their reunion was out of the way, Dani could focus on the presentation. She’d been nervous enough at the last presentation, and she’d done that one with Liam—and it had only been the council watching. Now, most of the town was here, and the din of their chatter bounced off the linoleum floor and reverberated from the rafters.
Uncle Seb reached her. “There you are, Dani.” He glanced down at his sister, squeezed her shoulder. “Good to see you, Bec.”
Mom smiled bravely. “It’s good to be seen.”
“You’ll come by for dessert after the meeting, won’t you?”
“Sure.”
“Good.” He pointed at Dani. “You too?”
“If my stomach doesn’t collapse before then.” She placed a hand over the organ in question. “I’m so nervous.”
“You’ll be fine. Just give the same speech you did with Liam, and you’ll win everyone over with your charm.”
But that was the thing. “Liam isn’t here.” Her eyes scanned the room, stopping on a group of people gathered at a refreshment table in the corner. “And it doesn’t look like the Stone Development rep made it either.”
“That’s actually what I came over here to tell you. He did make it, and he’s backstage, ready to go on with you.”
“Seriously?” That was almost worse. She and Liam had practiced their pitch several times before getting it right. Now she had mere minutes to fill in this stranger. “I’d better get back there.”
“Break a leg.” Uncle Seb gave her a hug. “I’ll be introducing you after we begin and cover a few more items of business.” He checked his watch. “Speaking of beginning, I’d better get us started.”
“Right.” Dani hustled through the crowd toward the entrance to the tiny backstage area. People called for her, but she just waved. Hopefully they’d forgive her rudeness, but she really needed as much time as possible to prep her new partner for the presentation.
She opened the door, bracing herself.
“Liam?”
His back was to her, but when the light from the hallway flooded the dimly lit backstage, he pivoted to face her.
And he’d turned into an islander.
He wore jeans, a cable knit sweater, boots. Like he belonged here. Worse, even from here, she could smell his cologne, see how his once-gelled hair was now windswept and casual.
His gaze ran over her, and now he swallowed. “Hi, Dani.”
She couldn’t breathe. “What are you doing here?”
He didn’t even flinch at her question. “I’m here to finish what we started.”
“Oh.” For some reason, the answer didn’t sit well. Probably because he wasn’t just a job to her. But if he was going to be all business, then she would force herself to be as well. Still, she had to know. “But what about your dad? The CEO position?”
“Turns out, he didn’t need me to be something I’m not. He was more than happy to find someone else to replace him.”
“That still doesn’t tell me why you’re here. I thought you were going to deliver the Bertram pitch? Did it not go well?”
“It did, but that project has been postponed indefinitely, since Jimmy has agreed to step up as interim CEO for the time being.” He took a step toward her. “And all of that allows me to do the job I was originally assigned.”
So that was why he was here then. He felt obligated to keep his word. Nothing more. “Well, since you’re familiar with the pitch, I guess we don’t need to practice it. Though I did add a minor change to the plans?—”
“Dani. Stop. Please.” Liam strode over, stopping just shy of where she stood. They were mere inches apart, and even in the darkened space, she saw the sparks of light in his eyes. “When I said I was here to finish what we started, I wasn’t talking about the hotel.”
Oh. Her heart bumped against her chest, her hopes. “You weren’t?” Aw. And now her voice croaked out, too much of her heart in it.
“Well, I was. I’m here to do the presentation with you. To rebuild the Grand with you, if you still want me to.” Then he reached for her hand. “But I’m also here to beg you for another chance. For us. To see if you can ever forgive me for leaving you, for not being willing to try.”
Oh, this man. “I do forgive you, Liam,” she said quietly.
“You were right. I was a coward.”
“I shouldn’t have said that.”
“But I needed to hear it.” He exhaled. “I was a coward. I ran away when I should have trusted that things would work out. I was scared to admit it, but this life is exactly what I’ve always wanted.” He threaded their fingers together, one by one. “ You are exactly what I’ve always wanted. And you are worth any risk, Dani Sullivan.”
“Liam…”
“I love you, Dani.” Liam leaned closer, pressing a sweet kiss to her lips that left Dani sighing.
She placed her arms around his neck, hugging him close. “I love you too, city boy.”
He laughed. “Not a city boy for long. What do you think about helping me find a house here on the island?”
“Really? You’re going to stay?”
“I don’t plan to leave ever again unless you’re with me.”
She shivered at the implication in his words. “Good.” Then she tugged his head down and kissed him again, this time deeper and fuller, giving him her whole heart—the one that God had made whole.
A throat cleared behind them, and they broke apart to find Seb with his head peeking behind the curtain. “Hey, lovebirds. It’s showtime. You ready?”
Liam gripped Dani’s hand in his and pressed a kiss to it. “So ready.”
“Me too.” Dani grinned. “Let’s bring Jonathon Island back to life.”