Campaigning for Love (4 page)

* * *

“Oh my goodness! Is this the end of the world as I know it?” Gina snatched the completed
and
signed bio page Katherine had taped to her monitor. She disregarded the muffin and a coffee with a sticky note saying “thanks” that Katherine had left beside her keyboard and hurried into Katherine’s office.

Katherine tried for an imitation of the cheeky grin she usually received after Gina got her way on something. “What?”

“Don’t ‘what’ me,” Gina scolded, standing in front of Katherine’s desk with her hands on her hips. “You said you’d never fill this thing out, and now here it is, complete with your signature. What changed your mind?”

She worked at holding a straight face. “I guess the bubble bath relaxed me more than I expected.”

Gina’s response was a snort and a skeptical arch of her brow.

Katherine closed the file in front of her and met Gina’s curious gaze. “I saw Jeremy yesterday and he said he asked the judge to help him convince me to submit the form. Alice asked him to do it. I couldn’t live with myself if I didn’t grant her final wish after everything she did for me.” She had to force the last words past a sudden lump in her throat.

Gina came around the desk. “Mmmwahhh!” She dropped a smacking kiss on the top of Katherine’s head. “I’m so proud of you. I know you didn’t want to do this, but you did it anyway because it was important to someone else.”

The ringing of the phone sent Gina hurrying back out to her desk. Between the open door of her office and Gina’s booming voice, Katherine couldn’t help but hear her. “Katherine Harper’s office. Yes, she’s in, Mr. Delaney. One moment please.”

Knowing she was stuck spending the weekend with him and the judge, Katherine reached for the phone and pressed the flashing button. She ignored Gina’s nosy presence at her door, listening to her side of the conversation.

“This is Katherine. Yes, that’s how I answer the phone even if I know the caller.” She didn’t try to smooth the edge in her voice and ignored Gina’s fingers prompting her to smile. “How may I help you? Sure, that’s fine. Okay, I’ll see you then. Goodbye.”

Before the phone was back in the cradle, Gina claimed the chair facing her. “I made a file of his biggest accomplishments for you. But what did he want now?”

“He asked if he could pick me up a little early because he has an errand to run on the way to the judge’s house.”

“Are you still mad at him?”

Katherine drummed her fingers on her desk searching for an answer that wouldn’t reveal how painful being around Nick was for her. No one knew the depth of hurt she’d experienced at the hands of Nick and his father, and she wasn’t sure she could explain it. And she didn’t want to, either. She tried so hard to be obedient to God’s will for her life, but forgiving Nick was a lot harder than forgetting him. She had a long way to go to move past her animosity.

“I’m not sure mad is the right word. He’s part of my past. A very brief part,” she added. No need for Gina to read more into this pseudo-relationship than there was.

“I’ve worked hard at forgetting what my life was like before my adoption. Everything before Alice is a bad memory for me. By acknowledging Nick, I have to go back to a time that was painful for me, and I don’t think I’m strong enough to deal with that right now. I like being in control of my environment because I wasn’t in control of anything while I lived in foster care. Nick’s presence makes me feel like some of that control is slipping from my grasp.”

Gina listened without interruption while Katherine shared a tiny glimpse into the past she kept hidden from everyone. “I can’t imagine what it was like for you growing up that way. I see you as you are now.” Gina motioned to her with a sweep of her hand. “You’re so accomplished, so focused on what is important. Your past may be painful for you, but be honest here, would you have the passion you do for these kids if you’d been reared in a more stable environment, where you didn’t have to fight for everything you have?”

Hmm. She tried picturing a childhood the complete opposite of the one she’d lived. Nothing. The ever-changing environment she’d grown up in defined who she was today. All those unhappy experiences served as benchmarks to her for how to be a better advocate. She would be as demanding of herself in the roles of wife and mother if God blessed her with the chance for a family. That thought reminded her to stop hoping against hope for something not meant for her.

She had accomplished the first part of her dream—her job. She always kept the children and their needs as her focus when she was reviewing a file. She prayed every time she opened a case file, asking God to guide her in making the right decisions for the child whose well-being was in her hands.

The second half of her dream was a wavy blur. A mirage on the horizon that grew fainter the further down the path of life she journeyed. She didn’t have time for anything else in her life. She had more than enough to keep her busy. And that’s how she wanted it—needed it—to be.

“I’d have to think about that. But I don’t have the luxury right now.” Her gaze encompassed a large stack of file folders on her desk. “I believe the here and now is begging for my attention.”

Gina never pushed her for all the details at one time on personal issues. Thank goodness she didn’t pick now to change her pattern. Gina had no idea of the thoughts she’d stirred up with her question about an alternate childhood.

Gina smiled and handed her the folder. “Here is everything Nicky Boy has been doing since high school. It helps that he comes from an affluent family. Daddy works hard ensuring his name is in the paper on a regular basis. I still can’t believe you don’t read the society page. You would have already known most of this stuff if you did.” Gina went back to her desk in the outer office and left Katherine to discover all Nick had achieved without the burden of an orphan’s friendship to hold him back.

* * *

Nick’s father swept into Nick’s office on Thursday morning. “Good morning. Having a good week?”

Nick glanced up from the file he was reading. “Hi, Dad.” And let out a long breath. “It’s going.”

This earned him a perplexed look. “Having problems with one of the kids?”

“No, the cases are fine. Judge Pierce wants me and the advocate to spend the weekend at his house in a team-building exercise.”

His answer must have piqued his father’s interest, because he moved from the doorway to a chair facing Nick and sat down. “Judge Pierce and I go way back. I’ve never considered him eccentric.”

“Maybe family court requires thinking outside the box so the attorneys in his courtroom stay focused on the kids and how to work together.”

“What aren’t you telling me?” His father leaned forward, his jaw rigid, his gaze probing.

Nick rubbed a hand over his face, not looking forward to this conversation. “Nothing you need to worry about. Miss Harper and I didn’t see eye to eye on something. Judge Pierce doesn’t like tension in his courtroom, especially when a child is present. He thinks if we spend some time with him this weekend we’ll all understand each other better and learn how to play together like good little boys and girls.” At his father’s raised eyebrow, Nick shrugged. “I’m just trying to keep my nose clean in his court.”

“If you’re uncomfortable with this, I can speak to Charles. Like I said, I’ve known him for a long time.”

This didn’t need fixing, at least not by his father. Couldn’t he let Nick make his own mistakes so he could learn from them? “Thanks, Dad, but no. I’m out of my comfort zone and learning as I go.” His lips quirked into a half-smile. “It’ll all work out for the best.”

“I don’t want anything coming between you and that council seat.”

“I won’t do anything that tarnishes the Delaney name or ruins your big plans,” Nick assured him.

His father nodded. “You’d better not, and don’t get distracted by this children’s advocate. You need to stay focused on achieving our goal.”

Nick’s jaw tightened, but he held his tongue. He’d learned how to pick his battles.

Chapter 4

O
n Friday afternoon, Nick pulled his SUV up in front of the two-story garage of a dark tan, cottage-style house. This was the address Gina, Katherine’s assistant, had given his assistant. Cream-colored woodwork trimmed the front, and Katherine sat on a porch swing, her nose buried in a book. A small suitcase rested near the front steps. He took a fortifying breath and said a small prayer for guidance before he got out. This weekend was his best shot at cornering Katherine and finding out what she had against him.

“Hi. Thanks for letting me come by a few minutes early,” he said and rested his foot on the bottom step.

Katherine closed her book with a snap and grabbed her oversized purse. “No problem since the judge insisted I ride with you.”

He ignored her snarky tone and picked up the suitcase. Her position on the top step put them almost eye to eye. She had gold flecks mingled in the green of those expressive eyes. But he tethered his appreciation of her beauty and focused on the question that had been burning in his mind since the judge decreed they participate in this crazy weekend get-together. “You called Judge Pierce Uncle Charles when we were in chambers. Why?”

Her eyes went wide and she notched her chin in the air as if preparing for battle. She so didn’t want to answer him. The gold flecks in her eyes glowed with that truth, but he wouldn’t accept her silence. She owed him an answer.

The stiffening of her spine added an inch to her height, but he was still taller. He leaned closer to remind her of the fact. He’d stay right here all afternoon if he had to. Her eyes narrowed, and she may have growled. He wasn’t sure. He smiled.

“Alice, the woman who adopted me, was a widow. Her late husband and Judge Pierce were first cousins. The judge handled the adoption, and since his and Aunt Melvia’s son lives out of state, they sort of made me their surrogate niece.”

Satisfied for now, he nodded and led the way to the back of his vehicle, where he stowed her case next to his black carry-on. Once he’d closed the gate, he turned and faced her. “I know this weekend’s uncomfortable for you, but you have to know I never meant to hurt you, not back in high school, and not now either.”

She didn’t say anything, just swiveled on the ball of her foot like a ballerina and headed for the front passenger door. He rubbed a hand along the back of his neck. So much for extending an olive branch. Let her mope. He’d tried. After starting the car, he backed out of her driveway, as unsure of how they’d get along this weekend as he’d been when he arrived.

He stopped at a florist shop halfway to the judge’s house. Before he got out, he asked if she wanted to come inside. She shook her head, pulled her book out of her bag and ignored him. In a few minutes, he was back and they were on their way.

They drove through tall, ornate wrought iron gates and followed the paved drive up to a two-story estate-style home in aged, brown brick. A lush lawn sprawled wide on either side and in front of the house. Semi-tamed woods surrounded the property and formed a natural privacy barrier. Nick stopped the vehicle even with the double glass-paneled doors of the house.

Judge Pierce came outside before Nick could pull their bags from the back of the vehicle. Two golden retrievers tugged against their leashes. “I see you made it.”

Katherine abandoned her suitcase on the drive and knelt down. The judge freed the dogs. They lunged, almost knocking her over in their excitement. Nick rushed forward but wasn’t fast enough. At her bubble of laughter, he relaxed as they nipped and danced around her, barking with excitement, vying for her attention.

“Buster. Bruno. Off, boys,” she ordered in a stern voice. “I have your treats. Sit.” She laughed when they dropped to their haunches and waited in quivering anticipation.

She rubbed their heads with affection before she reached into the oversized bag on her shoulder and pulled out two tufts of knotted rope, frayed at the ends. The dogs stayed seated but whined in recognition of the toys. She fished two doggie treats out of her bag and handed one to each of them before waving the ropes in front of them in temptation. They sprang to attention. She drew back and threw the ropes well past the drive, over into the cropped grass. Both dogs took off like arrows shot from a bow.

Katherine straightened and stepped into her uncle Charles’s waiting arms. “There’s my girl. Why don’t you take the boys for their walk while I show Nick to his room?”

“That sounds great. I haven’t played with them in forever.” She hurried toward where the dogs played tug-of-war with one of the ropes.

Nick stood, enjoying her open display of affection while she played with the dogs. It was the first glimpse into a lighter, happier Katherine she’d allowed him to witness. He slung his bag over his shoulder and picked up her suitcase before nodding at the judge in greeting. “Sir.”

“It’s good of you to come willingly this weekend. It speaks well of you in my book.”

He let the judge’s comment go without a response and followed him up the stairs. Katherine’s room was at the end of the hall on the left. Floral wallpaper resembling Victorian roses covered the walls. A lace-trimmed duvet on the bed in light cream offset the plush burgundy carpet muffling his footsteps. A make-up table and a Queen Anne chair sat against the wall opposite double doors that he guessed concealed a large closet.

After he set Katherine’s case on the floor at the foot of the bed, the judge directed him across the hall to what would be his room for the weekend. Where Katherine’s room was delicate and feminine, his was strong and masculine with an oversized chair in front of a gas fireplace and a large sleigh bed draped with a nautical-themed quilt. The carpet captured the turquoise color of the ocean. White walls provided a sharp contrast. A small writing desk with a deep walnut stain that matched the bed and wardrobe sat near a tall window, its wooden shutters open, letting in glimpses of the setting sun.

“I hope you’ll be comfortable here,” the judge said when Nick walked over to the bed and dropped his bag.

“It’s fine. I would say thanks for having me, but since you didn’t give me much choice, I don’t think that’s what you expect to hear.”

He turned away from the intensity in the judge’s eyes and prowled the room, exploring.

“I’m sure with Katherine’s sense of fair play she’s explained our family connection to you by now. That girl is special to me. She brought a dear friend an unlimited amount of joy when nothing else could after her husband died. I’ll do anything I can to protect her.”

The warning in his voice had Nick turning back to face him. “Don’t forget, I knew Kat well before any of you did. I don’t know why she’s in denial over that fact, but I intend to find out this weekend.”

“Be careful. Your father and I go back many years. I know how the Delaneys operate. You won’t push and get your way here.”

His jaw tightened at the judge’s implication. “Exactly what are you saying? My father’s a good man. He served as a children’s advocate himself while I was in high school. I’m surprised he wasn’t her appointed advocate for the short time she was in Pemberly.”

The judge stood silent as if weighing his words. “I know about your father’s time in family court. I won’t form an opinion about you until I know you better. But be warned, I also know of your father’s political aspirations for you. Don’t even think about using situations in my courtroom to kick-start your political career.”

Nick’s muscles tensed, starting in his fists and climbing up his arms to the cords in his neck, and turning his jaw as rigid as granite. His nostrils flared. Judge or no judge, he wouldn’t ignore the inferred slam against his character. “I assure you, I’m as aboveboard as any other man serving in your courtroom, regardless of my parentage.”

Instead of continuing their unpleasant conversation, the judge suddenly changed the subject. “Dinner will be at seven. Katherine should be up soon. You can check with her and find out what help she’ll need from you in the kitchen tonight.” With that, he turned and left.

Nick let out a slow breath and looked upward. “Okay, God. What am I doing here? You have to show me, because I don’t have a clue.” Silence was his answer. He opened his bag and started unpacking. He was finished before he heard Katherine moving around next door.

He walked into the hall and tapped on her open door. She turned at the sound. He froze in mid-thought. Her antics with the dogs had left her cheeks flushed and her eyes shining with joy. She’d never looked more beautiful—more carefree.

“Judge Pierce said I should check with you for instructions.” He stepped further into the room. “Nick Delaney reporting for duty, ma’am.” He saluted. It was that or reach and smooth away the strand of hair clinging to her cheek. But she wouldn’t welcome his touch.

With regret, he watched her smile slide into oblivion, replaced by the guarded look she wore when she dealt with him. “Give me five minutes and I’ll meet you downstairs. The kitchen is at the bottom of the stairs, on the right.” She turned back to her bag in dismissal.

* * *

Katherine entered the kitchen and found Nick rummaging in the refrigerator. She walked over and stood beside him.

He stepped back. “He bought plenty of vegetables. What do you plan to make?”

When she spotted carrots, onion, and broccoli in the crisper drawer, she knew what the judge wanted for dinner. She set the vegetables in the sink and put Nick to washing them. “We’re having stir-fry with white rice. That okay with you?”

He raised his shoulders and let them drop in an exaggerated shrug. “Sure, what do you need me to do?”

After she explained how she wanted the vegetables sliced, she put a pot of water on to boil for the rice. She lined up the soy sauce and some other seasonings she knew the judge liked. They worked for several minutes in silence.

“What are you willing to share about yourself so I can contribute to our little ‘show and tell’ game at dinner?” His tone revealed his dislike of being at her mercy.

She measured seasoning into a cup, taking her time to answer. “I don’t know yet.”

“I have to share something about myself with you so it’s not like it’s a one-sided deal here, Katherine.”

“I already know all I need to know about you.” She met his mutinous glare with a satisfied smirk.

“How? We haven’t said more than five words to each other before today and none of those were about me personally.” He wiped his hands on a towel.

Her heart was beating double-time with the pleasure of revealing how she’d bested him. “I had Gina do some research for me. I know where you went to college, what your GPA was, and what you minored in. I know how long you’ve worked for Dear Ol’ Dad, and when he made you a partner in the firm.” She added the vegetables he’d chopped to the chicken she’d sliced and sautéed them in the pan with her back to him.

“So you’re really going to hang me out to dry? That was your plan all along,” he accused. He tossed the towel on the counter beside the stove. “Thanks. Thanks a lot.”

She ignored the twinge of guilt his words stirred and met his glare over her shoulder. “I don’t think of it as setting you up. I told you I didn’t want to talk to you. I don’t want to get to know you either. Nothing’s changed.”

She set the table while Nick called the judge to dinner. The judge said grace before they started. They passed the dishes around and filled their plates. But after a few minutes of fork to mouth, back to plate, it was evident neither she nor Nick planned to say anything.

Judge Pierce took the initiative. “So, who wants to go first?”

She looked up and smiled at Nick before she told the judge where he went to law school and what fraternity he’d joined.

Judge Pierce looked to Nick for confirmation. At Nick’s nod, the judge smiled. “Good, now tell me, Nick, do you know where Katherine when to college?”

Katherine dropped her head and moved the food on her plate around in circles.

“We didn’t get that far tonight. She spent all her time showing me what to do in the kitchen.”

When she raised her head, she found his eyes trained on her. Was that a look of hurt on his face? He didn’t have a reason to feel hurt. He’d betrayed
her
—tossed
her
out like yesterday’s trash.

“That’s no problem,” the judge said. “I can fill you in on her schooling. She went to Stetson. She graduated summa cum laude with a double major in family law and child psychology, all while volunteering at several halfway houses and homeless shelters in the area. I tell you, this girl never stops.” He slapped a hand on the table and Katherine jumped. “Alice worried she’d let herself get so run-down, she’d end up sick in the hospital. That’s about the only way to make her slow down.”

Her cheeks heated. Uncle Charles didn’t have to get that personal in his recounting of her past. Nick, she noticed, was taking it all in.

“Katherine, dear, when we finish dinner, would you mind making some hot chocolate and joining me in my study for a cup?”

“I’d planned on doing the dishes right after we finished in here.”

“Oh, don’t worry about the dishes, Kat.” Nick cut in, pouncing on a chance for payback. “You cooked. It’s only fair I clean up. I may not be handy with a stove, but I’m pretty good with hot soapy water.” He winked for good measure. The rat.

His response to her ungrateful glare was a smug smile when he took her plate and stacked it on top of his. She followed him into the kitchen but kept her back turned while she made the hot chocolate and he did the dishes. The atmosphere in the room was less than warm and she headed for the study faster than she wanted.

She carried the tray over to a table near Uncle Charles’s old recliner. “I brought marshmallows.”

“Your aunt Melvia won’t let me have any. Since she’s gone, I’ll have three, please.”

She smiled at the twinkle in his eye and added a fourth for good measure.

“Uncle Charles, I know what you’re going to say. It wasn’t fair when I didn’t tell Nick anything about myself. But I’m not comfortable sharing things about myself with others, especially him. You don’t know everything about my past.”