Covering Home (33 page)

“Hey, Mom. Thanks for coming,” Caleb said. “Hi, Dad.”

“Son, how are you?” Mr. Scott shook Caleb’s left hand, his eyes clouded with concern.

“I’m fine. A little stressed, that’s all.” Caleb slid his arm around Britt’s waist, drawing her forward. “Britt, you remember my mom, Meredith, and this is my dad, Alan.”

Britt smiled and shook his outstretched hand. It was massive, enveloping hers in a warm handshake. “Nice to meet you, Mr. Scott.”

“Please, call me Alan.” He smiled, crinkling the tanned skin at the corners of his eyes. “If you say ‘Mr. Scott’, I have to turn around and look for my dad.”

Britt chuckled. “Alan it is, then.”

“Have you spoken to Greg and Lydia?” Mrs. Scott asked.

Caleb shook his head. “Not yet.”

“They really appreciate that you invited them tonight.”

“I’ve invited them every year,” Caleb said.

“Well, she told me twice that they felt honored to be included this year,” Caleb’s mom said. “I thought that was nice of her to mention.”

From the corner of her eye, Britt saw Paul spin his finger in the air, letting her know the camera was rolling. The lights dimmed slightly and everyone started moving toward the ballroom.

Inside, circular tables covered with white cloths and fine china dotted the floor. Tea lights surrounded the fresh flowers at the center of each table, while the rich fabric drapes hung on the walls gave the room a very intimate feel. Caleb took her hand and led her to a table at the front of the room, a stone’s throw from the podium and microphone.

A silver haired man in a black tuxedo stood next to a woman with her blonde hair pinned into a French twist. She wore her baby-blue evening gown like it was made for her.

“Hello, Caleb,” the man said. “Thank you for inviting us tonight.”

“Hello, Greg,” Caleb said, his voice tight. “Lydia, you look lovely this evening.”

“Thank you, Caleb.” The woman’s eyes were moist with tears. She clasped her hands in front of her.

Britt flashed them both a warm smile. “Hi, I’m Britt Bowen.”

“Greg Forrester. This is my wife, Lydia.” The man pulled out a chair for his wife, then glided it toward the table as she sat down. Britt rubbed her hand across the small of Caleb’s back. She could sense the tension hovering over the table like a dark cloud.

Caleb motioned for his parents to sit down with them, and then took a seat on Britt’s right. He reached for her hand under the table, lacing his fingers through hers.
You can do this.
She willed the message to travel through her fingers and straight to his heart. Awkward small talk ensued as the servers brought bread and salads to the table. Mrs. Scott, bless her, kept them entertained with a play-by-play of their drive down from Wyoming. Britt almost laughed out loud at the bemused expression on Lydia Forrester’s face. Britt wondered if she even understood the concept of a road trip.

After the main course was served, the emcee for the evening, one of Denver’s most popular news anchors, stepped up to the microphone and kicked things off with a warm welcome.

He thanked them all for their generous support of Mandy’s Kids and then turned his attention to Caleb.

“Although the founder of Mandy’s Kids prefers to keep a low profile, he’s agreed to say a few words this evening. The man who needs no introduction, ladies and gentlemen, Mr. Caleb Scott.” The emcee stepped away from the microphone and robust applause rippled through the ballroom. Britt watched Paul and his assistant maneuver through the tables to get a close-up shot. Caleb let go of her hand and pushed back his chair.

“Good luck,” she said, but her words were overpowered by a second wave of applause as Caleb approached the podium. He took a square of yellow paper from his pocket, hand shaking as he unfolded and smoothed it out in front of him.

“Good evening,” he said into the microphone, his rich voice echoing into the silence. “On behalf of everyone at Mandy’s Kids, I’d like to express our gratitude to you, our faithful supporters, for your tireless efforts in making life easier for the disadvantaged children in Denver. I—”

A smattering of applause interrupted him and he stared at his notes, waiting politely for them to quiet down. He cleared his throat and continued.

“While Amanda achieved great success in the film and television industry, her desire to be a mother was one dream that didn’t come to fruition. Though her life was cut short by tragedy, I believe the best way to honor her memory is by helping the children of her former hometown. So tonight, I’m very pleased to announce that Mandy’s Kids will break ground on the Amanda Forrester Community Center right here in Denver.”

A spotlight shone on a screen behind Caleb, illuminating a slideshow of architectural renderings for a brick building with a swimming pool, tennis courts and a playground. Mrs. Forrester’s gasp was audible, and she clutched at her husband’s shoulder. Mr. Forrester patted her hand. A murmur of approval went up from the crowd.

Britt glanced at Mrs. Scott, who smiled and winked.

Britt’s heart swelled with pride. He’d done it.

Despite what critics said about his reasons for fleeing the States and hiding out in Japan, Caleb ignored their harsh judgment and did what he thought was right. While a beautiful life ended much too soon, he took the tragedy and shaped it into a blessing for many, sacrificing his own reputation in the process. Britt dabbed at her tears with her napkin. Now she knew exactly how this chapter of Caleb’s story ended.

Caleb wrapped up his remarks and came back to the table, settling into his chair with an obvious expression of relief. Britt slipped her arm around his shoulders. “I’m so proud of you,” she whispered in his ear.

He tilted his head, touching his temple to hers. “Thank you. That means a lot.” He pressed a kiss against her hair.

“Caleb—” Mr. Forrester said, his voice gruff. “We don’t even know what to say.”

“Say you’ll match the donations dollar for dollar,” Caleb said, lifting his chin.

“Oh, I don’t—” Mrs. Forrester started.

“Done.” Mr. Forrester reached inside his tuxedo and pulled out a business card. “Here’s my accountant’s card. Your people can contact him after the auction tonight and provide the final numbers. He’ll cut a check within forty-eight hours.”

A slow smile spread across Caleb’s face. “I’m impressed, Greg. That’s the kind of support we like to see at Mandy’s Kids.”

Britt glanced around the table. She didn’t know who was more surprised by this transaction—Mrs. Forrester or Caleb’s parents. All three of them sat with their mouths hanging open.

A romantic ballad began playing from the speakers mounted around the edge of the dance floor.

“If you’ll excuse us, I think that’s our cue,” Caleb said. He stood and cupped his hand under Britt’s elbow. “Dance with me?”

Britt stared up at him, shifting in her seat. How could he walk away after an offer like that? “Now?”

“Somebody has to be the first ones on the floor.” Caleb winked.

Britt stood and let him lead her out onto the dance floor.

“Your speech was amazing,” she said, as he pulled her into his arms and they swayed to the music.

“Thank you.” He rested his cheek against her temple. “I can’t believe that just happened.”

“Greg’s offer?”

“Yeah. I never expected that.”

“It just goes to show that God can change anyone’s heart, doesn’t it?” She tipped her head back to stare into his eyes.

Caleb held her gaze. “It does. I think He changed mine first, though. Or I never would’ve been able to sit in the same room, much less boldly ask him to support Mandy’s Kids.”

Britt brushed his lips with her own. “Have I mentioned that I’m proud of you?”

He grinned, his eyes still focused on her lips. “Yes. But, please, tell me some more.”

They moved in slow circles, oblivious to the other couples orbiting around them. “You’ve changed so much from when we first met. Gone is the surly, withdrawn guy who tried to run from me in Tokyo.”

“Surly, huh?” Caleb feigned a hurt expression.

“I’m serious. Apart from the limo ride over here tonight, you’re a much happier guy. It’s like a burden has been lifted.”

He chuckled. “I was a little stressed on the way here, wasn’t I?”

She held up her thumb and forefinger. “Just a smidge.”

“I am much happier than when I moved to Japan. You deserve most of the credit for that.”

“Most?”

“I have to give credit to the Lord, too. Joining that Bible study with some of the other guys from the team put me back on track spiritually. They’ve held me accountable for my attitude and reminded me that God didn’t abandon me in hard circumstances.” He caressed her bare arm with his fingers. “Thank you for being patient with me. I know you’ve prayed a lot about that.”

Tears sprang into her eyes. “You’re welcome,” was all she could manage.

“Come here,” he whispered gruffly and tucked her head under his chin. She rested her chin against his chest, savoring the tender moment as the song came to an end. A big-band swing tune came next and they moved off the dance floor.

“I need some air.” Caleb clasped her hand in his. “Walk with me?”

“Where are you going? You can’t leave your own party,” she said, well aware of the curious stares as they exited the ballroom.

“We’re not leaving. Just taking a breather. Besides, I know you have to fly out again in a couple of hours. I think we’re entitled to a few minutes alone.”

Caleb led her out of the ballroom and across the hall to a much smaller room. It was decorated for a formal affair, much like the one they’d just left. But this ballroom was deserted. Except for a cellist seated in the corner, playing the most beautiful song Britt had ever heard.

“Caleb? What’s going on?”

He smiled. “Follow me.”

At one end of the ballroom, the French doors opened onto a balcony. Strands of white lights were wrapped around the railing outside, and as they crossed the room to stand in the doorway, Britt saw rose petals scattered everywhere. More strands of lights were wrapped in topiaries, which stood in clusters in both corners of the balcony. Tears blurred her vision as she took it all in.

When she turned back around, Caleb was down on one knee, a dark velvet box opened in his left hand. She splayed her hand across her chest, her heart thrumming against her palm.

“Brittany Alena Bowen, I love you with all my heart. I want you by my side, covering home, for as long as we both shall live. Will you marry me?”

Tears spilled down her cheeks. All she could do was nod.

“Is that a yes?” he asked, rising to his feet. He struggled to pull the ring from the box and she half laughed, half cried as he freed it and slipped it on her finger.

“Yes, a thousand times yes, I’ll marry you.”

“I love you,” he whispered, thumbing away a tear.

“I love you, too.” She slipped her arms inside his jacket, molding her body to his. He dipped his head and sealed the proposal with a kiss.

Epilogue

Denver, Colorado

Eighteen months later

Britt lifted the lid on the blender and examined the contents. She braced herself for the wave of nausea that usually followed when she smelled bananas. Much to her surprise, her stomach growled instead of heaving.
Progress.

Setting the lid in the sink, she lifted the pitcher from the base and poured the strawberry-banana concoction into a glass. She dipped a straw in and pressed it to her lips. The cool, thick liquid went down smoothly.
Not bad.
It wasn’t quite the same as the Bananas for Berries smoothie from her new favorite place in Castle Rock. But it would have to do. Living twenty minutes from town required creativity. Besides, she’d make her own smoothies if it meant she could have this view.

Taking her smoothie with her, she went to the sliding glass door and looked out over the massive back yard. It still took her breath away. Snow dusted the tops of the mountains in the distance, while patches of green grass peeked out from under the remnants of a late March snowstorm. A split-rail fence marked the boundary of their five acres and separated them from their neighbors. A mama horse and her foal were out this morning, grazing to their heart’s content.

“I love spring,” she said to her brand new kitchen.

“You know what I love?” Caleb asked.

Britt jumped at the sound of his deep voice, almost dumping her smoothie down the front of her pajamas. She turned and saw him leaning against the archway that led to the dining room. His hair was still wet but he already wore his purple Rockies T-shirt and white uniform pants. Somebody else was excited for Opening Day, too.

She smiled, still relishing the sight of him first thing in the morning. “What?”

“My beautiful wife, standing in our new house, like she was made for all of this.” Caleb was at her side in three long strides. Britt’s heart stuttered as he reached for her, pulling her to him with one arm and resting his other hand on her abdomen. He kissed her tenderly. Goosebumps shot down her arm. Sighing, she rested her head on his shoulder, and nuzzled his neck. She savored the clean, spicy scent of his aftershave.

“How are you feeling?” He rubbed his hand in a gentle circle. “Did you sleep well?”

Britt blanketed his hand with her own. “I’m okay. Trying to keep this smoothie down.”

“Is he moving yet?”

Britt chuckled. “How do you know we’re having a boy?”

Caleb kissed the tip of her nose. “Just a hunch.”

“A hunch. Right. I’ve never been pregnant before, but I think nine weeks is a little early to feel a baby kick.”

“That book of yours says he’s the size of a raspberry.” Caleb patted her stomach one last time then pulled away.

“I’m impressed that you’re reading a pregnancy book.”

Caleb took a skillet out of the cabinet and set it on the stove. “Ben said he read it when Lisa was pregnant and it answered some of his questions. Guys are clueless about all that stuff, you know?”

“So I’ve heard. Don’t worry, I’ll fill you in. I’m reading ahead.” She picked up her glass, watching him take butter, eggs and milk from the fridge. “What are you making?”