Their Inseparable Bond
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Jill Weatherholt
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Chapter One
Canine trainer Jake Beckett peered at his twins in the rearview mirror. Being a single father at the age of fifty had never been part of the plan. Then again, neither had losing his wife and their unborn child.
“Do you think Miss Myrna will bake her yummy snickerdoodle cookies for the class picnic?” Six-year-old Kyle called out from the back seat of Jake’s cherry-red extended-cab pickup truck.
Myrna Hart’s cookies were famous in the small town of Bluebell Canyon, Colorado. Without Myrna, the most beloved resident in town, Jake would have never survived that first year after his wife passed away.
“I don’t see why not, but you can ask her yourself when we get to her house.”
Jake stole a glance at his son. With his dark brown eyes and sun-kissed brown hair, Kyle was the spitting image of his late mother. His twin sister, Kayla, had many of his wife’s features, like her thick, wavy brown hair and rust-colored freckles that dotted the bridge of her nose, but Kyle favored their mother more.
Jake brought the vehicle to a stop at the intersection. Cumulus clouds drifted over the Rocky Mountains. He glanced over his shoulder and noticed Kayla gazing out the window, lost in thought. “Are you okay, Kayla? You haven’t said a word since we left the school.”
“She’s upset about the mother-daughter fashion show.” Kyle nudged his sister’s arm.
“Stop it.” Kayla pushed back and stuck out her tongue.
The family dog, Tank, a three-year-old Border collie nestled between the children, raised his head and released a snort.
“Settle down, kids. What’s this about a fashion show, Kayla?”
The sudden silence was ominous. As time passed, Jake was coming to realize that as Kayla got older, not having a mother would bring challenges he might not be prepared to handle.
“Nothing... It’s stupid.” She choked back tears.
“Yeah, who cares about seeing a bunch of girls walking around wearing different clothes?” Kyle said. “It’s silly, Kay. Forget about it. We can go fishing or something instead.”
Jake was proud of his son. Kyle always tried to protect his sister. It was best to drop the subject for now. The event obviously upset her.
Moments later, Jake pulled into the circular driveway in front of Myrna’s house. Rocking chairs lined the large wraparound porch, tempting a person to settle down with a glass of icy lemonade. For the past two years, Myrna’s door was always open. After Laura died while giving birth to what would have been their third child, Myrna’s home had become a refuge for Jake and his children.
Jake raked a hand through his cropped salt-and-pepper hair, unbuckled his seat belt and opened the cab door. Tank sprang from the truck.
“I’ll race you!” Kyle called out to his sister before sprinting toward the front porch.
Kayla zipped off with Tank on her heels.
The children thundered up the steps, ran across the wide-plank flooring and jerked open the squeaky screen door. Myrna had told them long ago they didn’t need to call ahead or knock—they were family.
Jake’s long, muscular legs circled to the rear of the truck to retrieve the replacement stairway railing. Myrna’s diagnosis of macular degeneration had propelled him on a mission to make her house more accommodating and safer. Jake and others in the community looked after Myrna following the death of her husband, Jeb, five years ago.
He walked across the driveway carrying the railing and ascended the stairs. Tank circled the porch twice, exploring the wood with his wet nose. Then he headed to the oversize dog bed Myrna had bought specially for him.
“Lie down, Tank.”
The dog spun around three times before flopping on the pillow and releasing a sigh.
“Good boy.” Jake opened the door and stepped into the foyer. The toe of his leather work boot caught on the runner that covered the hardwood floor. Jake made a mental note to inspect the entire house for throw rugs. They were a tripping hazard. To ensure Myrna’s safety, they would have to go.
Voices echoed from the kitchen. Jake moved past the baby grand piano to the back of the house. He inhaled the aroma of sweet cinnamon. He stepped inside the kitchen and Myrna’s face brightened. Measuring in at barely five feet tall, Myrna kept fit by her constant motion. Her seventy-year-old skin showed no sign of the hours she spent outdoors in her garden.
“Jake, I just told the children your timing is perfect. Not only are there fresh snickerdoodles, but you finally get to meet my beautiful granddaughter and brilliant doctor, Olivia.” Myrna winked and ran a finger through her short silver hair. “She flew into town last night for an overdue visit. It was a delightful surprise.”
Jake’s pulse ticked up when he spotted a striking young woman sitting on one of the stools surrounding the granite-topped island in the kitchen. Kyle was chatting up a storm with her like she was an old friend. Olivia’s auburn, wavy hair cascaded over the tops of her shoulders.
Jake placed the railing against the laundry room door. He approached Olivia and extended his hand. He swallowed hard against the knot in his throat. “I’ve heard a lot about you. It’s nice to meet you in person. I’m Jake Beckett.”
Olivia smiled. She stood, revealing her long limbs and slender stature, and accepted Jake’s hand. “Hello. Olivia Hart. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
According to Myrna, Olivia worked long hours as an ER doctor in Miami, Florida. She was married, but he didn’t remember Myrna ever mentioning children. Jake released her hand. At six foot one, it wasn’t often he met a lady almost equal in height. “I didn’t mean to interrupt your reunion. I thought I’d stop by and install the railing. I picked it up at the hardware store this morning since I’ll be taking the kids to the car show tomorrow.”
Myrna set the pitcher of sweet tea on the counter, then removed glasses from the cabinet. She glanced in her granddaughter’s direction. “He has a mile-long list of improvements he’d like to make on the house. Jake is the most thoughtful young man you’ll ever meet. He’s always doing for others.”
Jake’s face warmed. “I’m not exactly young, but that’s kind of you to say. I’ve added something to the list. We need to get rid of that runner in the foyer, along with the other throw rugs. They’re a hazard.”
“See, Gammy? Jake agrees with me. It’s not safe for you to be living alone.” Olivia addressed Myrna with a pointed look.
Jake shook his head. “I wouldn’t say that. With some improvements and the help of a service dog, I think your grandmother will be fine.”
“You’re getting a dog?” Olivia glanced at her grandmother.
“Yes, and she’s just the sweetest thing. Her name is Callie. Jake is training her.” Myrna smiled and took a seat at the island.
Jake removed his wallet from his back pocket. He pulled out a business card and passed it to Olivia. “My brothers and I run a business together. They’re out of town on a hunting trip, otherwise they’d be here devouring your grandmother’s cookies.”
Olivia examined the card. “Beckett’s Canine Training. So you train service dogs?”
He nodded and straightened his shoulders. “Yes, ma’am, along with herding dogs. We train and place service dogs across the state. I also host a camp four times a year for Puppy Raisers.”
“Why don’t you bring Callie with you for Sunday dinner so Olivia can get to know her?” Myrna suggested to Jake.
He’d thought about bringing Callie along today, but she wasn’t behaving well this morning. Jake left her at his brother’s house. Callie had proved to be a slow learner. She would never make it as an official service dog, but Jake was confident she could meet Myrna’s needs if her vision deteriorated. “I’ll do that.” He grabbed two glasses Myrna had left next to the pitcher. “Do you want some tea, kids?”
“Yes, yes!” Kyle bounced on his toes.
Kayla remained silent while sneaking looks at Olivia.
“Kayla, what about you?”
“I’m not thirsty,” she whispered.
“Don’t forget the cookies.” Myrna pointed to the large porcelain Cheshire cat. “I had forgotten all about the car show tomorrow.”
“We haven’t,” Kyle chirped. “Daddy said we could even stay until dark to watch the fireworks. It’ll be so cool!”
Myrna looked at Jake. “Maybe you can take Olivia. I want her to experience everything that small-town life offers.”
Olivia released a sigh and addressed Jake. “She’s trying to convince me to give up my job and uproot my life in Miami.” Olivia rolled her eyes. “Small-town life isn’t for me.”
“So, quaint and hospitable isn’t your thing?” He laughed.
“I don’t mean to be disrespectful. It’s fine for some people.” She drew her shoulders back.
“If you stick around long enough, you might change your mind.” Jake couldn’t imagine living anywhere else. He’d enjoyed growing up in Virginia, but after he and his brothers inherited the land in Bluebell nearly twenty years ago from their aunt who passed, the entire family had moved out West.
Olivia trailed her finger along the top of her glass of sweet tea. “I don’t see that happening. But I will stay long enough to convince my grandmother to move back to Miami with me. So, the safety improvements and the dog training probably aren’t necessary.”
Jake’s mouth dropped open. Wait. What? Was she serious? There was no way Jake could allow that to happen. Sure, he wasn’t blood, but Myrna was family to him and his children.
Kyle moved closer to his father. Anguish filled his eyes. “Is Miss Myrna moving?”
Myrna sprang from her stool with the agility of a teenager. She opened the oak cabinet, removed a serving platter and scooped the cookies from the jar. Carefully, she placed them in a semicircle on the dish. “I’m not going anywhere. My home is here. It’s where I plan to stay until I go home to be with the Lord.” Myrna hurried to the island with the baked goods. “Let’s change the subject and enjoy these cookies.”
Kayla gave Olivia a callous once-over. After losing her mother, Kayla clung to Myrna. Two years had passed and their bond was stronger than ever. Kyle loved the older woman too, but Kayla and Myrna had a special connection that the little girl wasn’t about to allow this interloper to destroy.
“Now, about the car show. You should go with Jake and the kids, Olivia.” Myrna sat, broke off a piece of cookie and popped it into her mouth. “I think you’d have a good time. I won’t be able to take you since I’ll be baking cupcakes tomorrow morning and preparing for Bible study.”
Jake considered Myrna’s suggestion. It might be a good idea for Olivia to go to the show. She’d hear firsthand how much the people in the community loved her grandmother. There wasn’t a person in Bluebell who wouldn’t help Myrna in a time of need. Maybe then Olivia would drop this outlandish idea to move her. “If you’re interested, you’re welcome to join the kids and me,” Jake offered.
“Yes!” Kyle jumped off his stool and circled to Olivia. “Please come with us, Dr. Olivia. It’ll be so much fun. We’re going to have a picnic. Daddy’s going to make us his special triple-decker club sandwiches. We even get to have soda, too!”
Olivia looked at Jake. Her brow arched. “What about your wife? Shouldn’t you check with her?”
Silence covered the room like mist drifting across a pond.
Jake’s stomach twisted. His eyes darted between the twins. Kayla’s face turned to stone. Kyle’s lower lip quivered.
“Our mommy is dead.” Kayla’s abrupt response shattered the silence.
Kyle ran to Jake and buried his face in his father’s hip.
Embarrassed, Jake addressed his daughter. “Kayla, I think you should apologize to Dr. Olivia.”
Kayla eyed her father. “It’s true. I don’t have a mommy anymore.”
“That may be, but I didn’t like your tone.”
The adults exchanged glances. Kayla remained silent, crossed her arms and rolled her lower lip.
Olivia cleared her throat. “I’m so sorry.” Olivia turned to her grandmother. “I guess I didn’t remember.”
The refrigerator’s motor hummed. Outside, a car door slammed, and Tank barked twice.
“It sounds like I have more company.” Myrna clapped her hands and rose from her seat. “So it’s settled. Jake, you and the kids can swing by tomorrow morning and pick up Olivia on your way to the car show. I’ll have a batch of cupcakes ready for the picnic.”
Jake nodded. There was no point in arguing with Myrna.
Myrna headed to the door. Kayla remained quiet, and Olivia kept her eyes glued to the floor. Kyle inched toward Olivia’s stool. “So, you’ll go with us to the car show?”
“That’s sweet of you, Kyle, but your father might want to keep this a family outing.” Olivia looked up at Jake as though asking for permission.
“We would be happy for you to join us,” Jake said.
“Please, will you come?” Kyle asked.
Olivia turned her attention back to Kyle and smiled. “I’ve always loved triple-decker sandwiches. Of course I’ll go.”
Kyle pumped his fist and whispered a yes, perhaps not wanting to upset his sister, but it was too late. Kayla frowned at Jake before racing out the kitchen door and into the backyard to take refuge in the tree house. After his wife died, Jake had built the house for the kids on Myrna’s property since the family spent so much of their time with Myrna.
“Please come and have some tea and cookies, Larry.” Myrna returned to the kitchen with her guest.
For as long as Jake could remember, Larry Walker had been the branch manager of the only bank in town. He sometimes overlooked late payments when someone in the community experienced tough times. Larry was a good man. Jake extended his hand. “It’s nice to see you. What brings you out this way?”
Larry placed his briefcase on the island and reached inside. “I need a couple of signatures from Myrna.”
“For the home improvements. Don’t you remember?” Myrna directed her question at Jake. “I took out a home equity line of credit to cover the cost. I know I mentioned it to you.”
“You did. But I told you a loan wasn’t necessary. I can do all the work for you.”
Myrna smiled. “That’s generous of you, but I can’t let you work for free. Besides, I have to pay for the materials.”
Jake wouldn’t be working for free. He couldn’t count the number of meals and counseling sessions Myrna had provided him since his wife died. He’d never be able to repay her in his lifetime. “You can pay for the material, but I won’t accept a dime from you for the labor.”
Myrna rolled her eyes and looked down at the papers Larry had placed in front of her. “Where do I sign?”
Larry flipped the pages and pointed to the signature block at the bottom of page three. “Right here.”
Myrna blinked her eyes before rubbing her fingers over her eyelids.
“Where? Let me put on my reading glasses.” Myrna removed the eyewear from the top of her head and slid them on her face.
The three adults watched as Myrna squinted to see the signature line. Her glasses didn’t appear to help.
“Gammy, when was the last time you saw the eye doctor?” Olivia moved closer.
“I had a follow-up appointment a month ago, but I had to cancel.”
“Why?” Olivia asked.
“Elizabeth from my prayer group needed a ride to Denver for her cataract surgery.”
Myrna always put others ahead of herself.
Olivia shook her head. “This is exactly why you should come to Miami. It’s not safe for you to drive a car if you can’t see to sign your name. I can’t allow you to put yourself in danger. You have macular degeneration. If you don’t stay on top of this disease, you could lose your eyesight.”
Jake agreed about the seriousness of Myrna’s condition. Since her diagnosis, he’d researched the disease. He was aware of what could happen if Myrna didn’t receive proper treatment. Jake had found a well-regarded specialist in Denver and put Myrna’s name on the waiting list for an appointment. But if Olivia had her way, Myrna would never have that appointment. Jake couldn’t allow that to happen. Completing the safety improvements on Myrna’s home and training Callie would be his top priorities. Jake had every intention of proving to Olivia that Myrna belonged in Bluebell, surrounded by the people who loved her.
“Good morning, sleepyhead.” Myrna stood at the six-burner gas stove. A white-and-yellow apron hugged her waist.
A heavy sensation filled Olivia’s chest. Her father used to call her “sleepyhead.” Olivia often reflected on how different her life would have been if her father hadn’t died when she was young. Her bare feet padded across the pinewood floor leading to her grandmother’s kitchen. “Good morning.” She hugged the woman and held on a little longer than usual. The tension she hadn’t known she’d been carrying eased. “It’s nice to be here with you, Gammy. I’ve missed you.”
Myrna smiled. “I’ve missed you, too.”
“I’m sorry I let so much time pass.”
“There’s no need to apologize. I still carry fond memories of the cruise you took me on several years ago. And remember, you visited a couple times when you attended medical conferences in Denver.”
“Those were brief evening visits before I had to get back to Miami.” Olivia lowered her gaze. “I should have spent more time with you.”
“You’re a busy doctor. And with the divorce, I’m sure it’s been difficult. I only wish you would have told me about your marital issues before you arrived in Bluebell. Maybe I could have helped you.”
Olivia hadn’t shared the details of the breakup with Gammy or anyone. She’d been in shock when her ex-husband told her he no longer wanted to have children. Her world went into a tailspin when Mark filed for divorce. Olivia wanted to work on their differences, but Mark believed it was best to end the marriage since he no longer shared her dream of having a family. “I’m not sure anyone could have helped, but there’s no excuse for me not to have called you more frequently.”
“You’re here now. That’s what’s important. Breakfast is almost ready. I’m sure you’re starving.”
The aroma of bacon with a hint of sweetness caused her stomach to rumble. “I am. Why didn’t you wake me up last night?” Olivia headed to the coffeepot. She removed a cup from the mug tree and poured. A baking sheet lined with a dozen cupcakes cooled on the countertop.
“After Liz dropped me off from my caring cards meeting, you were sleeping so sound, I didn’t have the heart.” Myrna speared a strip of bacon with a fork and turned it over. She reduced the flame. Hot grease hissed inside the skillet.
Olivia couldn’t remember when she’d slept so soundly. During the separation and following the divorce, with no one waiting for her at home, Olivia often covered for her colleagues who had families. “I don’t think I’ve slept that long since I was in high school.” She laughed and took a sip of the hot brew.
Myrna slid four slices of whole wheat bread into the toaster. “Between the time difference and the stress of traveling, you needed your rest. Since you slept through dinner, I’ve cooked you a big breakfast.”
“That’s so thoughtful. Thank you.” Olivia took notice of the farmhouse table with five place settings. “Are you expecting company?”
“Since Jake was so sweet with his offer to take you to the car show today, I thought inviting him and the children over for breakfast was the least I could do.” Myrna removed the second batch of cupcakes from the oven.
“Here, let me help you.” Olivia grabbed a pot holder from the counter and took the baked goods from her grandmother. “It’s only nine o’clock. I can’t believe how much cooking and baking you’ve done. Do you ever slow down?”
“I could ask you the same. I worry about you working such long hours at the hospital.” Myrna opened the refrigerator and removed a plate of cupcakes.
Olivia wanted to cut back her hours now, but when her marriage was crumbling, she’d used her job to escape the truth. The man she’d vowed to spend the rest of her life with had decided he no longer wanted to have children. “If you move to Miami, we can look after each other. I can reduce my hours. Or maybe I can leave the hospital and start a small family practice of my own that could offer more flexibility.” Olivia bit her lower lip. “What if something happened to you? You’re all alone in this big house.”
Myrna placed the dessert on the counter and rested her hand on Olivia’s arm. “You’re thinking about your father, aren’t you?”
Since Olivia had learned about her grandmother’s diagnosis, reliving the day her father died had become an everyday occurrence. If only she’d come straight home from school instead of disobeying her mother and going to the playground with her friends. The thought of her grandmother dying alone in her home, like her father, had consumed her mind. “I don’t want to leave you here by yourself.”
“I appreciate that, but my life is here. The people in this town have been my family for almost twenty years. I couldn’t imagine ever leaving Bluebell.” Myrna pulled her hand away and pushed herself from the table. “Jake will be here soon. I better get the icing on these so you can take them with you.”
The mention of Jake reminded her of the struggle she had earlier deciding what to wear. She looked down at her black jeans and pink blouse. “Is this outfit okay? I didn’t know what to wear. I’ve never been to a car show.” Since Olivia first woke up, she’d had reservations about spending the day with Jake and his children. “Are you sure you can’t come with us to the car show? Jake is your friend. I feel uncomfortable going with him and his kids.”
“Your outfit is perfect.” Myrna glanced at the clock on the wall. She carried the plate of cupcakes and the bowl of icing to the table. “Come and sit with me, dear.”
Olivia followed her grandmother and pulled out a chair from the table for each of them. She sat down and took a sip of her coffee.
“Why are you so apprehensive about going to the show with Jake and his children?” Myrna asked as she ran the knife with a glob of vanilla icing over the chocolate cupcake.
“I should have never asked about his wife. I feel terrible. To be honest with you, I didn’t remember you mentioning that Jake had lost his wife. I guess I wasn’t paying attention. I’m sorry.” The coffee soured in Olivia’s stomach.
“Don’t be so hard on yourself. I never shared the details of what that family has endured with you.” Myrna pulled in a slow breath and released it. “It should have been a happy time for Jake’s family. His wife, Laura, was seven months pregnant when she went into labor. She had issues with her blood pressure and had a heart attack.” Myrna wiped a tear.
“And the baby?”
Her grandmother shook her head. “It devastated Jake. He lost his wife and baby boy in a matter of minutes. If it weren’t for his strong faith, I don’t think he would have survived.”
“That’s so sad.” Olivia placed her hand over her mouth and shook her head.
“Laura was a wonderful wife and mother. She kept the Beckett house running. Poor Kyle and Kayla, they didn’t understand what had happened to their mother. Kyle had terrible nightmares, and Kayla wouldn’t talk.”
“How did Jake handle it by himself?”
“Oh, he wasn’t alone. His brothers were here to support him. Plus, the entire town rallied around him.”
Myrna brushed a tear from her cheek.
“After Laura was gone, it paralyzed Jake. The poor guy couldn’t operate the washing machine. He didn’t know that Kyle liked sliced bananas on his peanut butter sandwich. Or that Kayla won’t drink orange juice that has pulp. That was Laura’s department. Jake’s brothers were there to support him, but the kids needed a mother figure, so I stayed at their house for the first month.”
“Why?”
“That’s what family does. We support one another. We give our time and effort to someone other than ourselves.”
“But you’re not family.” Olivia couldn’t deny feeling a twinge of jealousy. Since the day she’d come home from school and discovered her father nonresponsive on the kitchen floor, all she’d wanted was to be part of a family again.
Myrna reached for Olivia’s hand. “It’s not blood that makes you family, dear. Love and loyalty bind people together. It’s what makes Bluebell Canyon so special. Give it time. You’ll see.”
Olivia considered her grandmother’s words. Olivia’s mother had been blood, yet after losing her husband, the only thing her mother seemed to care about was getting her next drink. Had her mother ever considered the effect that finding her father had had on Olivia?
“For weeks, Kyle couldn’t fall asleep unless I was in bed with him. Jake and Kyle have come a long way, but Kayla is still in a lot of pain. I think it might be a good thing for her to spend time with you.”
“Why would you think that?”
“Let’s just say I have a good feeling about the positive effect you could have on her.”
Olivia didn’t plan to stay in Bluebell Canyon long enough to affect anyone, much less a child who had lost her mother. She still had unresolved issues after losing her father and later being abandoned by her mother. How could she help Kayla? It was clear to her that Jake’s circumstances were going to make it more challenging to convince Gammy to come back to Miami.
Outside, car doors slammed. Children’s laughter filled the air. Olivia’s stomach tightened. It was too late to back out. She’d have to go to the car show with Jake and his kids. It was what Gammy wanted. But after today, Olivia would have to keep her distance from the Beckett family. Getting involved with a grieving widower and his two children wasn’t part of her plan. And she certainly didn’t want to develop ties to the other townspeople, either. She needed to focus on getting Myrna out of Bluebell Canyon.
