His Winter Rose and Apple Blossom Bride (20 page)

“I love you, too, Daddy.” She closed the phone and found Andy at her elbow.

“Was that the answer to a prayer we’ve been waiting for?” he demanded.

“I hope so.” She hugged him, whispering a heavenly plea.
Please, God?

* * *

Jason tied off the lines as best he could, hoping it would be enough to keep the boat from ramming against the rocks and destroying the hull. But that was the least of his worries.

“Did you find anyplace we could shelter?” he asked Higgy.

“A cave, of sorts. If we can get everyone off before it starts really pouring, those with wheelchairs might have a hope of making it. Otherwise, we’ll have to carry each of them. I started a fire already in case we need to dry some things out.”

“Good enough for me. Let’s see if we can get a ramp ready. You man the controls, try to keep us steady while I help unload everyone.”

“Okay.”

A clap of thunder had some of the kids whimpering.

“Hey, this is just another part of the adventure,” he told them with a grin. “Don’t you worry. Cap’n Higgy and I have everything under control.”

What a joke. He was utterly powerless and Jason knew it. No matter what he did, it was only a stopgap measure until—
if—
help arrived. The arrogance of trying to impose his will on the universe hit him full force. He was no more in control than a flea controlled the dog it sat upon.

He looked into the trusting faces of his passengers and turned to Someone who knows all things.

God, forgive me for thinking my way is best. Show me what to do.

“Okay, mateys. We’re almost ready for our first expedition. I want you all to pay attention to your leaders. They’ll give you each a number. When your number is called, it’s time for you to get off this boat. There’s a storm coming so the waves will bounce us around a little, but don’t you worry. You’re all going to be just fine.”

“Are you sure, Captain?” A little redheaded boy who looked about nine tipped up his freckled face and peered into Jason’s eyes. “Certain sure?”

“I’m positive, son. You’re number one,” he said, then glanced at the supervisor to be sure she’d heard. She nodded and Jason went back outside.

He jumped off the edge into the water and secured the ramp as well as possible with the waves lashing against him. They’d have to move fast.

But with that thought the storm seemed to intensify.

“You are in control here, Lord. But if you could give us ten minutes, I’d sure be grateful. Give us a break in the weather for ten minutes so we can unload these kids and get them safe.”

Nothing happened. The wind continued its raging, the water soaked his pants, splashed his face. Then a soft whisper inside his head asked,
Do you trust Me now?

“All the way, Lord. Your will be done.”

A quiet sense of calm filled him. God was here. All Jason had to worry about was the task before him. Rain pelted his upturned face, but he ignored it.

“Number one. Come on down.”

Chapter Fourteen

T
he chopper blades whipped the bay into a frenzy. To Piper it was a glorious sight.

She stood under the eaves of the marina building, watching for the pilot to emerge. To her surprise her father stepped out of the cockpit and jogged across the parking lot.

“Daddy?” She tumbled into his arms and hugged him back. “What are you doing here?”

“I came to help.” He grinned. “Had to fly to Don’s house. He’s away but he said we could use his chopper. So I brought it. Are you ready to go?”

“We have some supplies—blankets, extra clothes, stuff that might help if the kids have been exposed to the elements. Also a nurse, just in case.” She didn’t want to even think about injuries.

He nodded. “How far out is he?”

“We’re not sure. Probably a long way since no other boats have spotted them.”

“Okay, let’s get loaded. It’s going to get worse before it gets better.”

Less than ten minutes later they were airborne, carrying an extra passenger, a volunteer who’d insisted on coming, in case Jason needed help. The other two sat in the back. Piper sat across from her father, watching as he touched the controls that carried them over the water.

“Thank you for doing this,” she said quietly, knowing the softness of her words would carry through the headset.

Baron reached out and touched her hand.

“Sweetheart, I’ve been waiting for so long for you to ask me for something. Your call today was an answer to a prayer.”

“It was?” She adjusted the earphones to be sure she wasn’t dreaming this.

“Of course.” His smile reached out to warm her. “I’ve wanted to talk to you for a long time but you would never listen.”

“But I phoned you and you never answered.” She cut herself off, holding up her hands at his protest. “No. You know what? Let’s not do this. Vance wouldn’t have held a grudge and neither do I. I’ve forgiven you. Let’s just move forward.”

“Vance?” Baron’s head jerked around from his scrutiny out the side window. “What grudge?”

“Forget it, Dad. Let’s just concentrate on finding Jason.”

She turned to stare out the window as the angry feelings threatened to take over again.

“I am concentrating. But I want to know what you meant that Vance wouldn’t have held a grudge?”

“That you didn’t help,” she said simply, swallowing down the tears.

“Vance never asked me to help him.”

“No, he didn’t.” She lifted her head, looked at him. “I did. I begged you, Daddy.” She could barely squeeze the words out. “You never returned my call. Vance believed you’d call, Dad. He died waiting.”

“Piper, listen to me. I never got a call from you. Not once.” His face had paled, his eyes swirled dark with turmoil. “If I had, I would have sent whatever you needed, done whatever you asked.”

“But you must have. I left a message with Dylan. He said he’d passed it on to you.”

Baron glanced at her, then stared through the windscreen.

“This message—what exactly did you tell Dylan to say?”

“That I needed your help. That Vance would die unless we could get him to Italy for a new treatment. You must know.”

He shook his head, his face haggard.

“Don’t you think I would’ve come if I’d known my own daughter needed me?” he grated. “I thought you hated me.”

“I thought I did, too. I was wrong. But this doesn’t make sense.”

Baron nodded.

“I remember—I was in Europe then. I never even knew Vance was gone until two weeks after his funeral. If I’d known you needed me—” He frowned at her. “You told Tina you’d been trying to reach me today.”

“Yes. I left messages at the office, at the house, on your cell. I even called Dylan, begged him to tell you.” She stopped, touching his arm. “You’re very pale. Are you ill?”

“No.” He dropped several hundred feet to get a better look at something on the water’s edge. “Piper, I spoke to Dylan about ten minutes before you called me today. He said nothing about your call.”

“But that doesn’t—” She leaned forward, peering down at the tiny island off to her left. Her heart leaped to life, sending a rush of joy.

“There, Daddy! I think that’s Jason’s boat. Higgy painted the top just the other day.”

“I need a patch to land on. See if you can spot a clearing.” Baron’s voice was stronger now, his face purposeful as he concentrated on his machine. “And Piper?”

“Yes?”

“Pray.”

* * *

The noise echoed into the cave. The kids looked up, eyes wide.

“Is that the elephant you were telling us about?” the smallest asked.

Everyone burst into laughter.

“I think it might be. I’ll go check. Don’t let those marshmallows burn.”

Jason motioned to Higgy to wait then he stepped outside, scanning the sky. A helicopter was circling the island, preparing to set down on the grassy knoll fifty feet away.

Piper had come through for them.

He hurried back inside to tell the supervisors what was going on.

“Didn’t I tell you the adventure wasn’t over yet?” he teased the children.

Their laughter had Jason thanking God that none of the day’s events had traumatized any of them. He was certainly in control.

He returned to the cave opening, watching as the massive machine came to rest. Rain fell in sheets of gray but he could make out the figures of four people moving toward him.

“Piper?” He wrapped his arms around her and held her tight. “You didn’t have to come all this way.”

“Yes, I did.” She kissed him, then leaned back, her wet hair hanging in her eyes. “Are you all right? Is anyone hurt?”

“No. But I’d like to get them out of here while they still think it’s a game.” He blinked in surprise at Baron’s appearance. He reached out to shake his hand. “Thanks for coming, sir. I take it the transportation is courtesy of you?”

“A friend,” Baron told him. “But that’s not important.” He pointed up. “I asked some friends to follow. I hope you don’t mind. Let’s get your passengers loaded as soon as they’re landed. We’re going to have to do it in one trip. The wind is getting too high to risk another trip back.”

Jason nodded, squeezing Piper’s hand.

“I’m glad you called him again.”

“There’s something you should know, Jason.” Piper stopped speaking when Higgy interrupted.

“Gale force winds are predicted.”

“The storm looks like it’s worsening,” Jason told her. “We’ve got to get moving. We’ll talk later, okay?”

Piper nodded. “Go and do what you have to,” she whispered.

With Baron’s help, Jason soon had teams formed. Together they moved all the kids aboard the three choppers. After a last look at the houseboat, he joined the others, motioning for Baron to follow them home.

Piper tried to give him her seat but he shook his head. “Tell them a story,” he said, then moved to the second chopper. He’d keep the kids calm, make it an adventure. Hopefully they’d never realize the perilous situation they’d been in. To keep them busy Jason launched into another story that left them hanging until the helicopters finally landed at Serenity Bay.

“Hey! How are we gonna find out what happened?” his carrot-topped friend demanded.

“Guess you’re just going to have to come back next week.” Jason grinned. “Okay, the ride’s over.” He glanced at Piper, who stood waiting.

“Everyone’s to go to the community center,” she explained. “We’ve got a chicken dinner and lots of games. With prizes.”

The excited kids could hardly wait to exit the helicopter before hitting the power buttons on their wheelchairs and zooming off, supervisors jogging to keep up. While Piper was busy with one of them, Jason turned to Baron.

“Thanks hardly seems enough.”

“Forget that. What happened with the boat?”

“I’m pretty sure somebody sabotaged it.” He explained the problems. “Higgy checked the beacon last night. Everything was fine.” He swallowed, hating what he had to say. “I’ve been trying to think who could have done it. Dylan was here, Baron. We had dinner then I got a phone call. He said he was going to wait outside.”

“I was afraid of that.” Baron looked upset.

“Why?” Jason frowned, his surprise deepening as he heard about Piper’s attempt to reach her father through Dylan. “But why? Why would he do that?”

“I don’t know. But you need to speak to the police. Now. They’ll want to examine the boat.”

“And Piper?”

“She and I have some talking to do,” Baron told him. “I love my daughter, Jason. Even though I’ve acted like a jerk, I always did. It kills me that I wasn’t there when she needed me.” His eyes clouded. “For her to lose Vance like that—” He shook his head.

“You’re here now. I think that means a great deal.”

“I messed up, Jason. I messed up a lot.”

He patted the tired father’s shoulder.

“We all did. But we serve a God of second chances.”

Baron nodded but he said nothing more, content to feast his eyes on Piper, who was speaking to several officials. She looked over one shoulder, winked at them and grinned.

Jason longed to hang on and never let her go, but he couldn’t. Not yet. Not until he’d apologized to the Society’s director, not until he talked to Bud Neely.

Then he’d find her. And with God’s help he wouldn’t let her go.

* * *

Piper slipped her arm into her father’s and walked beside him to her car. She could hardly believe he was here, that he loved her, that he always had.

“Where’s Jason?”

“He had some things to do.” Baron pressed the hair out of her eyes. “I need to talk to you, honey. Can we go for a coffee somewhere? I could sure use one.”

“Get in. I’ll drive you.” She switched the heat on then steered out of the parking lot toward the town’s only drive-through. After she’d ordered and picked up two coffees, she pulled into an empty space on the lot. “I’m so thankful you came. I don’t know what we would have done.”

“God would have worked something else out.” Baron sipped the steaming liquid. “Piper, I need to apologize. I acted like a boor and an oaf after your mother died. A hundred times I’ve wished I could take it back and a hundred times I’ve prayed for God’s forgiveness. Now I’m asking for yours.”

“Why did you do it, Daddy? What changed?”

“Everything.” He tilted his head back, closed his eyes. “I always thought I’d die first, never her. When she was gone I couldn’t accept that God would do that. I got bitter and very, very angry.”

“You were hurting,” she agreed. “We all were.”

“It was worse than that. I let fear take over.”

“Fear?” Piper had never imagined her father was afraid of anything. To hear him say it shocked her. “Fear of what?”

“Of messing up. Of not doing the right thing. Of being a horrible parent.” He dragged one hand through his hair. “She was so good at it, a natural-born mother. I should have let her teach me but I got caught up in making money. As if that mattered after she was gone.”

“You did your best,” she offered quietly, wondering at the anger that had faded now that he was here.

“No, Piper, I didn’t. What I did was try to dictate every move you made.”

“Why did you do that?”

“Because I was stupid. Because I was stubborn, too stubborn to know your grandparents were exactly what you needed. Because I was terrified something would happen to you and you’d leave me, too. Just like her.” He blinked rapidly, then stared into her eyes. “I loved your mother more than my life, Piper. But in those days I was young and brash and I scorned God. I certainly didn’t think I needed Him. I’d decided I was going to raise you all by myself, my way. I was going to turn you into a woman your mother would be proud of.”

“Oh, Daddy.”

He reached out to touch her curls, laid his palm against her cheek.

“She would be proud, Piper. So proud of her brave, strong, true little girl.” He patted her shoulder. “Even though I took my loss out on your grandparents, accused them of taking away my daughter, even though my incessant demands drove you to them and kept you from the home your mother had made, even though I wasn’t there to help you as she would have wanted, you’ve come shining through. Your mother would be so proud of you. Just as I am.”

Piper set her cup into the holder, leaned over and wrapped her arms around him.

“I didn’t understand, Dad. I wanted you to hug me and hold me and you were trying to live through your own grief.” She relaxed in his embrace for a few moments, then risked a look into his eyes. “But you were much harder on me than Dylan. Why?”

He let her go, and shrugged.

“I felt that Dylan was older, that he’d already made so many decisions, chosen his path. I didn’t think he was as vulnerable.”

“Dylan needs to know you love him, Dad.”

He nodded. “I should have told him more, I know. Instead I’ve taken him for granted. And now there are problems.”

“What problems?” The concern etching his face sent a shaft of fear to her heart. “Dad, is there something wrong at Wainwright?”

He nodded.

“There have been a number of—irregularities—all involving him. That’s why I’ve been traveling so much. I’ve been trying to catch them before—” He paused, refusing to say any more even though Piper begged him to continue.

“I’ve got to go, honey. I promised I’d finish what I started and I can’t stop now. Can you drive me back to the helicopter?”

“Of course.” She swallowed the last of her coffee, switched the engine on. “But you’ll come back, won’t you? You’ll come and stay so we can talk and get caught up with each other. I have so many things to tell you.”

He smiled. “I’ll be back, honey. Nothing in the world could stop me.”

Satisfied, she drove them back to the marina. The rain had stopped for the moment. They stood together on the windswept lot and embraced, saying without words everything that needed to be said.

“Take care, sweetheart,” Baron murmured, kissing her cheek.

“You, too, Daddy.” She hugged him tight, then let go. “Come back soon.”

“Yes.” He turned to walk away, then paused, turned back. “When Dylan shows up, find a reason to keep him here and then call me, will you?”

She nodded. He gave her one last look, then walked to the helicopter, climbed in and was gone.