Finding Faith (Love's Compass Book 4) (16 page)

It was nearing six in the evening by the time Serenity entered Kitner and pulled up in front of the Chandler house. Aaron, who’d been happy to ride with them, jerked his chin towards the collection of cars in the driveway and along the curb. “Busy place.”

A wave of sympathy went through her. “It looks like everyone came here to make sure we were okay. Lucky you — you’ll get to meet them all at once.”

Aaron wiped his palms on his jeans. “At least I’ve met Tuck already. That’s bound to help. Maybe he put in a good word for me.”

Serenity laughed as she helped Gideon out of his booster seat. “You’ll be fine.” She raised herself up on her toes and kissed his cheek. “I promise I won’t let them send you packing.” She gave him a wink and chuckled. They’d punched some holes in a large cardboard box for Kia to travel in and she reached inside for it. The kitten mewed pathetically. Gideon ran ahead of them to the door and was already knocking on it before Serenity and Aaron had reached the top step.

The door swung open and Mom was there, welcoming Gideon with a big hug. “Oh, sweetheart, I’m glad you’re okay. I heard you were a brave boy.”

Gideon flashed her a grin and ran inside.

Aaron reached for the box. “Here, let me take Kia. I have a feeling you’re going to need those arms free.”

The women embraced. “We’re fine, Mom. I promise.” Serenity smiled at Aaron. “Thanks for having us on such short notice. I brought a guest. I hope you don’t mind.”

“Not at all.” For the first time, Mom’s eyes got watery. “You must be Aaron.”

“Yes, ma’am. It’s nice to finally have the chance to meet you.”

“You just call me Patty, and it’s wonderful to meet you, too.” She stepped back and held the door wide open. “Come in, you two. After everything you’ve been through today, you must be exhausted.” Once they were inside, she took the box from Aaron. “This must be Kia. Poor kitty. Serenity, I’ll go put the box in your room and let her out so she can get settled.”

“Thanks, Mom. We’ll bring in her bowls and litter box in a minute.”

Mom had barely stepped out of their view when Serenity found herself surrounded by the rest of her family. She received hugs from everyone and introduced the gang to Aaron.

He shook hands with Tuck. “It’s good to see you again.”

“You, too. Welcome to Kitner.”

Tuck’s approving nod and the way the rest of the family accepted him into the fold warmed her heart.

Grams didn’t hesitate to step forward and give Aaron a hug. She gripped his arms and gave them a small shake. “You picked a good one, Serenity.”

Serenity’s face grew hot and she caught a hiked eyebrow and a grin from Lexi. “Okay, everyone. Can you let the poor guy breathe before he decides to run for the hills?”

Lance chuckled. “I think it’d take more than this crazy family for that to happen.”

Aaron grinned. “You’re right about that.”

They got everything into the house and Kia set up. Tuck and Laurie had picked up sandwiches on the way so they fixed some plates and settled into the living room. Everyone wanted to hear about the storm.

Aaron and Serenity took turns giving them the details. There wasn’t a dry eye in the room when she told them about Gideon’s first word.

They’d just finished talking about the broken windows when there was a loud knock at the door.

Laurie crossed her arms in front of her and rested them on her growing belly. “I thought everyone in Kitner was already here.”

Laughs followed Mom as she went to answer the door. She pulled it open and gasped.

A man’s voice floated into the room. “Are they here? Are they okay?”

The source of the words stepped past Mom and into the living room. Serenity rose from her spot on the couch, barely aware of her own movements. “Jay?” What was he doing here? She hadn’t seen the guy in over six years. She glanced around the room, relieved to see that Gideon was still playing in one of the bedrooms.

Aaron, Tuck, and Lance stood in unison but it was Lance who strode forward first. The moment he was within distance, he pulled his arm back and delivered a swift right cross to Jay’s jaw. The man stumbled and leaned against the wall, his hand covering the point of impact. When he moved to straighten, Lance shoved him again.

Jay’s gaze landed on Tuck. “You’re a cop. Are you going to let him do that?”

Tuck raised an eyebrow. “Do what? I didn’t see a thing.”

Aaron looked from Jay to Serenity. “This is Gideon’s father?”

She blinked, hardly believing her eyes. “Yeah.” Her voice was barely above a whisper.

Aaron’s jaw clenched and his eyes flashed. “Then I’d like to get in line behind Lance.”

Tuck put his other hand on Aaron’s shoulder. He maneuvered both men a few paces away from Jay. “Take a breather, you two.”

Lance waved at Jay. “Are you kidding me? After what he’s done to your sister?”

Tuck shot him a warning glare. “I’m aware of what he’s done. And trust me, if it comes to it, I’ll be the first to settle things.” He turned his attention to Jay. “What’re you doing here?”

Jay stood straight and dropped his hand from his jaw. “I heard about the tornado and the damage to the school.” His gaze rested on Serenity. “I went by your house to make sure you and Gideon were okay and you weren’t there. I figured you might come here. I didn’t know what else to do.”

Serenity’s eyes narrowed. “You came by the house? How do you know where we live?” After being absent from their lives for so long, what made him think he had a right to ask about them? 

Jay looked sheepish and rubbed the back of his neck with one hand. “I moved back to the area about six months ago.” He took in all of the people watching him. “Can we go outside and talk?”

She shook her head as nearly everyone objected to his words and all eyes went to her. “No. We can talk right where we are.”

Laurie stood. “I’ll go keep Gideon company.”

Serenity gave her a grateful smile. She certainly felt better knowing her son wasn’t going to walk out in the middle of this particular conversation. When Laurie had disappeared, Serenity crossed her arms and sat on the arm on the couch. “Okay. Now talk.”

He sighed resolutely. “I’ve been living in Kentucky — since before Gideon was born. I’m not proud of how I handled everything. My parents insisted we move in order to finish my senior year. I knew that was wrong but I had no backbone. I didn’t know how to stand up to them.” Regret etched itself in his face. “I agreed and we left. Serenity, a day didn’t go by that I didn’t wonder about him. Or think about you doing this all on your own.”

“We weren’t alone.” Serenity’s voice was strong and she stood, straightening her spine. “We had a lot of people who’ve been here for us since day one.”

“I know. I’m glad.” A mix of respect and longing flashed across his features. “I didn’t realize how important that was until I met my wife.” He held up his left hand complete with wedding ring. “I told Denise about everything and she’s encouraged me to find you and make things right. It took me a while to get the courage to do that.”

A dozen thoughts and emotions flowed through Serenity. She wanted to kick him out of the house and tell him to never come back. She wanted to give him a good punch to the face like Lance had. But there was a shadow of the high school boy she’d known. She’d always thought he’d run out on them because that’s what he wanted to do.

What if his parents really had made him leave to finish up his senior year? Even if that were true, he had the last five years to make up for it. But he hadn’t come back — until now.

Jay must have been able to read her skepticism. “You have a whole list of reasons for not believing me. I get that. I’m not trying to find a way into your life. I want to do something to help provide for Gideon. I owe him that.”

Pieces of a puzzle from the last couple of months came together in Serenity’s mind. She squinted at him. “You’re the reason Gideon got such a big scholarship to Hope Academy. And the backpack — was that you, too?”

Jay’s ears turned red as he gave a single nod. “You weren’t supposed to find out. I never wanted credit for it. I needed to do something for him — to make up for not helping before.”

“And the hospital bill?”

Jay shrugged.

Lance and Aaron moved forward to flank Serenity. Lance pierced Jay with a glare. “If you didn’t want credit for it, what are you doing here?”

~

Aaron had wanted to voice that question himself. As far as he was concerned, Jay’s actions were just this side of stalking. Unless he was mistaken, the man had never contacted Serenity directly. Jay should have tried that first.

He resisted the need to reach out and touch Serenity’s arm or hand.

Jay seemed to weigh his words before responding to Lance’s question. “I found out about the tornado and the damage that the school had received. I wanted to make sure Serenity and Gideon were safe. That they’d made it out in one piece.” He looked at Serenity, his eyes pleading. “That’s the only reason I came here. I wouldn’t have otherwise.” He took a moment to gaze around the room. “It’s been a long time since I set foot in this house.”

Aaron caught Grams raising an eyebrow and planting her fists on her hips.

Serenity was chewing on her lower lip. She stared at Jay, as though she were trying to read his mind and discern whether he was telling the truth or not. “Gideon and I are fine. And we don’t need your help.”

“I know you don’t. But you deserve it. I set up the scholarship because you wouldn’t have accepted it from me otherwise. Am I wrong?”

She didn’t hesitate. “No, you’re not wrong.”

“Then I ask you to take some time and think about it. I’m offering to pay for Gideon’s tuition — with no obligation from you. If you don’t want to see me again, I will respect your wishes. But it’s my hope that someday, I might be able to introduce you, Gideon, and the rest of your family to my wife. Think about it.”

He took a last look around him, handed Serenity a business card, and exited through the front door. Tuck closed it behind him.

Aaron was pretty sure they could have heard a feather hit the ground. He lightly touched Serenity’s shoulder. “Are you okay?”

Serenity made a sound halfway between a laugh and a grunt. “I have no idea.” She sought the faces of each of her family members and finally Aaron’s as well. “I’m open to suggestions.”

Patty led her to the couch and sat down next to her. “No one can decide anything for you. But no matter what, we’ll be here to support you. Always.”

Serenity’s eyes got misty. She nodded slowly.

Grams lowered herself on the other side of Serenity. “I’ve gone through a lot in my collection of years and there’s one thing I’ve come to learn. Forgiveness and second chances are gifts and they only come around so often. Sometimes we are lucky enough to receive such a gift. And sometimes, it’s up to us to choose whether or not to give it.”

Tuck disappeared down the hall for several minutes and returned with Laurie.

Gideon emerged as well, flopping onto Serenity’s lap. She hugged him. “Being able to have Gideon attend Hope Academy has been an answer to prayer. In more ways than one. If it hadn’t been for the scholarship Jay set up, none of that would’ve happened. We’d still be here. We wouldn’t have met Aaron. And Gideon may not have said his first word.” She released a slow lungful of air. “It’s a chain of events that’s pretty hard to ignore.”

Aaron had always respected Serenity, but it was increased twofold tonight. For someone who didn’t like to accept help and who’d had such a difficult time finding herself after what Jay did, it took a lot of courage to consider giving the guy a second chance. Even if he still wished he could deck him first.

Lexi winked at Serenity from across the room. “I’m proud of you, little sister.”

“Thanks.” Serenity’s voice was just above a whisper. “I love you. All of you.”

With those last three words, her gaze settled on Aaron. He felt his heart expand as everyone around them faded into the background. He vaguely heard Grams suggest they go into the kitchen and find the cookies Laurie had brought. As the rest of the family cleared out of the room, Aaron moved to sit on the coffee table in front of her.

“Did you mean that?”

Her cheeks turned a pretty shade of pink, but there was no doubting the certainty in her expression. “I did.”

“I’m glad.” He reached for her hands and held them in his. “Because I love you, too.” He stood, gently bringing Serenity to her feet. Every fiber of his being wanted to do what he could to protect this woman and her son. She’d only been in his life for two months and he couldn’t imagine a day without her now. It was incredible how he’d never realized such a big part of himself was missing until Serenity made him whole.

“Aaron, what about your job?”

He cupped her face with his palms and smiled at her. “We’ll figure it out.” With his mouth inches from hers, he held her close. “Together.” He kissed her, his lips caressing hers, as unspoken promises enveloped them both.

Right before the weekend ended, Serenity received an automated call from Hope Academy letting her know that classes would resume on Wednesday allowing the school time to finish repairs. She’d just set her cell phone down in the cup holder of the console of her car when Aaron’s phone rang. “I’ll bet I know who that is.”

He tossed her a curious look and answered the call. “Well, at least we know you don’t have to get Gideon ready for school tomorrow.”

A Monday morning that didn’t start quite as early as they usually did sounded good. But the message had only commented on classes. “I’m assuming I’m still supposed to show up for work, though.” What was she going to do with Gideon?

“I’d come in tomorrow at your regular time and bring Gideon. At least you’ll be checking in. Chances are, they’ll send you home again until Wednesday.”

“Probably so.” Which would be for the best, given the situation. Though the thought of two days without pay didn’t sit well with her. Even with Jay providing everything for Gideon’s tuition — and she’d all but decided to accept his offer — money was still tight.

At least the call meant the electricity was probably back on. It was a relief to get back to their house and find it filled with cool air. Aaron helped them carry their things back in, including a relieved Kia. Gideon wasted no time in running to his room and settling in.

Serenity collapsed onto the futon and let her shoulder sink into the cushion. “What a crazy few days.”

“Agreed.” Aaron sat next to her. “I had a lot of fun getting to know your family. They’re good people — you’re fortunate.”

“I know.” She slipped her arm under his and laid her cheek against his shoulder. “They all seem to approve of you.”

He chuckled. “I’m glad. I like all of them, too.” 

She nestled against his side when he put an arm around her shoulders. “Now we have to get Cynthia’s policy figured out.”

Silence fell over them. Serenity had tried to analyze different scenarios over the weekend and every time, she got overwhelmed. Eventually, she shoved all thoughts of it out of her head so she could enjoy the time with her family.

In a lot of ways, it felt like the end of a vacation. The last few days had been wonderful and mostly worry free. Now it was back to real life and all that waited for them. A heavy sigh escaped before she had time to rein it in.

Aaron kissed her hair. “We’re going to take it one day at a time.

~

Most of the damage the tornado had caused seemed to be cleaned up. Aaron had expected to still see broken glass in the hallway, but there wasn’t a shard to be found. Several windows were still covered by boards and he assumed that most of the reason for the delay in classes was because new window panes were going to be put in over the next two days.

Rushed footsteps approached from behind and soon Zane was walking with Aaron. “How was Kitner?”

“It was good. I got to meet everyone — including Gideon’s dad. It was pretty crazy.”

Zane’s eyebrows shot up. “Wow. You jumped right into it, huh? I’m glad it went well.”

“Her family’s great. They’re all protective of Serenity. She’s the baby in the family. All I have to say is things had better work out between us or her brother and brother-in-law will hunt me down.”

“Serious?”

“Oh yeah.” Aaron laughed and Zane joined him, although Aaron was quite certain he spoke the truth. And that was all right. He respected both men for it. “Is Letty’s classroom cleaned up?”

“They got those windows replaced on Friday. I think she’s ready for the kids. She was going to go up to the office and see if Serenity needed her to watch Gideon today. We weren’t sure if they were asking her to work or not.”

“I don’t know, either. She came in just in case. I can help Letty out, too. I think there are two or three people working at Hope who have children going here as well. We may be able to set up some short-term childcare.” He ran through a checklist in his head as they stepped into his classroom. When the light switch was flipped on, Aaron’s eyes went right to a note on his desk. “I doubt that’s a welcome back letter.”

Zane waited while Aaron read the words. “Cynthia wants me in her office as soon as I get this.” It was impossible to ignore the dread building in his chest. “I’m pretty sure she saw me with Serenity during the storm.”

“You know what?” Zane stood straight, his face a picture of annoyance. “There were bigger things that day than her blasted policy. Regardless of what happens, Letty and I are behind you.”

Aaron crumpled the paper into a tiny ball and threw it into the wastebasket. It landed in the bottom without touching the rim. “I guess I may as well get this over with. Pray, huh?”

“Without a doubt.”

He left his friend behind and worked his way towards Cynthia’s office.
Okay, God. I don’t have to tell you how badly I want to keep my job. But I want Serenity in my life even more. Give me the patience I need to deal with Cynthia and the right words to say.

Cynthia was staring at the doorway when he entered as if she’d been waiting for him all morning. She motioned to the chair in front of her. “Have a seat, Mr. Randall.” Her features were stony, giving no hint of what she was thinking. “I’ve spoken to both you and Ms. Chandler extensively about the policy regarding a student’s parent. I have had suspicions it was being disregarded. I saw some evidence of that during the storm last week. Do you deny that’s the case?”

What was he going to say? They’d been trying to keep it quiet up until now. But he wasn’t going to lie. They’d already decided that was something they wouldn’t do. “No, I don’t deny that.”

“Do you intend to continue this relationship?”

“Yes.” There was no doubt about it.

Cynthia sat in dramatic silence. “Then you leave me no choice. You, Mr. Randall, are terminated. I expect you to say your goodbyes and have your personal things removed from the classroom after your last class on Friday.”

Aaron schooled his features and pinned her with a look. “What about Serenity. Is her job safe?”

She shrugged. “There’s nothing written into the policy suggesting she should lose her employment.”

That was all he needed to hear. He gave her a single nod. “See that it stays that way. I’ll see you at the board meeting tomorrow.” Without waiting for her response, he stood, pivoted, and walked out.

It wasn’t until he was back in the hallway that the full impact of what Cynthia had done hit him in the chest. He no longer worked at Hope Academy. The children he loved to teach — he would never see most of them again. He swallowed hard.

And Serenity. She was going to beat herself up over this and that was the last thing he wanted her to do.

~

Serenity stared at Aaron, trying to process what she’d just heard. Disbelief morphed into anger and she used her foot to shove her chair away from the table in the breakroom. “This is insane. Even with all of her talk and threats, she seriously let you go?” How stupid was this? Aaron put his hands over hers and gave them a gentle squeeze. When she looked up at him, the last thing she expected was for him to be smiling. “What on earth do you find so funny?”

“Has anyone told you how adorable you are when you’re angry?”

She wanted to get indignant or object, but the twinkle in his eye brought out a smile of her own. She ducked her head. “Stop. This is serious.”

“I know it is. I already talked to Tuck and he’s gathering as much information as he can about the people involved in the original dispute last spring.” His expression grew somber. “We’re going to go into that meeting as prepared as we possibly can be. I have every intention of fighting to get my job back. Between now and then, we pray.”

“How can you be this calm?”

Aaron caught some strands of hair on her cheek and moved to tuck them behind her ear. “I’m not. I talk big.” He winked. “What I do know is that I love you and that you and Gideon are the most important people in my life. By the end of Tuesday, one way or another, we’ll know where we stand. We will figure this out.”

Serenity remembered her conversation with Lexi and how she didn’t use to think of the world as a glass half empty. She refused to do that now. Aaron was right. They might be in limbo for a few days, but then it’d be over. And regardless of whether Cynthia succeeded or not, she and Aaron would stand together. Serenity nodded. “You’re right.” She smiled. “We’ve got this.”

They finished their lunch. Aaron kissed her briefly before they went their separate ways. When Serenity got back to the front office, Maggie greeted her with a wave.

“How was lunch?”

Serenity rolled her eyes. She thought about glossing over the whole mess but hesitated. When she first started working here, she had no idea what to make of Maggie. But over the last couple of months, she’d found in her not only a fun co-worker, but a friend as well. A friend she knew she could trust. She lowered her voice and told her what Cynthia said to Aaron.

“That woman is crazy. I figured she was all talk.” Maggie slumped back in her chair, her eyes watery. “This place won’t be the same without the Music Man. What about all the kids who look forward to seeing him every day?”

No, it wouldn’t be the same. She knew, without a doubt, that Gideon would miss seeing him at school. Serenity stared at the desk, her mind going in all directions. An idea popped into her head and her eyes widened.

Maggie noticed, sitting up straight. “Ooohhh! Whatever it is, I want to help.” She took in the room and lowered her voice. “What’ve you got?”