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She started to put them in the pack but hesitated. Why not make good use of her time? She had told Caleb she would work on the problem at the store until she left, and this would be a way of keeping her promise. Maybe even a way to smooth things over between them.
Lying in bed, her back propped up with lots of pillows against the headboard, she made herself comfortable. Spreading out the sheets, she opened her computer and put together another chart. She loved playing with numbers, and with any luck, she’d find another problem account that would go a long way to helping the store become profitable again. Over and over, she drew charts, recorded data, then rearranged the data again.
Hours later, a pattern popped up that had her sitting up on the edge of the bed. She rechecked the numbers she’d written, but nothing changed. This was a big development, but also an ugly one. The numbers didn’t lie. Someone at Bigsby’s was doing their fair share of tricky business.
She checked her watch. Three a.m. and far too early to call Caleb. Madison tossed her laptop off to the side and restacked the papers. The morning was only hours away, and she was exhausted. Even though what she’d discovered wouldn’t be well received, Madison had to push aside her thoughts and count sheep. Anything to get some sleep.
Madison woke to the sound of a notification ping on her phone. She rubbed her eyes, trying to clear her sleepy vision and focus on the screen. Eight a.m. and she was late.
Caleb: Is everything okay? You’re late.
Madison: Sorry. Overslept. Up late working on ledgers. We need to talk about what I found.
Caleb: Sure thing. Can I drop Joelle off at your place? I’ve got an appointment over in Brambleton at ten to talk to someone about taking Star, but I’ve got to leave now to make it on time. We can meet back later at the house.
Madison: Sure thing. Sorry. Does that mean you’re okay with her riding in the car with me now? (Just double checking)
Caleb: Would seem so. I’ve seen you drive. Slow is good. LOL. Thanks. See you soon.
Madison: Perfect.
Joelle would be upset to see Star go, but it didn’t seem like there was anything she could say or do to change Caleb’s mind. The horse had a special connection with him, but he wasn’t paying attention. As for his daughter, Joelle could use some extra attention on a day like today, and Madison knew exactly what that should look like. A trip to the lake to play on the beach would certainly add some fun to the little girl’s life.
Chapter Fourteen
Afteradeepdiscussionwith the prospective recipient of Star, and a lot of soul-searching on the way back home, Caleb knew what his decision had to be. Star wasn’t going anywhere.
The woman seemed too perfect. And not in a good way. It was as though her tale of woe seemed void of emotion. Caleb’s’ recent insight into the reality of someone in need had his warning bells going off. The woman’s actions didn’t match her words. Call it gut instinct…but he was almost positive she was a fraud.
And there were his guilty feelings over finding a new home for Star. Someone had gone to a lot of trouble to give him the horse, and he wasn’t being very open to the generous act of kindness. Star was a beautiful mare who had somehow attached herself to him and he was being obtuse in his desire to keep a certain distance. Apple treats hardly made up for his reticence.
Caleb was surprised not to see the black Oldsmobile parked out front. Surely Madison and Joelle would have made it back here by now. An image of them mangled in the car on the side of the road spurred him into action.
“Hello? Anyone home?” he called out. Not that he expected an answer. He grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge and pulled out his phone to call Madison. As he took a swig, he spotted a note taped to the door.
Gone to the lake for a quick swim. Be home soon. (probably before you get here)
The lake. Caleb shook his head to clear away the images of what could happen to his daughter. He hit the speed dial for Madison, needing to put an end to her madness before something happened.
The call went to voicemail. The road that led to the lake would take him twenty-five minutes to get there, as it was a winding road through the countryside. What if it was too late? Panic settled in, the overwhelming sense of doom striking him hard in the gut.
He barely even remembered carrying Lauren back to the house. Or the funeral. Those were days he didn’t want to remember…or repeat. Caleb grabbed his keys and ran outside to his truck. As he pulled open the door, he spotted Star near the fence, almost as though she were calling him. He paused just long enough to consider his options, but there was only one.
If he rode through his property, cutting straight through to the back side, it would cut off fifteen precious minutes. Caleb slammed the car door shut and ran to the barn, the mare following him in approval.
He grabbed a bridle and slipped it on Star. “Good girl. We can make better time this way. Hope you don’t mind bareback seeing as I don’t have time to hook up the saddle.” Caleb moved to the left side of Star and pulled himself up, sliding one leg over without so much as a second thought. Riding was as natural as breathing, and clearly, he hadn’t missed a step. “Giddy up,” he said, giving the mare a slight tap with his heels.
Star bolted forward, as eager to make the run as he was…albeit for different reasons. Worry settled foremost in his thoughts, but as time ticked by, Caleb couldn’t avoid the inevitable. Riding was in his blood, and this was like coming home. His connection with Star was practically seamless as she followed his gentle signals, as though she understood his urgency. But the fresh air, the sunshine, and the wind on his face couldn’t be ignored. Star was a combination of grace and power, and somehow everything around him comforted Caleb.
Joelle would be fine. She just had to be. That Madison had taken his daughter to the lake without his permission, however, was upsetting. The weather was expected to change, and if a storm hit, they would be caught out in it at the lake. Hopefully not in the water. Caleb eyeballed the sky, relieved only a few clouds had moved into the area.
Madison didn’t understand his overprotective side, and it was hard to explain in a way she would understand and accept. Perhaps no one could ever take the place of Lauren or love and protect Joelle the way he could. Lucky for everyone involved, Madison had an interview and, for the first time, Caleb realized it was providential. He simply couldn’t have a relationship with someone who would jeopardize his daughter and not respect his wishes, even if they seemed extreme. How could he trust her judgment in the future?
Madison had a flighty, irresponsible side he didn’t appreciate. Just like when she quit her job and took up dog walking until she found a new one. Not a good, stable decision. And neither was taking Joelle to the lake…especially considering the potential for a storm. Caleb drew up short and gazed over the sea of people on the beach.Fools…all of them. Relief filled him when he spotted Madison and Joelle off to the side.
Caleb slid off the horse, and they walked to where Madison and Joelle were having a picnic. He dropped the reins and closed the distance to pick his daughter up, grateful she was okay. “What do you think you’re doing here at the lake? You should have asked me first and I would have told you no,” he said, directing the question at Madison.
“Daddy, you came,” Joelle shouted, smiling as his words and tone went over her head.
