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  Would Delton have anything kind to say about Justin? Surely, there had to be some good in the man. Her mother would not have fallen so completely in love with such a tyrant. And surely, she wouldn’t have given herself to a man who didn’t care. Unless he’d taken advantage of her kindness and had lied to her. No. Those letters were written by someone in love. The passion and sincerity jumped from the pages. She felt it when she read them. The Delton she saw for a fleeting moment while he read them convinced her he had written them. Convinced her he had meant every word. She knew it.

  Would Noel ever know the truth? She wished more than anything she could ask her mom.

  Mom, I miss you.

  “Noel, are you ready?” Vivian called from the hallway.

  “Yes, I’ll be there in a few.” She spritzed cologne on her neck and arms, grabbed her purse, and headed out the door.

  The morning shopping flew by, and once they’d picked up the necessary items for the wedding, Cheryl and Vivian took Noel to several locally owned shops where the shelves were stocked with handmade gifts. At the last shop they visited, Noel lifted what looked like a shell of sorts from a branch of a heavily decorated Christmas tree. “What’s this?”

  Cheryl examined the large ornament. “It’s an oyster shell with a scene from The Cajun Night before Christmas painted on it. That’s St. Nick in the Pirogue being pulled by his team of alligators.”

  Noel let the weight of the shell rest in her hand. The old-world look of the picture painted a vivid scene with the alligators pulling Santa sitting in a narrow boat. This would be the perfect keepsake for her time here.

  They had lunch at a small cafe on the southern edge of town. Sitting in a non-matching chair at a wooden table made from weathered oak planks, Noel studied the antique items covering the walls of the cafe. Iron tools, metal cages, and rusting signs set the atmosphere.

  Vivian lowered her menu and turned to Noel. “Remember Pearl from Bible study? She and her husband own this place.”

  Noel remembered Pearl as the woman who asked for prayers of wisdom and strength because she thought her husband was cheating on her. Pearl had also asked that the truth be revealed. Noel was so struck by Pearl’s heartfelt request that she’d prayed for her several times already, as she’d done for Gilly and Lark. Maybe if by some crazy chance she was still here next Monday, she’d ask them to pray for peace with the situation with Delton and for guidance with the new article on Justin. The thought struck Noel. She hadn’t even been here a week and already, she was praying again. Her mother must be smiling from heaven.

  Once they finished lunch, they stood on the worn planks of the cafe’s front porch. Cheryl kissed Noel’s cheek. “Thanks for shopping with me. I’ve enjoyed our morning together. Have fun seeing the grand town of Bijou Bayou. The complete tour should take all of, eh…ten minutes.”

  Vivian’s eyes glistened when she hugged Noel. “I hope you have a wonderful afternoon with Justin.” She held Noel at arm’s length. “He’s a really good guy.”

  As if on cue, Justin’s truck turned into the parking lot. Vivian and Cheryl both gave a hearty thumbs-up and big beaming smiles.

  Justin hopped from the driver’s seat and walked toward her. When his lips spread into his signature grin, an electric jolt raced through Noel’s heart. Funny, the more she got to know his heart, the better looking he seemed to get.

  ****

  Justin had to refrain from kissing Noel’s cheek when she smiled at him. He wasn’t sure where their relationship was headed, but he knew one thing: he was willing to find out. He only hoped she was willing as well. “Hello, there.”

  “Are you ready to take me to your old hangouts?”

  “Yep, only don’t expect too much. Not a lot of exciting things to do in a town as small as Bijou Bayou. C’mon inside for a moment. Let’s get a couple of coffees to go, and you can get your first interview.”

  “Here?” She pointed to the cafe’s door.

  “Yep. Ms. Pearl and Mr. Harvey gave me a job after school, busing tables and shucking oysters. They’re like another mom and dad to me.”

  They walked to the small bar and sat on the burgundy vinyl-covered barstools. Justin held up two fingers when the young waitress, sporting a full-faced smile, approached.

  “Rachel, two coffees to go, please.”

  “Hey, I didn’t know you were in town. Maybe we should hang out before you head back. You in Denver now, right?”

  He nodded. He hadn’t officially moved there yet. Most of his belongings were in Uncle Al’s storage shed where he’d put them after his move from Albuquerque. He’d stayed in a hotel during the home games toward the end of last season, fully expecting to be demoted back to the minors. He’d gotten called up late in the season after two of the starting pitchers were injured in a car accident driving home from a game. His debut came soon after, when two of the remaining relief pitchers suffered from elbow tendonitis. During several games against Detroit, they’d gone extra innings and exhausted their supply of pitchers. Justin was called to make his major league debut. Or rather, debacle. No one was more surprised than he when they’d kept him on the roster for the coming season.

  “I think you’re going to have a great season. We’re all pulling for you.” She pointed to the signed photo Ms. Pearl had hanging on the wall behind the cash register.

  Another reminder of how many people he stood to disappoint. “Thanks. That means a lot. This is my friend, Noel.” He pointed from one to the other. “Noel, Rachel. We went to school together from first through twelfth grade.”

  She shook Noel’s hand, but the smile on Rachel’s lips didn’t reach her eyes. Her goal had been to be Justin’s wife for as long as he could remember. In second grade, she’d told him, “Justin Gravois, one day you’ll be mine,” and she’d been working every angle to make that happen. Only one problem: Justin had never been interested. He considered her a friend, and that’s where their relationship ended.

  “Can you see if Ms. Pearl has time to talk with us?” Justin asked.

  “Sure.” She shot another alluring smile his way and then did a fashion-model turn toward the kitchen.

  When Pearl came out, she ran around the counter and gave Justin a huge hug. “I was wondering when you’d come to see me.” When she stepped back, she noticed Noel. “And looky here. Noel, hey girl. Don’t tell me you’re hanging out with this bum.” She gave him a sideways hug and smiled at Noel. “You know I’m kidding right?”

  “That’s kinda why we’re here. Do you have a minute to talk?” Justin asked. “Noel is a sports reporter doing an exposé on me. She’s interviewing several people in town.”

  Pearl glanced toward Noel. “Sports reporter? That’s interesting. The lunch crowd is thinning. Let’s grab a table in the back.” She called to Rachel near the coffee machine. “Bring their order to table fifteen. It’s on me.”

  While Pearl treated him as she’d always done, the usual joy she exuded seemed to have darkened. What could be bothering her to dim that special woman’s spark?

  The interview went as expected. He blushed more times than he liked, and Noel, with her cat-like reflexes, was quick to capture him with her cell phone camera.

  Once Noel had exhausted her list of questions, they both thanked Pearl for her time.

  “Any time, Justin. You know I love you like one of my own. Harvey and I’ve been following your career and hope to, one day, fly to the mile-high city to see you play.” She stood. “Guess I need to get back to the kitchen to get things ready for the dinner crowd. There’s no rest in the restaurant business.” As she walked past, she tapped Noel’s should. “It’s been nice to see you again. I hope you’re still around for next Monday night’s study. I would like to get to know you better.”

  Noel grinned. “You never know, Ms. Pearl. You never know.”

  “I do know if Vivian has anything to do with it, you’ll be here through the first. She would love to have you stay for the wedding. Guess she figures the ball player her
e”—she tilted her head toward Justin—“may need someone to keep him in line.”

  With that, she smiled sweetly, hugged each of them, and then walked to the kitchen.

  Justin turned to Noel. “I forgot she was part of my aunt’s Bible study group.”

  Noel nodded.

  Justin’s brows narrowed as he watched Pearl walk away. “Something’s different with her. She’s not the same larger-than-life woman she used to be. It’s as though the wind’s been taken from her sails.”

  Noel took a sip from her coffee then asked, “Where to next?”

  As Justin opened his mouth to answer, a familiar voice spoke behind him. “Where to for what?”

  Noel widened her eyes, and she flashed a scurried glance at Justin.

  “Randy, what are you doing here? I thought you were leaving for the mountains today.”

  “Trip’s been cancelled.”

  Quinze

  Noel’s pulse pounded at the sight of Randy. What was he doing here?

  Justin shook his hand. “No trip at all? What happened?”

  Randy slid into the chair Pearl had just vacated. “Well, Miss Noel, here.” He smiled and pointed toward Noel. “Nice to see you again, possible sister.”

  What could she say? She gave him a sheepish smile.

  “Has rattled ole’ Dad more than he was willing to let on. And once my mother knew about it, well, let’s just say a nuclear winter would be warmer than their house right now. She blew a gasket and threatened to tell the public herself if he didn’t get to the truth. Of course, that sent Daddy scrambling. He’s looking for you.” He met Noel’s gaze and for a moment a flicker of familiarity flashed in his eyes.

  Noel had come to grips with Delton not wanting to acknowledge her and now out of the blue, he was looking for her.

  “When I saw Justin’s truck, I had a feeling I’d find you.” He leaned forward on the table. “If you don’t want to see him, I understand. Now that you’ve met him and see that he’s not the poster child for compassion and model parenting, there’s time to run and hide.” His teasing grin endeared her to him. His efforts to make things right seemed genuine.

  She’d promised she wouldn’t contact him, but if he contacted her and wanted to know the truth, then she would do what it took to get there. “I’m…um…open to seeing him again if he contacts me.”

  “He’ll contact you.”

  “Randy, your father is looking for you.” The words came from behind Noel in a high-pitched shrill, making her involuntarily cringe.

  Randy cast a glance toward Noel and raised an eyebrow. He stood. “Mama, I’d like you to meet Noel Winters.”

  The woman stopped at the table, hovering over Noel who had to tilt her head back to see her. Her eyes widened and lips pursed. Noel braced, not sure what to expect from the large woman.

  “So this is the Noel Winters.” She shoved her hand out. “I’m GeorgeAnna Detiveaux.”

  Noel rose to her full five-feet, and while the woman had at least eight inches on her, Noel refused to be intimidated. “I’m Noel Winters.” She shook the woman’s hand with as strong a grip as she could muster.

  “It’s always nice to meet Delton’s fans.” Her cheeky smile sent Noel’s blood churning.

  Fan. Really?

  Stay cool. She’s testing.

  “Mrs. Detiveaux, hello. I’m sure I might be a fan had I been following your husband’s career. I only heard of him after my mother passed away a few months ago, and I found his love letters to her. So I’m not sure the classification of fan is a worthy description. More like a curious possible offspring.”

  Her sarcasm caused a piercing twinge of guilt. This woman had pushed a button that, until now, Noel hadn’t realized existed. She wasn’t a money grubbing starlet, and if this is what they thought of her, she didn’t want anything to do with these people.

  “Well, once the DNA test proves otherwise, we can put this nasty business behind us.” Her icy glare didn’t rattle Noel.

  “I haven’t agreed to a DNA test. And frankly, I’m not sure I will.” Noel crossed her arms over her chest.

  “I believe my husband will be speaking to you about that.”

  Noel glanced toward Randy and Justin. Both sat with eyes locked on Noel.

  Justin nodded. “Mrs. Detiveaux, hello. It’s Justin Gravois.”

  “Oh, yes, Justin. It’s good to see you again. Did this young woman con you into getting involved in this scam?”

  He pushed his chair back and rose to his full six-feet-two inches. “Mrs. Detiveaux, it was interesting, as always, to see you again. Noel has become a very dear friend. No scam here. Perhaps you’re misinformed about the situation.” His clipped words were delivered machine-gun style.

  Noel feared the meeting would escalate in a direction she didn’t want or need. She grabbed her purse and removed a sheet of paper where she jotted her phone number. “Mrs. Detiveaux, I would be happy to speak to your husband. Have him call me.” Noel handed the woman her number and turned toward the door. After a few steps, she turned back. “Randy, it was nice to see you again.” She returned his smile then walked out the door.

  Justin exited a few minutes later. “The nerve of that woman.”

  “It’s OK. She’s feeling threatened, and that was her way of marking her ground. I’m ashamed of my sarcastic remark. I shouldn’t have done that.” Noel stared out into the parking lot, shivering in the cooler temperatures. “I’m going back in to apologize.”

  “Really?” Justin grabbed her hand. “You’re not going back in there alone. I’m coming too.”

  Noel drew in a deep breath and then walked back to the table where Randy sat with his mother. Noel stood back and waited for Rachel to finish taking their orders. Once the waitress walked away, Noel approached Delton’s wife. “Mrs. Detiveaux.”

  GeorgeAnna turned to Noel, her eyes flashed. “What are you—?”

  Noel held up her hand. “I’m sorry for the snippy way I responded to you. It was not appropriate and certainly not ladylike. I don’t mean your family any harm. I only wanted to know the truth. If Delton is my father, I wanted to get to know him. That’s all. I don’t want anything more.”

  “I…um…I…suppose I can understand that. I sent Delton a text with your number. You should be hearing from him soon.”

  Did Mrs. Detiveaux believe her? Noel couldn’t tell, but she did feel better for apologizing.

  As she walked out the restaurant, her cell phone rang.

  ****

  Justin helped Noel into his truck, proud of her for the way she’d handled the situation with Mrs. Detiveaux. He’d promised to show her his high school and meet with his high school football coach today, but Delton’s phone call had changed their plans. He wanted to meet with Noel.

  “Did he say what he wanted to talk about?” He backed the truck out of its parking spot.

  “He said he wanted to get to the truth. Lay this thing to rest once and for all.”

  “That sounds—”

  “Like he doesn’t believe I’m his daughter.” She stared out the window. “Yeah, I’m not sure what to believe at this point. I’m ready to just drop the whole mess. Somehow, it doesn’t seem worth the pain.”

  Justin maneuvered through the narrow downtown streets to Delton’s office. He couldn’t imagine the roller coaster emotions she must be experiencing.

  The rat-a-tat-tat of her fingernails played against the console between them. He gently placed his hand on hers. “I’m here for you.”

  The return pressure assured him he’d not overstepped his boundaries. “Thank you. I really needed to hear that right about now.” A nervous laugh escaped.

  Justin parallel parked in front of Delton’s downtown office. When he opened the door for Noel, she turned to face him but didn’t hop out. “I’m not sure I want to be part of this family. But I can’t help thinking that God has a plan through this even though I can’t imagine what it is.”

  Justin drew closer. “I understand. Families
can be messy. This is a shock for the Detiveauxs. I’m not saying they handled it correctly, but I do understand how they can be taken back by your claims. Hear what he has to say and then make a decision based on what you want. Even if you are his daughter, you decide if you want to be part of his life and how much. Consider this God’s Christmas gift. You’ve always wanted to know who your father is, so now’s your chance to find out.”

  Her uncertainty flowed through her beautiful amber eyes. He wanted to hold her, tell her everything would be fine, but that was something he couldn’t guarantee. He could only promise he’d stick by her regardless of the outcome.

  She placed her hand on his cheek. “You’ve been so good to me. Even after the whole article thing. You’re one of a kind, Justin Gravois, and I’m happy our paths crossed. As far as I’m concerned, getting to know you has been the best Christmas present ever.”

  His chest tightened at her words. Could he have a chance with her? To become more than friends? The possibility of more with Noel sparked his motivation to find an apartment in the Denver area. Renewed his drive to do well with his new team. “For me too.” He leaned forward and tenderly kissed her lips.

  The sweet return of his kiss was all he needed. Newly stirred emotions played at his heart, and he hoped by the look in her eyes, the same thing was happening to hers.

  “I better get going.” She patted his cheek.

  “Yeah.” He offered his hand as she slid from the truck. “I trust that God’s got this.”

  “You’re right.” She led him through the glass door of Delton’s office.

  Seize

  Once again, Noel sat across from Delton Detiveaux. In comparison to the masculine opulence of his home office, his work office proved sparse. The veneer-topped desk was half the size of the mahogany one at his home. His college diploma, framed in black, hung over a matching credenza behind him. Political Science major from the same Colorado university her mother attended. What had prompted him to leave Louisiana to go to school?