Calling Me Home

By CaSondra Poulsen

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From the author of Torn Hearts comes another moving love story, Calling Me Home. CaSondra Poulsen once again tugs the heartstrings and reaches the powerful emotions that call us home.

What will your answer be when your heart calls you home?

Tom’s smooth surfing life becomes a series of crashing waves when he finds Samantha Richards beaten and barely conscious on the shore of Huntington Beach. His protective nature draws him to shelter the small-town Nebraska girl as she recovers. Captivated by her beauty, Tom quickly falls for Samantha, all the while struggling to understand her family’s lack of concern. The attack has left Samantha battling to unlock the memories trapped within her mind. Hurt and confused by her family’s scarcity, she decides to focus on the one who is concerned about her, Tom. Taya Mitchell, Tom’s sister and Samantha’s best friend encourages their relationship until Samantha’s brother shows up at their home. Greeted by a stiff right-hook, Brian immediately disdains Tom. Taya impressed by Brian’s ability to hold his own with her brother offers him kindness. As the siblings maneuver through the inundating emotions, tragedy strikes once more, bringing them closer, and pushing them farther than they thought possible.

CaSondra Poulsen writes with an understanding of her characters that make this story so wonderful. She creates dialogue that brings life to the story. The characters face so many troubles but little by little they overcome them. Ms. Poulsen had me hooked within the first couple of chapters and I found it so hard to put the book down. 5 stars! ~CozyReader, The Romance Reviews

Poulsen has captivated us again with engaging characters and page turning intrigue! I was captivated with Calling Me Home. It's a page-turner that won't disappoint! ~Regina Tittel, author Abandoned Hearts

• Language: English
• Publisher: CaSondra Poulsen
• Release date: Sep 18, 2011
• ISBN: 9781463535322

CaSondra Poulsen

CaSondra lives in Nebraska with her husband, two sons, and two cats. She volunteers as a tutor for the Lincoln Literacy Council and enjoys many hobbies. Fall is her favorite time of year, if you don't count winter, spring or summer.

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Copyright

Copyright © 2011 by CaSondra Poulsen . All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any way by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording or otherwise without the prior permission of the author except as provided by USA copyright law. This novel is a work of fiction. Names, descriptions, entities, and incidents included in the story are the products of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, events, and entities is entirely coincidental.

Book design copyright 2011 by CaSondra Poulsen. All rights reserved.

Cover photograph by istockphoto.com

Cover design by Steve Poulsen

Interior design by Steve Poulsen and CaSondra Poulsen

Author photo by Jamy Sullivan

Published by Ballad Publishing Company

PO Box 6193

Lincoln, NE 68506, USA

Ballad Publishing Company and the MANDOLIN logo are trademarks of Ballad Publishing Company or an affiliated company

Published in the United States of America

ISBN-13: 978-1463535322

ISBN-10: 1463535325

1. Fiction/Romance/Contemporary

2. Fiction/Family Life/Military

Calling Me Home

By

CaSondra Poulsen

For Paul and Jared

Acknowledgements

As I think of those who have helped me get another book to print, I must begin with my Lord. Without him, as the song goes, I could do nothing. It is by faith and hope in him I am blessed beyond measure to do what I do.

Steve, you are my knight, my hero. Thank you for your support, the countless hours spent designing the cover, and for putting up with my moodiness while I wrote the manuscript. I look up to you and your limitless patience. You truly are my better half.

Paul and Jared you bring endless joy and much entertainment to our home. Thank you for the privilege of being your mom. I love you.

Many thanks and much gratitude must go to Sherry Porter, Lisa Wilen, Sherry Wright, Kay Thompson, and Stephanie Porter for being much-needed extra pairs of eyes to give me an unbiased evaluation of my work. I value your input and am grateful for all you have done to help make this book the best it could be.

I would also like to say a special thank you to the many men and women who protect and defend freedom. Particularly, I want to thank those I know personally who are actively serving— Rob Cann, Caleb Blackwelder, and Joshua Blackwelder. Your choice to serve our country and the many sacrifices that come because of that choice has not passed unnoticed, nor is it taken for granted. My family thanks you. I thank you. And Rob, congratulations on your beautiful new daughter.

Thank you to my many friends and family for the encouragement and support you have given me over the past few years as my writing career has taken off. Thank you for sharing in the many events along the way, both public and private. I look forward to sharing many more with you. You know who you are and I think you’re fantastic!

Prologue

Dad, I can do this. Samantha said, moving her hands up and down with each word.

Samantha, I don’t know. Your mom and I are making arrangements for the missionary work in South Africa. While we’re gone, it won’t be easy to contact us. Brian won’t be close by either.

"I’m twenty years old. I’m not a child anymore. I can do this. I want to do this. I want your blessing. I’ve always dreamed about becoming a chef and now I have the opportunity. Please, don’t let your fear hold me back. Samantha slumped onto the well-worn couch across from her father. Dad, please don’t expect me to stay here. When you and Mom leave, I’ll be all alone either way you look at it."

He looked up from the Bible in his lap to meet her pleading eyes. Levi will be around, he said.

Samantha stiffened. Oh, Daddy, that is long over. She stood with a sigh.

Are you sure it’s over for Levi? He peered over his black-rimmed glasses. She crossed her arms, hugging her waist tight.

It doesn’t matter if it is for Levi or not— it is for me. Samantha turned and walked into the kitchen. He could hear the cupboard door slam, and smiled to himself.

Samantha, he called after her. She appeared in the doorway. Samantha, I love you.

I love you too, Dad. She let her anger go as she looked at him; he only wanted to shelter her as he had always tried to do.

He looked at the independent woman standing before him and wondered where his little girl had gone. With a sigh, he said, You’ve been saving for this. I suppose if we leave in two or three weeks we can find you an apartment in a safe neighborhood.

Samantha needed no more prompting. She leaped forward into her father’s lap, hugging his neck like she had always done as a little girl.

Oh Daddy, thank you! She released him and ran for the stairs. Brian! Brian! I’m going! She took the stairs two at a time.

Way to wear him down, Sam, Brian said with a grin, leaning against the wall at the top of the stairs where he had been no doubt eavesdropping.

I didn’t wear him down. I reasoned with him, she said lifting her chin and squaring her shoulders.

Right, he said pushing off the wall.

Really, Brian, I reasoned with him. It just took a while to convince him. I can’t believe I’m really going! You’ll come visit me, right? We can go to the beach. She stepped back and looked up at him.

Sure, Sam, of course I’ll visit you. Constantly!

Dinner’s ready, kids.

Be right down, Mom, Samantha yelled. Brian reached to tousle her hair. She smiled back as she started down the stairs. Once in the kitchen, Samantha pulled four glasses from the cupboard to help her mom set the table. Are you excited to be planning for South Africa after all this time of dreaming about it? she asked her mother.

Yes, but I’m nervous too. The area needs so much help, her mother said as she laid a fork on top of the napkin, letting her fingers slowly travel down the handle.

Grandma Richards' silver? Samantha raised her brow.

It’s a special occasion.

Yes, for everyone. She smiled back, unable to hide her joy.

I suppose it is.

Suppose what is? Brian asked as he entered the kitchen.

A special occasion.

Yeah, we’re all moving on to something exciting, he said pulling out a chair for his mom before reaching for another and winked at Samantha.

No, thank you. The last time you pulled the chair out for me I ended up on the floor.

Brian covered his mouth, snickering.

Trying to help your sister again? Their father observed as he entered the room.

Trying, but she won’t let me. Brian shook his head.

Oh, please. Samantha shoved him playfully.

Chapter One

The waves are going to be epic today, Andy said as he took his skeleton-decaled surfboard from the back of the saltwater-faded green Ford Ranchero. The simulated wood panel had long vanished from the front left fender.

Yeah, I’ve been waiting for the offshore winds. We should catch some air today, Tom said, unhooking his yellow and white striped board.

The sun rose in the sky and the air felt warm as they made their way down the beach. The sand was warm and promised to be scorching as the day wore on. Tom wiggled his feet side to side as he walked, feeling the coolness just under the surface. He closed his eyes and breathed in deep, letting the warm, salty air fill his lungs.

What’s that? Andy pointed to a lump at the water’s edge as a wave washed up over it, uncovering the face of a young woman.

It’s a girl. Call 9-1-1, Tom said over his shoulder as he dropped his board and ran to her. Reaching her side, he lifted her head out of the water as another wave washed over her body.

Andy came to Tom’s side, still on the phone. Tom looked up.

I know her. She’s Taya’s friend, Samantha, from school.

Samantha made a faint attempt to move her arm.

She’s not dead. She just moved. Yeah. Huntington Beach, between eleventh and tenth, Andy spoke quickly into the phone and turned toward the boardwalk.

Tom looked down at Samantha. What happened to her? She wore a torn black dress. Her shoes were missing, as was any identification. She had some bruises and small cuts. If she washed up onto the shore, that could have caused some of them, he thought, glancing away for a moment from her to Andy.

Samantha tried to move away from him and moaned.

Shh, Samantha, it’s okay. It’s Tom. Tom Mitchell. Taya’s brother. Try not to move an ambulance is on the way. I can hear it coming, Tom said softly, trying to comfort her. Samantha replied with another moan.

Tom did not know if she could hear him. She tried to lift her head and he supported it with his hand.

Samantha, please be still. The ambulance is on the way. Another wave flowed across her body and then ebbed. Where are they? They should be here by now. He could hear the sirens in the distance.

Look at her neck, Andy said, his eyes widening while he pointed at her.

Tom leaned over to get a better look. Samantha’s slender neck was deeply bruised in what looked like a handprint. A shudder crawled down his spine. He brushed Samantha’s dark brown hair from her face. The wet sand clung to it and glittered in the morning sunlight. She moaned again and tried to turn her head away from his touch. He stopped, and she quieted.

The medic ran to Samantha’s side and began checking her vital signs. When the second medic arrived with the body board, they braced her neck and moved in deliberate, synchronized surety to place her battered body on the board. Before Tom could say anything, they were carrying her to the ambulance.

Andy, I’m going with her to the hospital. Call Taya and get my board, Tom called over his shoulder as he ran after Samantha and the medics. She’ll need a familiar face around when she comes to. She might be scared. He turned to catch up to them, not waiting for Andy’s reply.

Sure thing, dude, Andy yelled at Tom’s back. But what about the waves?

Once in the ambulance the medic started to ask questions while he worked on Samantha. The sirens cut through the early morning air. Flashing lights reflected off the windshields of approaching cars. Tom rubbed his palms together as the medic touched her; he moved with purpose but it was not gentle.

Did you move her before we arrived?

No, I just put my hand under her head to raise it out of the water.

Do you know her?

Yes. She’s a friend of my sister’s.

Do you know how to contact her family?

No, she’s from out of state. She goes to school with my sister.

By the marks on her neck, it looks like someone tried to strangle her. They will run some tests at the hospital. Tom shuddered. Are you a close friend?

Yes. Tom said. As close as she has here, he thought. He stared at his hands and thought of the waves he would be missing. Samantha moaned. The EMT took a syringe and injected a clear fluid into the IV he had inserted into her hand. I’ll stay. Samantha quieted and her body relaxed, the waves forgotten. What did you give her?

Something to help her sleep. Her vitals are stable. She needs to rest.

Tom reached out and caressed the top of her hand. Who would want to hurt Samantha?

The ambulance pulled into the hospital and the medics jumped out. Several people dressed in scrubs rushed to Samantha’s side. They spoke a language Tom did not fully understand.

Female. Early twenties. Minor cuts. Sub-dermal hemorrhaging on neck, arms and hands. Massive contusion on skull—left parietal and frontal lobes. BP is stable at one-ten over seventy. Brachial pulse sixty. Administered Ketamine, two mg/kg IV at zero-six-thirty-one.

He followed close behind as they rushed her into the emergency room.

Are you related to her? a nurse asked from behind him.

No.

Then I have to ask you to leave. You can’t be back here.

She doesn’t have any family here. I’m the closest she has, Tom said, not moving from his spot.

Sir. The nurse tried again, putting her hands on her hips.

I’m not leaving her, Tom said, pressing his lips into a straight line as he looked down at the nurse.

She turned on her heel, walking to the circular desk a few feet away and began speaking to an older man in a suit. As the nurse spoke, she waved her hands around and tilted her head back and forth.

She looks like a cartoon, Tom thought. After a few minutes, the man in the suit walked over to him.

Hello, I’m Dr. Samuel Taylor, the hospital administrator, he said.

Hey, I'm Tom Mitchell, Tom said, extending his hand. Dr. Taylor accepted the gesture with a formal smile.

I understand the young woman you came in with doesn’t have family in California. Is that correct?

Yes, her name is Samantha Richards. My sister should be here soon. She knows where Samantha lived before moving here. I know she’s a student at The Art Institute, culinary studies, same as Taya. My sister.

The older man looked Tom over, causing him to shuffle his feet as he looked down at his wet suit. He ran his fingers through his uncombed, sun-bleached hair and then rubbed his unshaven face. I hope Taya thinks to bring me a change of clothes. Andy was sure not to think of it; he was probably riding a wave right now.

I understand that you are planning to stay with Miss Richards, Dr. Taylor said.

Yes, she might be scared when she wakes up. I don’t want her to be alone. Who knows what happened to her. He looked past the swarm of people in scrubs, to where Samantha lay partially behind a curtain on the narrow hospital bed. His eyes softened and he shook his head as he pictured the bruises on her neck.

The older man watched Tom as he spoke and noted his body language.

Usually we do not allow non-family members to stay, but I think I will make an exception until they arrive, Dr. Taylor said with a small smile.

Thank you, Tom said relieved as he ran his fingers through his tangled hair.

~~~

Tom had fallen asleep in the small chair next to Samantha’s hospital bed. He woke to the sound of the door creaking open. Sitting up, he realized how stiff his back and neck were from the uncomfortable chair.

Taya followed the nurse in smiling. While the nurse checked Samantha’s vitals, Taya stood next to Tom.

Has she woken up yet? Taya asked.

No. The doctors say it’s normal and to give her time. They're keeping her sedated.

Do you want to go home and get a shower? I can sit with her for a while. Maybe you should get some rest too. You look like you haven’t slept in days.

Thanks, I haven’t. Tom smiled at his little sister and patted the chair. The nurse grinned as she wrote in Samantha’s chart at the foot of the bed, glancing up at them for a brief moment.

Call me if she wakes up, okay? I’ll keep my phone with me.

Sure thing. Taya chirped as she pulled a textbook from her bag.

Tom patted Taya on the shoulder and left the room. He pulled out his keys and singled out the car key as he walked out of the hospital. It had been a long two days sitting at the hospital. Still, no word came from Samantha’s family. Taya had given the hospital and police all the information she had, but no one had come yet. No one even called.

As Tom showered, he could not pull his thoughts from Samantha. He was unable to understand why no one called or came to see her. What kind of family leaves a member alone in the hospital after a traumatic attack? I would never abandon Taya like that.

Tom took his frustration out on the faucet as he cranked the handle, shutting off the water. When he stepped out, he could hear the television down the hall.

It’s going to be a great day for surfing. The Santa Ana winds continue to build, bringing in some ten to twenty foot swells. If you plan to go out today, please, take some precautions and play it safe out there, the weatherman said.

For a brief moment, Tom thought of calling Andy and heading to the beach. Samantha’s soft features fluttered through his mind and he quickly dressed to head back to the hospital, without any sleep.

When he arrived at Samantha’s room a police officer approached him.

Mr. Mitchell?

Yes, Tom said, knowing they would want to question him again.

I’m Detective Jefferies. Can I ask you a few questions?

Sure, whatever I can do to help. I don’t know much though.

Anything you can tell us would be helpful.

I told the doctors and another officer everything already.

Could you please tell it again? Detective Jefferies asked.

Sure… Andy and I arrived at the beach around six am. We grabbed our boards and were walking down the beach when we saw Samantha. Andy called 9-1-1, and I ran to see if she was okay.

Did you see anyone else on the beach?

Some people were roller-blading on the boardwalk, but I didn’t notice anyone on the beach. I wasn’t really looking around though.

Did Miss Richards say anything to you?

No. She let me hold her head out of the water. But when I tried to brush her hair from her face, she tried to turn away and moaned. That’s when Andy noticed her neck. Tom stopped, wanting to ask the Detective if he could tell him what happened to her. The doctors were not saying anything about the tests they had run. His frame stiffened and he felt the muscle in his jaw twitch.

Mr. Mitchell, is there more you want to tell me? Detective Jeffries asked.

Tom eyed the detective and asked, What happened to her? Where’s her family? What are the results from the tests the doctors have run? They aren’t telling me anything. Tom let out a deep sigh as he rubbed his thighs, then stood and walked to the window.

Mr. Mitchell, Samantha has obviously been attacked based on the bruising she has on her neck. The tests the doctors have run have not been conclusive because the ocean water has washed away the evidence. She does, however, have head trauma and swelling on her brain. That is why they are keeping her sedated, Detective Jeffries said sounding professional, but there was gentleness to his tone.

Tom would not allow his body to relax as he thought of what might have happened to her that night.

Detective Jeffries watched him closely, and knew Tom had let his mind draw the horrible images of what Samantha may have faced.

What about her family? Tom asked, staring out the window. Do you know when they will arrive?

We have continued to follow up all avenues to contact them. We’re working with limited knowledge about her at this point, Detective Jeffries paused, We’re doing everything we can to reach them.

Tom nodded and looked back at Samantha’s still figure on the hospital bed. He could tell Taya had brushed her hair.

Mr. Mitchell, you can reach me at this number if you think of anything you might have overlooked.

Tom reached for the business card. Detective Jeffries forced a smile and then turned to leave the room.

Will you let me know if you find out any new information? Tom asked at the Detective’s back.

Turning to face Tom, he replied, Yes.

Chapter Two

Dude, you’re missing some stellar waves, Andy said from across the room, Samantha’s still figure between them.

Look, the waves will be there next year, Tom replied in a dry tone, knowing Andy would not understand. He simply was not able to pull himself away from Samantha’s side. There was an overwhelming need to protect her that he did not understand, nor could he find the words to explain it to his self-absorbed friend.

I don’t get it. You hardly know the girl. What’s the deal?

There’s no deal. She’s Taya’s friend. She’s hurt and alone. I’m just trying to help out.

Then let Taya sit next to her bed. This is weird, Andy said as he waved his arm around the room.

Look, Andy. If Taya was alone in a strange town and got hurt, I would want someone to do what I’m doing for her, Tom said in a strained voice as he motioned toward Samantha. When his eyes reached her face, his expression softened. Andy, she’s all alone. No one has even called to check on her.

Andy eyed Tom closely. He had known Tom all his life and had never seen him like this. Yeah, Tom liked to bring home strays, but he never missed a chance to surf when the offshore winds rolled in and he never neglected The Surf Shop. It was odd and a little creepy.

Dude, you have got to snap out of it. It’s like you’re falling in love with coma girl, Andy snickered. Tom did not laugh.

Get out, Tom said. His neck turned red and the color crawled up his cheeks.

Dude, it was a joke, Andy said holding up his hands.

It’s not a joking matter. Tom pointed toward the door. Go.

Dude, are you falling for the girl? Andy tried to ask seriously, but the words came out as a laugh.

I won’t tell you again, Andy, Tom said as he took a step toward him. Andy backed up to the door.

I’m going. I’m going. But you need to take a serious step back and ask yourself what it is you’re doing, dude.

Andy turned, shaking his head and walked out the hospital door; it slowly closed behind him. Tom stared at the door, and then turned to sit in the stiff chair next to Samantha’s bed. He rested his elbows on his knees and buried his face in his hands. What am I doing here? It has been weeks with no news. No calls from her family. No leads as to who did this to her. And no progress in her condition. The shop needs me.

Tom rubbed his face, lifting his head and met the startled eyes of Samantha. He jumped to his feet and reached out for her hand. Samantha’s eyes widened.

Do I know you? Samantha asked in a shaky voice, pulling her hand away from him.

It’s me, Tom, he said unsure, I’ll call for the nurse. You’ve been out for a few weeks. He smiled down into her frightened face. She looked so vulnerable. It’s okay, Samantha. You’re safe. He reached for the nurse’s button.

A few moments later, the nurse came through the door.

You’re awake, she said with a warm smile, I’ll call the doctor and let him know. How do you feel?

My head hurts, Samantha said rubbing her forehead. Something about the way she moved struck Tom as graceful. He smiled to himself. I can’t remember anything. He said my name is Samantha, she said pointing to Tom. His heart dropped to the pit of his stomach.

That’s common. You’ve had some head trauma. Your memory should come back over time. Let me call for Dr. Benson and he will explain it to you. Okay? The nurse waited for Samantha to reply. When Samantha nodded, the nurse turned to leave, giving Tom a small smile that never reached her eyes. When the door closed, Samantha looked at Tom.

How do I know you? she asked as she tried to sit up. Tom went to help her, fluffing the pillow behind her back. He thought for a moment, trying to find some way to explain that did

Reviews for Calling Me Home

[judyg54 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A story that took me where I hadn't anticipated and lasted longer than I had thought it would (which was a VERY GOOD THING), but it ended way to abruptly. I thought I had the story all figured out as I was reading it, and thinking to myself that this, this and this will happen and then it will end. But I was wrong. The author did a great job of extending this story beyond just a quick read. It was full of great characters that I grew fond of and of mystery, danger, sorrow and love. The next story, "Finding Home" will hopefully pick up where this story ended.Samantha had dreams of becoming a chef. So when her parents went to South Africa to fulfill their dreams of being missionaries and her twin brother, Brian, went off to join the military, Samantha moves to California to go to school to learn to be a chef. Background done. Enter Tom and his buddy Andi coming to the beach to go surfing in California one early morning and discovering a woman's body laying on the beach, with torn clothing, head injuries and unconscious. Tom realizes he knows this girl as she goes to culinary school with his sister Taya. Thus begins the journey of taking care of this girl (who is Samantha) while they try to help her regain her memory, track down a family they can't find, and discover a tender love and affection for each other and keep her safe until they find who did this to her and why. It was not only a story about Samantha and Tom, but I also enjoyed the growing feelings between Sam's brother Brian and Tom's sister Taya. Tom and Brian don't hit it off so well, but it was fun to watch them battle it out on who can and will protect Samantha.This story had it all and gets a high review from me. It had a thread weaved throughout of a people who had a strong faith in the Lord and how that faith kept them going when life seemed to be falling apart around them. Be prepared to bask in the warm sunshine on the beach and then gather your winter parka for some snowy weather in Nebraska. Whatever the weather your heart will be warmed as you read this delightful story. Great job CaSondra Poulsen.File Size: 708 KBPrint Length: 259 pagesPage Numbers Source ISBN: 1463535325Publisher: Ballad Publishing (September 17, 2011)

[love2readnovels_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Tom Mitchell and his friend are out surfing when they find Samantha Richards unconscious on the beach. She'd been badly beaten. Tom's sister, Taya, is Samantha's best friend and fellow culinary student, but Samantha doesn't remember any of that when she finally wakes-up in the hospital. Tom's protective nature kicks in but that quickly turns toward feelings of love as he watches over her. When she leaves the hospital she stays with Tom and Taya to recover. Tom's upset that no one in Samantha's family has cared enough to make contact with her. When Samantha's brother, Brian, finally does show up, he and Tom have it out, literally! Brian and Tom don't like each other much but Taya and Brian quickly connect. Not only is Brian handsome but he's a decorated military soldier and can hold his own with her brother. As the four try to sort through their feelings and emotions they are hit with bad news. Friendship and love will be pushed to the limit, will it survive or will it crumble?This was a very intriguing story and I found myself flipping pages very quickly to see what was going to happen. I must admit that in the beginning I really didn't care much for Tom, but it didn't take long for him to worm his way into my heart. I really felt like the author allowed the reader to see the characters in a real way. You know, the good with the bad. Calling Me Home had a little mystery and a little suspense but was mostly relationship driven, which I happen to really like. There was a couple unexpected twists, which I thought, really enhanced the story. This was really two stories in one and it shifted between the two, very smoothly. Although there was a conclusion, the ending left me wanting more, so I was delighted to find there will be a sequel called Finding Home. I can't wait to catch up with these families again. If you enjoy an intriguing story with interesting characters that keeps you turning pages, I recommend you give Calling Me Home a try.Format: Kindle EditionFile Size: 708 KBPublisher: Ballad Publishing (September 17, 2011)Paperback: 258 pagesPublisher: CreateSpace (September 18, 2011)ISBN-10: 1463535325ISBN-13: 978-1463535322