Babe In The Woods

By Pamela Bauer

So much for peace and quiet

Brendan Millar wants to spend a quiet summer in the woods of northern Minnesota. He has a difficult decision to make whether or not to become a priest and he needs time alone. But that isn't going to happen. Not when Dani Taylor, a beautiful woman with questions of her own, arrives.

It's impossible to ignore Dani and soon Brendan isn't sure he wants to. Then, as if Dani isn't enough of a complication, his teenage niece shows up. She's a runaway a pregnant runaway. And the baby's due any day.

Things aren't turning out the way Brendan planned. But he still has to come up with an answer. Does he choose the path he's spent most of his life following or take a chance on Dani? And what about the baby?

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers Australia
• Release date: Jul 1, 2012
• ISBN: 9781460866412

Pamela Bauer

One of six children, Pamela was born and raised in Minnesota and often uses the Midwest as a setting for her books. She believes there's something special about the region that makes it the perfect setting for stories about love and family. It's also the place where she fell in love with her real-life hero, her husband, Gerr. Pamela and her husband spend much of their recreational time in the lakes region of northern Minnesota. They enjoy roasting marshmallows over an open fire and listening to the call of the loons in the summer, and in the winter they trek through the woods on snowshoes and fish through a hole in the ice. Is it romantic? Ask a Minnesotan and you'll likely get the answer, "You betcha!" says Pamela, who treasures those moments up north. Since selling her first romance in 1986, Pamela Bauer has gained fans around the world for her heartwarming stories about love and family relationships. She has written over twenty books and plans to continue to write stories about people falling in love and living happily ever after. She hopes that when you read one of her books you'll smile and maybe even laugh out loud, but more important, when you've finished the story you'll feel good - about families, about life, and about love. Pamela and her husband live in a small community just northwest of Minneapolis. They have two children, Amy and Aaron, and a bichon-poo that thinks he's human.

Book preview

PROLOGUE

SHE SAT ALONE on the bus-stop bench, sandwiched between a school backpack and a canvas gym bag. She wasn’t waiting for the bus. Bus rides took money. She was simply resting. Her feet ached. So did her back.

It was the baby’s fault. She used to be able to walk for miles without stopping. Now she could barely manage a couple of blocks before she’d either get tired or felt the need to relieve herself. She glanced around in search of a gas station or restaurant, knowing it wouldn’t be long before she’d have to use the washroom.

Her stomach rumbled with hunger. She reached for the backpack. Instead of schoolbooks and paper, it held an odd assortment of things—makeup, CDs, a tattered issue of Seventeen magazine and half of a cheeseburger, the remainder of her lunch. Lunch had been an extravagance she couldn’t afford, but when she’d walked by those golden arches, the temptation had been too great to resist. Even cold, the burger tasted good. She ate slowly, savoring every bite, knowing she probably wouldn’t get anything else to eat for a while.

When she’d finished, she gathered her meager belongings together. It was time to move on. If she didn’t keep walking, she wouldn’t make it out of the city before dark. If she wanted to keep to her schedule, she needed to leave Minneapolis today.

She pulled a frayed map from a pouch on her backpack. Opening it carefully, she studied the blue and black lines and sighed. She hated traveling on the highway. A train would have been less hassle and much easier.

The baby inside her kicked and she glanced down. Don’t worry. I’m not going to hop a train. She patted her stomach as she spoke. I just said it would be easier.

But then, everything had been easier before she’d gotten pregnant. Walking, sleeping, eating. If only she could turn back the clock and erase the last eight months. Again the baby kicked.

I’m sorry. Really I am. Her voice was barely a whisper as tears rose in her throat. It’s not that I don’t want you. It’s just that I don’t know what to do with you.

She needed help. Someone who knew what she should do. Someone she could trust. She carefully folded the map and put it away. Then she pulled out a wad of tissue. Gently she peeled away the wrinkled layers until she uncovered the silver locket. She opened it to look at what was hidden within the oval frame. It was a tiny picture of a bride and groom.

You said you’d always be there for me, she murmured as her fingers traced the filigreed edges of the locket.

Then she snapped it shut, buried it once more in the wrinkled tissue and put it away. She slung the backpack over one shoulder, the gym bag over the other, and set out on her journey.

CHAPTER ONE

DANIELLE TAYLOR SAT ALONE at the glass-topped patio table in the shade of an umbrella. Her suit was still damp from her morning swim in the kidney-shaped pool. Not a morsel of her breakfast—a dish of fresh strawberries, an applesauce muffin and a glass of guava juice—had been touched. Her eyes focused on the photograph lying beside her plate.

It was a black-and-white snapshot of a log house nestled between tall, majestic pines. Tacked to one of the trees was a sign that said The Last Place On Earth. There were no people in the photo, just a couple of cabins by the lake. She knew that the lake was in a wilderness thousands of miles from the traffic-jammed freeways of Southern California.

Dani had looked at the photograph often during the past few days, troubled by the feelings it evoked whenever she held it in her hands. Why did it have the power to make her ache with an unfamiliar longing? It was just a picture of a place she’d never seen, built and owned by a man she’d never known, in a part of the country she’d never visited nor had any desire to visit.

Until now. And all because of one legal document. In the blink of an eye, everything had changed. Suddenly her uncomplicated life had become a complex puzzle, her mind preoccupied with getting answers to questions she would never have ventured to ask until a week ago.

She’d been looking forward to summer. School was out. She had survived another year of teaching French and English and coaching soccer at the Marchand Academy for Young Women. There would be no more impudent thirteen-year-olds, no high teas with the parent-teacher association, no pleas to the school board for new textbooks. At least not for the next three months.

As much as she enjoyed teaching, Dani needed the time away from her job that summer vacation afforded. Ever since taking the teaching position at the elite private school, she’d spent the summers at home on her father’s estate in Montecito. It was a way to recharge her batteries, to see her friends, to spend time with her father whom Dani knew had been lonely ever since her mother’s death six years ago. And this summer she had a wedding to plan.

Only, in the week she’d been home, she’d been alone for six of the seven days. Although she could have picked up the phone and called any number of friends, she hadn’t. She couldn’t. Seeing friends would have meant explanations. She didn’t want to have to explain how she was feeling to anyone.

It was painful enough to discover that her fiancé had been unfaithful. To see pity in the eyes of friends was something she couldn’t have stood at the moment. Which was why she’d shut herself away in the Spanish-style house. She needed the comfort of the place she’d called home all her life.

Except she hadn’t found contentment, but rather disappointment.

Dani?

A shiver raised the hairs on her back of her neck. She knew without even turning around who it was.

What are you doing here? she asked flatly, refusing to look at her ex-fiancé.

In white shorts and a lemon yellow polo, Matthew Wellington looked every inch the tennis pro he was. We need to talk, Dani, he said, then grabbed a wrought-iron chair and pulled it close to hers, placing his lean, trim figure in her line of vision.

No, we don’t. She swallowed with difficulty.

Look, I made a mistake, but I’ve promised you it won’t happen again. Why won’t you give me a chance to prove that? He reached for her hand, but she quickly snatched it away.

Go away, Matt. Please.

He ignored her plea. Why don’t you get dressed and come with me to the club? We’ll play a few games of tennis, have lunch. He gave her an engaging grin, the one he used whenever he wanted to persuade her to do something she didn’t want to do. Before this summer, it would have had Dani forgiving him just about anything. Now it only made her feel sick.

I can’t, she answered, running her fingers through her short blond hair.

Can’t or won’t? He sounded a bit churlish.

Both.

This time, instead of reaching for her hand, he lifted her chin with his fingers. If I didn’t think you loved me, I could be hurt by that. He gave her a look that could make most women swoon.

Dani swooned over no man. Never had, never would. Matt’s conceit only strengthened her resolve to move forward with her life—alone. I’m not saying it to hurt you, Matt. She pushed her chair back so that his hand fell away from her face. Look, I have to get dressed. I have an appointment with Edward Collins.

Edward? Why not call my dad and have him come here?

Ever since Dani could remember, Howard Wellington had been coming to the house on a regular basis and bringing Matt with him. It was one of the reasons she and Matt had become so close—they’d spent a good deal of their childhood together. Besides being her father’s attorney, Howard was her father’s best friend, and everyone who knew the two families expected that one day they would be related through marriage.

I think it’s best if I see Edward, she said coolly.

His mouth tightened. So now because we’re having problems, you’re going to punish my father?

Your father is my dad’s attorney, not mine, she reminded him. I’m not punishing him. Edward is his partner. And we’re not having problems, Matthew. We’ve broken up.

Don’t say that, he pleaded, placing his hands on the arms of her chair so that she couldn’t stand.

She looked pointedly at his hands. It’s the truth. Now you’re going to have to let me get up. I told you I have an appointment.

Reluctantly he backed away. Why do you have to see Edward when your dad handles everything for you?

Law firms and corporate boardrooms were foreign territories to Dani. She had made it perfectly clear that the family business didn’t interest her. Anything of a legal nature was handled by her father, which had suited Dani just fine.

Until now.

I have some legal matters I need to take care of personally, she told Matt, rising.

You’re not still angry at your dad because of that stuff about your grandfather’s estate, are you?

No, I’m not, she answered honestly. She had never been one to harbor resentment, and the truth was, right now she wasn’t sure what she was feeling.

Well, you sound angry.

She placed her hands on her hips and glared at him. And how should I sound, Matt? I come home for the summer thinking I’m going to be planning my wedding. Instead, I’m trying to figure out what to do with a resort I’ve inherited from a man I didn’t even know existed.

You could be planning a wedding. Again he gave her that roguish grin.

No, I can’t, she stated firmly.

He looked at her with hurt in his eyes. Dani, don’t do this to me.

She paid no attention. You’re going to have to excuse me, Matt. I really do need to get ready for my appointment with Edward. She started to walk away, but he stopped her with a hand on her arm.

Does your father know what you’re doing?

No, but if he were here, I’d tell him. It just so happens he’s not, she answered curtly.

Matt shook his head. I don’t understand why you’re so upset over all this.

Matthew! How would you feel if your father tried to sell your inheritance without your ever finding out about it?

I don’t think your father had any intention of doing that. When he saw her eyes flash, he quickly added, He probably just thought he was taking care of business for you—as usual. It’s not like you’re going to do anything with some run-down resort in the boonies, is it?

The more he said, the more annoyed she became with him. Just forget it. You wouldn’t understand.

Like her father, Matt did not give up easily. You have to admit he’s been a pretty good father to you, Dani. I mean, there aren’t many schoolteachers who drive a Porsche. Hell, you have a big trust fund—you don’t even have to work.

Dani made a sound of exasperation. This isn’t about money!

"What are you saying? That it’s one of those girl things guys don’t understand?"

It’s something you and my father don’t understand, she said impatiently. You sound just like him.

I’ll take that as a compliment. He’s a smart man.

She could only stare at him in disbelief. He was jut like her father. How come she hadn’t noticed it before now?

What you need is to have some fun. Come play tennis with me. The cajoling grin was back.

No.

He ran a finger along her jaw. Come on, Dani. Do it for me.

No. She brushed his hand away. "Look, everything’s changed, Matt. I’ve changed." And without another word, she hurried inside, not once glancing back.

WELL, LOOKEE WHO’S HERE! The gray-haired man behind the cash register gave Brendan Millar a welcoming grin. Then he leaned over the checkout counter and hollered toward the back of the store, Vera, put another burger on!

How did you know I was hungry, Pete? Brendan reached out to shake the man’s bony hand as the familiar aroma of hamburger sizzling on the grill teased his taste buds. Because it was the only market in Hidden Falls, Minnesota, Pete’s Place served as a grocery, drugstore, hardware store and restaurant all rolled into one. To the 232 residents of the town, it truly was—in every sense of the word—a convenience store.

They must be working you long hours at the hospital. You look tired, Pete noted, giving Brendan the once-over.

Brendan fidgeted under the close scrutiny. I could use a little peace and quiet.

Pete chuckled. Well, we both know you’ll get that at The Last Place on Earth. It’s still peaceful there. Now Cedar Lake—that’s another story. Ever since they opened that new lodge, there’s a constant parade of Jet Ski machines in the summer and snowmobiles in the winter. They come up from the cities, you know. You should see the traffic that goes through here. He shook his head. Vera and I can hardly keep up.

I thought you two were going to retire. Brendan reached for a red plastic shopping basket.

And do what? Twiddle our thumbs? This place is what keeps us young. Pete glanced affectionately at aisles cluttered with boxes. Besides, we’d be foolish to quit now. Business is good. That’s why I had that thing installed. He nodded toward a refrigerated case at the entrance to the store. In it was an assortment of canned and bottled beverages, including mineral water.

Brendan opened the door and pulled out a six-pack of soda. This is great. Now I know where to come when I need a cold one.

Earl put one in at the gas station, so I figured I might as well, too. Pete leaned closer and said in a near whisper, Those city folks want that fancy bottled water. They’ll pay a buck-fifty a bottle for it.

Have to give the customers what they want, Brendan said with a knowing grin.

Should I put onions on that burger? a woman’s voice called out from somewhere in the back of the store.

Pete looked to Brendan, who shook his head.

No onions, Pete shouted back, then asked, you got a list of what you need? I can put it together while you have your lunch.

If you’re busy, I can get the stuff myself, Brendan offered, but the store owner dismissed him with a flap of his hand.

That’s my job.

It’s nice to see some things never change, Brendan said with a grateful smile, then pulled a scrap of paper from his pocket and handed it to Pete.

It’s easier for me since I know where everything is. The older man peered at the list through reading glasses perched low on his nose. You go say hello to Vera and get your burger. She’s going to be tickled pink to see you, Father.

Pete, why don’t you call me Brendan this summer?

The old man looked a bit taken aback by the request but said easily, Sure thing.

Thanks. Brendan grinned, then worked his way through the maze of cereal boxes and soup cans, the word Father echoing in his thoughts.

It was a title of respect—and one Brendan hadn’t earned yet. He was on his way to the resort known as The Last Place on Earth, not because he was a seminarian on vacation from his ministerial work at the hospital, but because he needed to decide whether to continue studying to become an ordained priest.

Instead of counseling the sick and the injured as a clinical pastoral educator this summer, he would be spending time alone. Reflecting. Meditating. Soul-searching. Trying to decide if he was ready to commit his life to the priesthood.

Andrew Lawrence, his student master, didn’t believe he was and had suggested he take some time away from the seminary. Although Brendan had argued that he was prepared to take his final vows, he also knew that Andrew’s reservations weren’t without merit. Brendan would be the first one to admit he’d been restless lately. What he didn’t know was why. Andrew thought it was unresolved anger, Brendan didn’t dispute that possibility.

A man didn’t live the life he’d led and not have anger inside him. Suffering either made one bitter or better. He was better—or at least he’d thought he was until questions had been asked that he couldn’t answer. Questions that had inevitably led to doubts in both him and Andrew.

One thing Brendan did know was that anger could be a positive force if directed against the injustices of this world. As a child growing up in a city where street gangs warred nightly, he’d watched a man channel frustration into positive work in a neighborhood where kids like himself hardly stood a chance of surviving. Father Joseph Dorian had been the only male role model Brendan had ever known, guiding him through his turbulent youth, showing him that good could come out of anger.

Every time Brendan thought of his mentor, a feeling of nostalgia washed over him. If anyone had told him when he was growing up that one day he would reflect fondly on his childhood, he would have laughed aloud. Living in the inner city and having only one goal—staying alive—was hardly the stuff childhood dreams were made of.

Brendan often wondered how different his life would have been had he grown up in a neighborhood where drug transactions didn’t take place in the house next door and gunfire didn’t keep children from falling asleep at night. What would it have been like to be able to ride a bike and not have to worry about its being stolen right out from under you? To go to a school where they didn’t lock the students inside once the bell rang. To shop in a store that didn’t have bars on its windows.

But then, had he not grown up in the inner city, he would have missed out on having a remarkable man like Father Joe in his life.

Brendan had been tempted to drive the 250 miles to Minneapolis to tell his mentor of his conversation with Andrew. It would have been so natural to seek solace at the church on North Fifth Street. It was the place to which he’d always run when he was a boy. Father Joe had always been there—to listen, to advise, to console.

But this was different. Although the church had been a refuge in the past, Brendan now felt as if he was running away from it, not to it. There was only one place where he could go and truly be alone. The Last Place on Earth at Sacred Lake.

When he reached the alcove in the back of the store, seven of the eight bar stools lining the eating counter were unoccupied. The lone diner was a man wearing bib overalls, a faded blue T-shirt and a baseball cap bearing the name of a seed company. Cooking at the grill was a tiny woman who barely measured five feet tall. A hair net covered white curls tinted blue from a shampoo rinse. Glasses as thick as pop-bottle bottoms framed a face that had only the slightest hint of wrinkles. She appeared frail, yet Brendan knew that was deceptive. A stronger, more energetic woman he’d never met. When she saw Brendan, a wide grin revealed perfectly straight false teeth.

You’re back! Vera leaned across the counter and raised her cheek so he could brush it with his lips. Are you my hamburger with no onions? she asked excitedly.

Brendan grinned as he sat down. Is it too late to ask for cheese?

You got it. She wiped off the counter in front of him with a wet rag, then set silverware and a napkin at his fingertips. It’s so good to see you! We didn’t think any of the priests would be at Sacred Lake this summer. Like her husband, Vera treated the seminarians as if they were members of the clergy.

There aren’t going to be any priests. Just me. It was his way of reminding her that he hadn’t been ordained.

You here for the week?

Actually I’m here for the summer.

You’re not working at the hospital?

No. I’m going to take care of the maintenance at the resort until the new owner decides what to do with it, Brendan answered, aware that the other diner, a local farmer named Wayne Boggs, could hear every word of their conversation.

The blue eyes behind the glasses widened. You have to tell me everything you know. There’ve been plenty of rumors floating around about what’s going to happen to The Last Place on Earth.

Knowing that everything he said would be repeated to the other 229 citizens of Hidden Falls, Brendan said, I’m afraid I don’t have the answer to that one. You probably know more than I do. Actually, the lawyer who’d hired him had said that the new owner had no intention of coming to Minnesota and that the property was expected to be put up for sale in the near future.

I hear Wilbur left the place to his granddaughter.

Brendan nodded. I heard.

That was a shock, Vera admitted. "No one even knew he had a granddaughter, although I suspect Louella Hortense may have known."

He was a quiet man. Brendan didn’t tell them that Wilbur Latvanen had confided in him on more than one occasion the circumstances of his relationship—or the lack of one—with his granddaughter. Whenever Wilbur had spoken of her, a wistfulness had transformed the normally gruff voice. Someday she’ll come and she’ll like it here, Brendan had often heard him say.

Now that Wilbur had died without ever seeing that day, Brendan could only hope that the old man had been wrong, that she wouldn’t come to Sacred Lake. What Brendan didn’t need was his new landlord in his face. He needed solitude—and an occasional visit to Pete and Vera’s for a burger and fries.

Wayne Boggs spoke up. Someone said there’s talk of her dividing up the land and putting up time-share condominiums.

Vera shuddered. That would be a real shame. It’s so peaceful out there.

If she’s from California, she probably doesn’t know what peace and quiet is. The farmer mopped up his eggs with a piece of toast. It’s no wonder she doesn’t want to come up here.

Vera shook her head disapprovingly. She probably wouldn’t fit in with the rest of us, anyway. Still, I hate to see Sacred Lake get taken over by tourists.

It’d mean more business for you and Pete, Brendan said.

We got more than we can handle now, Vera declared with a click of her tongue. A regular visitor to Hidden Falls for the past three summers, Brendan knew that even though the tourists brought in much needed revenue to their community, the local residents valued their privacy and quiet way of life.

The way they keep building stuff around here, pretty soon we’ll have a fast-food restaurant and a shopping mall, Wayne predicted grimly.

I hope not. We couldn’t compete with that. Anxiety put little lines across Vera’s forehead.

"I