Worthy of Love: Finding Love, #6

By Dianne Reed Burns

Running from the man who gave her life, Katherine has nothing – no phone, no car, and no money.  Not willing to jeopardize the life and well-being of her sister, and her new family, she stows away on a shrimp trawler.

Caleb is virtually alone and prefers his life of solitude.  After an accident left him with scars all over his body, he’s used to people staring at him in horror.  What he’s not used to is women looking past his scars to the man inside, but that’s exactly what happens when he finds Katherine hiding on his shrimp boat.

When Katherine reveals her story to Caleb, the only choice he gives her is a marriage-of-convenience.  He will protect her from her father, and once her safety is guaranteed, she can walk away.  But when passion ignites between them, will she be able to leave this man people call a beast and a monster?  Will he be able to accept that someone can care about him just as he is?  Will he ever feel worthy of the love that’s offered to him?  Can Katherine show him that there is more to him than his scars, both those inside and out, before they are torn apart forever?

The Finding Love Series:

“Deaf Love,” A Short Story
The Power of Love
Love’s Little Rewards
To Love a Man
Love Hurts
Worthy of Love

All books can be read as stand-alones; however, you will see repeating characters throughout the books.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Dianne Reed Burns
• Release date: Jun 16, 2015
• ISBN: 9781513016344

Book preview

Worthy of Love

The Finding Love Series, Book 6

By

Dianne Reed Burns

Copyright

This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the writer’s imagination or have been used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, actual events, locales or organizations is entirely coincidental. 

All Rights are Reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission from the author.

Worthy of Love, The Finding Love Series, Book 6

Copyright © 2014 by Dianne Reed Burns

Cover design by Robert at SelfPubBookCovers.com

Dedication

This book is dedicated to my daughter Tammy Jo,

the writer and the dreamer. 

Thank you for loving the beast as much as I do. 

And to Mike Tabor. Here’s to having your

taco shack on the beach

and fulfilling your dream.

Book List

The Finding Love Series:

Deaf Love: A Short Story - Book 1*

The Power of Love - Book 2

Love’s Little Rewards - Book 3

To Love a Man - Book 4

Love Hurts - Book 5

Worthy of Love - Book 6

Teach Me to Love - Book 7

Love’s Elusive Dream - Book 8

A Healing Kind of Love - Book 9

Deaf Love, The Cowboy’s Gift - Coming Soon*

To learn how Luke and Amanda met, be sure to read Deaf Love: A Short Story first.

All other books can be read as stand-alones; however, you will see repeating characters throughout the series. To purchase or read more about any of these titles, please read the excerpts at the end of this book, or click here.

Book Description

Running from the man who gave her life, Katherine has nothing – no phone, no car, and no money. Not willing to jeopardize the life and well-being of her sister, and her new family, she stows away on a shrimp trawler.

Caleb is virtually alone and prefers his life of solitude. After an accident left him with scars all over his body, he’s used to people staring at him in horror. What he’s not used to is women looking past his scars to the man inside, but that’s exactly what happens when he finds Katherine hiding on his shrimp boat.

When Katherine reveals her story to Caleb, the only choice he gives her is a marriage-of-convenience. He will protect her from her father, and once her safety is guaranteed, she can walk away. But when passion ignites between them, will she be able to leave this man people call a beast and a monster? Will he be able to accept that someone can care about him just as he is? Will he ever feel worthy of the love that’s offered to him? Can Katherine show him that there is more to him than his scars, both those inside and out, before they are torn apart forever?

CHAPTER ONE

The big, dark luxury car stopped at the corner of Main and Gulf. The back door on the passenger side opened. A boot clad foot stepped onto the gravel and sand on the side of the road as the tall coastal grass brushed the denim covered leg.

I’m sorry we can’t take you any farther, young lady, but this is the end of our destination. The male driver turned to look at his passenger apologetically.

Hey, no, don’t be sorry. This is great. It’s real nice to meet you both, and I hope you enjoy your visit with your daughter and her family.

Thank you, the man’s wife told her from the front passenger seat. It was good to meet you too, and we enjoyed the company. You’re a nice young woman.

Thank you. I really appreciate the lift. I don’t know what I would have done without you. You pretty near saved my life and my future, she told them, as her blue eyes glistened in the glare of the inside dome light of the car.

She reached for the expensive, soft-sided suitcase on wheels and made a move to get out of the vehicle.

You be careful now. You can’t be too cautious these days, the driver warned. Are you sure you have somewhere to go? It’s just past ten-thirty.

Oh yes, I’m sure. In fact they’re expecting me to be there by eleven, the young woman lied.

Well, if you’re sure, his wife added. We better be on our way. Jean will get worried if we’re too much later.

You’re right, dear, the man agreed as he looked at his wife.

Pulling the case across the floorboard, the woman got out of the car and hauled it out behind her.

Bye, now, and thanks again, she said cheerfully.

You’re quite welcome. We really did enjoy the company.

Me, too, she agreed, smiling broadly.

The young woman shut the car door and gave a little wave as the older couple pulled away from her.

Now, what in the hell do I do? she asked grimly.

As she forlornly looked around, the late May night was cool and damp with a breeze blowing inland off the Texas Gulf.

She turned in a half circle to check behind her and jumped at the sight. It wasn’t a huge house, but it was big, looming, and dark up on a hill. The only hill she could detect in the area. The structure almost looked out of place but then again, it didn’t. The old Eastern Captain’s Cottage design made the two-story house look eerie in the dark, with a lighthouse on top, yet it wasn’t a lighthouse. It looked more like a room. And, of course, she knew it was too far inland for a lighthouse anyway. She saw a dim glow in one of the downstairs windows as it cast a strange shadow through the drawn curtains. She turned to walk away and shivered at the thought of who could live there.

Across the street and down the block she spied a grocery store still open on the island. She crossed over and walked towards it. She decided she wasn’t so much thirsty as she was hungry, and she also needed to settle her stomach. The ferry ride over from the mainland and the nerve-wracking events of the past forty-eight hours had turned her stomach into a three-ring circus. It turned and dipped every which way except the right way.

In four minutes time she entered the store, suitcase and all.

She pushed the glass door open and walked through. They handled everything from groceries to surfboards to motor oil. In the refrigerated units, at the back of the store, she chose a soft drink and a pre-packaged pimento cheese sandwich. She grabbed a bag of chips and a can of dip as she passed down aisle thirteen.

At the checkout counter she made sure to get all of her change from the ten-dollar bill she gave the clerk.

Any motels around? she asked, as she stuck the bills and coins deep in a front jeans pocket.

Mmmm, back down on Gulf Street and towards the water on Point Surf, there’s an old terra cotta colored stucco motor lodge. It ain’t much, but it’s shelter. We’ve got a storm comin’ in off the Gulf later tonight. Could be the beginnin’ of a tropical, they say. Gettin’ ‘bout that time of year.

Yeah, guess it is, she agreed.

You ain’t from around here, are ya? the old man behind the counter asked, squinting his eyes in thought.

No, I’m not from around here. Thanks, she said quickly, cutting his curiosity short. She turned, headed for the door, and pulled the designer case behind her.

Out on the sidewalk, she looked back through a big, plate glass window of the store. The clerk leaned on the counter and stared intently at her.

Surely, she thought to herself, that man can’t already have his hounds out tracking me.

Damn, she whispered out loud. Why couldn’t Emma and I have a normal life?

She glanced at the clerk once more and hurried down the long sidewalk, out of his view, to the end of the building and an old payphone.

She set the case on its end, next to her, against the brick wall under the telephone booth shelf and pulled the collar up on her jacket against the cool, rising wind. Looking up at the sky, she witnessed the heavy, ominous-looking clouds rolling in off the water. A shiver ran through her at the thought of no place to go.

Digging deep in her front jeans pocket, she fished out the coins she had received in change, a few minutes earlier. She juggled the sack containing her supper, picked up the grimy receiver, and fed coins into the phone to make the collect call she’d been dreading.

She spoke clearly the information the automated operator asked for before having her coins returned to her and hearing the ringing of the telephone on the other end.

After a few seconds she heard her sister accept the charges. Hello?

Emma? she said excitedly, happy to hear her voice.

Katherine? Is that you? her big sister asked.

Yeah, it’s me. Her voice was shaky.

Is that a nervous laugh I hear or are you cold? Emma asked speculatively.

A little of both, Katherine admitted.

Where are you? she questioned warily.

I left, Emma. I had to. He didn’t leave me a choice.

Father?

Yes. But don’t call him that. He was never a real father to us. Real father’s don’t treat their family like possessions.

Several moments passed in silence.

Are you still there? Katherine asked in a panicked voice.

Yes, honey, I’m here. Garth wanted to know who called, and he took the baby to finish feeding him for me.

I wish I could see little Zach. I mean, you already have a baby and I haven’t even met my brother-in-law yet, Katherine said, sounding depressed.

If you’ve left, come out here and stay with us. We have plenty of room. I’ve told you before to come here to me.

I know, I know. But it would be such an imposition. I’d be in the way, she said.

Don’t you ever feel that way. Not ever, Emma told her in a scolding voice.

Thanks Em, but I’ve got to stand on my own two feet.

Honey, you left before your twenty-fourth birthday. Do you have money? her sister inquired.

Some. He pushed so hard, damn it. I think he figured out what I had in mind to do. He kept saying you and me are just alike. He put a freeze on the trust mom left me. Got his high-powered lawyer on it and the moron found a loophole. He can’t touch it, but he froze it for now. He told me I was irresponsible. Well, if irresponsible means not marrying his old crony, then yes, I guess I am, Katherine finished hatefully.

What did he do, Katy? Emma questioned.

He went so far this time as to actually get a marriage license naming me as the bride and old man Jenson as the groom. The gall of him. I hate him, Emma. I hate him! She began to cry.

Calm down, honey. You’re away from him now, Emma soothed.

Yeah, but for how long? You know how he is. He doesn’t give up. He has so many connections, he can arrange anything.

He only gave up on me when I got pregnant and got married. I thank my lucky stars every day that Garth came into my life. He and little Zach are such a blessing to me, Emma admitted.

"I know they are, and I truly believe that someday it’ll happen for me the way I want it to, not the way he wants it," Katherine emphasized.

I know it will happen, too, her sister agreed, trying to encourage her. So, where are you, Kat?

I hitched a ride with a nice older couple to Channel Bay. Their daughter lives here.

Where’s your car? Emma exclaimed.

He had wheel locks put on it all the way around while I substituted at the high school the day before yesterday. I told you, I’m irresponsible. I called a taxi to get me home. I had to go back for the rest of my things.

I can’t believe that…that--

Forget it, Sis. He’s not worth it. If he’ll just leave me alone, that’ll be plenty.

But that’s wrong, Katy. That’s just wrong. Where is your phone? Emma finally asked.

After I got home, he came up to my room to show me the license. I’d packed the last of my stuff in the one bag I had left. I think that’s how he figured out what my plan was. All my other things are in a storage unit. He saw how empty my room was. Anyway, he became irate. We were both yelling and I picked up my phone and the suitcase and headed for the door. He yanked the phone out of my hand and threw it against the wall so hard it flew in several different directions. I took the bag and swung it at him and knocked him to the floor. He didn’t get up so easily and I got the hell out of there with what I had. I’d called another taxi and it was waiting for me. I had it take me to the edge of town.

Oh, honey, I’m so sorry you had to go through that.

Yeah, well, that’s how he is, and we both know it. His greed controls him, and he tries to control everything around him, Katherine said, sounding beaten down.

Katy, let Garth get you and bring you here. He won’t mind one bit, Emma told her. I still don’t feel much like traveling since Zach is only two weeks old, but Garth will come. Or better yet, I’ll buy you a plane ticket, and you can fly into Tucson. He’ll pick you up there.

No, Emma, but thanks anyway. He couldn’t touch the money I’d saved from substitute teaching and working at the museum. I pulled it all out of my account about four days ago except for the last check I’ll get from the school district. It’ll last a good while, and since I did receive my Master’s degree last week and I have a teaching certificate, I’ll find a job. If he doesn’t know where I am, he can’t put a stop to me getting hired like he has been. And if I don’t find a full time teaching position right now, all school districts are in need of good substitute teachers, and I’m good, Katherine assured her.

I know you are, Katy. But are you absolutely sure that you won’t come here with us? We’d love to have you any time.

Thanks. I appreciate it, and I will keep in touch, she promised.

Do you have a place to stay tonight? Emma inquired.

Yeah, I have a motel room here on the island. Pretty nice in fact. I went to the grocery store here and bought a snack. She held up the little brown paper bag and scrutinized it skeptically. I’m fine, Emma, really. I wanted to let you know what was going on and where I was. I didn’t want you calling the house and have him answer.

If you’re sure…

"I’m sure. I better go now before this becomes a midnight snack."

Okay, but do you have a number where I can reach you?

Katherine panicked for a split second. Well, not really. This place will probably be temporary. I’ll let you know when I get settled somewhere.

Promise you’ll stay in touch.

I promise. Katherine let out the breath she had been holding.

Well, okay.

So I’ll talk to you later, Sis. Tell Garth hello and give little Zach a great big kiss from his Aunt Kat.

I will. You take care of yourself, Emma said worriedly.

I will, her little sister promised. Bye, for now.

Bye, hon.

Katherine hung up the receiver, turned toward the street, and fell with her back against the red brick building, her anguish almost overtaking her control.

Damn, I wish I hadn’t been so free with my money and such a spendthrift, she said to herself. But I’m not letting Emma help me. That would be the easy way out. I’ll survive this somehow. She pushed herself away from the building, reached down, and took hold of her bag. She wheeled it along behind her and headed for the terra cotta stucco motel to see what she could do.

CHAPTER TWO

Katherine reached her objective and walked past the horseshoe shaped structure, eyeing it curiously. She observed a low watt light shining in the part that read Office. All other cubicles looked dark and quiet. She saw only five cars parked inside the U-shaped enclosure as she walked past the office area and turned to go behind the row of rooms on the Gulf side of the motel.

In the dark, cool, windy night, she moved silently down the tall grassy area, looking at the back of each unit. Each room had a back door leading to where she walked. At the fifth unit from the front, she found what she had been looking for, an open window with no screen.

She looked around, cautious of her surroundings. Easing up to the window, she pulled her case quietly behind her. Stopping short of the opening, she looked around once more. The area remained quiet except for the storm coming in, so she approached the dark, open space.

With a trembling hand, she reached in and pulled the worn, sheer curtain aside. Easing her head through the opening, she took a quick look around. Empty. No lights, and no one in either of the beds. A bright flash of lightning illuminated the open bathroom door. It appeared to be empty, too. Katherine eased her five-foot-seven, one hundred and twenty pound frame through the window and into the vacant motel room.

She turned and hauled her case in behind her and left it sitting close to the opening, next to the head of the bed. She moved quietly about the area checking to make sure no one’s luggage had been left, indicating they would return. Katherine saw no suitcases or personal items in the bedroom, the living room, or the small kitchenette. All was quiet. The place was empty and the front and back doors were locked. She felt lucky to have found this refuge from the storm.

Katherine moved back close to her case and sat down on the side of the bed. At the softness under her, she breathed a heavy sigh of relief, then dug into the little brown paper bag that she’d been gripping, so hungry that she thought she would collapse. She pulled one panel of the curtains to the side and placed it over the headboard to keep it out of the way. As she ate, she watched the clouds build and roll towards the shore as the lightning played over the water. She realized she was about two blocks from the Gulf, and could vaguely see it shimmering in the lightning flashes as she heard the thunder rumble in advance of the approaching storm. After finishing her sandwich, chips, and dip, she washed it all down with the soft drink.

At least I’m not hungry anymore, she spoke out loud.

She made use of the facilities and afterwards took one last look around outside the window. Seeing nothing, she eased her slim frame back on the bed, resting on top of the rough covering with a hard pillow under her head. Exhausted and spent, she slept soundly in a few short minutes.

*     *     *

Kids! Stop that, a woman’s voice hollered. "Harry, can’t you help me with these brats? They’re yours, too, you know. They’re not all my fault!"

Yes dear, I know, the man agreed. Kids, settle down now, or we won’t play in the water tomorrow, he added in a soft voice.

For crying out loud, Harry, that ain’t gonna do no good. They’re heathens. Just little heathens. You dang kids stop that right now, the woman screamed at the running children. You’re gonna get us throwed outa here, next!

Doris, dear, I don’t think it’s the kids what gets us throwed out.

Are you saying it’s me? You saying I have a big mouth? she accused in a raised voice.

Oh, no, dear, not at all. I’d never say that, Harry stated.

You better not, and you better watch your step, little man, Doris warned. I can squish you like a bug, she snarled.

Yes, dear, he said meekly.

Katherine tried to wake up, but she remained so tired. She could hear talking and yelling, whooping, and hollering. But where is it coming from, she asked herself. She slowly began to open her eyes, being rudely disturbed by the annoying noises. She saw a light shining dully, around the wall separating the large sitting area from the sleeping area. A woman’s loud banter came closer to where she rested. She sat up, trying to decide what the commotion was, but she still felt groggy from sleep.

In a split second a woman moved into view, still yelling, flipped on the overhead light switch, and illuminated the room where Katherine still sat on the side of the bed trying to get