Somewhere I Belong

By Kadi Dillon

When Kate Mitchell becomes the victim of a spineless lie, her beloved fiancé—wealthy heir and business man—James Parker, mistakenly believes she's a scheming, money grabbing liar and leaves her with nothing. When she discovers she's pregnant, she finds the strength to raise her baby alone. Kate loves the carefully sheltered life she's made. But one night, her world is shaken when James returns. When he learns about the child he never knew existed, Kate's structured life becomes a minefield of uncertainty and fear. Not only does James have the power to take her son, but he once again holds her heart in his hands. As the bond between father and son grows, Kate guards her own heart—but James is determined to settle the past. With everything to lose and her heart in turmoil, Kate must decide if she can finally take her shot at happy ever after.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Whiskey Creek Press
• Release date: Nov 1, 2012
• ISBN: 9781611603279

Book preview

Prologue

Over the usual hum of lively voices glasses clinked, music vibrated out of the juke box, and a busy cash register dinged with every frequent drink purchase. Smoke may have filled the bar area of Matthew’s Pub, but the hum of the circulating air filters over the bar made the atmosphere comfortable and fresh.

Kate picked up her rag and swiftly dried the inside of the crystal decanter she’d just washed and sanitized. Friday nights were the busiest nights in the pub, which meant more dishes and better tips. The latter was enough incentive to pull through the first with little complaint.

Since Kate Mitchell had turned twenty-one over a year ago, she had traded in her serving apron and order pad for her Alcohol Server Certification. She was able to work more hours since the busy Chicago pub was open two hours later than the dining room and she made fifty-cents more per hour. And if she wore her shirt just tight enough, or left a few buttons undone, she made exceptionally more with tips. She already worked full time as a pre-school teacher at her son, Blake’s, daycare center but that was for paying bills. With the extra money she made working the bar, she was finally able to add a substantial trickle of income into her savings account.

However much she ached to be home with her little boy, she knew these four nights a week were vital to her and Blake’s future. And however much she missed him, she had fun socializing and bartending.

While she competently built a daiquiri for a patron at the end of the bar, her eyes scanned the tables placed throughout the room. It was only thirty minutes until closing so the room was full. A couple of stools at the bar were vacant, but every table on the floor was occupied.

She listened to the boisterous hoots and hollers coming from the dance floor as a country-western song began to pour out of the hard-working juke box. Men and women grabbed their partners and spilled out onto the floor, dancing and tapping to the beat of the music.

Normally the cheerful sounds mellowed and settled Kate. But tonight, as she poured the liquor and smiled at the friendly, flirty men who were hitting on her, her heart just wasn’t in it.

Instead, she’d thought of the events that had taken place that day. She was tired. Her pre-school class always kept her on her toes but she usually had the energy to pour into something she loved. And she loved to teach.

But her car had chosen that morning to clunk out on her. So, added to the stress of her daily life, she was probably going to have to dip into her savings to buy a new car when she had just paid hers off. And if her heap of metal hadn’t decided to kick the bucket, she wouldn’t have had to catch a cab to work. She wouldn’t have been stressed to the point of sickness. She wouldn’t have been sent home, and she wouldn’t have seen Melissa again. Well, she may have seen Melissa again, but she would have had all her wits about her instead of clutching her child to her and running away like a scared rabbit.

But she had seen Melissa Montgomery again. Not only had she seen her, but she saw Melissa see Blake. And she knew from looking at the shock and confusion on Melissa’s usually serene face that she had put it together. There was no doubt in Kate’s mind that Melissa knew who Blake’s father was. And it terrified Kate.

Melissa would call her twin brother at the soonest possible moment to tell him what she suspected. Kate knew she didn’t have much time before she’d have to face the Parker family once again. The thought alone had her pulse racing with dread and panic.

She scooped ice out of the bin for a margarita on the rocks, added a lime, and continued to brood. She had never wanted to keep Blake away from his father. But he had given her no choice. James Parker had made it very clear, before even she knew she was pregnant, that he wanted nothing to do with her. With his spiteful words and icy stare, he’d made his hatred for her as crystal as the glass she was now filling up with amber liquor.

I’ll have a bourbon. Neat.

Kate froze, terrified, in the process of drying out another glass. It was his voice, his vice. Oh God, she thought as her stomach sank. He was right behind her. Mechanically, she began to move again. She continued to polish the glass that was already dry as she felt the hairs on the back of her neck prickle. He was looking at her. The heat of his gaze burned into her rigid back.

Had Melissa already called him? she wondered. Had she told him about Blake? Had James taken the next flight to Chicago to come take her baby away?

With only a slippery grip on her panic, she turned her head as one of the other bartenders slid up beside her to grab a little pink and green umbrella ornament for a cocktail he had just mixed.

Billy. She didn’t hear a sound come out of her throat but he must have, for he turned and looked at her. His beaming, busy smile quickly faded as he narrowed his eyes at her.

Jesus, Kate. Are you all right?

She wanted to laugh aloud at the absurdity of the question. But she immediately realized it would only make her look as crazed as she felt. Only she knew the question was absurd. Instead, she managed to shake her head. But she still couldn’t make a coherent word come out of her mouth.

You really don’t look good. Why don’t you go to the break room? Take a minute? He took the glass and rag from her icy hand and guided her to the door that led into the back hallway. I’ll come and check on you in a few minutes. If you haven’t gone home already, we’ll see if you need a doctor.

She nodded, grateful, and fled. But she didn’t go to the break room. Instead, she shoved open the rear exit that led straight into the alley behind the pub and stepped blindly out into the night.

The second the door closed behind her; she was engulfed by pitch darkness. Belatedly, she remembered her purse but didn’t even think twice about going back inside. It may have been the cowards’ way out, she thought as she began to walk, but when it came to James Parker, Kate needed all her faculties in order. She didn’t have her car anyway, she reasoned as her feet moved mechanically down the alley. The only coherent thought she could produce was getting away from James.

Had he come to take Blake away from her? she wondered again as she made her way down the dark alley. Her footsteps padded, the only sound she could hear echoing off the surrounding brick, as she quickened her pace. She had to get to her baby, she thought wildly. If she could just get to her baby.

Turning at the opening of the alley way, Kate paused and tried to orient herself. She’d get home much quicker calling a cab, she knew. And despite the warm June night, she was cold. Fortunately, she had enough of her tip money in her jean pocket to pay for the cab ride home.

Finally realizing her location, she saw that she had come out of the alley at a side road only blocks away from a busy street. She could easily hail a cab if she walked a few more blocks to a street with heavier traffic; otherwise, she’d have to search for a payphone to call one. Deciding to walk with the howling wind, she stuck her hands in her pockets to warm them, and headed west.

Now that she was calmer, she began to think more clearly. James had family and business in Chicago. There were plenty of logical reasons for him to be in town. He’d told her once of a project he wanted done in Chicago and had always meant to do it. He’d told her a lot of things. She’d read in the paper that Melissa had had another child. Another son, three months after Kate had given birth to Blake. He could easily be in town to visit his nephews and sister.

Feeling a little lighter, Kate turned the next corner and nearly collided into James Parker. There you are, he said in the same low tone. Everything inside her cringed. I’ll take you home. My car’s this way.

He reached out and seized Kate’s arm, and was all but dragging her with him in the opposite direction. Kate matched his pace, not because of his iron grip, but because running from him would be pointless and impractical. But she wished more than anything that he would release her arm. His touch, all so familiar, all too missed, brought back way too much.

Chapter1

Four years ago

Ladies and Gentlemen: My name is Robert Herman and I am the principal of Chicago East High School. On behalf of the staff, I would like to welcome you to the graduation ceremony for the dedicated students of Chicago East.

Nothing could be heard through the thunder of applause, bells, and horns that erupted throughout the stadium. The stars twinkled magically and could be easily viewed above the bright lights on the track field.

Six hundred and forty-two students occupied that field, all dressed in maroon caps and ill-fitting gowns; all of them with one hope.

I hope I don’t trip and fall when I go up there. Kate Mitchell had to shout to her best friend Julia to be heard.

You are going to be great, Julia yelled back, clapping and bouncing in her seat. This is your night.

There are over two thousand people here and I have to give my speech in front of all of them. I cannot believe I am doing this.

Kate knew she was right, however. This was her night and she was going to nail it. She had worked so hard for this honor. Valedictorian fit perfectly in those careful plans she had made for herself.

She was momentarily blinded by the various flashes of cameras that proud and loving parents were using to capture their beloved child’s big moment. Those flashes brought back painful and lonely memories of a childhood void of loving parents and proud moments for them to photograph.

She was the beloved child of no one.

No, Kate told herself fiercely. She was not going to let anything spoil her evening. She’d earned this.

Get ready, Kate. You’re about to go up there, Julia squealed.

Kate smiled at her friend. She considered herself blessed to have such a treasured friend as Julia Matthews. They had first met at Chicago East Middle School when they were both thirteen. Due to the fact that their last names were alphabetically together, they’d seen much of each other throughout the years.

It was not until Mr. Barclay’s eighth grade science class when Kate and Julia were assigned as lab partners that they really began to hit it off.

Julia’s indifference to dissecting frogs and Kate’s determination to receive above average grades brought their kindred friendship to be. Julia held no reservations about Kate’s past and treated her with the same kindness one would treat their own sister.

Even Julia’s father took Kate under his wing. He taught her all about his restaurant business and when he found out Kate was an exceptional artist, he had hired her to construct and create until every painting hanging in Roger Garden Italian Restaurant was a one of a kind masterpiece by Kate Mitchell.

With a 4.0 GPA and Roger Matthew’s excellent recommendations, Kate received a full ride scholarship to The Art Institute of Chicago. As soon as she began college, she would work hard until she received her MBA.

Advertising was her calling, she had found. She could create her own works of art in her ads and in turn, help businesses increase their clientele. And tonight was the completion of one of the many steps she had taken and would take in order to make her dreams a reality.

Closing her eyes, Kate felt the warm May breeze caress her skin. She needed a moment to take it in. She was sure she would never feel as accomplished as she had at this moment. She only needed a moment—

And now— Herman interrupted her thoughts; I would like to invite our Valedictorian, Kate Mitchell, to the stage. Miss Mitchell came to Chicago East High School with a purpose and I, for one, am very proud of her for achieving excellent grades, being passionately active in the student council, and setting a perfect example for the undergrads to come.

Kate was making her way to the stage when Principal Herman’s words filtered through her mind. She quickly tried to recall any time in her past when someone had praised her so, but she couldn’t. Tears stung her eyes but she raised her chin and continued to make her way to the podium.

Each step she was taking promised something great for her future. Success. Happiness. Stability. A foundation.

Finally her long walk was over and she shook Herman’s hand and turned to face the enormous audience still screaming and cheering; screaming and cheering for her.

She waited; seemingly calm when everything inside her was churning, until the applause subsided, then adjusted the microphone to fit her five feet four inches. She took a deep breath and then let it out.

Thank you so much for coming here tonight. You don’t know how much it means to every one of us that there is someone here who loves and believes in us.

Kate closed her eyes, fought back the tears.

By believing in us, you have given us the most important tool to becoming successful and happy in our lives. I am supposed to talk about the future in my allotted time but to tell you the truth, I really can’t do that. Our future is shaped by what we are doing right here, right now. And we are all doing something different. We have the power and the tools, she extended her arm indicating the audience, "to build a future we want. And what we are doing right now in our present ultimately decides the future.

And if we try really hard and believe in ourselves as you believe in us, we can make a great future. Now, I am supposed to talk about life, but I can’t really nail that one either. Life is messy, and it’s disorganized. And life is not going to turn out how you thought it was going to. But life is going to go on whether your future is great or not.

Taking a deep breath, Kate concluded her short and sweet words of wisdom. Thank you again for coming and being our foundations to great and happy futures.

As cheers and applause thundered throughout the stadium, Kate shook hands with each of the staff members on the stage, and then descended the stairs to join Julia amongst her peers.

Julia clasped Kate’s trembling hands in hers and squealed.

You were amazing.

Thank you, Kate said, exhaling. I’m just so relieved I didn’t fall.

* * * *

Oh, I am so wearing this! Julia wailed from in front of her full length mirror. She held up a red strapless dress with a gold belt.

That’s perfect, Kate confirmed from her spot on Julia’s bed.

And you, she said while digging in her closet, can wear this. It looks terrible on me but you have slimmer hips so you’ll be a knock out. She held up a black dress with short sleeves and an upturned collar.

It’s beautiful. I couldn’t wear it though. I have a dress. But Kate held it to her body and examined herself in the mirror.

Not as hot as this one.

Kate laughed. Look how low cut this is.

So? You’ll be eighteen in a few months. Live a little.

I’ll wear it. I don’t have any— She was silenced when a pair of matching black heels pelted into her backside.

She laughed at their silly way of completing each other’s sentences; half verbal and half physical.

Now, get dressed, Julia ordered from the closet. We’re showing up twenty minutes late. I want to see the look on people’s faces when they see us in these dresses.

Once Kate was dressed, Julia fussed with her hair and squealed in delight as she turned Kate around to view her work of art. Her dark brown fall of hair was swept up into a sophisticated twist on her head with several ringlets let loose around her face.

I look older. Kate smiled. I love it. What are you doing with your hair?

Leaving it down. My hair is too thin to really do anything to.

Once their appearances were approved by each other, they jumped into Julia’s car and drove to Austin Preston’s house. Austin was Chicago East’s most admired jock. He dated all the cheerleaders and all the Math Club for that matter and was well liked by everyone.

Julia parked her car on the curb a couple houses down and they proceeded to Austin’s house. They could hear loud music and their friends and acquaintances having a good time. Julia threw a smile at Kate and she couldn’t help but smile back.

Julia laughed and pulled Kate through the door.

She tried not to notice the stares but ultimately felt herself blushing as almost every pair of eyes settled on her and Julia. She finally exhaled when people began to look away.

They think we’re gorgeous, Julia said in her dramatic way, pulling Kate into the crowd.

They distanced themselves from the flock of teenagers and stood idly by the fireplace. Kate noticed a familiar pair of beady eyes staring at her, sending chills up her spine. Kate shifted her gaze elsewhere.

Kate, do you see Lydia Pierson staring at you? She’s totally jealous. Julia nudged her.

Jealous of what? Kate muttered in disbelief. She pushed away from the hearth and made her way over to the drink table.

She’s jealous of how hot you look, Julia said, coming up beside her. You should totally flaunt it. Go up and ask Austin to dance.

Jules. I won’t steal another woman’s boyfriend.

Last I heard he isn’t her man anymore. He’s up for grabs. Julia winked.

Since when?

Right after graduation. He dumped her cold.

Oh my goodness, Jules, she all but shrieked. He’s been single for two hours and you want me to go for it? No, thank you.

No need to go for it. He’s coming straight for you. Julia shoved Kate forward and took off into the crowd.

Jules! Kate hissed. Julia! Oh, my God.

Hi, Kate. You look great. Austin slid his gaze over her and fixed himself a drink. I’m glad you could make it.

Kate took a moment to look at the handsome boy in front of her. If she were interested in dating, Austin would be not only appealing to look at with his wavy blond hair and cool blue eyes, but he was also known to carry on a decent, intelligent conversation. He would be a double whammy.

If she were interested in dating.

Thank you, Austin. You look good yourself, she replied coolly after a moment. Dating wasn’t in her plans.

Austin chuckled.

Great party, she murmured, feeling uneasy and awkward.

Thanks. You should let me take you on a tour of the house, he suggested, pointing toward the staircase.

A tour of your bedroom? Kate wondered irritably.

Some other time. I need to go find Julia. Kate scanned the room, looking for her traitor of a best friend.

No need. She just went upstairs with Mont.

Mont? Kate asked in confusion. They’ve been broken up for months.

I know, but I just saw them go up there. They’re probably going to be there for a while. Want to go see my trophy collection?

Kate scanned the room again desperately but indeed, Julia was nowhere to be found. As she was looking for her, she saw Lydia’s murderous glare pinned right on her.

Sure, okay, she said, lifting her chin. Being petty didn’t fit into her plan at the moment either, but she wasn’t a saint.

He led her up the stairs to a room at the end of the hallway. Framed photos decorated the walls in the long hallway. He had a handsome looking family, Kate thought, while her heart ached for what she had never had.

Kate lingered at a family portrait at the end of the hallway. She was so amazed at the similarities in looks that the Preston family shared. Mr. Preston and his two sons looked so much alike it was eerie. Mrs. Preston was beautiful and fresh. Austin shared her fair hair and blue eyes.

She was so engrossed in the portrait that she didn’t notice Austin standing behind her. She couldn’t help it; everything about families fascinated her.

Everything okay? he asked quietly, sending a little jolt of awareness at his close proximity.

Yes. Everything is fine. You have a beautiful family, Austin.

Yeah, they’re all right. He said it lightly.

No, I mean it. You are very lucky.

We all look alike, don’t we?

Yes, you do. The resemblance you and your father share is uncanny.

Who do you resemble? he asked as she turned away from the picture.

Excuse me?

Which parent do you look like? he clarified.

She thought for a moment. Julia was the only person at her school who knew the truth about her childhood. She never really lied about her parents but she had never volunteered information either.

She knew what people would think if they found out she had been orphaned at birth. She often wondered herself how two people could create a child, then leave it alone. Did her biological father even know he had conceived a child? Did her birth mother ever wonder what became of the daughter she had left in a lonely, cold alley way the day she was born?

And who were these people who created her? Could she have been a drug addicted prostitute, working for her next fix when Kate had been conceived? Maybe she was young and poor and couldn’t bear the thought of raising a child. Either way, Kate’s past was a mystery to her as well as a nuisance.

She debated on what to say to him when the thought occurred to her. High School was over. She didn’t need to keep appearances anymore. She’d always feared her peers would pity her or maybe some would even judge her, but it no longer mattered after today.

I never knew my parents, she simply said.

Really? he asked, running a hand through his glorious hair. That’s too bad, Kate. I’m sorry.

It’s no matter. You can’t miss something you’ve never had.

I guess you’re right. You really have no idea who they are? he asked, as they continued down the hall.

She took a deep breath. She might as well tell him. What did she have to be ashamed of?

I was found in an alley when I was an infant with no name, no parents, and no history. A homeless man found me and took me to the hospital. They decided I was born a few weeks early since I was small, gave me an estimated birth date and nursed me back to health.

You’re kidding. You weren’t put up for adoption?

I was a sick baby so they put me in a therapeutic home. No one wants to adopt a sick child. No one here anyway.

Wow, Kate. Look at you now. You’re the smartest person I know. You should be proud of yourself.

Emotion swelled in her throat. Well, she thought, she could keep the tears away.

Thank you, Austin. I am. Now, I want to be proud of you. Where are those trophies?

Right in here. He opened the door and let her go before him. The room was dark and smelled of lilac. She imagined his mother, or rather his housekeeper, freshened the room daily.

He flipped on a light. What seemed like an endless amount of trophies, medals, and plaques were cleverly arranged and displayed throughout the room.

Wow, Austin. This is incredible! Are they all yours? she asked in awe.

No, some of them are my dad’s. Some are my brothers’. But all these, he swung his hand and gestured to the north wall, are mine.

This is amazing. You’re very talented, Kate said, still examining them.

Yeah, it’s pretty neat, Austin agreed.

It is. Are you going to keep up with sports throughout college? she asked him.

Yeah.

Kate nodded. She really was proud of him. She realized then that a friendship between Austin and her could work even if dating anyone wasn’t in her plans. And maybe in the future... Who knew? She had many acquaintances but so few friends. She never let herself become close to many people before.

Austin, you’re so easy to talk to. She followed him back down to the party.