A Heart of Steel: Part Two - When love strengthens the heart...

By Katherine Kobey

A love that was destined to be for a lifetime...

On a day of mourning in May of 1980, Shelby Porter returns to the Langdale Cemetery in her hometown of Valley, Alabama, after the tragic loss of a small child who has been laid to rest. Her heart is torn as she dashes away. She only wanted to reach out and comfort the man she once loved, Jack Emerson.

Later that afternoon, Shelby makes her way to the place she has always found peaceful and carefree. The Kissing Bridge. There, Jack spots her sitting alone on the sandbags. However, their reunion is not exactly what she had expected.

It had been six long years since their last meeting. Shelby tries desperately to tamp down her feelings for Jack, but her desires come rushing back.

No, no, no... I can’t do this...

In the heat of the moment, she will foolishly risk it all.

When the unthinkable happens, Shelby is forced down a path of torment at the hands of another. She is fragile and ready to give up on life until a voice keeps telling her to hang on. She struggles daily with the difficult choices she has made with the threats in the past. Along the way, she will discover another true love of her life: her daughter, Casey, whom she has vowed to protect at all cost even if it means that her own life is in danger.

Follow the journey of a mother and daughter’s search for a safe haven, peace, and happiness. An adventure that will strengthen their love as they stumble upon the answers together.

True love is rare.

Fate and destiny is even rarer...

A Heart of Steel is an epic journey of one woman’s life, loves, and destiny... and the power of passion, heartache, tragedy, fame, and fortune held together by a family secret.

... when love strengthens the heart.

This is the second book in the A Heart of Steel series. While it's a stand-alone book, it is best read in order to understand the characters and the plot. The series has three parts.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Katherine Kobey
• Release date: Mar 15, 2017
• ISBN: 9781370713424

Katherine Kobey

Recently retired, traveling, and enjoying life, Katherine Kobey hung up her career after over thirty years in the healthcare industry as a corporate executive to pursue her lifelong love of the literary arts. She is an avid reader and writer of short stories and poems. Now, as a first-time novelist, she contributes her achievement to the many women who have shared their personal experiences from the heart. The emotional transformation of their stories to words has been the inspiration for her literary work. Katherine believes as music is to the ears, so is writing to the heart. When she is not traveling, she spends her time in Birmingham, Alabama, with her family. To learn more about Katherine Kobey, visit her online at: Facebook: www.facebook.com/katherinekobey Website: www.katherinekobey.com Email: [e-mail]

Book preview

A Heart of Steel

part two

…when love

strengthens the heart…

by

Katherine Kobey

Copyright © 2016 Katherine Kobey

All rights reserved

Published by Cardinal Rules Press

Smashwords Edition

Book cover design by Patrick Burns

Cover photo of the Harris Neck Pier by Maryllis Wolfgang at

www.crazycreations.com

Author photograph by Michael Jones of SCS Photography

Edited and formatted by Marley Gibson

This book is a work of fiction. References to real people, events, establishments, organizations, or locales are intended only to provide a sense of authenticity. All other characters, incidents, and dialogue are drawn from the author’s imagination and are not to be construed as real.

All rights reserved, including the right of reproduction. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission of the author.

Dedication

In loving memory of Kenny Keith,

my love and hero!

July 25, 1957 ~ January 16, 2017

Acknowledgments

My sincere appreciation for everyone’s support throughout my writing journey…

To my dear friend, confidant, and partner in crime, Egla-Nora Richie. Her love, support, advice, and encouragement to pursue my dream of transforming my thoughts into words have been the inspiration for the trilogy of A Heart of Steel. I’m thankful for our many hours spent on the road in search of the perfect setting and story. The fun we had imagining the characters, the situations they found themselves in, and the tears and emotions in pulling it all together. We plotted it together for the ultimate story. Thank you, Egla, my dear friend.

To my family, Celia, Michael, Evan, and Rachal, whom I love with all my heart, for their patience during the many times they endured my moments of struggles as I found my way in this new craft. Their cheers along the way have touched my heart. I love you all.

Thank you to my wonderful editor, Marley Gibson, of Cardinal Rules Press. Our finding each other was a case of serendipity stepping in and taking control. Everything about our journey; the fun and quirky comments, her ability to bring out the emotions in me, for her insights in helping me develop the characters along the way, for all the edits and revisions… all of which were great, by the way. For teaching me about Ice Water Tea, and too many other things to mention. You are my great motivator.

Jossie A. Valles Vargus of the Village Coffee Shop in Valley, Alabama, who introduced Egla and me to their special little town.

To Jeanette Mason, who shared her many memories of growing up in Valley, in the 60s and 70s, the Carrousel, and the Maid of Cotton pageant.

A very special thank you to Ron and Leuveda Garner for being such great hosts during my two months of writing in their precious Twin Palms cottage. Their hospitality and gracious nature warmed my heart at a time when I had no idea what I was doing. They welcomed me with opened arms and also into their circle of friends; Kathy and Tom Trocheck, Peter and Barbara Hand, and Jim and Patricia Wann. You are all wonderful souls.

To my early morning gym buddy, Deborah Baker, for introducing me to Tuxedo Road in Buckhead and the The Machine in Tuscaloosa Alabama.

To Mr. Clifford Moncus, for taking the time to share his insights on the history of the Chambers County Judicial Building in Lafayette, Alabama, and allowing me a tour of the old courtroom, which happened to be exactly the way I envisioned it to be in the book.

To Patrick Burns, for his work on the book covers. Love them… And, to Maryllis Wolfgang, for the beautiful Harris Neck Pier photograph on the covers.

Table of Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

About the Author

Preview of Part Three

Chapter One

Shelby Porter had changed out of her funeral attire and sat quietly in the window seat of her former bedroom. She brushed her long, brunette hair. All she could think about was Jack Emerson and his lost son, Trevor. If only she could have held Jack and comforted him, but there was no point in thinking about it.

Six years had passed since her last glimpse into Jack’s eyes. She had been emotionally distraught the summer of 1974, after discovering his and Denise’s one night stand, the letter announcing he was going to be a dad, and ultimately their wedding.

Knowing Jack and given all he had gone through that year, convinced her he had become the man she had always known he could be; a man of principle and responsibility.

Guilt plagued her soul. Maybe that was what drew her to him today. Was it the regret of walking away? Did she need closure? Would the feeling ever go away? She wasn’t sure.

The graveside service had been breathtakingly beautiful and it touched her deeply. Seeing Jack agonizing over the tragic loss of his son brought a feeling of sorrow to Shelby.

God, if only I could have been standing next to him, she whispered.

As she took herself back in time, she recalled the desperate look in his eyes the day she drove away. She’d abandoned him at the bottom of the hill near the Kissing Bridge. The vision of Jack standing hopelessly defeated as she glanced into her rearview mirror that dreadful day had kept her away. She wondered if he ever went to the bridge anymore. She had played the scene over and over in her mind many times. She felt his pain and saw the tears in his eyes.

She could hardly believe a good man like Jack had endured a wave of adversity so early on in his young life. He had made mistakes, but no matter the mishaps, she wasn’t convinced he deserved to undergo the struggles he had over the years. He must be scared and lonely. Any man would crumble under the extenuating circumstances.

It was forty-five minutes later when Shelby walked across the gravel drive of the Kissing Bridge for the first time since she’d left Jack. She wore an old T-shirt, worn out cutoff jeans, and a pair of ankle-high Converse shoes. She pulled her hair back in a twist and clipped it up away from her face and off her shoulders.

It was a hot and stuffy May afternoon. The sun shone beautifully earlier when she’d left the cemetery. However, there were threats of bad weather forecast for later in the day. For now, though, the afternoon was nice and she could feel the beads of sweat forming on her forehead as she made her way to the river’s edge. She kicked her shoes off and took a seat on the sandbags like she’d done so many times before. The great Chattahoochee waters were still icy cold this time of the year and she shivered as she slid her feet into the water, causing her toes to tingle.

Awe… it feels like old times, she said dreamily.

She pulled her T-shirt away from her sweaty chest and thought about her attire and how it would not be appropriate in her social circle back home in Buckhead, Georgia. She would probably be thrown out of the country club if she were caught in her front yard dressed like this. She cracked a smile at the thought and it felt good. Valley, Alabama, was home and she knew she could simply be Shelby Harrelson. Back in Georgia, she had to be Shelby H. Porter, socialite and wife of the hotshot Atlanta attorney, Richard Porter.

Ugh... she shuddered laughingly. While she was crazy about Richard, there were times when she wanted to puke on those Versace cocktail dresses worn by the women in her social group. She stuck her finger in her mouth to imitate vomiting.

Playing in the water with her feet, she thought about what an emotional day it had been. Now, though, she was feeling better. The energy surrounding the Kissing Bridge made her feel happy and safe. She sat on the riverbank, brushed her palms together, and inhaled the sweet aroma of the honeysuckles in bloom.

Wow, it hasn’t changed much, she murmured as she glanced around.

Several years earlier, she remembered the small lane leading back to an old boat ramp. Today, it was more of a road winding off around the bend of the river. She wondered where it went. She’d have to check it out later.

She closed her eyes as she reminisced. She could almost hear Jack’s voice, Come on, Tootie. Let’s swim.

He would take her by the hand, lift her from the ground, and twirl her around. He would then toss her into the water, followed by a cannon ball leap right behind her. She shivered as she felt goose bumps covering her body. Jack would laugh and holler, How about that, Tootie?

They’d have swimming races, just the two of them, and, of course, he was always the victorious one. They’d fall asleep on the quilt and wake up hours later looking like red lobsters. Laughter played a big part in their young lives. Jack would make snide remarks about the fat girls in their bikinis and she’d punch him in the stomach for it. Their whole world seemed hysterically fun back then.

She was suddenly frightened out of her thoughts and back to reality by the touch of a hand on her shoulder. She gasped and whipped around to see Jack standing with his back to the sun. She squinted from the rays as he smiled down at her, not speaking.

She watched as he kicked off his shoes and took a seat next to her. Had he somehow known she would be here?

Tootie, Jack said quietly.

It was all he said.

Oh, Jack, she said sadly.

The expression on his face told her he was drowning in grief over the loss of his son, Trevor. She didn’t know what to say. How was she to console him? Silence filled the air around them as Jack gazed across the river.

You came, Tootie, Jack said, his voice cracking.

I’m so sorry, Jack. I can’t imagine what you’re going through right now. I know Trevor was your world. Word on the street is you’re a great dad, Shelby said trying hard to hold back the tears, for his sake.

She searched for the right words. What could she say? From his demeanor, she wasn’t sure he had heard her speak at all. He didn’t respond.

She watched him as he sat in a daze peering across the water. His whole world had been turned upside down. He was broken and she could feel his emptiness.

All of sudden, Jack reached over and wrapped her hand in his. He drew in a long breath. She felt his firm, but gentle squeeze. He still hadn’t spoken, as he stared down at their clasped fists.

Shelby felt the energy radiating through his touch. He slowly lifted her hand and moved it over his cheek. His skin felt dry and rough to the touch; she had not remembered them to be so rugged. It must be from the years of working at the mill in the spinning room and handling all the fibers. Holding his hand brought flashbacks of the many days they had spent together.

Jack finally broke the silence. Shelby, I don’t know what I’m going to do.

She noticed he still had not looked in her direction. Why couldn’t he? They sat silently for several minutes. She watched the birds as they swooped over the river. The sun had begun to set behind them. She squeezed his hand to let him know she cared. He tightened his grip and quickly turned and smiled.

Tootie, do you remember the first time you jumped off the bridge with me? he asked with a grin on his face.

She was stunned at his words. Where did this come from? She didn’t quite expect this response, but she had to concede she was glad to hear it.

Oh, my goodness. Yes, I do, she said, as she smiled back at him.

The bridge towered high above them as they both glanced up and planted their eyes directly on it. I wonder what it would be like to jump right now. I haven’t done it in years, have you?

Certainly not. That would be crazy, wouldn’t it? Shelby asked, aghast. I can’t remember the last time I jumped either.

Those were the days, weren’t they, Tootie? he asked.

They were wonderful times and many memorable moments, Shelby said in a happy way.

He faced her again and burst into laughter. Tootie, I remember the look on your face when you came up out of the water the first time you jumped. You can’t imagine how funny it was, completely hilarious, he said as laughter poured out of him. It was probably the first time he’d allowed himself to do that since his precious son had been taken from him. What a collision of feelings from sorrow to laughter. It was okay with her. She needed to see him this way.

I was scared to death, she said.

Gosh, I remember all the wild things we got into, he said. He kicked the water around at his feet. She leaned back cautiously; worried he would splash the cold liquid up and in her face.

She smiled as she recalled some of their more foolish antics. Yep, like the time your dad found us behind the theater making out, she said remembering how embarrassing it was.

I do remember, he said as he nodded. Oh… and the time you got pulled over by a deputy and then tried to get me to talk Dad into tearing up the ticket. Boy, you were desperate to hide that one from your parents, Jack said.

It felt great to hear him recalling some of their teenage times.

You know, she started. I’ve always wondered why you called me Tootie. Where did you get it from?

Because you were my Tootie bug, Shell, he replied as he nudged her body sideways in a playful manner. She bumped him back.

Well, I remember the first time you called me that, she said.

Hmmm… when? he asked curiously.

You don’t remember? Shelby asked sarcastically. With her fist balled up, she punched him playfully on the thigh.

Ouch, Jack yelled as he rubbed his leg.

She put her hands on her hips. Seriously, you don’t remember?

No, ‘cause you’ve always been Tootie to me.

Shelby giggled like a young girl. Well, it was the summer when you showed me the sand bar on the river. It was pearly white and beautiful. We tubed down the water, got out of the inner tubes, and ran up on the edge where we played in the sand like little kids. That’s when you kissed me for the first time, she said smiling at him.

His eyes met hers and he cocked his head to the side. Really?

Oh, don’t you be silly. You remember, don’t you? she asked, calling him out on it.

You girls always remember mushy stuff like that, he said teasingly. Damn, now how could I ever forget something like that?

They both laughed and then slipped back into silence for a moment. Shelby broke them out of their reverie.

We had some great times didn’t we, Jack? She glanced at the area around them. It sure has changed here, she noted.

It has. See over there, he said as he pointed in the direction of a new drive. Down the road is where they built the Boy Scout hut. It’s where they have meetings and camp out.

Oh. Okay, I was wondering about that.

You remember Walter was big into Boy Scouts. Well, he played a significant part in getting it built, Jack shared with her. His dad had always wanted to have a camp, so he bought the land. When Walter returned from college, his dad gave it to him to build on. It butts up to the river with a big porch that stretches the length of the hut.

That’s wonderful, she said, listening intently.

They asked me if I would keep it up for them since I’m always down here. We’ll, go down there in a little while if you want me to show it to you, Jack said excitedly. I’m kind of like the groundskeeper for them.

I’d like that, Jack, she told him.

Yeah, they let me use it when I want, and pay me on the side, too, he said.

She wished it were his and not the Boy Scouts. The river was his life. He knew it inside and out. He had often told her that one day he wanted to build a house on the Chattahoochee River so when he retired, he could sit on the porch and fish all day.

It sounds like a great deal to me, Shelby responded, excited for him.

Tootie, so you obviously know all about what’s going on in my life. How are you? Jack asked inquisitively. Are you happy?

Shelby was stunned by his boldness, but of course, Jack Emerson was never much for beating around the bush when he wanted to know something. She paused for a few moments while she gathered her thoughts. Of course I am. I’m married.

I was just wondering. I heard you had married into money and now you were living the high-society life up in Atlanta.

Shelby was taken aback by his words. She hoped no one thought she had married for money. She found it ironic that Jack didn’t specifically mention Richard by name.

I don’t know about the so-called high-society, but yes, Richard and I live in Atlanta. I teach kindergarteners. I love children… her voice softened as she paused. She turned to look him in the eyes. …but then, you knew that.

She lowered her head to see his face as he glowered at the bank’s edge. He continued to kick the water around with his feet. She could tell there was some apprehension in his voice by the way he acted when he asked her. Lord, she really didn’t want to go into the details of her life, especially with Jack. She simply wanted to sit here and enjoy their time together.

I hope you know, I only want you to be happy, Shell, Jack said sincerely.

This was what she always loved about him. He knew how to make her feel good.

Half an hour later, the breeze picked up and the dark clouds began to move in across the river. Shelby enjoyed the time they’d spent together and it was like they were best friends all over again. She hadn’t worried they would replay the terrible events of the summer of 1974. Maybe they had both grown up and gotten over that painful time in their lives. She felt comfortable enough that even if he did bring it up, she knew she could get through it. At least for now though, there had only been talk of good times.

The wind blew briskly across the river and Shelby shuddered from the cool air. Jack sat quietly and she wondered what he was thinking. About Trevor no doubt, she thought.

The heavy clouds above covered the sun behind them as they sat in silence. The storm was rolling in and she knew they would have to leave before it hit. However, she didn’t want to walk away just yet. She wanted to sit and enjoy their newfound friendship. She hoped he felt the same way.

Shelby? Jack asked as he turned to her. I never got the chance to say I’m sorry. Now that I have the opportunity, I want you to know how truly regretful I am for what I did to you that night at the old shelter.

Jack, you don’t have— she said as he interrupted her words.

No, you never had the chance to hear everything from me. I know it’s all behind us and you’re happily married, but I really need to explain what happened, he said.

Jack, you don’t have to. I never told you about that night either. I was there…

What? he asked with a puzzled look in his eyes. I don’t understand.

She shook her head. Where do I begin? I had waited for you here at the bridge that Friday afternoon after our spat. I couldn’t talk to you on the phone. I really needed to see you in person. It’s why I wouldn’t take your calls. There was never any doubt in my mind about you not meeting me. We had always promised to meet no matter what. So, I sat for hours waiting on you... she said sadly.

Oh, Shelby, he gasped.

She reached up and put her fingers over his mouth. Shhh… it’s okay. Let me finish. She lowered her hand to her lap and continued. When you didn’t come, I went looking for you. I knew it wasn’t like you to stand me up and I thought something bad must have happened to you, she said. She watched as he closed his eyes; she knew how ashamed he was to hear what was coming next. She felt his body tremble next to her. I don’t mean to bring it all up again. I can stop if you want me to.

She paused and waited for him to respond.

No, go on. I need to hear this, he said without hesitation.

Shelby cleared her throat as she pressed on. When I heard you had been with Denise, I was livid… I was hurt… all of that. I was on my way to your house when I decided to stop by the boat dock since it was the last place anyone had seen you. I remember it as clearly as if it were yesterday. I saw both of your cars pulled up beside the shelter and I was devastated. I was barely able to breathe. I never imagined someone coming between us. At first, I didn’t want to believe it, but seeing it with my own eyes… well. I walked up on the porch quietly and heard some rumbling around inside…

Shelby… don’t… Jack said.

Shhh… no, I didn’t catch y’all in the act. That would have been the ultimate horrible thing, she said firmly. She saw the shock in his eyes. But, it was pretty close to the worst case scenario. When I reached for the handle, Shelby paused, Denise threw open the door… and there she stood… half-naked. I was speechless and completely taken aback. She said y’all had been expecting me and then I saw you lying on the floor.

Oh no… he whispered, his head now in his hands.

You were face down on an old quilt. I didn’t know what to think, so I ran over and covered you up. I tried to shake you awake, she said as disappointment sagged through her. But, you didn’t budge. I didn’t have to ask what had happened; I knew she had purposely stolen you from me.

Jack sat up and she saw all the color had drained from his face. Tootie, I never knew you were there. Denise never told me, he said angrily. He slapped his fist into the cup of his hand. I’m sure there’s plenty she hasn’t told me.

Shelby lifted her shoulders in a shrug. It doesn’t surprise me. I guess she never told you I slapped her so hard that she hit the back wall and fell on the floor, did she? Shelby smiled at the memory, trying not to laugh.

You did what? Jack asked in surprise. She could see he was stunned by the news, but could also see he was holding back his laughter.

I’m sorry, Jack. I know it’s not funny…

Jack let out a roaring laugh. A much needed one. No, Shelby, that’s funny as hell. Damn, I didn’t know you had it in you. You really punched her out?

Well, I wouldn’t say that exactly, but I sure showed her she wasn’t going to get the best of me.

Jack sprung from the ground quickly and threw his hands in the air. Whoop whoop… My Tootie beat the shit out of my wife, he yelled. Yep, it’s my Tootie. I could always count on you to handle things for me, he said as he danced around in a playful, child-like manner.

Shelby’s eyes widened with disbelief and she couldn’t hold back any longer. She exploded with laughter, having no idea Jack would react in such a silly way.

It was the funniest thing. I know it wasn’t then, but now every time I think about it I just bust out laughing, she said.

Damn, Tootie, I had no idea you were such a feisty thing, he said. He was laughing so hard he fell to his knees holding his stomach. I was passed out and missed the whole damn fight, as luck would have it. You got to see me naked, though, Jack said screeching. I bet that was a sight to see, huh?

Shelby was floored by his outburst of amusement. This was entertainment at its finest. Happiness sparkled inside her to know she could soothe him in his mourning and bring a smile back to his face. Jack’s reaction had her amazed and she wasn’t going to miss the opportunity to enjoy it either.

She felt his hand touch her shoulder and she looked to see him slouched over still in a fit of hysteria.

Suddenly, a powerful and deafening roar of thunder sounded overhead with the robust effects of dynamite exploding in the sky.