Incomplete Truths

By Eden Monroe

One unexpected phone call and Kane Davidson’s past is laid before him in agonizing detail of life or death. There is no question as to what his decision will be, and Jessica is by his side as he prepares to undergo major surgery. While Kane is in the operating room, a frantic call comes about his beloved mother and time is of the essence, although Kane cannot be told about her condition until he is stronger. Doctor’s orders. When he has recovered enough to be told the truth, will it be too late?

Martin and Lindy Parker are also edge of seat when their sixteen year-old son, Jason, finds first love with the precocious Keely Taylor, with explosive results. Will they find him in time?

Spring blossoms into a glorious summer; Savero Gold is still king of Emerald Valley as the ranch realizes even greater success, but for Kane, something is now missing. Incomplete.

Sometimes the truth can set you free, and sometimes it must go to a quiet place ... and wait.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BWL Publishing Inc.
• Release date: Nov 2, 2020
• ISBN: 9780228615453

Eden Monroe

Eden Monroe loves giving voice to the endless parade of interesting characters that introduce themselves in her imagination. She writes about real life, real issues and struggles, and triumphing against all odds. A proud east coast Canadian, she enjoys a variety of outdoor activities, her cat, and a good book.

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Incomplete Truths

Emerald Valley Series, Book 4

By Eden Monroe

Digital ISBNs

EPUB 9780228615453

Kindle 9780228615477

WEB 9780228615477

Print ISBNs

BWL Print 9780228615484

B&N Print 9780228615507

Amazon Print 9780228615491

Copyright 2020 by Linda Hersey

Cover art by Michelle Lee

All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the publisher of this book

Dedication

To Michael, my inspiration, my everything.

Prologue

Kane gazed across the pasture as the setting sun gradually sank behind the purple hills beyond, the western horizon ablaze in crimson gold.

As he leaned against the cedar fence rail in the fading light, he reflected on his life, everything that had brought him to where he was today. But as he stood, deep in thought, he had no idea of the challenges awaiting him, inching ever closer. His resolve would be thoroughly tested.

But his was not the only dilemma in the valley, not the only heart heavy with a decision that could change a life, forever.

When you dance the dance, the fiddler must be paid.

Chapter One

The sky had begun to darken to a gun-metal grey late one Saturday afternoon in March and there was snow in the forecast. Something bad was going to happen, Jessica could feel it in her bones, but this was her children’s birthday party, so she pushed those thoughts away.

Plunking herself wearily into a chair she surveyed the mess made by one eight-year-old, two seven-year-olds, four six-year-olds and a three-year-old.

Aggie looked over at her and laughed. Happy birthday, Mamma. Who could imagine that eight little children could make their presence felt in such a big way? Such a great way? I love hearing their little voices! I would have to say that this party was a resounding success. What do you think?

Jessica reclined her head momentarily against the back of the chair. She couldn’t say what she was thinking so she laughed too. I agree, Aggie, and I can’t thank you enough for coming to help Aunt Sally and I with this party for Jack and Tommy. Poor Bea. She really wanted to come but she’s still so sick with that cold she doesn’t feel she dares to leave the house. Will’s over his bout with it, and they’ve both been very careful not to come here and give it to the kids.

Sally scooped red paper cups into a blue plastic garbage bag. It’s a bad dose of it going around this year too. Leroy was sick for almost the entire month of January but even though Cynthia and I did get it, we didn’t have it as bad as he did. At one point they thought he might have pneumonia but thankfully he didn’t. It was a long while before he felt better.

Aggie used a wad of paper towelling to mop up a puddle of apple juice that had run under the table. I know Bea was looking forward to this party today. It’s hard to believe Jack and Tommy are seven years old already. It does not seem possible, and yes, it also doesn’t seem possible eight children could make so much noise.

Jessica laughed again, this time putting more effort into it. Well at least the yelling is down a decibel or two since we put the movie on. Nothing like a Walt Disney movie to get their attention and settle them down.

Just then three-year-old Ben trotted into the kitchen. The image of his father, like his older brothers, he had a shock of blonde hair and electric blue eyes. He headed straight for his mother. Mummy, Sally-Bea punched me in the arm and it hurted, a lot. Can you tell her not to do it again, please? She’s rough.

Jessica smiled at her youngest son. Okay, show me where she punched you.

Ben pushed up the sleeve of his green and navy striped pullover and sure enough there was a red mark on his upper arm the size of Sally-Bea’s little fist.

Jessica ran her thumb over the spot. Why did she punch you, honey?

Ben frowned. ’Cause she’s mean, that’s why.

Jessica smoothed the hair back off her son’s face. Now, Ben, you know Sally-Bea is not mean. Did you pull her hair a little maybe? I know you like to tease your sisters sometimes.

Ben dropped his eyes. Yes, but I only pulled one side, and not that hard. I was playing with her.

Jessica touched the red mark gently again with the tips of her fingers. Well you know you’re not supposed to pull your sisters’ hair, Ben. That’s not a very nice thing to do, is it? People don’t like to have their hair pulled because it hurts. Please don’t so that anymore.

Ben nodded contritely. Okay, Mummy. I won’t.

Jessica smiled at him. Do you promise?

Ben smiled back at his mother, his eyes shining. I promise I won’t pull Sally-Bea’s hair anymore.

Jessica laughed. Or Rosalie’s hair either. Neither one of your sisters.

Ben was still smiling. I promise I won’t, Mummy.

Jessica gave him a hug. That’s a good boy. Now tell Sally-Bea I’d like to speak to her please.

Vindicated, Ben ran off and could be heard announcing loudly once he got to the living room: Mummy wants to speak to you, Sally-Bea. You’re in trouble now.

In a moment Sally-Bea walked reluctantly into the kitchen and glanced over at her mother guiltily.

Jessica was watching the little imp with the long dark curls, bright blue eyes and turned up nose. Come on over, Sally-Bea, I want to talk to you.

Sally-Bea regarded her mother seriously as she slowly made her way to where she was sitting at the large kitchen table. Jessica put a hand on each of her shoulders. Sally-Bea, did you punch your brother?

Sally-Bea nodded gravely, tears in her eyes.

Jessica looked at her sternly. And why did you do that?

Sally-Bea’s voice was barely a whisper. Because he pulled my hair and I asked him a lot of times not to do it, but he still does it, and it makes me angry, so I hit him. I could have hit him harder, but I didn’t.

Jessica watched her daughter. Sally-Bea and Rosalie were not tall children like their brothers, both very small-boned like their mother. I’m sure it does make you angry when Ben pulls your hair, it would make me angry to have my hair pulled, but I’ve told you before to come and tell me if it happens, don’t hit him. One thing you have to remember, honey, is that Ben is just three years old and you’re six. That’s a big difference.

A tear slid down Sally-Bea’s cheek. But he’s bigger than me and Rosalie, so I should be allowed to hit him.

Jessica shook her head. No, dear. No hitting. You left a red mark on his arm, so you hit him quite hard. It’s not a good idea to hit people. You wouldn’t hit me or Daddy if we made you angry, would you?

Sally-Bea, wide-eyed, shook her head solemnly. No.

Jessica put her forefinger under Sally-Bea’s chin and tilted the child’s face up so she’d look straight at her mother. So why would you hit your brother then?

Sally-Bea frowned. Because he asks for it by the way he acts.

Jessica shook her head meaningfully. "Well, whether you think he’s asking for it or not, I don’t want you hitting your sister or brothers. Now I’ve spoken to you about this very thing several times and each time you assured me you would not do it again. So, the next time I hear that you’ve punched anyone, there will be a punishment. Do you understand me?"

Another tear slid down Sally-Bea’s face as she nodded her understanding.

Jessica was not done. I want to hear you say it, Sally-Bea, and I want you to know that I mean what I say.

Sally-Bea didn’t take her eyes off her mother’s face. I understand you, Mummy, and I know that you mean what you say. I won’t hit Ben or Tommy or Jack….

Anyone.

Anyone, anymore.

Jessica sighed. All right then, now go and get Ben and both of you come back here.

In moments both Ben and Sally-Bea were standing in front of their mother, Jessica looking from one child to the other. Okay, Ben, I want you to apologize to your sister for pulling her hair.

Ben regarded Sally-Bea seriously. I’m sorry, Sally-Bea. I won’t pull your hair again. Honest.

Jessica’s attention swung to her daughter. Okay now, Sally-Bea, apologize to your brother for punching him, Go on now, and do as I say.

I’m sorry, Ben, for punching you. I won’t do it again.

Jessica put a hand on each of their shoulders. That’s good, now give each other a hug and then go back to your movie.

Both children hugged before dashing back to the living room.

Aunt Sally tied the top of the garbage bag now full of cups, plates, streamers, giftwrap and broken balloons. I think Cynthia and I should get started for home, that sky is looking darker by the minute.

Jessica glanced out the window. Yes, I think you’re right. Leave the rest of the stuff, Aggie and I will see to it. I really appreciate your help. I was happy to hear Cynthia could come, but you could have dropped her off and gone shopping or something.

Sally smiled. Are you kidding? This was a lot of fun and besides, I love to spend time with the children, especially my namesake, Sally-Bea. She just might turn out to be a pro boxer. I’ll bet she’s got a mean left hook.

All three women laughed.

Aggie put the remaining birthday cake in its clear plastic bubble and set it on the counter. Maybe with three brothers she’s learning to be rough too, but you’re right, Jess, she could hurt someone with those little punches of hers. She’s small but strong.

Within minutes Sally and Cynthia were in Sally’s small black hatchback and headed for the highway, the flurries now picking up momentum and being tossed around by a stiff north wind.

Aggie joined Jessica at the table with a cup of tea, Jessica reaching for a chocolate chip cookie from the plateful Aggie set out. Can you believe Cynthia is now eight-years-old? It just seems like yesterday that she was still a little tiny fuzzy-haired baby. Time goes by so fast. This is certainly a day for reflection.

Aggie swallowed her bite of cookie and then a mouthful of tea to wash it down. Seeing all these children growing up right before our eyes is starting to make me feel old. I remember so well the day you brought Jack and Tommy home. We were all here to welcome you back from the hospital the day after the big blizzard. Your timing was great. You would have been in a pickle if you’d gone into labour during that storm, but something tells me Kane would have gotten you there somehow.

Storm or no storm, I wasn’t even sure we were going to make it there. I was fully dilated by the time I arrived and went right into the OR for a multiples birth. I was lucky. My oh my, it does not seem like seven years ago, and us coming home from the hospital will always be one of my very special memories. You went all out with blue streamers and homemade cake and ice cream. It certainly was a wonderful day. A new life with our two precious little baby boys.

And then baby girls and then another baby boy. You and Kane sure filled this house up in a hurry.

Life’s so funny. Little did I know when we had twin boys in March that before the year was out, we would have twin daughters too."

Aggie shook her head and chuckled. Four babies in one year. Unbelievable.

It was very rough at times, but we have certainly been blessed. And they’re all doing so well too, all healthy, hale and hardy, as you can tell.

Aggie glanced up at the clock. I know Lindy is working on another book and that’s why she dropped Derek off, but where was Victoria today? I thought sure she’d want to be here.

She would have been here but she promised her mother-in-law she’d help her paper her kitchen so she dropped Amelia off and will pick her up later. Actually, she should be here any minute to get her. Derek is going to go home with Martin to save Lindy the drive over, since he’s already down at his office with Kane and Rowdy.

This is Lindy’s second book isn’t it?

Yes, it is. I read her first one and I really liked it. Did you read it?

Oh yes! Ralph and I went over to the book launch but that was when you were in Saint John at Sally’s, and Kane had the children. She says her new book is set in Moncton. I’m really looking forward to it although I understand it’ll be a while yet before it’s out.

You know I never dreamed there’s so much work to writing a book until I met Lindy. She really enjoys it though, but she says she’s going to start doing some freelancing assignments again, so she’s super busy.

Aggie and Jessica both turned as they heard a tap on the back door.

Come in, Jessica called out and Victoria stepped inside, slipping off her overshoes as she walked into the kitchen. Come on over and pull up a chair.

Victoria undid her navy jacket and hung it over the back of the chair as she sat down at the table, reaching for a cookie. Ahhh! Aggie’s famous chocolate chip cookies, don’t mind if I do. I’m starved and I still have to go home and make supper.

Jessica got to her feet. How about a nice cup of hot tea to go with that cookie?

Victoria groaned, I’d love a cup of tea. I’ve been hanging wallpaper all day, except for when I drove Amelia here for the party. It was a lot of work because it’s a big kitchen, but it looked nice when we were finished. I really like the pattern, not too bold. I don’t mind helping Carol, she’s such a sweetheart. I certainly won the lottery when I got her for a mother-in-law, same thing with Vince for a father-in-law. So how about Amelia? Did she behave herself this afternoon?

Jessica smiled as she returned with a steaming red ceramic mug and set it down in front of Victoria. Good as gold. She’s a little doll.

Aggie got up to pour herself another cup of tea. I can’t get over how much she looks like you, Victoria. The boys are all Rowdy, but Amelia is like a little Victoria. I’ll bet she’s the apple of her father’s eye.

Victoria laughed, You’d better believe it. Not only does Rowdy dote on her, but Daniel and Liam do as well. But she’s Daddy’s girl for sure and he’s super over-protective of her, which I guess I am too.

Aggie settled back down at the table. That’s completely understandable after what your family went through a few years ago.

Victoria was quiet for a moment. Yes. You know we’ve moved on from it, you have to, and we’ve healed, but you never get over almost losing one of your children, and we never will. It’s hard to talk about, but it was so horrible not knowing where our child was and what he was going through, what was being done to him. It leaves scars for sure. At the time you wonder if you’ll survive it, but of course you do. You must have felt the same, Aggie, when you and Ralph lost Stevie to cancer.

Aggie sighed, Yes, it was a nightmare of the worst kind because he suffered so before he eventually went. It was so much for a child of nine to endure. You’re right, you do go on, but you can never be the same again.

Victoria nodded, then turned to Jessica. That’s why that trip to Disney World was such a Godsend for us. That helped both Daniel and Liam immeasurably. We got to see our little boys laugh again after such a terrible ordeal. We could never have afforded it at the time because we hadn’t even started to get back on our feet after the move here from Texas, and they needed to go when they did so it was very much appreciated. Are you and Kane going to Disney World any time soon?

Jessica smiled. We talk about it, but it’s hard to get Kane off the ranch for any length of time, and I’m not going to attempt a trip like that on my own with five small children.

Victoria reached for another cookie. I’d say the kids are at an ideal age to go if you can manage to budge Kane. It would be a great family getaway.

Aggie took a sip of tea. I can’t imagine that you were able to get him to go to Mexico. Now that was accomplishing the impossible, for two whole weeks!

Jessica smiled. "And he had a really good time there too. He loved the beach, the sun, and the warmth was great to help him heal. It took him a long time before he was completely himself again.

Just then Amelia ran into the kitchen likely having heard her mother’s voice from the living room.

Mummy! she shrieked, racing across the kitchen to where Victoria was sitting at the table."

Victoria laughed. Amelia! She turned to put her arms around the dark-haired little girl with the big grey eyes, dressed in a lavender party dress. Were you a good girl for Mrs. Davidson?

Amelia nodded vigorously as she leaned against her mother. But guess what happened after the party? She glanced in Jessica’s direction before continuing. Ben and Sally-Bea got in trouble.

Victoria’s eyes went to Jessica who was trying to hide her amused expression. Victoria feigned surprise. They did!

Amelia nodded again. But everybody’s friends again now. Can I have a cookie?

Victoria shook her head. No, you’re already full of cake and ice cream, you’ve had enough sugar for one day. I’ll never get you to sleep tonight as it is.

Amelia continued to eye the cookies. Just one, Mummy? Please?

Victoria got up. No, dear, no cookie. Not even one this time, so come on, get your coat and hat. We have to get back to our house. Mummy has to make supper for Daddy, so it’ll be ready when he gets home from work. Also, your brothers will be back from hockey practice in a few minutes too, so let’s go. You can help me if you want, you can set the table.

Five minutes later they were gone, Amelia waving from the car window as Victoria started up the driveway.

Aggie pushed back her chair. Well our numbers are slowly dropping. I’ve got to get home too, or Ralph will think I’ve run off and joined the circus.

Jessica chuckled as she stood up and gave Aggie a hug. Thank you so much, Aggie, for coming down and helping us out. I can’t imagine what I’d ever do without you, what any of us would do without you and Ralph. How wonderful it is to have you as part of our family.

Aggie was on her way out when Kane walked in, calling out good-bye to him cheerfully as she pulled the hood of her coat up and headed to her van.

Jessica smiled. Wow! This place is like Grand Central Station today. What’s up, babe?

Kane smiled a wide smile back at her, his joy at seeing her apparent. First of all, I wouldn’t mind stealing a kiss from my beautiful wife, and second of all you wouldn’t happen to have a little of that birthday cake left, would you? Marty and Rowdy and I have had our heads together all afternoon going over next year’s budget and we’ll be at it for another two or three hours. Thought we might have a bit of cake to go with our coffee down there.

A big yes to the kiss, and make it a good one, because I’ve had a very hectic day so far. Also, there’s plenty of cake so I’ll do some up on a plate and you can take it down with you. It’ll be good to get rid of the rest of it because the kids have already had enough.

Kane reached for his wife. Okay, first the kiss, and hold onto your hat because here it comes, Mrs. Davidson, and he proceeded to kiss her soundly, eventually coming up for air.

She was breathless. Oh my! You take my breath away. I’ll get that cake ready for you, but I don’t know if I can still walk.

He grinned. Me either.

What I really feel like doing right now is going upstairs with my husband. I’d ask you for another kiss, but I don’t think it’d do either one of us any good at the moment.

She was cutting squares of cake when there was a burst of commotion in the doorway to the kitchen from the living room.

Daddy! five little voices chimed in at once, Derek Parker waiting politely by the doorway with a quiet: Hello, Mr. Davidson.

Kane raised his hand. Hiya, Derek! He then kneeled down as five little bodies flung themselves at him and he opened his arms to hug all of his children at once, giving each one of them a kiss. Did you have a good birthday party, Jack and Tommy?

Tommy’s voice rose above the others. Yes! It was fun. I got a new catcher’s mitt.

Jack was not to be outdone. So did I, and a bunch of other really cool stuff too.

Kane looked at his eldest sons, and then the others. It sounds like you did all right, are you all having a good time?

Yes, Daddy! the five answered practically in unison.

Kane cocked his head to one side, listening. Do I hear a movie going in the other room?

Tommy looked adoringly at his father. Yeah, we’re watching Finding Nemo.

Kane gave them all another hug. Okay then you children go and watch your movie and Daddy’s got to go back to work. I’ll see you in a little while at suppertime and you can tell me all about it. How’s that?

The Davidson children and Derek ran back to the living room as Kane left. Jessica, her nose against the windowpane, watched him stride down the roadway to his office. Again, the undeniable feeling of apprehension niggled at her, but she tried to shrug it off.

* * *

Kane walked into his office carrying the plate of cake. Here, guys, if you don’t mind blue lips from Superman birthday cake icing, help yourselves.

Martin was the first to take a slice. Is Derek still up at the house?

Kane put a piece of cake on a napkin for himself. Yep.

Martin swallowed a mouthful of cake. Maybe I’ll give Lindy a call to see if she can pop down to get him for supper if we’re not finished by then, which by the looks of things I don’t think we will be. We’ve still got quite a bit to get through and that would be too late for him to wait for me.

Kane waved his hand. Nah, if we run late Jessica will feed him along with the other kids. I know she won’t mind at all. What’s another potato in the pot? It’s Saturday so she’ll probably just make spaghetti anyway.

Martin took another bite of the colourful supermarket cake. Well if you’re sure it’d be no trouble, I won’t interrupt Lindy. She says she’s a little behind schedule as to where she wants to be with the book by now so maybe I’ll just let her be.

Rowdy was busy working on his piece of birthday cake. Did Victoria come by to get Amelia?

Kane shrugged. I guess so, I didn’t see her in the crowd, just mine and Derek. They must have already gone. Gee, you know this cake isn’t bad.

Martin laughed. Yeah, I’m so hungry anything would taste good, even part of Superman’s leg.

Kane chuckled. Yeah, even that.

They had just finished their coffee break and settled back down to work when Kane’s office phone rang. He considered letting it go straight to message, but something told