Intertwined Hearts: Intertwined Hearts, #1

By Kimi Flores

*Originally published under the title, It all Started with a Lima Bean

 

You can't have hope in the future if there's no peace in your past.

 

As a teacher in her hometown of Santa Barbara, California, Abby feels like she's finally on the right path. She loves her job, has the best of friends, and a loving mother who has always been there for her. Abby is very talented at many things, including hiding the pain of her past. That is until her world collides with Caleb Hunter's.

 

With a constant ache in his chest, Caleb holds on to the grief of losing his wife. When the successful writer isn't working on his latest crime drama novel, he dedicates each day to their five-year-old daughter, Madison. The moment his sweet little girl walks into Miss Abby's kindergarten class, everything changes. With a bit of matchmaking magic from Caleb's doting mother-in-law, love grows, and hearts heal as they intertwine.

 

But when past heartbreak comes to light, will Abby be able to forgive? And will Caleb be able to let go?

 

✰✰✰ Intertwined hearts is a sweet, heartfelt contemporary romance with many laugh-out-loud moments and has a small-town feel. The characters have sizzling chemistry and don't shy away from sharing their pasts or their attraction to each other, but any intimate scenes fade-to-black and happen behind closed doors ✰✰✰

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kimi Flores
• Release date: Aug 6, 2013
• ISBN: 9781524235932

Book preview

Prologue

Caleb

Baby?

The frantic question escaped my lips in an unsteady breath as I leaned in closer. I felt so helpless listening to my wife, Rene, moan in pain as she pushed the back of her head further into the pillow. How much longer would she have to suffer?

The muscles in my chest tightened as agony strangled my heart with greedy hands. She’d gone through so much already and it was killing me to watch her struggle to stay with us. Blinking hard, I swallowed the thick knot in my throat and did nothing to stop the tears from seeping down my burning, swollen eyes.

I’d do anything to switch places with her. Tilting my head back, I stared at the ceiling tiles for the millionth time since she’d been admitted into this room.

Why, God? Why her?

The corner of my lips trembled when another shaky breath escaped. Despair clawed its way into my core, controlling my every thought and emotion.  The short life I’d created with Rene was crashing down, shredding my soul into pieces, and I couldn’t do a thing to stop it. When we’d first heard the words ‘cervical cancer’ two years ago, we’d hung onto hope. She was so young, surely she’d be able to fight it. Now with only moments left, I realized how foolish we’d been.

The smell of sickness and death lingered in the air, assaulting my nostrils and lungs. This scent would be ingrained in my memories forever.

I felt my cousins, Stefen and Bri, along with Rene’s parents, standing in the background of the brightly lit hospital room; each of us dreading the moment she would take her final breath.

I’m so tired, Caleb. Rene’s chest rose as she labored to take shallow, raspy breaths. I don’t know how much more I can take.

My gaze fell upon her sunken eyes that were encased with dark circles. She let out another painful moan. That sound nearly pushed me over the edge.

Thank you― She gave an exhausted cough. ― for being such an amazing man for our baby girl and me.

All Rene had ever wanted was to be a wife and mother. I could barely breathe at the cruel reality of her not being around to enjoy raising our daughter.

She blinked and tried to focus on me with purpose. Caleb. Please, promise me. I need you to move on.  For you―and for Madison.

Unable to hide my emotions, I gave her a pained stare. No, baby. I can’t make that promise― With quivering fingers, I leaned over to stroke her pale, bony cheek. You and Madison are my everything.  I continued to stare into her glossy eyes while sorrow ripped through my soul.

A trembling hand touched my shoulder, attempting to provide comfort. I didn’t need to look up to know it was my mother-in-law, Grace. Everyone in the confined space of the hospital room had said goodbye to Rene several hours ago. Now that the doctors had confirmed her end was so close, I wished more than anything that they would all leave. I couldn’t ask anyone to do that, though. My cousins and in-laws had endured the stress of watching her slowly fade away and were hurting, just as I was.

We’d sat in this room, staring at her for what seemed like forever when I sensed the light dimming in her once brilliant blue eyes. Placing my hand on the side of her head, I ran my fingers through the few thin auburn strands she had left after all the chemotherapy.  They’d lost so much of their luster since she’d become sick. Her beautiful hair was what had caught my attention when I’d first laid eyes on her back in college.

My heart sunk further as I pulled my hand away, fisting the two strands that had remained tangled between my fingers. 

With a weak smile, she whispered so softly it was difficult to hear, I love you. Make sure Madison knows how much I love her, too. Her forced breaths were coming few and far between, and she winced with the effort it simply took to breathe. With those last words, her hand went limp and her eyes closed as she fell into a morphine-induced slumber. A nurse stayed close, administering the pain medication as needed to ensure Rene’s comfort.

I bent down, gently pressing my trembling lips to hers. I love you, too. I always will. With that kiss, her final breath escaped. The piercing hum of the heart monitor confirmed what I couldn’t bear to accept—she was gone.

I no longer felt or saw anyone else in the room. Only my wife. My now deceased wife.

No, no, no! Come back to me, please! My bitter, violent sobs echoed throughout the room as I gripped her frail, unresponsive body.

Chapter One

Butterfly Kisses

Four Years Later…

Caleb

With a sharp pang in my chest, I bolted up in bed, gasping for air. My eyes darted around the room, desperate to focus on my surroundings. Just enough light filtered through the heavy drapery to confirm that I was in my bedroom. Alone.

Exhaling in frustration, I fell back against the sweat-covered sheets, while throwing my arm over my closed eyes.  Just another nightmare.

The impact of the actual event had haunted my dreams countless nights. My wife was gone, and I was here, caring for our daughter, all by myself.

Whoever said time heals all wounds was full of it. Although I was in a much better place, the gaping dark hole in my heart still left me feeling empty and lonely.

Even now, I couldn’t bring myself to lay across our entire bed.

I turned to face what used to be Rene’s side and ran my hand along the cold, empty sheet. Taking another deep breath, I looked up at the ceiling and raked my fingers through my hair, then rubbed my palms over my eyes, trying to press back the sting of tears. 

Exasperated that I still struggled to move beyond the grief, I forced myself to switch my focus.  Today was a new day, a special one. Our beautiful daughter, Madison, was starting kindergarten and she’d been giddy about it all summer. I had to keep it together for her.

Doing my best to shake the disturbing dream, I got out of bed, grabbed a shirt and pulled it on. Stretching my arms above my head, I felt several satisfying pops along my spine. I needed to take a shower, but that could wait until after breakfast.

The wood floors were a little chilly under my bare feet as I strolled down the hallway, into my little girl’s room. Standing in the doorway, I gazed at the small wooden chair in the corner of her pink bedroom. On the chair sat Madison’s ‘first day of school’ outfit that she’d selected last week. Each piece was perfectly laid out, as if on display—tiny jean capris and a light pink top with daisies embroidered on the sleeves. She’d also placed her matching pink Mary Jane shoes under the chair.

I smiled bitterly to myself, feeling that same sting against the back of my eyes. Rene would’ve loved this…but I couldn’t dwell on that thought. Not today.

Quietly clearing my throat, I pushed my heartache aside and tiptoed to the twin-sized bed. I sat down on the fluffy comforter and brushed strands of Madison’s ash brown hair away from her face.

My heart filled with so much love whenever I laid eyes on my baby girl.  She was a perfect combination of both Rene and me.  Her long eyelashes fanned out above her chubby cheeks where I leaned over to place gentle butterfly kisses. I knew how much she loved when I did that, so it was no surprise when I heard her giggle.

You faker, you were awake the whole time. I tickled her ribs.

Yes, Daddy, but I don’t want you to be sad. You didn’t give me my butterfly kiss yet, so I stayed here ‘til you did. A silly smile appeared on her lips as her large, round brown eyes looked up, melting my heart as usual.

She was growing up so fast.  It seemed like just yesterday I was walking in this same room to pick her up from her crib.  I had to wonder what would be left for me when she was old enough to leave and start her own life.

Taking a moment to let it sink in, I threw back her covers. C’mon. Let’s get ready for your special day, my big kindergartener. I stood and turned around so she could climb onto my back, like she did every morning.

From the bed, she leaped and landed, her nightgown scrunched up around her knees. She wrapped her legs around my waist and her arms around my neck, while making her first request of the day. Can I have chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast?

Of course you can. With the ever-present ache in my chest, I carried her down the stairs, thinking, anything for my sweet angel. My life revolved around taking care of her, and I planned to fulfill every reasonable wish she would ever make.

⁂

Abby

Letting out a soft sigh, I reached for my cell to turn off the alarm. I stretched and rubbed the sleep out of my eyes as I remembered what day it was—the first day of school.

With a smile on my lips, I sat up, stepped onto the cold morning floor and slid into my fuzzy slippers. I could only imagine what my haphazard morning hair looked like as I shuffled toward the bathroom to shower. Stepping under the water, I felt the warmth cascading down my back and thought about how fortunate I was to be getting ready for this day.

I’d survived all those awful budget cuts. Thank God.

Many teachers—including several of my friends who’d worked for traditional schools—had gotten pink slips just before summer break, and I was shocked I hadn’t received one as well. Charter schools were all the rage in California and, although I was initially skeptical about working for a school that was part of a new fad, I couldn’t be more grateful now. Our growing school was thriving, with new students every year. And we were hiring teachers, rather than laying them off.

Toweled and dried, I grabbed the outfit I’d set out last night. Given that August in Santa Barbara was still a warm month, I’d chosen a dusty rose, cotton button-down tunic and black leggings. It was comfy yet modest.

This time, every year, I felt like a kid again and couldn’t wait to meet all our new families.

I made my way to the refrigerator and grabbed the breakfast and lunch I’d prepared the night before. One more glance in the mirror in my entryway, and I slipped into a pair of ballet flats, snatching my purse, keys, and cell phone before heading out of my bungalow. Feeling nervous excitement about starting my day, I locked the door as Mr. Ruether’s cat, from next door, rubbed all over my legs, leaving a trail of long white fur on my leggings. So much for making a good impression today.

I tried, unsuccessfully, to brush most of it off as I made my way down the brick path toward my driveway. The sky was blue and my flowers were in bloom. The day couldn’t get any prettier. I took a deep breath, loving the fragrance of the white evening primrose and lavender in my flower beds.

Getting in and starting up my car, I headed to my favorite coffee shop. Not the one that sold the fancy coffees for five bucks a cup. I preferred my cup O’ joe from the local convenience store. They didn’t mind when I poured just as much vanilla creamer in my cup as I did coffee. I was a simple girl and didn’t need frou-frou coffee.

With my filled travel mug in hand, I was back on the road. Taking a quick sip, I lifted my feet as I drove over the train tracks that ran through town. I never understood that silly superstition about never meeting your true love, but who was I to tempt fate.

Claiming my spot in the staff parking lot, I walked into the school, feeling butterflies in my stomach. With quick steps, I headed straight to the teachers’ lounge, retrieving a couple of papers from my mailbox. A few other teachers were hanging around, talking about their summer vacations and complaining about the break being too short. I was the odd one out. I couldn’t wait to get to the classroom I’d spent all last week decorating.

I sat down at my desk and started to reflect as I ate my breakfast. Had it only been three years since I’d started working here? It felt as though I was created to do this. Growing up with a single mom, who also taught, had clued me in that this wasn’t the most lucrative career choice, but I was passionate about teaching kids. Like most teachers, I didn’t do it to receive a whopping paycheck.

After memorizing all my students’ names over the last couple weeks, I was eager to match faces to them. Noting the time, I tossed my banana peel and plastic yogurt container into the trash, took hold of the kids’ nametags, then headed to the gate to greet my new students and their families.

It didn’t take long before I recognized some of the parents and other family members from the community I’d grown up in, including my mother’s friends, Grace and Robert Westbrook. They both wore cheerful smiles as I made eye contact. The first time I’d met them, I’d learned they’d lost their only daughter several years before. I’d also heard she’d left behind a little girl and a husband.

I felt a heaviness in my chest when my eyes met the precious girl who bounced next to them. I’d seen that sweet face a few times at my mom’s house when Grace and Robert had stop by.

The couple walked hand-in-hand around the mass of teary-eyed families who were having a hard time letting their little ones start their first day of school. When they were close enough, Grace grabbed me for a quick hug and introduced the sweet child.

Hi, Miss Abby. This is our granddaughter, Madison. She’ll have the honor of being in your class this year, Grace proudly stated, smiling ear to ear.

I squatted down, balancing myself on the balls of my feet so I was at Madison’s eye level. I took her hand in greeting. It’s very nice to meet you, Madison. The honor is mine. I can’t wait to learn all about you. With a cheerful smile, I slipped the name tag over her head.

The excited little girl handed me a flower and offered a toothy grin. Nice to meet you too, Miss Abby. She motioned to someone standing by her side. This is my daddy. We play in the ocean all the time and watch hockey a lot. He gives the bestest butterfly kisses in the whole world.

I blinked. Daddy? I gazed up to see an incredibly handsome, tall man next to Madison. His prominent brows shadowed his eyes from the sunlight, making it difficult to determine the color. It took a moment to realize I was still squatting while I gawked at him.

Madison let out a giggle as he stared back, probably contemplating whether it was a good idea to leave his daughter with me.

Self-conscious, I stood up on wobbly legs and looked directly at his broad chest. Focusing on the hockey team’s logo displayed on his t-shirt, I forced myself to bring my eyes up to his face.

With a chuckle, he extended his large hand. The skin on his palm was smooth and uncalloused. It’s very nice to meet you, Miss Abby. I’m Caleb.

I turned several shades of red after hearing his deep, smooth voice. He was probably used to women openly gaping at him, though.

Flustered, I finally managed to mumble, It’s nice to meet you, as well. I glanced at Grace, who had an eyebrow lifted and a smirk on her lips. It was barely eight a.m. and I’d already managed to embarrass myself. If you’ll excused me.

I spun around to give out nametags while greeting other kids and their parents. Unable to help myself, I shyly glanced back at Caleb every so often. I caught his eye once and quickly turned away, only to feel the blood drain from my face. Blaine and Tiffany Zuckerman were squeezing through the crowd. Their youngest brother, Peter, had been my boyfriend in high school.

It was unsettling, but I wasn’t surprised. When I’d received my class roster, I’d spotted their last name.

My heart pounded anxiously as I faked a smile and continued to hand out name tags. When I gathered enough nerve to make eye contact with Blaine, he lifted the corner of his mouth, then looked down at the blonde boy beside him.

Blaine was as handsome as ever, with his surfer styled sandy blond hair and beaming blue eyes. He was a couple years older than me and had been the captain of our high school lacrosse team. Back then, there’d been a different girl wrapped in his arms every time I’d seen him.

Blaine hadn’t given Peter a hard time about our relationship, but his twin sister and their parents were a whole other story. They didn’t think I was good enough for their beloved Peter. Little did they know what a jerk he’d turned out to be.

Furrowing my brows, I wondered why both Blaine and Tiffany were here to drop off one child. As long as the younger Zuckerman brother was absent, I honestly couldn’t care less.

I caught Caleb’s eye one more time. He gave me a concerned look, which meant I was doing a poor job of hiding my emotions. Taking a deep breath, I put on a happy face and announced that the families could come into the classroom for a brief orientation and Q&A, while the kids were being supervised on the playground. The Zuckerman boy, Justin, ducked out to the playground as Blaine and Tiffany seemed to be arguing. They headed back toward the parking lot, and I wasn’t disappointed in the least.

My co-teacher, Melissa, bumped my shoulder on the way into the classroom and asked about my interaction with that drop dead gorgeous dad.

That dang blush colored my cheeks again. I have no idea what you’re talking about. I mentally shook my head.

What a way to start the school year.

⁂

The bell rang, signaling the end of our first day of school. After making sure all the kids grabbed their backpacks, sweaters, and lunch boxes out of their cubbies, I walked them out to the gate, where excited parents waited to greet them. I was relieved that Justin Zuckerman waited for his ride in the valet line so I wouldn’t have to see his mom or dad. I still didn’t know if Justin was Tiffany or Blaine’s son.

Unable to help myself, I scanned the crowd for Caleb but was a little disappointed when I found him. He only had eyes for his little girl. Madison ran out of the gate, into his waiting arms. Giving her an enormous smile, kiss, and hug, he carried her on his hip to the parking lot. I had to bite back a sigh. Who wouldn’t enjoy watching an attractive man carry his child so lovingly?

After dismissing everyone, I spotted my best friend, Leah, over by a brick planter. Holding a large bouquet of flowers, she strolled toward me. Congratulations on another successful first day, my friend. She handed me the large bundle and leaned in for a hug and cheek kiss.

Thank you, but you don’t know if it was a success or not. I pursed my lips.

She glanced around as a grin appeared on her tanned face. You don’t have any stragglers, and I didn’t hear any parents yell at you, so I assume it was a good day. 

Smiling back, I had to agree that I did indeed have a fantastic day, despite seeing my past flash in front of me.

What do you say about Antonio’s for dinner tonight to celebrate? She rubbed her palms together before intertwining her fingers in a pleading gesture.

I say we go there too often to call it a celebration dinner. I grinned. But yes, I would love to go.

Good. I’m starving already. I’ll pick you up at five-thirty after I finish making my deliveries. Her long dark hair bounced against her shoulders as she waved and strutted quickly toward her white delivery van parked in front of the school.

Sounds good to me, I called out. I’ll catch you later. Oh, and thanks for this. I pointed to the beautiful arrangement. You outdid yourself, as usual.

I was so proud of Leah and the success of her flower shop. It didn’t seem that long ago when we’d been sitting in our dorm room in College. Leah had been a business major, and she’d glowingly talk about the flower shop she’d own someday. I had been such an emotional mess at the time that it had taken me an additional two years to figure out what career path I’d wanted to take. I envied my best friend for always knowing what she wanted and not letting anything stand in her way.

⁂

As usual, Leah got to my house a few minutes late. She’d always joked, saying it was a Hispanic tradition to be fashionably late.  I saw through my half-Salvadorian, half-Mexican best friend’s façade, though. It was an excuse, but it didn’t bother me.  Most of the time.

After grabbing my things, I ran out the door and jumped into the waiting minivan that doubled as Leah’s work delivery van. You know, you aren’t going to find a hot guy driving around in this soccer mom mobile, right? We loved to tease each other.

Well, until I make enough money to buy a car that matches the hot guy you think I’m going to snag, my delivery van will have to do. She smiled sarcastically before crinkling her nose.  I loved how close we’d become over the years and always looked forward to our daily banter.

We pulled up to Antonio’s a few minutes later, got out and passed the short, wrought iron fence that surrounded several tables on the outdoor patio. There was a reason this restaurant was our favorite. It was full of charm. The interior lighting had the slightest tint of red to it, bathing the room in a warm glow and creating an intimate atmosphere. White linen tablecloths adorned the wooden tables, and the bar on the left side of the restaurant had an old-world charm to it. The aroma of Italian food floated through the air, making my stomach growl.

I wondered how different this place would feel if I ever came with a date. So far, that hadn’t happened, and there weren’t any potential suitors anyway.

My eyes scanned the room while the hostess led us to our usual section toward the back. We loved this area because it gave us the best people-watching perimeter.

After placing our food and drink orders, I noticed a couple that also frequented Antonio’s. Of all the bad luck, look who else is here tonight. I motioned over to the older pair sitting even farther back in the room.

Your beef isn’t with them, Abby, Leah pointed out, aware of who they were.

I know, but it’s still uncomfortable. Especially now that their grandson is in my class this year. I saw Blaine and Tiffany today at drop-off and it was awful. I don’t think Peter ever told his family why we broke up. One moment we were inseparable and the next we were no longer together. I sighed, placing my elbow on the table and my jaw in the palm of my hand.

Right on cue, as if they knew we were talking about them, Mrs. Zuckerman gazed over, giving a knowing look and a not so sympathetic smile.

Or maybe he did, corrected my best friend.

I was so frustrated and tempted to suggest we leave—until I got a whiff of garlic buttered rolls. We weren’t going anywhere until I had a few of those bad boys.

I just don’t understand how relationships work, I huffed as I drew imaginary circles on the table. How can you go from being with someone every day, for over a year, leaning in closer to Leah, I whispered, be intimate with them, and then not speak at all? Peter literally turned his back on me when I needed him the most.

Abby, you guys were kids, and he’s attempted to make amends. You’re just too stubborn to listen.

Although I appreciated Leah’s no nonsense, ‘keep it real’ attitude most of the time, I wasn’t in the mood for it right now. He’s only trying to do that so he doesn’t feel guilty anymore. But I’ll never forget what I’ve done.

Leah’s eyes glossed over as she grabbed my hand. She knew how much it bothered me when this subject came up. "It’s not your fault you lost the baby, Abby. You had no control. You’ve got to figure out how to get past this, or you’ll never find happiness. It kills me to see you so hurt."

Why do you put up with me? I asked with a somber, defeated expression.

Because I love you, and you make the most amazing lasagna I’ve ever tasted. And there it was—the tension breaking line that I needed.

I gave Leah a small smile. Can we talk about something else? This is supposed to be a celebratory dinner.

Once our food came, we put all thoughts of my high school sweetheart, his family, and the past aside, while we enjoyed each other’s company and shared the delicious pasta served in warm pewter dishes.

I was completely exhausted by the time I arrived home. I flicked on the lights and headed to my bedroom. Pulling my pink and green quilt back, regret filled my mind. I should’ve been the bigger person and gone over to the Zuckerman’s table. After all, it wasn’t their fault that their son was a total idiot. Then again, they’d never really been particularly pleasant to me, either.

Oh well, that opportunity had passed and it couldn’t be changed now. I put on my pajamas and pulled my hair into a ponytail. It was time to get some sleep so I’d be up to whatever challenges tomorrow brought.

Chapter Two

Things Can Only Get Better

Caleb

After dropping Madison off at school, I headed to my favorite place to clear my mind. I’d fallen behind schedule on my latest novel because my thoughts kept drifting to a certain hazel-eyed, auburn-headed kindergarten teacher. No other woman had caught my attention since I’d first met Rene, and the overwhelming feeling of disloyalty to her memory was eating me alive.  As if the guilt alone wasn’t enough, now my publishers were riding me.  It was time to shake these thoughts away and get back to business.

Pulling into the open parking space, I