Serendipitous Rose

By Sue Thornton

Rani Baker's lifelong dream is about to come true. She has always wanted an antique rose garden, for within its sweet haven she will be protected from evil. Only now, the 'prickles' she learned to rely upon as a child are back, warning her that danger is near and far more deadly than ever before. Bricklayer Devin Leising thinks he's found safety with Serendipitous Rose where he can hide from his past and live a life of solitude--until the first body is discovered. Rani and Devin band together to fight the evil that lurks within the walls of the house and surrounding woods, haunting and hunting every unsuspecting soul...

• Language: English
• Publisher: Wings ePress, Inc.
• Release date: Aug 14, 2023
• ISBN: 9781590880883

Book preview

Dedication

Serendipitous Rose is dedicated to my granddaughter, Megan Jade Skinner, who has given me immense joy and reaffirmed my belief that the innocence of love is the greatest gift to mankind.

I would like to give my heartfelt thanks to the following people for enduring my endless questions:

Deputies Kevin Pohlen and Harry Stuart of the Lancaster County Police Department for their help with crime scene questions. Elizabeth Struble for being the patient editor she is.

Daniel Landkamer and Lesli Lee for their help with my lack of knowledge on fishing. Dr. Peter Bleed of the University of Nebraska Lincoln, Department of Anthropology and Archeology. And as always, the never ending gratitude to my critique partners, Sandy Aguilar, Cindy Thoreson, and Lizzie Starr.

Prologue

Locust Grove, March 30, 2000

The sky was streaked with colors straight off of an artist’s palette. Plum swept into lavender, pink, and even purple. Mesmerized by the sight of the large Victorian house she’d run from a year earlier, Marni remained next to the car and absorbed the wonder of her surroundings. Eighteen-month-old Camilla and two-and-a-half-year-old Zeke toddled toward the fenced yard.

Early spring blooms from crocus, daffodil, and columbine lifted their bright colorful heads toward the setting sun. Giggles from her small children drew her attention.

Mommy, Zeke called.

Lookey. Camilla squatted at the edge of the walkway. Pretty.

An ache of longing Marni hadn’t been able to suppress since she left burned deep in her chest. She stepped to where the children peered at a tiny rabbit hiding among the flowers.

Zeke’s tiny fingers reached through the picket fence. With a gentle touch, Marni captured his hand. Why don’t we go see if anyone’s home? Taking a deep breath, Marni tried to slow the rapid beat of her heart.

What if Himself sent them away? Or worse, took the children from her? Tears burned her throat and anxiety knotted her stomach.

The children’s laughter helped to ease the torment she’d been putting herself through for the last month. Absently, she rubbed at the pain and tension in her neck and shoulders.

Exhausted, she sank onto the rocking chair on the porch and looked at the keys in her hand. Would she still be welcome in the home Himself had offered her and the children? Or had she burned all of her bridges when she left to help Dahlia?

What was the real reason she’d come back to Locust Grove? She was so tired. Tired of running from the love she craved and longed for. Or was it the deep sense of failure and guilt she carried around with her? She’d failed Roy. Worse, she’d failed Dahlia, the woman she’d believed to be one of her lost sisters. How could she explain the destruction she’d caused and the life she’d destroyed?

Zeke climbed the steps with Camilla right behind him. Mommy.

She leaned forward in the chair and lifted her son and daughter onto her lap. Camilla snuggled her head against Marni’s breast and popped her thumb into her mouth.

My tired babies, Marni murmured against Zeke’s soft hair.

Maybe we should feed them and put them to bed, a soft gentle voice spoke from the doorway.

A gasp flew past Marni’s lips and she jerked in fright. Startled, Camilla began to wail. Roy stepped forward and knelt in front of the rocker. Strong fingers rubbed her short, chubby legs. In a short time, Camilla found her way into his arms and laid her head on his shoulder.

All the words Marni had practiced saying slipped from her head. I’m sorry I left. I don’t have any excuses for my behavior, and I don’t expect you to forgive me. She glanced at the child sleeping in her lap. Please, don’t take the children away from me.

Blue-gray eyes reflected the hurt and pain she’d inflicted on him a year ago. You are a wonderful mother to them, Marni. I don’t believe taking them away from you is necessary.

She studied him through narrowed eyes. How do you know what kind of mother I am? She took a deep breath. You knew where we were?

I can see how much Cammi and Zeke love you. And you love them. He stared past her shoulder, sorrow etched deeply in his face. No, I didn’t know where you were. I searched, but you left no trace of your whereabouts. But I met someone who told me finding you would be Serendipitous.

One

April 21, 2002

Rani Baker stood at the edge of the drive, staring at the rundown manor house and knew it had been glorious in its day. Now, the roof needed to be replaced, along with a variety of windows broken by kids trying to improve their pitching, and the house was more than likely infested with rodents.

What do you think? Simon Blakely asked. Care to take a look inside?

It’s beautiful, Mr. Blakely. A little spit and polish would make this place shine again, she spoke, with wonder in her voice.

The land, itself, was probably worth a small fortune, but Simon Blakely was one of Dad’s friends. Dad talked Mr. Blakely into showing her the property first. Thank you, Dad.

Mr. Blakely, why do you want to sell? Anxious to discover the soil’s richness, and to calm her jumpy nerves, Rani itched to dig up the ground and sink her hands into the soil.

Aunt Jane left this place to me, and I thought, for a long time, I would fix it up and use it for a vacation house. But the older I got, the worse I became about getting anything extra done. It was hard enough to go to work each day.

Sadly Simon looked at the Blakely family home. Michelle and I wanted to raise our children here, and someday, watch grandchildren run across the yard. She loved the peacefulness and beauty of this place. Instead, I trudged to work every morning to a job I hated, while she withered away and died. Now, I can’t stand the sight of the buildings...the land. It will forever remind me of what I never had, and what I lost.

When his tears slipped under his glasses and down his face, Rani turned away. Let him grieve in peace.

Simon sniffed and blew his nose. Here are the keys, Rani. Let yourself in. Take a look. When you’re done, bring them back to me and let me know what you decide.

Thanks, Mr. Blakely. Once she accepted the offered key ring, Rani clutched the single key tightly.

Simon turned and walked to the red GTO he’d given Michelle for a wedding gift. Long after the engine roared to life and the car sped down the gravel drive to the main road, Rani continued to watch after him. Poor man, he’s not that old. All her plans and diagrams she sketched over the years fell into place when she turned her attention back to the property in question and let her imagination take over. With the inside corner of her mouth captured between her teeth, Rani realized she hadn’t asked Simon how much he was asking for the property and he hadn’t offered the information. Not wanting to get her hopes up, she refused to think about the start-up costs of a business as well as the property, not to mention the repairs to the buildings.

A sigh of longing and regretful realization escaped from deep inside. While striding across the expanse of sparse lawn to the house, she dug a notepad and pen from her bag, intending to note the repairs needed on the structure. Only the superficial repairs anyway, since she didn’t know very much about plumbing and electrical. Ahh, but Dad does.

The front porch flooring looked to be fairly new. Rani frowned at the observation. Simon indicated he hadn’t done any work on the property for a while. Michelle was already ill when the Bakers came to live in Liberty Hill. Rani imagined death hovering over Michelle like a shroud—waiting, tormenting her. For the last three years, poor Simon went to the church to pray for one more day with Michelle, while Michelle begged for release from the horrible pain she could no longer endure.

Mom and Dad told her later that unable to bear Michelle’s screams and cries for mercy, Simon had given death a helping hand with an extra dose of morphine. Then he held his wife in his arms until she took her final breath. Somehow, Simon escaped being charged with murder; something about a suicide note found on the floor, next to the bed. Rani shook her head. It wasn’t up to her to pass judgment on Simon. And her parents seemed to believe he did the right thing.

The key twisted easily in the lock and the heavy oak door swung noiselessly inward. The double-screen door needed some repairs, and Rani made a note on the clean white paper before her.

Musty air greeted her when she stepped farther into the entryway. When she glanced into side doors off the open hall, she saw age-yellowed dust covers over massive lumps of furniture. The least she could hope for was that there weren’t any nasty surprises underneath.

A curved staircase rose from the foyer, embellished by a crystal chandelier covered with cobwebs. She flipped the light switch and blinked as light cascaded over and through the crystals. She sucked in her breath. The woodwork was beautiful and looked very well cared for. With one foot in front of the other, she went upstairs and worked her way back to the main floor. Meticulously, she took one room at a time, counting the broken windows, missing light covers, and anything else she could find that needed to be replaced right away.

The worst was anticipated when she opened the door to the kitchen. Pleasantly surprised, she found modern appliances in the antiquated room. After twisting the spigots on the porcelain sink, the hot and cold water ran clear, just as it had in the bathrooms.

Rani placed her hands on her hips and gazed around the room. Okay, plumbing looks good in all of the rooms where it’s needed, but I should still have the pipes inspected. Now all I need is to ask Dad to check out the heating and electrical, and get someone for termites and carpenter ants.

With a quick glance at the watch clasped around her right wrist, she hoped to catch her parents at their respective jobs. Maybe they could stop by the manor on the way home. Except the manor was at least ten miles out of their way. Once more, she rummaged through her backpack to remove the cell phone Dad insisted she carry at all times and dialed his office number. Once he discovered where she was, it wasn’t long before he offered to call Mom, saying they’d be right there.

Anxious to see the outside, Rani bounced down the steps and strolled across the yard. After walking once around the manor, she wandered toward the outbuildings. Then she flipped a sheet of the notepad, drew a line down the center of the page, making two columns for repairs; one for needed, and the other for wanted. She titled the page greenhouse and barn.

Even though she knew better than to get her hopes up, Rani’s heart fluttered with excitement at each idea she scribbled across the page. She sank onto one of the sparse patches of grass to stare at the house and let her imagination run wild. With a lot of hard work and pinching pennies, her dream could come true here. She could make this work.

Dark clouds hovered at the edge of her thoughts, reminding her of what had been and what could still be. As she gnawed on the inner corner of her cheek, she contemplated the pros and cons of tying herself to this location, and if...if she could possibly run a business without advertising outside the area. Just how much did she want to put at risk? If only Lily would write. It had been so long since Rani had heard from her.

Against her will, scenes from her childhood sent her mind spinning and reeling. Nausea welled up inside until she was light-headed with anxiety. She leaned forward to put her head between her knees. A scream burst forth, and she jerked around to see who had touched her. She stared blindly at her adoptive parents, Malcolm and Eve Baker.

Rani, what’s wrong? Just as she had when Rani first came to live with them after Rani’s thirteenth birthday, Mom spoke slowly and quietly.

Spooked by her thoughts, Rani took deep breaths and attempted to calm the adrenaline rushing through her blood stream. Before she could reply, she exhaled. Sorry. You startled me. I was daydreaming about what this place would look like fixed up, with gardens all around. All the excitement got to me, I guess.

Dad reached down to pull her onto her feet. You’re awful pale, sweetpea. You sure that’s all it is?

It was a weak smile at best when she hugged Mom close, and Rani knew it. I’m sure. You worry about me too much.

That’s what parents do best, Mom caressed her daughter’s cheek and brushed back a stray curl. And since you’re our only child, you get to reap the consequences.

Rani squeezed Mom’s hand. What do you think? There are a lot of furnishings and things in all three of the buildings. I wonder what Simon has in mind to do with them.

Dad glanced at the notepad she clutched in her hand. Looks like you’ve been making one of your famous lists again. With a wink, he smiled and looked at her over the rim of his black-framed eyeglasses. Mind if I take a look at what you’ve got?

Rani’s cheeks grew hot at Dad’s teasing tone. With a sheepish grin, she handed him the pad. I couldn’t help myself. I know I got carried away.

He took the notepad and tweaked her nose. Let me be the judge of that.

Why don’t you show us around? Mom tucked her arm around her daughter’s waist.

Once again, Rani’s hopes soared and she knew this time she would have a hard time controlling them.

You always make wonderful lists. And in the end you base your decision on them. I know you’ll do the right thing, Mom whispered.

You and Dad taught me well. Rani hugged Mom and then literally pulled the older woman toward the house.

WITH A GRIN ON HIS face, Dad entered the kitchen. There are my two favorite girls, busy talking over the lists you made. He swiped at the cobwebs clinging stubbornly to his clothing and matted in his hair.

With long strides, he lumbered across the room and sank his tall, lanky body into a chair. The foundation looks solid. But you’re right. Blakely has furnishings and boxes stacked wall to wall in the basement. He shook his head.

He sighed. A family of packrats. It’s just as cluttered throughout the rest of the house. You can’t tell how much work may need to be done until everything’s cleared out.

Mom nodded and peered over the top of the granny-style glasses she wore for reading. We could get Norris to check for termites and carpenter ants.

Sounds good to me. The furnace doesn’t look too old, but it wouldn’t hurt to have an inspection. The plumbing and electrical appear to be new. At least there’s a new circuit box on the wall.

Rani leaned her elbows on the table. Did Mr. Blakely give you any idea how much he’s asking for the house and land? I think he said there are about a thousand acres with the ground and the lake beyond.

After reaching for his pipe, Dad looked at Mom. He didn’t say anything to me, sweetpea, other than he thought you might be interested in looking at the place.

Deep in thought over her next question, Rani’s eyes narrowed to a slit. But why me?

A little cough came from Mom. I believe that would be our doing. She glanced at Malcolm, sitting quietly, sucking on the stem of his pipe. We mentioned to our friend, Ginny, that we were looking into buying some land for your nursery. She suggested we talk to Simon.

I knew he owned this place, but I didn’t remember it being deserted. Dad looked around the homey room. You know, he’s kept pretty much to himself since Michelle died. All those nasty rumors being spread by unforgiving hypocrites. They’d do the same...

Dad... Mom shushed.

After unfolding his body from the chair, Dad paced the length of the kitchen. Who’s going to hear me and run to tattle? The mice? Hands gripping the edge he leaned against the counter. Seagulls flew overhead, drawing his attention to the window. I know I would be hard-pressed to allow you to suffer any more than you had to. If I knew there wasn’t any more that could be done to save you, or ease your pain, I can’t say I wouldn’t do anything different.

Mom rose and went to stand next to her childhood sweetheart. She pressed her cheek into his back and wrapped her arms around his waist. We don’t have to worry about that, Malcolm, we’re both healthy. And nothing is going to happen. We’ve been together one way or another for almost sixty-five years. It isn’t time for us to be apart.

Overwhelmed by the show of affection her parents had for each other, Rani squeezed back the tears. What would she do without Malcolm and Eve Baker? They brought her into their home and hearts when she needed them most.

The screen door leading onto the side porch slammed shut when Rani left the kitchen. The sun shone brightly on the overgrown gardens. She leaned against the porch column and envisioned them restored and blooming in full glory.

The door closed quietly and the people she called her parents joined her. Dad put his arm around her shoulder. Rani glanced into his gentle face.

Grammie would love it here, she spoke quietly. I can hear her telling me what plants should go where.

Why don’t you and Mom go see Grammie? I’ll go talk to Simon and find out what he’s asking for this place, Dad suggested.

Rani sighed, her hopes sinking with the sun. I appreciate it, Daddy, but I don’t think I can afford all of this. She waved her hand, encompassing the area. "No matter what condition it’s in, the land has to be worth a fortune.

MALCOLM FOUND SIMON Blakely in the dark recesses of Bubba’s bar. A bottle of Jim Beam remained steadfast in front of Simon, as if to help him bury his sorrows. While nursing a diet cola and waiting for Simon to acknowledge him, Malcolm leaned against the mahogany bar.

Malcolm shook his head sadly, knowing in his heart he would be unable to live without Evie. Yet he couldn’t say he really understood what Simon Blakely was going through. Fervently hoping if, or when, the time came, Malcolm would find comfort in Rani and his friends and not from a bottle of booze.

Simon scrawled something on a napkin, folded it, and handed it to Malcolm. Here. Take it or leave it. I don’t care. Now if you don’t mind, I’d rather be alone.

With the offered information in hand, Malcolm eyed the moody man he no longer thought he knew, or understood. He nodded once and rose from the table. Malcolm walked outside the bar and grill before he opened the sheet. Gut reaction had his mouth dropping open, as he turned to stare back at the closed door.

RANI CLOSED THE CAR door and deeply inhaled the scents floating on the air from Grammie’s garden. Herbs released their exotic aroma to mingle with old-fashioned flowers and antique roses.

If there was only one place on earth I could spend the rest of my life, it would be here in Grammie’s garden. Rani sighed.

Eve slipped her arm through Rani’s and squeezed lightly. Just be patient, sweetie. If I know you, your gardens will be just as fantastic. If not more so.

Another sigh escaped Rani before she could stop herself. How can I possibly fail with you and Daddy being horticulturists? And working with you, Dad, and Grammie in the gardens all this time? You’ve all been wonderful teachers. Now all we have to do is find somewhere for me to start Serendipitous Rose.

Eve opened the front gate. If I know your Dad, you’ve already found it.

Grammie sat on a park bench under a blooming crab apple tree, in the front corner of the yard. A flower basket was full of spring blossoms she would arrange into beautiful bouquets to place throughout the tiny house she lived in for the last sixty years.

Not once had she ever considered moving from the bungalow she and her husband had shared and where they raised their only child.

There’s my girls, Grammie called and waved. What have you two been doing on such a fine day?

Rani hugged the elderly woman and kissed her cheek. We went to look at the Blakely house.

Jane Blakely’s place? Grammie patted the bench next to her, and Eve sat down.

Uhm hum. After sinking onto the cool green grass, Rani brushed her hand across a bed of Corsican mint, releasing the crisp fresh scent.

Oh, I remember that place. Grammie’s voice took on a dreamy quality. Those gardens were Todd Blakely’s pride and joy. People came from all over to tour them. It’s a pity Jane didn’t have one bit of a green thumb. All she cared about were her books, and it seemed she forever had her nose in one. It was a pity Jane never could find a man to live up to those heroes in her romance novels. That’s why she never married. She nodded her head, affirming her thought.

Grammie tskked before she continued, Thought she was Miss Marple from an Agatha Christy book, always creating a mystery out of nothing. Claimed she saw someone throw dead bodies into her lake. That woman drove the poor sheriff crazy.

Rani leaned forward and looked intently at the wizened woman. Did she?

Did she what, dear? Grammie patted her granddaughter’s cheek.

Rani’s never-ending curiosity about the former owner of the manor house was piqued. Did she see someone throw dead bodies in the lake?

Grammie chuckled and patted Rani’s hand. Jane Blakely was an eccentric old woman, sugar. I don’t think she saw anything except someone trespassing to fish in her lake. The Blakely family didn’t tolerate people coming and going on their land without permission. After Mr. Todd’s death, nobody was allowed back there.

Eve nodded. I remember, as a kid growing up, how all my friends thought the place was haunted and crazy Jane killed anybody setting foot on the verandah. Some of the kids would go there, especially around Halloween, and play horrible pranks on her.

And once in a while one of those children was caught and punished. Grammie tskked again and patted her daughter’s leg.

Rani’s mouth dropped, and then closed abruptly. Mom, you didn’t, she gasped.

I was sixteen years old and thought I was in love with the quarterback on the football team. My best friend, Julie, double-dared me to go with the crowd to Blakely Hall. For my participation in the excursion, I spent forty hours cleaning the inside of the house, not to mention scrubbing windows. Eve waved when Malcolm drove into the driveway.

I’ll always regret that childish escapade. And believing the quarterback hung the moon. I found my true love through that little adventure though, and I’ve never strayed again.

Astonished by the comment, Rani whispered, Daddy wasn’t the quarterback, was he?

Nope, Grammie cackled. But he took the blame for that weasel. What was his name? Walter Martin, wasn’t it?

For a second time in a few minutes, Rani’s mouth dropped open. The mayor?

You got it, sweetpea. Malcolm bent to kiss Eve’s forehead. This town’s fine mayor put his tail between his legs and scurried home to hide behind his daddy’s good name—and his mama’s skirts. He lied, cheated, and stole, just as well then as he does now.

Eve gasped. Malcolm, you shouldn’t.

Malcolm rubbed her shoulder. How about we change the subject? Would you ladies like to hear what Simon Blakely had to tell me? He pursed his lip and whistled a strain of Happy Days Are Here Again.

Rani clasped her hands tightly in her lap and pulled her bottom lip between her teeth.

Dramatically, Malcolm removed the folded napkin from his pocket and held it out to his daughter. When Rani didn’t budge, he raised an eyebrow and prodded her. Go on, sweetpea. Take it.

With timidity she hadn’t felt for a long time, Rani took the paper into her hand as if it would shatter into a million pieces if she mishandled it. Carefully, she unfolded it, afraid to breathe. A gasp escaped her and tears filled her eyes. When she looked at her parents, she could barely find her voice. I can’t afford this.

The napkin floated to the ground. Rani jumped to her feet and ran into the house. How did she ever think her silly dreams would ever come true?

FEELING MORE THAN A little petulant, Rani curled into the corner of Grammie’s overstuffed sofa. She knew she was being childish, but she’d dreamed of rose gardens and a landscape center named Serendipitous Rose for as long as she could remember. The garden was her escape from the childhood she deemed hell and had saved her sanity. No matter how hard she tried to explain, Rani knew no one would ever understand how plants became her salvation.

Despite her advanced years, Grammie marched into the house to stand like she was going into battle before Rani. So you’re just going to give up?

With tightly closed fists tucked into her lap, Rani couldn’t meet her grandmother’s gaze. No, it just means I’ll keep looking and not get my hopes up so high the next time. With a sigh, she continued, I fell in love with the place even though there’s a lot of work that needs to be done. Grammie, there is the most magnificent fountain there. It’s been damaged, but if you found a good bricklayer... Wistfully, she breathed the words before closing the dream. Oh well, it doesn’t matter. I could never come up with the kind of money Simon wants.

Grammie sat in her easy chair and folded her weathered hands in her lap. "Well now, I think I know a way you can have Blakely Hall and help a few other people out while you’re at it. Everything depends on how bad you want this place and your business. And how hard you’re willing to work."

Through narrowed eyes, Rani studied Grammie. A trickle of raw anticipation injected itself into her bloodstream.

We have a proposition for you. Malcolm spoke from where he leaned against the doorway. Tucked neatly inside the curve of his arm, Eve looked content.

For another fleeting moment, Rani wished in time she would find the perfect mate to love and cherish, the way her parents did each other.

But you have to understand. You have to do the work or hire the help, Eve interjected, drawing her daughter from her thoughts.

What are you talking about? Rani glanced at each member of her family.

Primly, Grammie sat straight in her chair. I have some money I need to invest. I’m tired of the erratic jumps in the stock market. I think you could help me out. Plus, you have the trust fund we set up for you when you came to live with us.

What trust fund? Rani asked, thoroughly confused.

Eve sank onto the couch next to her. Rani, when you were brought to us, we thought the heavens had opened and our prayers had finally been answered. Your dad and I wanted a child so badly, but I was unable to produce.

Why didn’t you adopt one? Rani asked.

Malcolm sighed and lovingly rubbed Eve’s shoulder. We did, but the biological mother decided at the last minute she couldn’t go through with the adoption. Your mom was terribly depressed. I was so afraid I’d lose her. By then the adoption agencies thought we were too old and wouldn’t be good parents because of our age.

Baloney, Rani cried. They didn’t know what they were talking about.

Shh, we know that, Rani. Eve took hold of one of Rani’s fists and stroked the tightly bound hand until Rani relaxed and stretched her fingers. "But those were the rules, and we had to live by them, whether we liked it or not. When we were told about you, we jumped at the chance to adopt you. And we’ve never thought differently. You are our daughter."

We put the money we’d been setting aside in a trust fund for our child. Malcolm came to sit on the stool next to Rani. You are that child, sweetpea. I thank the stars for that letter from Lily.

Surprised, Rani’s mouth dropped. Lily wrote to you?

Malcolm nodded. "She said she couldn’t take care of you any more. She didn’t look like she was old enough to be your mother, but I forgot all about how young she was when I got a look at you, so thin and those bruises.

The horrifying screams in the night kept us wondering what Lily did to you, Grammie said.

Rani sat upright on the couch. Oh no, Grammie, her voice serious. Lily didn’t do anything but save me. She looked between the three. She desperately wanted them to understand. Lily isn’t my mother, she’s my sister. Where did you get the idea she was my mother?

Oh my God, that means... The color drained from Eve’s face, and she clutched at her throat. Oh God, Malcolm, I knew somehow...my gut told me something wasn’t right. All these years...it was too easy.

What? Rani cried. What’s wrong?

Malcolm’s breath whooshed out of him, as if someone slugged him in the gut. Rani stared at his ashen face. Daddy?

Lily signed the papers as your mother, Rani. Your adoption would be illegal, Grammie spoke in her best lawyer’s tone.

Panic rushed through Rani like a wildfire. Droplets of sweat formed along her upper lip, and she wiped clammy hands on her jeans. She had to. Lily saved me. You wouldn’t have taken me if you had known the truth. Please, don’t make me leave. No one needs to know Lily wasn’t my mother. Don’t tell them where I am, please. Her terrified cries filled the room.

A worried look settled on Malcolm’s face, and he grabbed the young woman next to him. Hush, sweetpea, it’s alright. You aren’t going anywhere. You’re an adult now, no one can make you do anything you don’t want to.

Agitated, Rani jumped from where she sat and wrapped her arms tightly around her waist. She paced the floor, like a caged animal all the while glancing out the window...searching. You don’t have any idea of the horrible things he can make you do, she whispered.

With fright-filled eyes, Eve glanced at her husband before asking, Who, Rani? Whom are you talking about?

The unforgettable sensation of being buried alive consumed Rani before she turned to look back at the people who truly loved her. I can’t tell. The tortured whisper could barely be heard in the earth-shattering silence.

Two

Showing the plants no mercy, Rani ripped weeds from the ground. Frantic, her fingers worked to destroy the predatory plants daring to show themselves among the roses she’d planted in Grammie’s garden.

Each time she glanced over her shoulder, Rani caught one or more of her family staring at her, perplexed expressions on their faces. She bit her lips until they were sore, trying to contain the screams welling up inside her. If she screamed the forbidden words, bad things would happen.

Grammie walked to where Rani knelt on the hard ground, a tall glass of lemonade in her hand. Don’t you think it’s time for you to take a break?

Without looking up, Rani muttered, I’ve got a lot of work to do.

Pasha. You look at me, little girl, Grammie ordered.

Rani knew better than to defy her elder. She chewed on the inner corner of her mouth and turned sad eyes to gaze upon the wise woman who cradled and comforted her for hours when she first came to live with the Bakers.

Nothing’s changed around here, missy. You just better get used to the idea that you’re a part of this family and you aren’t going anywhere. You’re stuck with us, come hell or high water.

Tears spilled from Rani’s eyes and slid down her cheeks. I can’t tell you, Grammie. I can’t.

After Grammie sank onto the bench, she leaned close to her granddaughter. I don’t want you to tell me anything until you are good and ready to. You’ve got to work through whatever is bothering you, child. Don’t you think I knew you had deep dark secrets inside of you when you were brought here? You had the eyes of a dead person. And dead people talk in their own time.

What if I can’t? Rani whispered, fear churning in her blood.

You will. You always have. That’s what the land has done for you. I saw it the first day I laid eyes on you, working in that little bit of dirt in the back corner of the yard. You were digging like there was no tomorrow, turning the dirt over and over until it was as fine as sifted flour. A gnarled finger captured one of the red-gold curls that escaped Rani’s ponytail.

You gently put seeds into the holes you poked into the dirt with your finger. I wondered if you’d ever look up and see us watching you. The look on your face told us you were somewhere safe from whoever put those bruises on your body. Saddened by the memory, Grammie shook her head. Even though Eve told me you were thirteen years old, you didn’t look more than eleven or twelve. You were so little and skinny. Lord, it was all I could do not to grab you up and start shoving food into your mouth.

Rani scooted closer to the woman who taught her unconditional love—no matter what. She rested her head on Grammie’s lap. I love you.

Wrinkled, blue-veined hands slowly stroked Rani’s hair. Oh, child, I love you. You have no idea what you’ve brought to this family. Gently, she lifted Rani’s head and cupped her face between callused hands. So we have a gift for you. She reached into the pocket of her red gingham apron, and then held out a piece of paper.

Suspicious, Rani eyed the sheet. What’s that?

Open it and see for yourself, Grammie answered, slipping back into her role of attorney.

Caution slowed Rani’s hand as she took the piece of folded bond paper, opened it, and stared at the legal document before her. A gasp escaped before she could turn her gaze upon her grandmother, and Malcolm and Eve waiting behind the white-haired woman.

This...it’s...Grammie?...I...Mom...really? Daddy, is this really what I think...? Rani couldn’t find the words to speak intelligently.

It’s the deed of trust to the Blakely estate. House, land, lake. It’s yours, all of it. Malcolm grinned at her.

Including everything in the house and outbuildings, Mom replied. Simon put the house in town up for sale yesterday, and he’s leaving for places unknown. Mom clapped her hands before hugging Malcolm’s waist. Now we just need to make the house habitable.

With a daring twinkle in her blue eyes, Grammie asked, Are you sure you’re up to the hard work involved in the project you’re wanting to undertake?

Yes, ma’am, I’m ready. Filled with a newfound excitement, Rani threw her arms around Grammie’s neck.

We’ve got some papers you need to sign, sweetpea, Dad interrupted. Along with some guidelines and rules your grandmother wanted to set in place. I suppose this means you plan on moving away from home?

Laughter bubbled over, and Rani jumped to her feet to hug her father. Not right away, Daddy. I like air conditioning, just like everyone else, but I would prefer to have windows in my house first.

Where’s mine? Mom held out her arms for a hug. We better start measuring window frames then.

Grammie coughed to get their attention. I thought we decided Rani was to do the work herself.

Eve flushed and she blinked rapidly. Well, uhm, right, that’s what we talked about. But I just thought...

Slowly rising from the bench, Grammie nodded and then strode past the three staring at her. Well, don’t forget to measure the panes for the greenhouse while you’re at it. I’ll give Martin over at the glass store a call and tell him we’ll be having a large order for him. Now, Rani, I’ve got a lead on an excellent brick layer to work on that fountain.

With a