For Jenny's Sake

By Billie Houston

Eight years ago, Erin Harrow fled her hometown in the wake of shame and scandal. The woman who ran for cover then is not the same Erin who has come home to reconnect with her daughter. She is now sophisticated, savvy, and well-educated. She's also determined to be part of Jenny's life, even if that takes every cent she inherited from billionaire Sheldon Bennett.
Gabe Harrow adored his wife, and his hurt runs deep. He might have forgiven Erin's unfaithfulness in time if she hadn't disappeared without a trace, deserting their four-year-old daughter. Even now, Erin won't admit her involvement with a convicted murderer. How can he ever trust his ex-wife to be a fit mother to Jenny?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Chavelbooks LLC
• Release date: Aug 2, 2022
• ISBN: 9781955892278

Book preview

Chapter One

Erin Bennett looked from the magazine she was perusing to glance around the expensively furnished office. Eight years had brought few changes. The same portrait of Josiah Harrow hung on the far wall. The same antique oak desk stood near the entrance to the inner offices. One thing was different, though. A younger and much more attractive receptionist had replaced middle-aged Mrs. Pritchard.

Erin caught the young woman's eye. My appointment was for ten-thirty and it's now—

Please be patient, Mrs. Bennett. Mr. Harrow will buzz when he's ready to see you.

Erin suspected that Gabriel Harrow would never be ready for another meeting with his ex-wife. She laid her magazine in her lap as memory took her back to their last encounter. They were seated across from each other at a conference table in the private office of Gabe's attorney. After a long stretch of uneasy silence, Gabe pushed himself to his feet. I don't know any easy way to say this. You can't see Jenny again.

Erin's heart had dipped like a roller coaster. Why?

The fact that you have to ask only strengthens my resolve.

You can't keep me from seeing my own daughter. Or could he? Foreboding rose in Erin's throat.

"She's our daughter, Gabe stretched his neck to stare at the ceiling. I have sole custody. I can do as I choose."

Pain brought Erin to her feet. No, Gabe. Please, no!

He dropped into his chair and rubbed his hand across his brow. I have to do what's best for Jenny.

Erin had expected he would limit her access to Jenny. Never in her wildest dreams had she thought he would forbid her to see her own child. How can it be best for a four-year-old never to see her mother again?

I didn't say you could never see her again. Gabe ran his finger around his shirt collar. She needs time to adjust to all of the sudden changes in her life.

Erin's fear escalated to panic. She's so young. If...if I don't see her for a long time she will forget me.

The contempt in his eyes was unmistakable. Maybe that would be best.

She gasped, You can't mean that.

Oh, but I do, Gabe assured her with calm detachment. Jenny has become quite a problem. Your visits make things worse. Cora is concerned.

Cora, Erin echoed. The thought that Gabe would listen to his stepmother only added fuel to the fire that raged inside her. Cora hates me.

Gabe's distasteful gaze raked across her face. She's not the only one who's concerned. Even Mavis can see—

Your stepsister has the mind of a child. She's incapable of seeing anything past her own world of make-believe. As suddenly as it flared, Erin's anger died to dusty ashes.

Gabe bristled. I know you would like the world to believe Mavis is unbalanced. She isn't. She is mentally challenged, but she’s rational.

Tears choked in Erin's throat. The last ounce of fight drained from her. She had lost again, and this time it cost her Jenny. She stood, pushed her chair under the table, and glared at the man across from her. You will pay for this, sooner or later, one way or another.

Without a backward glance she spun around and walked away. She hadn't seen Gabriel Harrow since that day.

Mr. Harrow will see you now, Mrs. Bennett. The receptionist inclined her head toward the door behind her desk. His office is the first door on the right.

Erin tossed her magazine on a nearby chair and hurried down the corridor. The sooner she got through this ordeal, the better. She lifted her fist and rapped on the door marked Gabriel Harrow, President and CEO.

From inside an impatient masculine voice called, Yes, come in.

Erin squared her shoulders, opened the door, and stepped into the lavishly appointed room.

Gabe sat behind a massive mahogany desk. He wore a gray business suit that matched the color of his silver-gray eyes. Those eyes rounded in surprise at the sight of her. Hello, Erin.

She lifted her chin as her cool, defiant voice fell into the vacant silence. Hello, Gabe.

She had forgotten what a commanding and formidable physical appearance he possessed with his broad chest that tapered to a slim waist. Inside that chest beat a cold and unfeeling heart.

*****

Gabriel Harrow looked at the self-assured woman who came through the door, and nearly gasped. This was not the woman who vanished eight years ago without a trace. Erin Harrow was a shy, naïve young girl. Erin Bennett emanated an aura of sophistication and assurance that spoke of wealth and refinement. Her beauty was not so startling now. He could almost believe she had tried to subdue it. Her flame-red hair was folded into a bun at the nape of her neck. The severe style accentuated her elegant profile and emphasized her delicate bone structure. The expensive rust-colored dress she wore could not completely disguise the curves of her slim figure. The translucent skin of her oval face was enhanced with skillful touches of make-up. Her eyes, huge and green as cut emeralds, looked out from beneath the dark fringes of incredibly long lashes.

He once thought her to be as kind and loving as she was beautiful. How could he have been so foolish? Perhaps it was genetic, this predisposition to be captivated and then completely fooled by a beautiful woman. Hadn't his father suffered the same fate?

He extended one hand toward a chair near his desk. Please sit down. After all these years, why had she returned?

His mind was jerked back to that terrible day in his attorney's office. He believed he was acting in Jenny's best interest when he suspended Erin's visiting privileges.

After time and experience taught him his painful ultimatum was a mistake, he set out to find Erin. She had moved out of her apartment and left no forwarding address. Her sister, Elizabeth, hung up the phone as soon as she heard his voice.

He tried to get information on Erin’s whereabouts from his Aunt Maybelle. She was kind, sympathetic, and a bit condescending. If she had told me where she was going, do you think that I would betray that trust? She asked in that soft southern drawl, Haven't you learned anything from your father's mistakes? She shook her head as she answered her own question. It's obvious you haven't. Her heavy bosom heaved in a weary sigh. Leave it be, Gabriel. Jenny will get over losing Erin and so will you. Only he hadn't. He’d been through it, past it, and around it. But now he knew would never be over it.

Eventually, Gabe hired detectives to find her. He reasoned Erin would seek employment, rent an apartment, put up deposits for utilities. Something. She didn't.

After years of fruitless searching, one Sunday morning he picked up a newspaper and read that Erin had married Sheldon Bennett, a reclusive and eccentric billionaire. Now, suddenly, she was back.

His mind fast forwarded eight years as Erin perched on the edge of the chair in front of his desk, and said, You're looking well. Her voice had changed. It was richer in tone and deeper in timbre.

So are you. Gabe pressed his broad shoulders against the back of his chair. I must say, this is a surprise.

It shouldn't be. I had a ten-thirty appointment. She glanced at her watch. It's now eleven-ten.

Gabe stared at that lovely, composed face. Curiosity overrode any thought of social amenities. Why did you come here?

Erin looked him in the eye without blinking. I want to see Jenny.

He had always known this day would come. I suppose that can be arranged, after a proper amount of time and preparation.

Erin placed her hands on the arms of her chair and leaned forward. I don't have time to wait, or prepare. I want to see my daughter. Immediately.

All the heartache and heartbreak of the past eight years rolled across Gabe like an onrushing tide. His answer was cold and calculated. I am the one who will decide when and if you see Jenny.

Erin’s steady gaze continued. "I don't want this to disintegrate into a mud-slinging contest but I will see Jenny, one way or another."

An insidious thought unraveled inside Gabe's brain. Did Erin have some notion of trying to take Jenny from him? She could wage that battle now. Sheldon Bennett had been a rich and influential man. A moment's reflection changed his mind. If she intended to pursue some legal course to gain custody of Jenny the last thing she would do was alert him to that fact. I don't like being threatened.

It's not a threat. Her tone was mild, but her green eyes flashed fire. It's a promise. After a long moment of silence, she said, Stephen Palmer's attorneys have petitioned for a new trial.

Those words hit Gabe with the force of a well-aimed blow to his mid-section. You stayed in touch with your jailbird lover? How did your husband feel about that?

My personal life no longer concerns you.

That was true. He had no right to pry. Is there any chance the petition will be granted?

Erin nodded. There's a better than average chance according to Birdie Lafferty, who represents Steve. New evidence has surfaced.

How could Steven Palmer afford to engage an expensive attorney like the flamboyant Birdie Lafferty? He couldn't, but Erin could. So, you’ve come back to stir up trouble.

Erin's eyes widened. You think I'm responsible for this turn of events?

Aren't you? She was so beautiful.

No. Steve's daughter is.

Sarah?' Gabe questioned. She's just a child."

"She was a senior in high school eight years ago. She's an attorney now with one burning purpose directing her life, to clear her father's name. Sarah has convinced a very influential group of people that Steve was framed for a crime he didn't commit. She has also enlisted some elite members of the national press to help her publicize the new evidence she's uncovered. Marc Renfro of The Renfro Report has done a documentary on the case. It's scheduled to air nationwide this Saturday evening."

I know. Renfro's staff contacted us earlier to ask for an interview.

Erin lifted one dark eyebrow. Us?

He wanted to interview both Mavis and me. I refused, of course. Surely Erin hadn't—maybe she had. You granted them an interview? Gabe's question was in reality an accusation.

Erin's fine features hardened. Why not? I have nothing to hide.

You're implying we do? Eight years ago, Mavis' testimony placed Erin at the scene of a drug-deal-gone-wrong murder. Mavis's statement coupled with later evidence proved to Gabe, beyond the shadow of a doubt, that the wife he adored was unfaithful to him.

Erin looked him squarely in the eye. I don't care about you or Mavis. I do care that this affair is going to be dragged out into the limelight and laid bare to public scrutiny all over again.

This conversation is over. Gabe stood and folded his arms across his chest. Good bye.

Erin glared up at him. You can't get rid of me that easily. I want to see my daughter immediately.

Gabe fell back into his chair as an inarticulate sound growled from his throat. After a long moment he said, I can't expose Jenny to such a traumatic experience. We must do this gradually. I have to protect her.

Erin's hands gripped the arms of her chair. How will you protect her from the consequences of this sordid story being dragged out in detail again?

That was an eventually Gabe had not considered. If she asks questions, I can explain.

I’d rather do my own explaining. I want to see my daughter and tell her the truth about what happened eight years ago.

Anger consumed Gabe's intent to be composed. No. He pointed to the door. Get out and don't come back.

Erin met his knifing stare with a look of steely determination. I intend to see my daughter. It would be to your advantage if you and I could come to some amicable agreement. If not, I'll see you in court.

Gabe swallowed. You are threatening me.

It's not a threat, Erin said calmly. One way or another, I intend to see Jenny.

No. You won't. I won't let you.

I should have known this was how you would react. In fairness to Jenny, I had to try for a peaceable solution. Erin stood and pushed her chair back with one foot. You are a hard man, Gabriel Harrow. Turning, she walked swiftly from the room.

Gabe watched her small, erect figure as she moved through the door and disappeared down the corridor. His jaw tightened as a bolt of anger shot through him. Beneath that anger ran an elusive thread of apprehension. The Erin who ran away so long ago was a frightened, naïve girl. The Erin who had returned was a poised and clearly determined woman.

Chapter Two

Twilight began to drop its mantle over the countryside. Gabe relaxed on the patio lounge and stared toward a darkening sky. A sigh slipped through his lips.

The young girl seated across from him put her elbows on the patio table and dropped her chin into her hands. Daddy, is something bothering you? She was a tall child, and skinny, all knees, angles and elbows. In that gawky awkwardness lurked the promise of rare and unique beauty that would one day blossom. Her red hair was pulled back from her heart shaped face. It hung down her back in long luxuriant curls. Her eyes, so much like her mother's that it haunted Gabe, were questioning. You haven't said two words in the last hour.

Gabe focused his gaze and his attention on his daughter. What could possibly be bothering me?

Daddy, the young voice was firm, don't treat me like I'm a little kid. I'm almost a teenager.

Gabe groaned. Don't remind me. He wondered if Jenny knew her mother was back in Summerville. If she didn't, she soon would. How he longed to spare his daughter the kind of heartbreak that marred his childhood. His growing up years were punctuated with his mother's drifting in and out of his life like a restless phantom. She would appear, lovely and repentant. Each time, according to her honeyed words, she was home for good. Over and over, Gabe and his father hoped, believed, and trusted. There would follow a few weeks, sometimes a few months, of sheer happiness. Then as suddenly as she appeared, Serena Harrow was gone.

You're getting to be quite a young lady. Gabe's resolve hardened. Erin wouldn't hurt Jenny. He wouldn't allow it.

Jenny stared down at her hands now folded and resting in her lap. Daddy, she's back in town.

Jenny seldom spoke of Erin. When she did, the reference was to She, or Her, or That Lady. He knew his daughter was still deeply wounded by her mother's desertion. How well he understood that feeling. How profoundly he sympathized, and how guilty he felt. If he hadn't taken away Erin's right to visit Jenny, maybe she would have stayed in Summerville. Your mother came to see me today.

She did? Jenny's voice lifted in surprise. Why?

This was a subject Gabe had avoided for years. It seemed the moment of truth had come. Do you know what the word custody means?

Pretty much. Kim's mother has custody of her. Jenny twisted in her chair. You have custody of me, don't you?

Gabe nodded. Yes, I do.

Jenny swallowed before saying. Kim's dad comes to see her every other weekend. Now that She's back in Summerville do you think That Lady will come to see me?

As painful as it was, Jenny had to be told. I don't think so.

Tears collected in the corners of her eyes. Daddy, why doesn't my mother like me?

Gabe's heart went out to his young daughter. Don't be foolish. Of course, your mother likes you.

Then why doesn't she come to see me? Jenny asked, and then added, She came to see you.

There seemed to be no answer to that question, short of telling the truth. Gabe took a deep breath. Your mother can't see you without my permission. That's what she came to see me about.

Jenny's voice soared with elation. She wants to see me? Leaning forward she asked anxiously, When, Daddy, when?

Resentment at being put in this difficult position made Gabe's voice sharp. I'm not sure you should see your mother.

But I want to, Jenny argued, And she wants to see me. She wouldn't have come to see you if she didn't. Why Daddy? Why can't I see her?

Gabe wasn't the villain in this little scenario. Why, then, did he feel like one? There are some extenuating circumstances.

What's that supposed to mean? Jenny came directly to the point. Did you tell my mother she couldn't see me?

Her bald question caught Gabe unaware. He extended one hand in supplication. Jenny, please try to understand.

Jenny was unyielding. Is that what you told her?

Gabe reacted automatically and foolishly. Yes. It is.

Jenny's eyes swam with tears. Why did you do that, Daddy? Why?

If Gabe weakened now, he would never be able to carry through with what he knew he must do. I did what I thought was best for you.

No, you did it because you're still mad at my mother. You're mean, Daddy, really, really mean.

That's enough, young lady. Gabe knew he was handling this situation badly. He stood and paced the length of the patio before turning to regard his daughter with troubled eyes. You're going to have to trust me when I tell you that it's best if you don't see your mother. He waited, expecting his daughter to launch into one of her familiar temper tantrums. That he could handle.

She stood and quietly promised, I will see her. You can't stop me. With that cold pronouncement, Jenny walked away, leaving Gabe gazing after her in surprised wonder. He called out, Come back here, Jenny. Now.

Jenny turned to face him. In her gaze he read the intent to argue and then, with a shrug, she crossed the patio and sat in the chair she had recently vacated. Are you going to put me on restriction?

No. Gabe sat on the side of the lounge, leaned forward, and put his hands on his knees. I'm going to explain why you can't see your mother. An unrelenting memory played through his head; the painful recollection of his father trying unsuccessfully to explain why his mother had vanished again. He hadn't understood then, and he didn't understand now why she had deserted him. How could he explain to Jenny that what seemed now a cruel decision would in time save her from heartache and sorrow?

Leaning forward, Jenny tapped him on the arm and questioned, Daddy?

Gabe pulled his thoughts back to his daughter. Your mother was implicated some years ago in a... He was set to say crime. Erin was never convicted of a crime. An unpleasant incident, he finished lamely.

What's implicated?

Was there anything more fragile than innocence? Gabe swallowed. It means involved.

Mavis thinks That Lady did something really bad.

At times like this Gabe doubted the wisdom of having kept Mavis and Cora under his roof all these years. Do you and Mavis talk about your mother often?

We don't talk about her at all. We play a game about her when we play with Mavis' Barbie dolls.

Mavis had collected Barbie dolls and the accessories that went with them since she was a small child. When Cora Matlock, poor-but-proud widow married Josiah Harrow, wealthy business executive, she brought little with her except her clothes, her mentally-deficient daughter, and that daughter's collection of Barbie Dolls and Barbie paraphernalia. I want to let go of my old life, Gabe heard her tell his father. But these dolls are so dear to Mavis, I can't ask her to give them up.

You don't have to give up anything to be my wife, Josiah assured her. Neither does Mavis. Bring along anything you'd like.

I have nothing worth bringing. Cora's eyes glowed with adoration. I'm not giving up anything. I'm leaving behind an unhappy past, and I'm gaining a son I love and a husband I adore. It was true. Cora did love Gabe, and there was never any doubt that she worshipped Josiah.

In a way that was a pity, because Josiah didn't love Cora. He was fond of her, but he didn't love her, not in the passionate, possessive way he loved Serena. From the onset of the marriage, Gabe knew that. Why, then, did his father marry Cora?

Cora was good for Josiah and for Gabe. She was all the things Serena could never be, cool, calm, even-tempered, thoughtful and kind. She did all the things Serena would never do. She made their home a safe and comfortable retreat. She entertained Josiah's friends and business associates. She attended Gabe's school functions and even took on the coaching of a Little League baseball team. Cora was everything a wife and mother should be. Her only imperfection seemed to be she wasn't Serena.

His daughter's troubled voice impinged on Gabe's wandering thoughts, bringing him back to the present. Daddy, you're not listening to me.

Gabe shook his head trying to clear his mind. I'm sorry. What did you say?

"I said Mavis has started playing that stupid game again about Adolph