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The Long Road Home

By Kimberly Rae Jordan

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CHAPTER ONE

Camilla Collingsworth propped her feet up on the end of the wooden picnic table and wiggled her freshly-painted toes. She recapped the nail polish bottle, dropped it into the grass, and then picked up her drink from the cup-holder of the lawn chair she sat in. Swirling the liquid so the ice cubes clinked the edge of the glass, she wished it held more than just lemonade.

She took a sip and grimaced. Lemonade. Iced tea. Soda. Water. That’s all they drank around here. It had been almost a month, and she was dying for something with a little more kick. Hard lemonade, Long Island iced tea, or even soda with a shot of rum would do. Of course, the hard stuff straight up would be fine, too. Anything to ease the boredom and give her a break from the barrage of memories she couldn’t escape. These had been the longest three weeks of her life.

Reclining more into the chair, Cami listened to the sounds of nature and realized that she missed the hum of engines and blare of horns that made up the backdrop of her New York City life. One more week—just one—then she could get her money and kiss this place goodbye. For good. It was bad enough that the big hulking monstrosity to her left, otherwise known as Collingsworth Manor, held no good memories, but she’d had to endure watching three of her sisters find love, happiness, and purpose in their lives while she still struggled to find a good reason to get up each day.

She straightened a little when someone emerged from the front corner of the manor. Lifting a hand to shade her eyes, Cami smiled as she recognized the lanky figure. He wore his usual attire of faded blue jeans, heavy work boots and a T-shirt. His curly, light brown hair fringed the edge of the ball cap he always wore. It was a mystery to her why the guy intrigued her, but there was no denying that he did.

“Hey, Josh!” she called as the tall man took long strides toward his trailer.

Josh Moyer paused and waved. “Hello, Cami.” But then he continued on without any further conversation.

That was nothing new, but it still rankled Cami to no end. She had never met a man so immune to her charms. Married or not, most men responded on a verbal level at the very least. She never crossed the line with the married ones—she did have some standards—but Josh didn’t even bat an eye at her flirtatious remarks. And she was willing to bet half her inheritance it had nothing to do with the ring on his finger. That would almost have made it more acceptable. She didn’t know exactly what the ring represented, but it wasn’t a marriage. She’d bet the other half of her inheritance on that.

He and his cousin, Lance had been at the manor for three straight weeks. If there was a wife in the picture, there would have been some sign of her by now. A man his age, at the very least, would have booked a room at a local hotel for some conjugal time. But no woman had showed up to claim him, and it seemed he wasn’t making trips to see anyone either. She’d find it easier to believe the ring was for a purity pledge or that he’d taken a vow of celibacy. But a wife? No way.

It didn’t really matter. Only one week remained of the wretched deal Gran had cooked up, and then she would be free. Free to be Cameron Collins instead of Camilla Collingsworth. Free to continue her pursuit of a music career. Free of a family who looked at her with judgment and condemnation in their eyes. It couldn’t come soon enough.

The rumble of an engine drew her gaze to the gap between the manor and the garage. She recognized the SUV as Dean’s, which meant that Laurel and Violet were back from visiting their mother. With a frown, she watched as the two women and their significant others climbed from the vehicle and headed her way. Matt slipped his arm around Laurel’s waist, while Dean and Violet held hands as they walked to where she sat.

The streak of jealousy caught her off-guard…and made no sense. She didn’t want to be tied to a man or, worse yet, this place. Why would she be jealous of them?

“So how was dear old Mom?” Cami asked as they joined her at the picnic table. Though she and her oldest sister, Jessa, didn’t agree on much, they did share a reluctance to visit the woman who had given birth to—but then abandoned—them.

“Cami,” Violet said, her brows drawn together. “Don’t talk like that.”

Cami took another sip of her drink. “Okay, fine. How is our mother doing today?”

“The same as our last visit,” Laurel said with a sigh as she settled on the bench of the picnic table. “From what everyone says, they don’t expect any significant changes in her condition.”

She knew this was not the outcome Violet had hoped for when she’d begun her search for Elizabeth Collingsworth. But life wasn’t life without a few disappointments. That was one lesson Cami had learned early on.

“So, she doesn’t know you’re there?” Cami asked.

“I think she knows we’re there,” Violet replied. “It’s just that she doesn’t know who we are. And there is no explaining, because the beating apparently caused severe head trauma and memory problems, both short- and long-term.”

“Hey, Josh,” Matt said.

Cami glanced away from Violet and saw that the man who had so recently occupied her thoughts had joined them.

He lifted the ball cap from his head and ran a hand through his light brown curls before replacing it. His dark blue gaze went to Violet. “How did your visit go?”

“I was just telling Cami that Mama doesn’t know who we are and likely never will.”

“I’m sorry to hear that,” Josh said, his expression sympathetic. “I’ll continue to pray for you as you spend time with her.”

Pray? Of all the useless things, Cami thought, but knew enough to keep that opinion to herself. She went to church each Sunday with the family because they expected her to, and it was only an hour of her time that served to prevent more conflict. But praying was something she didn’t waste time on. How often had she prayed and had her prayers answered? Never.

She looked at Josh as he continued to converse with the group and wondered if he really believed that stuff the way the others did. And what in the world made him so serious? The man rarely smiled. Not that he appeared angry. Just…serious. Cami hated to admit that he intrigued her like no man had before, and it was more than him not responding to her flirting. There was just something different about him.

“Where is Jessa?” Violet asked.

Cami grinned. “Probably down by the lake making out with Lance.”

“Cami.” This time it was Laurel speaking in a warning tone.

“Oh, come on. You expect me to believe that you guys don’t have a little fun?” Cami jerked her feet from the table and straightened in her seat.

“Well, we do,” Matt said, a teasing lilt to his voice as he winked at Laurel. “But we have the piece of paper that says we’re allowed to.”

Cami sighed. “Fine. They had a bit of a discussion about something to do with the renovations, and the next thing I know they were heading toward the lake. So they either wanted to fight or make up in private.”

Laurel looked at Josh. “Problems?”

He shook his head. “Not really; just a slight difference of opinion on the type of tub that should go in a couple of the bathrooms.” Surprisingly, a small smile lifted the corners of his mouth. “I think Jessa won.”

“Jessa is going to win every difference of opinion,” Cami said. “Lance seems willing to do just about anything for her.”

“And so he should,” Violet commented with a grin. “They’ve got a lot of time to make up.”

Not wanting to get into a sappy love fest, Cami asked, “What’s on the menu for supper?”

“I think Lance said he’d barbeque,” Matt replied.

Josh nodded. “He and Jessa went in to town earlier and bought food.”

“Lily is picking up Rose, so they’ll be home soon,” Laurel said. “And I think Will planned to be back from Sylvia’s for supper, as well.”

“Looks like they’ve settled whatever they needed to,” Matt commented with a nod in the direction of the lake.

Cami turned and saw Lance and Jessa walking across the large backyard. They had their arms around each other, so obviously Matt was right. Cami sighed. Being around all this lovey-dovey stuff was starting to wear on her.

One more week. One more week. It had become her mantra.

As the others talked, Cami tried to come up with a way to get to town later. She figured her best bet would be Lily. Though the younger girl couldn’t go into a bar because she was still under-age, she would probably be willing to drive her. And getting a ride back to the manor shouldn’t be too much trouble.

Cami watched Josh as he stood talking to Lance. The cousins, aside from build and attire, couldn’t look more different. Lance appeared to be about an inch or so taller than his cousin, but they both had muscled builds that seemed to be more from the work they did than visiting a gym. Lance’s hair was dark and cut short while Josh’s lighter curls touched the collar of his shirt. Oh, and that dratted ring. And, by the look of things, it wouldn’t be long until Lance was sporting one himself.

She didn’t know why the ring on Josh’s hand bothered her so much. It wasn’t like she was looking for any kind of relationship at the moment. Particularly with someone who lived in or around Collingsworth. It was just a mystery, and with nothing else to do in this quiet hick town, it gave her something to think about. She had one more week to get to the bottom of that mystery, and she planned to have it figured out before she shook the dust of Collingsworth from her feet.

~*~*~

After helping Lance with the meat, Josh Moyer sat down at the table inside the trailer they shared and let out a sigh. He twisted the ring on his finger as he stared out the window to the trees that brushed against the back side of the trailer, which had become his temporary home for the duration of the renovations at Collingsworth Manor.

Lance slid into the booth across from him. “What’s up, bro?”

Drawing his gaze from the window, Josh looked down at his hands and then slowly pulled the ring from his finger. He put it down in the middle of the table and looked up to find Lance watching him, his dark gaze intent.

His cousin’s eyebrows raised a fraction. “What’s going on?”

Josh took a deep breath. “I always told myself that when I started to feel an attraction to a woman, I’d take it off. It’s disrespectful to Emma to continue to wear it when my thoughts have moved in another direction, even if it’s not serious.”

“Please,” Lance said. “Please don’t tell me it’s Cami.”

“It’s a couple of different things. Part of it is her, yes. But it’s also Matt and Laurel. Dean and Violet.” He smiled at Lance. “You and Jessa. As I’ve seen you guys fall in love, I find myself at a place I never thought I’d be. Wanting to move forward.”

Lance scowled. “And you want to do that with Cami?”

“No. I will admit she’s hard to ignore and stirs things in me that I haven’t felt in a long time, but I know there’s no future there. Faith issue aside, I’m pretty sure she doesn’t really want anything to do with me. I think she sees me as a challenge. But just the fact that seeing you guys together is making me think about a relationship tells me maybe it’s time to seriously consider moving forward.”

“Well, I’m happy to hear that. I can tell you from recent experience that finding the right person is amazing. I will certainly join you in praying for that woman to come your way.”

“Thank you.” Josh was surprised by how right it felt to remove the thin gold band. He’d worn it since he was nineteen, but it was time to move on. Emma was part of a tragic past and, while he wished it had ended differently for them, he was fairly certain that had she lived, divorce would have followed shortly after all that had transpired around that time.

Josh hoped God would bless him with a relationship like Lance had with Jessa, although he still wondered if he was worthy of such love. He’d failed miserably once already. Perhaps God wouldn’t want to give him a second chance at something so precious, even if it was something he now wanted.

~*~*~

Cami managed to corner Lily shortly after she got back with Rose.

“Are you going in to town tonight?”

Lily nodded. “I’m going to see a movie with Nate.”

“Can I hitch a ride?”

Lily’s eyes widened briefly. “Where to?”

Cami debated lying, but she knew her sister would guess where she was going anyway. “To the bar.”

Lily frowned. “Jessa and Violet won’t like that.”

Trying to rein in her irritation, Cami asked, “How old am I?”

“Twenty-five.”

“Exactly. Last time I checked that meant I was an adult. I know Jessa and Violet won’t like it, but I’ve been stuck out here since the day I arrived. Frankly, I need a break. You must understand that.”

Lily hesitated and then nodded. “Okay. I’m heading out around eight. We’re catching the late show.”

“Perfect. I’ll be ready then.”

Having figured out her plan, Cami felt more energized than she had since arriving at the manor. Anticipation of what the evening might hold distracted her throughout the meal, and most of the conversation didn’t even register. She helped clean up afterwards and then slipped into the trailer with Lily to get ready. The others stayed outside visiting, which suited Cami just fine.

When they stepped out of the trailer to leave, Cami felt all eyes on her and Lily. She had chosen a more demure outfit of skinny white jeans and a black sleeveless button-up top that she’d knotted at her waist. Of course, her definition of demure and that of her sisters was a bit different.

“Where are you going?” Jessa asked, shielding her eyes with one hand as she looked up at them.

Lily glanced at Cami and then said, “Heading to town for a movie.”

Jessa picked her phone up and looked at the display. “This late?”

“The late show starts at 8:45.”

“Don’t be too late. We have church in the morning,” Jessa reminded them.

With nods, they left the group and headed for the driveway.

“Thanks,” Cami said once they were out of earshot.

“Just don’t get into trouble or Jessa will never let me drive the car again,” Lily cautioned as she opened her door and slid behind the wheel.

“I won’t.”

When Cami stepped into the darkened interior of the bar a few short minutes later, she felt immediately at ease. This was her world. Now, if she could just make a deal with someone to get some free drinks.

~*~*~

Josh heard the sound of an emotional exchange going on outside the trailer. He left his computer and opened the door to see what had happened. The globe-shaped patio lights that Lance had strung up gave off enough illumination that he could see the group standing together around the slender figure of the youngest Collingsworth.

“What do you mean she’s still in town, Lily?” Jessa demanded.

“I’m sorry, Jessa,” Lily said, her voice tight. “I thought she was coming home with me after I dropped her off.”

“Dropped her off where?” Agitation was clear in the oldest Collingsworth sister’s voice. “Where is she?”

“At the bar. I dropped her off there before we went to the movie. When we went back to pick her up, she wasn’t waiting. Nate went in since I couldn’t, and she told him to go home.”

“So you just left her?”

“She said she’d find a way home. I didn’t know what else to do,” Lily said with a sob. “I didn’t know she was going to stay.”

“Did Nate say how she was?” Violet asked.

“He said she was at the bar drinking,” Lily told them.

“With her clothes on?” Dean asked.

Josh glanced at Dean in surprise. Clearly something had happened in the past to cause this level of alarm over a trip to the bar.

He looked back in time to see Lily shrug. The young girl stood in front of her older sisters with hunched shoulders, and arms crossed tightly over her middle. “Nate didn’t say.”

Violet let out a long breath. “I thought she was doing so well, but I guess it was too much to expect her to stay out of trouble the entire time she was here.”

“Guess I’d better go see what she’s up to,” Dean said, his tone resigned.

“Remember, no special favors for her this time,” Jessa said, her words clipped.

“Why don’t I go get her?” As soon as the words were out, Josh wished he could take them back. Everyone turned to look at him in surprise.

“Really?” Lance asked. “I’m not sure that’s a good idea.”

“I’m probably the least likely to upset things further by going into the bar after her.”

Jessa shook her head in clear exasperation. “Well, be prepared for anything. Last time, she made quite a spectacle of herself, and the bar called in law enforcement. Thankfully, Dean bailed her out.”

Josh glanced at Dean, and the sheriff nodded. “Alcohol seems to do a number on the girl.”

“I’ll get my keys and see what I can do.” Josh turned without looking at his cousin. After their earlier conversation, this probably called into doubt his comment about not including Cami in his future, but he couldn’t seem to help the concern he felt for her.

Lily gave him directions to the place she’d left Cami and, within fifteen minutes, he’d found a parking spot and was headed into the drinking establishment. Once inside the darkened interior, it took him a minute to orient himself. He could hear a woman’s husky singing, accompanied by a piano. For a small-town bar, they seemed to have some quality entertainment. He knew something about singers with talent, and whoever was singing definitely had some.

His gaze skimmed the people sitting on the bar stools and then moved on to the tables, hoping to spot the blond curls of the woman he’d come to rescue. When he didn’t see her, Josh wondered if Lily had given him the wrong directions or, worse yet, maybe Cami had left with someone else already.

As the song ended, Josh moved a little further into the bar but paused when he heard the singer speak into the microphone. “This is for all you folks out there who are looking for love.”

He swung around to stare at the woman seated at the piano. Stunned, Josh stood for a long moment watching as Cami played and sang her way through the romantic ballad.

He was jostled from behind by a patron and moved to the bar counter in search of a seat.

“What can I get you?” the bartender asked as he settled on a stool nearest the wall.

“Coke,” Josh said.

“Just Coke? Nothing in it?”

“Just Coke. I’m the designated driver,” Josh told him. Because, whether she liked it or not, he was going to be Cami’s sober ride home.

When the man returned with his drink, Josh nodded toward Cami and said, “She’s good.”

“She’s great,” the man replied. “Strange, though, I’m pretty sure she’s one of the Collingsworth sisters. But she came in and asked if she could do a couple of sets in exchange for free drinks. She’s been very good for business tonight.”
Josh could only imagine, but he was happy to see that she still wore the outfit she’d left the manor in earlier. Whatever had happened before, it didn’t seem to be repeating itself. Mind you, the evening was still young.

For now, he wouldn’t interrupt her because he heard in her voice and saw in the way she played that her music had been cooped up for too long. Josh understood that. He’d felt it himself. And he thought he understood her need to be in a place like this. So he would let her have her time, and when she finished this set and came for another drink, he’d somehow talk her into returning to the manor. Hopefully, without causing a scene.

She must have only been at the start of her set when he arrived because she continued to perform for almost half an hour. With each song, his respect for her talent grew. Cami sang recent popular songs as well as tunes from decades ago, all flawlessly from memory. While waiting for her big break, she certainly wasn’t just sitting around. He found himself humming along with her on some of the songs. While he had never performed secular music, he had listened to plenty over the years. Some songs he liked better than others, but none of it came from his memory the way it did from hers.

He watched as a couple of people approached her and, he assumed, requested songs. She seemed to be able to fulfill the requests without any trouble. People left tips in the glass on the edge of the piano, though she seemed unaware of them. Without a doubt, this girl was lost in her own world of music. He wondered if her family had any idea about her talent.

Finally, she came to the end of her set. When the last haunting strains of the song drifted away, Cami lifted her hands from the piano and rested them in her lap. As people clapped, she nodded her acknowledgement and then got up. After picking up her glass, she made her way in his direction.

Josh didn’t move from his seat, waiting to see when she’d notice him.

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