Double Blessings

Contents

About the Author -

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Epilogue

About the Author -

The author lives in British Columbia, Canada. An avid reader, she had a dream of putting her imagination to work and write, but life was too busy to allow that. After she retired, travelled, and became a widow, she found time to follow that dream to fruition. This is her second book, with a sequel to follow. She would love to hear from her readers. justlois@telus.net

Chapter One

As she sat in Paul Martin’s office, it was hard for Liana to grasp the full extent of what he had told her. She was grateful that her best friend Amanda was with her, because she found the whole situation incredible. Mr. Martin was her late Uncle Ray’s attorney and he had just read the ‘Will’ that made her sole heir to his estate.

Ray Graham was a widower with no children of his own, his younger brother, Liana’s father, predeceased him. Although Liana and her dad visited Ray quite often, it never occurred to her that other than her father, she was Ray’s only relative, thus, his next if kin. Ray had always been good to her, lavishing her with gifts, but never in her wildest dreams did she think he would leave her his entire estate.

Liana could not remember her mother, because she died when Liana was only a baby. She was raised by a nanny, Julia, who was, and to this day is like a mother to her. Ray was older than her father was and Liana remembers how he always liked to boss her father around and give him advice on different matters. He used to say that it was not right for Liana to grow up without a mother and urged Michael to get married and provide her with one. However, her father was adamant that he would never get married again. He wouldn’t hear of it, saying that Liana’s mother was the love of his life and could never be replaced. He was happy to have a daughter and was content to live out his life looking after her for as long as she needed him. He doted on her and spoiled her terribly. His life consisted of two important things, his daughter, that looked so much like her mother, and his work. He worked very long hours as a neurosurgeon and was under a lot of stress. Then one day he suffered a fatal heart attack and Liana was left alone with only Julia to turn to. When Liana’s education was over and she began working, she and Julia no longer lived under the same roof. Julia moved out as she was no longer needed at Liana’s place and her ailing sister needed a companion just then, so things worked out well for her.

Liana sold the family home and moved to an ultra modern apartment where there was nothing to remind her of the good times she and her father had shared together as she was growing up. It hurt her too much to be reminded of him, because they were so close.

She lived two hundred miles away from Uncle Ray’s place and he urged her to move closer to him after her father died, but Liana liked her work in Calgary and all her friends were there. As things usually do happen in life, she became wrapped up in her own busy world and didn’t see too much of him. When he passed away, she regretted that she did not go to see him more often.

Now, she was advised that he left her his estate. She sat there as though in a trance, speechless, staring at a pen that Mr. Martin was tapping on his desk. Amanda took it upon herself to inquire what the estate consisted of. Paul Martin flipped through some pages in the folder before him and said that in addition to the capital, stocks, bonds, securities, real estate, and other parcels of land, there was the house that he lived in, several apartment buildings, a condominium in Hawaii, several vehicles, and a small business. He had sold most of his holdings as he became older and unable to cope. But in order to keep busy and out of the house, he ran a small confectionery that sold newspapers, books, smokes and confections. It also had a photo copying service, a fax machine, and a lottery center.

Let’s go Lee, said Amanda, breaking into Liana’s momentary lapse into oblivion, take the keys from Mr. Martin and we’ll go and have a look at the house and store.

Yes, of course, Liana replied as she shook Paul’s hand, thank you Mr. Martin. I’ll no doubt be in touch with you again with many questions once I have absorbed all this information.

As they left the office, Amanda suggested that they go to see the store first and then get something to eat before they proceed to the house. Liana agreed. It was good to have her friend make all the decisions for her now while she was still bewildered. The two of them went to school together and remained close friends all those years. They attended University at the same time and studied law. But that was where their similarities ended. Liana chose to do legal aid work, whereas Amanda joined a prestigious law firm. Amanda was a staunch feminist and proved to be as good, if not better, than any male lawyer was. Although she dated many men, it didn’t appear as though she would ever marry. She loved her work and she loved all men, so it was hard to imagine her settling down with a husband and family.

Liana on the other hand, would dream of someday getting married and having children. She was dating Clint for over a year now, and although they were not officially engaged, it was understood that they would eventually marry. Clint wanted to buy a house before they took the big step and they were both working toward that goal. Liana wondered what he would say now that she had this inheritance. She couldn’t wait to tell him.

The convenience store was located on a busy street in the downtown area. It was surrounded by towering office buildings, so business was brisk. Office workers and business people of all sorts would stop in for a morning newspaper and have a chat with Ray. He always had fresh brewed coffee on for those who wanted it and enjoyed talking to his regulars. He had one employee, Ilsa Olson, and if truth be known, she ran the place while he enjoyed himself visiting with the customers. Liana often wondered why they didn’t get married, as she was sure Ilsa was in love with Ray.

As they entered the store, they could hear soft music, the melodious tones of a piano. Liana recognized it as ‘Fur Elise’, a favorite of her father’s as he sat at their upright and played some evenings. They found Ilsa smartly dressed in a black suit with a frilly white blouse and perfectly coiffed hair. She greeted Liana warmly, remembering her from previous visits with her uncle. Liana introduced her to Amanda and they chatted in a friendly manner, however, Ilsa looked a little astonished when Liana told her that she was now the new owner of the store. Liana assured her that she was not going to make any changes and to carry on as usual. Ilsa seemed a little relieved.

Ilsa smiled as she watched them leave. They were such attractive women and so different in appearance. Amanda with her red hair and hazel eyes was a little shorter than Liana, who had long blond hair and blue eyes. She wondered how Liana was going to cope with her inheritance because she was so young, and she couldn’t help but wonder just how safe her own job was in spite of Liana’s assurances that everything would remain the same.

Liana was lost in thought as they began to pull out into the flow of traffic, when Amanda pointed out that a high-rise building was under construction next door. Curious to see what sort of building it was to be, Amanda inched the car along until they were in front of it, but it was hard to read the sign due to flying dust. Just then, a cement truck was trying to leave, so he blew the horn at them. A man in a hard hat holding a clipboard came running over to them. Hey! Ladies, you can’t stop here. You are blocking the driveway. Move it!

What a rude man. muttered Liana as Amanda pulled away, he could have asked us to leave without being so obnoxious.

Yeah, I know, but what a gorgeous guy he is. Did you see the build on him? sighed Amanda.

No, I didn’t. All I know is that your ‘Mr. Macho’ should learn how to deal with the public without acting like a tyrant. I hope they finish that project quickly, because I would hate to put up with all that noise and dust next door for long, and chance running into that loud mouth again.

They had gone only one block when Liana noticed a parking spot open, so she suggested they stop there and eat at the restaurant across the street. The hostess seated them after a short wait as the place was full with lunchtime clientele, handed them menus and started helping clear the table across the aisle from them. As they were deciding what to order, Amanda looked over the top of her menu and whispered, Don’t look now, but your friend just walked in. Liana didn’t know whom she meant, nor did she look as her back was to the door. Then the ’rude man’ and three others were seated across from them. Amanda could never resist good-looking men, and now she seemed extremely excited as she looked over at them and smiled. Liana groaned inwardly and kicked her friend under the table.

Well, well, if it isn’t the woman that parks in driveways, said the man in question. Amanda tossed her hair back over her shoulder flirtatiously, Oh, come on, we weren’t parked there, we just slowed down, she laughed, and continued her banter with him in a coquettish manner. Liana was annoyed and completely ignored them, but she noticed out of the corner of her eye that the men were eyeing them. After the waitress brought their order, she walked over to the men. It appeared as though they ate there often as she spoke to them familiarly and they all laughed raucously. Chagrined, Liana glanced at them wondering why they had to put up with all that noise when all she wanted was a peaceful lunch. She found ’the man’ looking at her and for a fleeting moment their eyes met, then she quickly looked away. She silently agreed with Amanda that he was a handsome specimen. He had perfect facial features and his blond hair glistened beneath the overhead lights, an unruly lock down on his forehead. He had a great physique, his shoulders broad and muscles along his upper arms were pushing against the material of his shirt. He brushed the hair back off his forehead impatiently and looked at her again. Embarrassed that he caught her checking him out, she decided not to look his way again. She sensed some sort of attraction to this stranger and could not understand it. How could that be when she disliked him so much? She didn’t even like blond men, her Clint had jet-black hair. So what if this guy was well built? It had nothing to do with her. Amanda in her wisdom had told her that the men were muscular because they worked in construction and did heavy labour, which kept them in such good shape. Liana thought they probably had a little help from workouts in the gym.

Throughout the meal, Amanda talked to the men and flirted shamelessly. Liana was getting more and more annoyed by the minute, so as soon as they finished eating she stood up to go, as they still had to look at the house before making the long trek home. Amanda was hesitant about leaving, and once outside she said, Really Lee, did you have to rush us out of there like that? We didn’t even find out their names. They might have asked us out, and I for one would have loved that. Now I wonder if we’ll get to see them again. They were all so gorgeously yummy looking, and did you notice that two of them looked alike? They must be brothers.

Oh, Amanda, don’t carry on so. They are not your type. They don’t wear the three-piece suits that you are used to, so why would you want to know their names? We will probably never see them again,

I know, but there was something so intriguing about them, you know? They were different, exciting, and with a sense of humor. They were great. We could have stayed at your uncle’s house if they had asked us out.

If you say they were great once more I’ll scream. I don’t want to talk about them anymore. Annoyed with her friend, Liana hastened her step as she walked back to the car, and Amanda had to take running steps to keep up with her.

They arrived at the grand house to find it looking desolate. The acres of lawn needed mowing and the flowerbeds were overgrown with weeds. Liana wondered what happened to the gardener that had worked there for as long as she could remember. As they entered, all the memories of her visits there with her father returned. It looked so sad being empty with evidence of Uncle Ray everywhere. The first room that they entered was the den, which was where Ray spent most of his time. It served as his office, library, and place of relaxation. The big overstuffed burgundy recliner had a book on it, and his glasses were on the table beside it. There was a large oak desk in that room with another table beside it. Both were covered with papers, documents, and tomes in a haphazard manner. One wall was lined with books, and two wing chairs flanked the fireplace. It was a real man’s room with dark panelled walls and red carpet.

The kitchen was large, with modern conveniences that would be the envy of any chef. Many windows let in the sunshine and made it look cheery. A breakfast nook extended out into an alcove with windows on three sides. There were eight bedrooms, each with a private bathroom. The living and dining rooms had an archway between them. A solarium contained wicker furniture. Colorful cushions of gray, moss green, and dusty rose were plentiful, but the myriads of beautiful plants were wilted and drooping. The two women went to work immediately and watered them. That done, they proceeded out to the large terrace and noticed that it too was neglected. At the back of the yard was a gazebo nestled among some trees, with vines trailing over it.When they went back in Liana was beginning to see the difference, in her minds eye, of the way it would look once she put her own furniture and color scheme into it. It was a beautiful home, and so huge, much too large for one person, needed brightening up, hence, a lot of work would be required to get it to look like she wanted it. She couldn’t wait to get started, but now it was getting late and time to return home. She locked up the house, but hated to leave it. It felt like it was her home already.

Before they headed out on the freeway to Calgary, Amanda drove past the store so they could have one more look at it, but Liana suspected that Amanda really wanted to see the men at the work site next door. However, they did not see any of them around.

It was almost midnight when Liana entered her apartment feeling very tired. She looked forward to a quick shower and bed, but as she was about to turn on the shower her phone rang. When she picked it up, she heard Clint’s voice. Thank goodness you are finally home, where in the world have you been? I called your office and was told that you were off, and there was no answer at your place all day. I was worried sick that something happened to you.

Clint! Hi, I’m sorry that I didn’t tell you, but something came up so I had to go to Edmonton. I didn’t get a chance to call you because Amanda was waiting for me. There was a long pause before he asked, Edmonton? But what could have been so important for you to go there and not tell me?

I told you that… she started to say, but he interrupted. Honestly, Liana, that was very thoughtless of you. Didn’t you think I would worry about you? Why would you want to leave in such a hurry anyway?

If you stop talking I’ll tell you, she said testily. She was tired and found his questions and tone of voice annoying.

Never mind, I’m on my way over so you can tell me then.

But Clint, it’s late and I’m tired - Clint? Damn, he hung up on me she muttered to herself as she put down the buzzing receiver. Well, so much for my shower and bed she thought, as she put on a caftan and went to make some coffee.

Clint arrived and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. Is that fresh coffee I smell?

Yes, sit down and I’ll get you some, she said, taking the jacket he handed her to hang up. She then filled two mugs of the steaming dark liquid and took them into the living room where she found him pacing the floor nervously. Liana sat down on the sofa took a sip of hers and watched him. Clint sit down and have your coffee, you are making me nervous with your pacing.

Oh, sorry, I’m still thinking about what I have to pack before I go away.

You’re going away? Where to?

Yes, well, that’s what I have been wanting to tell you all day. One of the men in our parent office in Vancouver has taken ill suddenly, so they are sending me down there to help out until he returns.

Really? When are you leaving?

I have to leave tomorrow so that is why I was so anxious to tell you today, and I have no idea how long I will be there. As I said, it will be until he is able to return to work. Clint finally sat down, and they drank their coffee in silence, each in their own thoughts. Then he looked at her, took her hand in both of his and said softly, I’m going to miss you Liana, but I have to go. Perhaps you could take some of your vacation time and go to the coast too. I’d reserve a room for you at the hotel where I’ll be staying and we can see each other every day. Of course we could only see each other after I finish work, but it would be nice to have you there.

I don’t know Clint; this isn’t a good time for me. I was planning on taking time off to go to Edmonton and see to things there.

What is suddenly so important in Edmonton? He sounded annoyed, but Liana ignored his mood and explained the reason she had been to Edmonton, and because of that, she needed to be there again for a longer period of time to put things in order. I want to do some work on the house and then sit in with Ilsa to see how things are run at the convenience store. He looked astonished and shook his head, I just can’t believe this. Why didn’t you tell me this before? Couldn’t you just sell those places instead of getting involved in all that extra work?

I just found out myself today after seeing the lawyer there, so I couldn’t tell you before. I tried to tell you on the phone, but you didn’t let me. Maybe eventually I will sell out, but now I think I’d like to keep the store and run it. The house is lovely, it’s a mansion actually, so I thought I’d fix it up using my taste in colors and furniture, and live there."

You’re kidding, right? What about your work here and more importantly, what about us?

I would quit my job, and we can still see each other. Nothing would change there. It’s not that far away.

That’s impossible, I’m not about to travel two hundred miles every time I want to see you. Just sell the house and business and keep your job here. It would mean we could get married sooner, because we could buy a house here. he insisted. Liana could see that he was thinking of all the extra money they would have if she did that. She wondered what he would think if he knew that she also inherited millions and didn’t need to work another day in her life. This just didn’t feel like the right time to tell him that. She had to let him absorb what she told him so far. I’ll need some time to think about what you said, she explained. He got up then, You do that, think things over and you’ll see that what I said makes sense. I’ll go now so I can get some sleep and I’ll be gone early tomorrow, but I’ll phone you from Vancouver as soon as I get settled in. She walked him to the door and this time he held her close, kissed her tenderly and whispered, Good night Liana, I’ll miss you. We’ll talk more and make plans later when I return.

When Liana finally had her shower and was in bed, she found that sleep eluded her. So many thoughts were crowded in her head that she was thoroughly confused. The events of the day seemed like a dream to her, but she had been happy. Then Clint put doubts in her head and now she wondered if giving up her old life was the right thing to do. After much tossing and turning, her bedding twisted every which way, she came to the conclusion that she would proceed as she had planned. With that in mind, her eyelids closed.

Liana woke up feeling as though she had slept only a few minutes, but an invigorating shower perked her up. She went down to the office and arranged for some time off work and then went home to pack so she could leave the following morning. She phoned Amanda and told her of her decision. Clint wants me to sell everything and stay here though, she added.

Don’t worry about Clint; he’ll come around to your way of thinking once he has had some time to take it all in. I think you are doing the right thing girlfriend.

Thanks, I needed to hear that, Liana sighed.

In the evening Clint called and told her that, it looked like he would be working long hours as the work had piled up, and he had no idea how long he would be needed there. How about you? Did you decide to sell that house?

No, I haven’t, I need more time to think, but I’m going there tomorrow to do what I said needed to be done. Even if I sell, I still need to sort through the things in the house.

All right, I guess I’ll have to settle for that then, but I was hoping you would come out here instead.

Maybe I’ll be able to do that after I finish there. I’ll talk to you soon, and don’t work too hard.

Good night Liana, drive safe.

I will, good night Clint.

She poured herself a cup of coffee, and sat on the sofa with her feet curled up under her. She didn’t feel like reading or watching television, because she had so much on her mind. Am I doing the right thing? She wondered. Clint said we could get married sooner if I did what he wanted. Perhaps that is what I should do. But, something was bothering her and she couldn’t quite figure it out. Although Clint talked about marriage, she never heard him say ‘I love you’, nor did he actually propose to her. He just took it for granted that she would fall in with his plans. Now she saw him in a completely different light. He was arrogant and bossy, demanding that she sell everything in order to buy the house they had been working for. Was he only interested in the money? Would she be able to put up with his dictatorial ways when they were married, if it was beginning to annoy her now? She dated him solely for over a year, liked and respected his opinions, but she wasn’t sure she felt that way now. In fact, she was beginning to have serious doubts about her feelings for him. If she really loved him, then she would not have this problem accepting his advice. She had suddenly become a very wealthy woman, which enabled her to have independence and freedom to try out new ventures and settle down in a new city. This new beginning would enable her to travel extensively as she always wanted to do. She didn’t want anyone telling her what to do, and that is exactly what Clint was doing.

Having slept very little the night before, Liana had no problem falling asleep even though she was still contemplating her new feelings and the work ahead. She got up early, feeling refreshed and in good spirits. After a quick cup of coffee, she left while it was still dark, anxious to get to her destination. When she reached the outskirts of Edmonton, she stopped at a restaurant, bought a morning paper, and sat down to have a leisurely breakfast. The waiter poured her some coffee, took her order and left. The aroma of the coffee was wonderful and awoke her senses. She inhaled it deeply before taking a sip. The front page of the newspaper had an article about a trial in which Amanda was representing the defendant, so Liana became engrossed reading it. Good morning, said a deep masculine voice beside her. She looked up and her eyes opened wide in amazement to see the tall, broad shouldered man standing before her. It was the man from the construction site. He was wearing blue jeans that were molded to his thighs, and a blue shirt with sleeves turned up twice over his powerful arms. She realized that she was holding her breath as she looked up at the captivating smile that lit up his face, so she exhaled and finally found her voice to reply, Good morning, with a slight smile on her face. His blue eyes regarded her with appreciation as he appraised what he could see of her appearance. We haven’t been introduced, but I feel like I know you already, he said, holding out his hand to her, My name is Lindal. That’s probably a line he uses on all the women he wants to meet, she thought. I’m Liana, she replied, taking his hand. When their fingers touched for the handshake, he held her hand a little longer than was necessary.

She tried to ignore the charismatic charm of this man that was drawing her to him, so she withdrew her hand quickly. After all, this was the man that she disliked because of her first impression of him, and still did. Shaken by the unfamiliar feeling and the effect he was having on her now, she took a deep breath and decided to pull herself together and act indifferent as she would with any other person that she just met.

Do you mind if I join you? he asked with a drawl that was definitely not Canadian. If you wish, she told him nonchalantly as she turned to another page of the newspaper. She could feel his eyes on her, squirmed a little in her seat and sat up straighter.

Are you on your way out of town?

No, she replied, hoping to discourage any further talk, but he persisted.

Your friend isn’t with you this time, I see.

Annoyed at his insistence in questioning her, she lowered the paper and met his blue eyed gaze, but suddenly became breathless again and aware of her quickening heartbeat. This stranger attracted her as if by some magic power. However, she was determined to keep composed and in control of her emotions. You are very observant this morning she said in a sarcastic tone of voice.

Look, I’m just trying to make small talk, so help me out here, he retorted sharply. Liana ignored him and began reading again. What are you reading that is so interesting? the advice column, or your horoscope? he asked mockingly.

What a chauvinist, she thought. So that is what he thought women read. He had no idea he was talking to someone who worked and gained respect in a man’s world. Someone who refused to be intimidated by men who were bold, arrogant and domineering. This man was all those things, and he thought he was God’s gift to women. He expected a woman to fall under his spell, flutter her eyelashes and be servile. Keeping her angry feelings under control she said, So! you think that is all women are capable of reading. Well, I hate to disappoint you, but I’m actually reading about the Jensen trial. My friend Amanda is the attorney for the defendant in that case, but I don’t know why I need to explain myself to you.

He looked amused and chuckled at her little tirade. Are you trying to pick a fight with me Liana? Suddenly, she became confused and wondered why she was acting so out of character when speaking to this man. Oh, I don’t know what I’m doing, she said frustrated, I don’t normally act so rude to people, but when they are rude to me I tend to retaliate.

Is that what I’m doing? Being rude?

No, not now, but you were very rude when you told us to ‘beat it’ that day at the construction site. But you were just doing your job, I suppose, so I shouldn’t have brought it up. I’m sorry.

Just then the waiter brought her breakfast and took Lindals order, which gave her time to calm down. She shook out her napkin noisily and glanced at him covertly, wondering what he was going to say next.

For the record I said ‘move it’ not ‘beat it’. Anyway Liana, I’m the one that should be sorry and I am. It seems we started out on the wrong foot here. If I had known that you were going to get upset, I wouldn’t have sat here. Could we start over again and see if things go better?

Why did you sit here? she regretted the question as soon as it came out of her mouth. For some reason, she just couldn’t have a polite conversation with this man.

No man in his right mind would pass up a chance to sit with a beautiful woman.

I guess I should be flattered.

Are you? he asked, his brilliant blue eyes seemed to be looking right into her soul. She never answered, but looked down at the food as she nibbled her toast. However, she felt like a thousand tiny icicles were moving up her spine, making her tremble with awareness of his proximity. There has to be some sort of chemistry here, making me react this way, she reasoned.

When Lindal realized that she was not going to say anything, he began again. What do you do, are you a model?

Does it matter?

No, I guess it doesn’t, but you are so beautiful that I assumed–.

Don’t assume anything, she interrupted.

I still think you are trying to provoke me, to start an argument.

Why would you think that?

Well, try as I might, I can’t seem to start a conversation with you. Whatever I say ruffles your feathers.

Perhaps you shouldn’t try then, but all right, let’s talk. What shall we talk about? The weather maybe, or how the price of gas is rising?

Amused by this, he watched her spread marmalade on her toast. Why not? he countered, at least we’d be talking.

Liana looked up to find him laughing, a laugh so infectious that