One Perfect Spring Read online

  © 2014 by Irene Hannon

  Published by Revell

  a division of Baker Publishing Group

  P.O. Box 6287, Grand Rapids, MI 49516-6287

  www.revellbooks.com

  Ebook edition created 2014

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—for example, electronic, photocopy, recording—without the prior written permission of the publisher. The only exception is brief quotations in printed reviews.

  Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is on file at the Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

  ISBN 978-1-4412-4647-9

  This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or persons, living or dead, is coincidental.

  Praise for That Certain Summer

  “The lives of these endearing characters intertwine over a summer and undergo change as Hannon has readers rooting for each one of them in this uplifting story about love and redemption.”

  —Publishers Weekly

  “That Certain Summer is a story about . . . the courage to face one’s darkest fears and the wonder of the human spirit. Irene Hannon knows the power of words and the miracle of faith.”

  —New York Journal of Books

  “Beautiful storytelling and genuine, vulnerable, faithful characters are the strength of this story. This one simultaneously moves you to tears, makes you laugh, and leaves you speechless while warming your heart. A gem of a read.”

  —RT Book Reviews

  “Hannon creates characters that we can both relate to and root for; we learn from their lives as we are also entertained—the true mark of an amazing summer read.”

  —Hope for Women

  “A great weekend or rainy-day read, That Certain Summer will warm your heart and might even make you take a fresh look at some of the difficult relationships in your life.”

  —USA Today’s Happily Ever After blog

  Praise for Vanished

  “An engaging, satisfying tale that will no doubt leave readers anxiously anticipating the next installment.”

  —Publishers Weekly

  “This novel’s fast-paced plot and compelling characters (including a surprisingly complex villain) make it an excellent suggestion for inspirational-fiction fans as well as readers who enjoy Mary Higgins Clark’s subtly chilling brand of suspense.”

  —Booklist

  “This fast-paced, suspenseful series debut novel is typical Hannon, a blend of action and romance, and is sure to please her fans.”

  —Library Journal

  To my parents, James and Dorothy Hannon, as they celebrate sixty years of marriage.

  Thank you for your example of faithfulness and devotion, for your unwavering support and encouragement, and for your unconditional love.

  You are—and always have been—the wind beneath my wings.

  I love you more than words can say.

  Contents

  Cover

  Title Page

  Copyright Page

  Endorsements

  Dedication

  Prologue

  1

  2

  3

  4

  5

  6

  7

  8

  9

  10

  11

  12

  13

  14

  15

  16

  17

  18

  19

  20

  21

  22

  23

  24

  25

  26

  Epilogue

  Author’s Note

  About the Author

  Books by Irene Hannon

  An Excerpt from Book 3 in the Private Justice Series

  Back Ads

  Back Cover

  Prologue

  1

  It was going to be another late night at the office.

  Keith Watson rotated the kinks out of his neck, leaned back in his chair, and grimaced at the intimidating stack of solicitations on the corner of his desk.

  Donations from the McMillan Charitable Foundation might produce positive PR for the company, but press coverage for events like that check presentation at the children’s hospital always stirred up a plethora of do-gooders—and good-for-nothing handout seekers. If past experience was any indication, there’d only be one or two appeals here worth passing on to David McMillan for consideration.

  Keith tipped his coffee mug toward him. Nothing but dregs—and it was too late in the day to brew a new pot.

  Too bad.

  He could use a caffeine infusion.

  Resigned, he set the mug aside. Why couldn’t his boss have given this ongoing task to someone else eight months ago instead of dumping it on his desk? Sorting through pleas for money wasn’t the most productive use of an MBA/CPA’s time—nor did it contribute to the construction company’s bottom line. And David McMillan was all about the bottom line.

  Or at least he used to be, back in the days when he took a hands-off approach to the foundation and delegated duties like this to the PR company they kept on retainer instead of to his executive assistant.

  Who knew why he’d brought this job in-house?

  Just one more thing that had changed in the past year.

  Heaving a sigh, Keith tugged the stack toward him across the polished mahogany. If he wasn’t heading out of town tomorrow, he could push the review off until the morning—but since he didn’t have any big Friday night plans anyway, might as well wrap this up and be done with it.

  Stomach growling, he checked his Rolex. Six o’clock. If he sped through the stack, he might be able to make it to his favorite Chinese takeout place before . . .

  “I’m out of here.” The administrative assistant he shared with David shrugged on her trench coat in the doorway to his office. “Do you need anything else?”

  “I’m set—but why are you still hanging around? I thought Fridays were always date night with your husband?”

  Robin made a face. “Not when you have two children who both decided to get the flu on the same day. John picked them up at school right after lunch. My evening will consist of forcing fluids and watching kids upchuck.”

  He winced. “That’s almost worse than going through these solicitations. Almost.”

  “Trust me, it’s worse. Besides, I spotted a couple of interesting requests in the stack that might keep you entertained.”

  “I’ll bet.” A bolt of lightning sliced through the dark clouds massed in the April sky outside his window, followed by a boom of thunder that rattled the glass. “But I doubt we’ll ever top the guy who claimed he’d inherited a map from the Middle Ages that would lead to a trove of never-discovered paintings by Michelangelo.”

  Robin grinned. “Yeah. As I recall, he wanted the foundation to fund his trip to Europe so he could scavenge around. What an angle. But he did offer to split the proceeds with us.”

  “Right.”

  She finished buttoning her coat. “So once you dig out from that pile of letters, any exciting plans for the weekend?”

  “Other than going to the regional builders association dinner in Des Moines tomorrow night and visiting our office building project in Cedar Rapids on Sunday?”

  “Whoops. Forgot about that. Maybe you could take a comp day next week.”

  “There’s too much to do here.”

  She shook her head. “You need to get a life.”

  “I have a life. One I happen to like very much.”

  “More’s the pity. Remember, all work
. . .”

  “Tell that to David.”

  “He’s been a lot better about that since his wife died. Too bad it took a tragedy to make him see the light.” She sent him a pointed look.

  He waved her out the door. “Go home and take care of your sick kids. Once I get through this pile, I’m out of here.”

  “Until some new, urgent email comes in. But hey . . . it’s your life.” Another crash of thunder boomed through the building, and she cringed, surveying the pelting rain. “Looks like I’ll be taking my evening shower en route to my car.”

  “No umbrella?”

  “Plenty of them. All in the coat closet in my foyer.”

  Keith pulled out the bottom drawer of his desk and retrieved a collapsible version. “Take mine. The rain may let up before I’m ready to leave.”

  Hesitating, she squinted out the window again. “I doubt this storm will end any time soon. You may need it.”

  “I’m parked near the door—and I can run fast.”

  “Sold.” She took the umbrella. Tapped it against her hand. “Are you ever caught unprepared?”

  “Not if I can help it.”

  “I wish some of your planning ability would rub off on me. Thanks for this”—she waved the umbrella at him—“and have a good trip to Iowa.”

  As she disappeared out the door, the office fell silent. The rest of the staff had probably headed out closer to five, anxious to prepare for family events or primp for dates or gather with friends at a happy hour after a long week of work.

  For one tiny second, Keith felt a touch of jealousy—but he quashed it before it could take hold. He’d chosen to focus on his career instead of a social life, and he had no regrets.

  Jobs were a lot more predictable than people.

  Psyching himself up for the task at hand, he picked up the first solicitation and dug in.

  Forty minutes later, surrendering to a yawn, he set a plea from a funds-strapped sailing club on top of the large reject pile and turned his attention to the last appeal. Handwritten by an eleven-year-old girl, it had a certain childish charm. But help a woman find a son she’d tossed aside years ago? That didn’t even come close to meeting the parameters of the McMillan Charitable Foundation. While some of the requests had required a bit of thought, this was a no-brainer.

  He added it to the reject pile, straightened the stack, then stood and stretched. A heaping plate of chicken broccoli with a side of egg rolls was sounding better by the minute.

  Another crash of thunder shook the building, and he swiveled toward the window. Day had given way to night, and torrents of rain were slamming against the glass. So much for any hope the storm would let up. Par for the course this time of year in St. Louis, though.

  His stomach growled again, spurring him into action. He picked up the large stack of rejects in one hand. With the other, he snagged the only two requests worthy of further evaluation. After depositing them on Robin’s desk with a note to send the usual form letter to the rejects and pass the two possibilities on to David, he grabbed his computer and briefcase and headed for the exit.

  At the main door, he paused to survey the sheets of rain pummeling the asphalt. Who would have guessed this morning’s blue skies would turn gray? Strange how unsettled weather could sneak up on you. Might as well plunge in—and hope for the best.

  What else could you do when you found yourself in the middle of a storm?

  At the discreet knock on his half-closed door Monday morning, David McMillan tucked the sheet of paper in his hand under a report on the side of his desk. “Come in.”

  His executive assistant took a step into the office. “Robin said you wanted to see me as soon as I got in. Sorry I’m running a little late. My flight from Cedar Rapids had a weather delay last night and ended up being rescheduled until—”

  “Keith.” David held up his hand. “You’ve been with this company for eight years, and my assistant for the past three. I know your work ethic. Have a seat.” He waved the younger man into the chair across from his desk. “How did the trip go?”

  “Fine. The rubber-chicken dinner wasn’t too exciting, but I made the circuit and spoke with the key players. I also took a quick look at the books in Cedar Rapids while I was there. Everything appears to be in order.”

  David studied the thirty-three-year-old go-getter across the expanse of burnished wood. Once upon a time—and for a very long time—that had been him. He’d wanted to get ahead, make a mark, create a security net for his family. And he’d succeeded beyond his wildest dreams. His wife and daughter had never lacked for any of the creature comforts.

  But if he had it to do over . . . ?

  He brushed that thought aside. It was too late for regrets. What was done was done. But perhaps he could keep another young man from making some of the same mistakes.

  And the perfect opportunity had just dropped into his lap.

  “Sounds like a worthwhile trip. I’m sorry it infringed on your weekend.”

  Keith shrugged. “I didn’t have any plans that couldn’t be changed.”

  “I bet your mother was disappointed when you didn’t make it for Sunday dinner.”

  The other man shifted in his seat. “She understands my work can be demanding.”

  “Maybe you can drop in on her some night during the week.”

  David watched Keith squirm. Right about now, he was probably wishing he’d never mentioned his standing Sunday date with his widowed mother. When it came to his personal life, the man was as closemouthed as a savvy bass on a bad fishing day.

  “Maybe.”

  But not likely. Keith always stayed at the office until seven or eight, and his mother lived in South County, a good forty minutes away.

  David pulled the sheet of paper from beneath the report. “I found this on the floor next to Robin’s chair this morning. One of the cleaning people must have knocked it off over the weekend. From the height of the stack on her desk, it appears quite a few people noticed that check-presentation photo in the paper.” He handed the letter over. “Including a little girl.”

  His assistant spared the note no more than a quick glance. “I’ll take care of this.”

  “That’s exactly what I was going to suggest.”

  Keith sent him a wary look. “What I meant was, I’ll make sure Robin sends the standard rejection letter.”

  “And what I meant was that you should follow up on it.”

  A couple of beats of silence passed before Keith responded. “This request is from an eleven-year-old. And it doesn’t meet any of the foundation’s parameters.”

  “I agree it’s outside our charity’s normal scope of activities. So it will require some personal involvement—and perhaps a private donation. But it sounds worthwhile. An ailing woman, a long-lost son, a little girl with a compassionate heart—a touching scenario, don’t you think?”

  A muscle twitched in Keith’s jaw, but he remained silent.

  David waited him out.

  “I could make a phone call. Get a little more information.” His tone was grudging, at best.

  And David knew why.

  Keith didn’t consider this kind of assignment to be productive work.

  But productivity was measured by goals—and while following up on the little girl’s letter might not be productive in terms of Keith’s goals, it dovetailed nicely with his own.

  “An excellent start. Let me know what you find out and we’ll go from there.” He leaned forward and drew a pile of reports toward him. “I’d like to get a roundtable together this week with some of the foremen to vet the draft of our bid for that apartment complex rec center. Can you set it up, call in the right people?”

  “Of course.” Keith rose, scanned the girl’s letter . . . hesitated. The muscle flexed in his jaw again, but after a moment he continued toward the door.

  Leaning back in his chair, David tapped a finger on the arm and watched his assistant exit. Keith was a good man—smart, capable, stellar work ethic, single-min
ded focus on the job at hand—all qualities that added up to a promising future. When Tom retired next year, it would be easy to slide Keith into the job of controller with nary a blip in operations.

  In fact, that had been his plan for almost two years.

  Now . . . he wasn’t as certain.

  David swiveled toward the credenza behind him. As always, Carol smiled back at him from the photo he’d snapped on their Mediterranean cruise three years ago. The one she’d insisted they take for their thirtieth anniversary, overriding his protests that things were too busy at work. They were always too busy, she’d claimed—and she’d been right. How many times through the years had he begged off family events with that excuse?

  Too many.

  Yet the light of love shone steady in her eyes despite her years of playing second fiddle to his work. Leaning against the railing of the ship, the blue sea behind her, she looked the picture of health and far younger than her fifty-seven summers.

  Who could have guessed that one year later, she’d be dead?

  His throat tightened, and a film of moisture blurred his vision.

  So many missed opportunities to spend time with the woman he loved.

  So many missed opportunities to attend Debbie’s dance recitals and school plays and volleyball games.

  So many missed chances to say “I love you” with attention and time as well as with words and material things.

  He shifted his gaze toward the scene outside his window. After the long, cold winter, the tulips and forsythia bushes were finally in bloom. Carol had always called spring the season of hope; for him, it had always been the season of headaches, often filled with costly rain and mud delays.

  But these days he chose hope over headaches.

  If only Carol had been around to witness his transformation.

  And if only Debbie had been receptive to it—not that he blamed her for her coolness. Why should she be grateful for the attention he lavished on his grandchildren when he’d had so little time for her during her own childhood?

  He wasn’t giving up, though—even if that meant he had to spend more time from now on building bridges instead of pouring concrete.

  And along the way, perhaps he could help another young man learn that no matter what drives a person’s ambition, in the end the only success that really matters can’t be measured by a balance sheet.