Rock and A Hard Place (Cascade Brides Series) (22 page)

Faith sat forward on the couch. “Yes?”

“Well, I'm sorry to tell you that it didn't make the finals.”

She blinked, then clapped a hand over her mouth against a bark of
laughter. When she could trust herself, she removed her hand and
said, “Oh, that's too bad.”

“Yes, I know you'll be very disappointed, but I don't want you to
be discouraged. I was told there were over ten thousand entries.
Nearly impossible odds.”

“I appreciate you letting me know. And I'll pass the info on to
Shane.”

“Don't let this get you down, Faith. You're a very talented
photographer and I know you'll go far in the field. In fact, the
artistry of the photo has won me over and I'd like to talk to you
two at some point about having Bascombe's use the image for our
logo.”

“Thank you, Merle, that means a lot. And I think that's an
intriguing idea.”

“Discuss it with your—with Shane.”

Yep, he knew. “I will. And thanks for the encouragement.

Well, you mean a lot to me, young lady. Never forget that.”

“Aw, right backatcha, Boss.”

He laughed. “Have a good evening. See you soon.”

Faith stared at the phone as she disconnected the call. She tried to
feel upset or angry about losing the contest, but could only muster
a vague sense of disappointment. Because at the moment, she had
Shane and he wasn't dead. It kind of put things in perspective.

And every photographer knew the importance of that.

Chapter Nineteen

For the following week, Faith spent as much time as possible with
Shane, mostly acting as nurse, keeping him fed and medicated and
reminding him to go easy on his leg, but there were dividends to the
arrangement.

They'd watched several movies together in the afternoons, played
some chess (she always won) or just cuddled and talked about
everyday things.

The lifestyle was growing on her. In the evenings, she stayed busy
working on the latest brochures and website updates. At times she
was tempted to ask Shane where their relationship was going. Not
that she expected some proposal on bended knee, but it was difficult
for someone usually so focused on the goal to just enjoy the
journey. Even though the journey
had
proved very enjoyable of
late.

Maybe it was the undercurrent of insecurity that made her nervous.
Just because Shane took her advice when it came to home décor and
kissed like a dream didn't mean there was anything permanent in
their relationship. He seemed content to take things one day at a
time. She wished she could too.

On Friday, at lunch, she packed up her things at the office to head
to Shane's for the afternoon. It was his last weekend of
convalescence before going back to work on Monday. She poked her
head into Merle's office to say goodbye, but he was on the phone. He
waved her in and finished up his phone call.

After hanging up, he stood and smiled. “Just the person I was
looking for.”

Faith's brows inched up in amusement. “I'm the only one here,
Merle.”

He chuckled and came around the desk. Putting his arm around her
shoulders and giving her a squeeze, he said, “There's something
I'd like to talk with you about.”

She looked at him attentively, wondering if it had to do with the
logo. Shane was amenable to the idea, but he also wanted to look
into selling the images as framed prints.

Merle released her and cleared his throat. “Faith, you've been
with us at Bascombe Productions for some time now. I've watched you
mature in both character and skill.”

Faith's thoughts shifted into a different gear and raced around in a
circle as she tried to come up with a list of reasons for this talk.
Did he have to let her go? Was this a promotion? Was he retiring and
shutting down the business?
Don't panic. Hear him out first
.
If only the drumbeat of her pulse would listen.

“And because of your bringing the business into the twenty-first
century, coupled with your camera skills, business has doubled.”
Merle hooked his thumbs into his belt loops. “The thing is, I'm
making some changes in my life, and well, I've decided to retire.”

Faith's expression froze. How should she react? Congratulatory?
Disappointed? Her stomach clenched as she forced a smile. “That's
wonderful, Merle! I'm so thrilled for you.”

“I'm sure you're wondering about the future of the business. Well,
I've given it a lot of thought. As you know, Bascombe's is not the
main source of my income, and I've been investing the profits from
the business for the last ten years. Now I'm ready to do a bit of
traveling.”

She stared at him blankly. Traveling. In light of potential
joblessness, she was finding it difficult to muster enthusiasm for
her boss's plans.

“That said,” he continued, seemingly unaware of her growing
anxiety, “I'd like to sign Bascombe's over to you.”

Faith kept her stiff expression in place, afraid she'd think or say
the wrong thing. Had she heard him right? She went back over the
words he'd just spoken, striving for calm. “You'd like to sign
over the company...so that means I'd be managing—?”

“I'm giving it to you, Faith. Free and clear. You've already
proven you know how to run a business and are forward thinking.
Goodness knows in today's business climate, one needs to be fluid.
Plus this way, while I'm gallivanting around the globe I won't have
to worry about you.”

“Worry about me?” she said faintly.

His blue eyes crinkled at the corners. “I know, I shouldn't worry
about you so much. You're proven yourself to be a capable young
woman. But it will give me that extra measure of peace.”

Faith pulled in a deep breath, a sliver of hope piercing her
confusion. “Merle, I'm sorry if I'm slow, but just to be sure, you
want to give me Bascombe's, in its entirety?”

He nodded. “You've generated half its worth, after all.”

“But why not let me buy you out?”

“As I said, I don't need the money and I want to bless you.”

Tears burned the back of Faith's eyes. “You've always been a
blessing to me, Merle. You believed in me when no one else did.”

“Least of all yourself,” he said, one white eyebrow rising.

She gripped her hands together. “Are you sure about this? I mean,
I'm assuming you offered it to Shane first, him being family and
all.”

“I mentioned my plans, but I didn't offer it to him. He's made it
clear he's settled in a different direction. Photography is just a
hobby to him.”

Realization began to sink in that she might be settled in her
own
livelihood. “Oh, Merle, this is just too much—”

“I won't heard a word about it unless you simply don't want the
business. In that case, I'll put it up for sale. But I'm hoping
you'll take the opportunity.”

“Oh, yes!” She grabbed her boss and hugged him hard. “I can't
believe this! It's incredible!”

He laughed as she released him. “I was hoping you'd be pleased.”

“I'll do a good job, Merle, I promise.”

“I'd never doubt it.”

Faith stared at him, excitement whirring within her at the
possibilities ahead. “This is all so sudden. I had no idea you
were thinking in this direction!” Her smile collapsed. “Are you
all right? This isn't due to any health concerns, is it?”

“No, no, I'm just fine, I assure you.”

“So, you just decided to travel...?”

What she could see of her boss' cheeks turned brick red.

“Well, I admit there is a compelling reason.” He loudly cleared
his throat and rocked back on his heels. “You see, I met a lady
and I plan to ask her to marry me.”

Faith's eyes widened. “Merle! That's wonderful! Who is she? When
can I meet her?”

“Her name is Helen. I thought we might all, including Shane of
course, go out after church on Sunday.”

“Have you told Shane yet?”

“No, but I think he might have guessed.”

She shook her head in wonder. “So
that's
where you've been
lately!”

“Well, that, and I've had the paperwork drawn up for you to become
the new owner here.”

“Wow. I mean wow!”

He laughed. “I appreciate your enthusiasm. I'm looking forward to
this new phase in my life.”

“You seem confident Helen will accept you.”

The color in his face deepened. “Ah, well, yes, I admit I am
rather confident.”

“When will you pop the question?”

“Tomorrow.”

“Text me when you get your answer!”

He rolled his eyes, chuckling. “Faith, my dear, you know I haven't
figured out how to use my cell for anything other than a phone
call!”

***

Rain had finally come to the area and poured down in sheets as Faith
ran to her Nissan after work, her mind still abuzz with Merle's news
and the prospect of owning her own business. Lightning flashed
overhead, brightening the trip to Shane's house. After a brief stop
to grab some take-out for dinner, she pulled into his driveway and
turned off the motor. The lights glowed with warmth, beckoning her.

Faith's heart swelled with emotion and gratefulness that she was
able to spend this time with Shane, but at the same time she
wondered if he really didn't want Bascombe's. Maybe he just didn't
want her to feel dependent on him. It was odd. Merle's nephew was
the rightful recipient of his uncle's largess. She felt a little
like an outsider horning in on an inheritance. Then again, her mind
zinged with a hundred different ideas of where to take the company.

Still stunned by the offer, Faith grabbed her bags and hurried up to
the porch. Shane was suddenly there, pulling her into the house and
kissing her before she could get her dripping coat off.

When she came up for air, she said, “Merle is getting married and
is giving me Bascombe's.”

Shane brushed a damp lock of hair from her face, his eyes alight. “I
know.”

She tilted her chin. “You know about Bascombe's but he hasn't told
you about the marriage thing.”

“'The marriage thing', eh?” He smiled. “No, he didn't mention
it, but he didn't need to. He's been very cagey lately, and blushed
like a teenager when I teasingly asked if there was a new woman in
his life. Plus I've seen him talking to a woman at church quite a
bit.”

“Is she pretty?”

“Very.”

Faith frowned. “How come
I
didn't notice my boss being
cagey?”

Shane shrugged. “Probably had your head in the clouds...literally,
since you always seem to be climbing some mountain somewhere.”

Ignoring the jibe, she regarded his relaxed expression. “And
you're okay with him giving me the business?”

“Of course.”

Faith put her hands on her hips. “You don't want it for yourself.”
It was a statement.

He mimicked her actions, his lips twitching. “We've had this
conversation before. I don't want your job.”

“This isn't a job, it's a whole company.”

“And it's yours. But—”

It was her turn to grin. “Let's hear it.”

“I'd like to occasionally submit photographs—”

“For which you'll be duly compensated.”

He drew her close. “Just with kisses. That's all I need.”

Faith wrapped her arms around his neck and leaned into his kiss, her
heart expanding within her. It was a new feeling after so much
disappointment. When she pulled away, she noticed a new photograph
in the foyer—their contest reject.

A sputtering laugh escaped her lips. “Nice picture.”

Just over his shoulder she could also see the Three Sisters
photograph above the fireplace in the living room. A heartwarming
gesture.

Shane looked offended as he helped her slide out from under the wet
coat. “It's better than nice. It's a work of art. Not my fault the
so-called judges didn't recognize brilliance when they saw it.”

“You're right, of course,” she said.

His brow arched. “That phrase, coming from you...it's so foreign,
yet so satisfying.”

She rolled her eyes. “Very funny.”

“Ah, there's the Faith I know and love.”

Faith's smile faltered and her heart careened at his words. Seeking
cover, she looked over at the photograph again. “It
is
good,
isn't it?”

Shane took her hand, tugging on it until she turned to him. “Faith,”
he said, his voice low. “You know it's true, don't you? That I
love you?”

She allowed his words to sink in deep before speaking. “Then we
still agree. Because I love you, too.”

His face altered and he pulled her close. His gaze drew her in as
well. “Are you sure you just don't feel sorry for me or
something?”

Faith heard the tension beneath the teasing of his words. “Well,
you
are
still recovering,” she said, keeping her tone
light. “Added to that the fact that I've stolen your inheritance,
I have to admit the pity angle has been effective.”

His hands tightened at her waist.

“But, as I told you, I
was
getting there at my own pace.”

Shane rewarded her with another kiss. “Speaking of my uncle, Merle
will be pretty pleased about this development.”

Stiffening slightly, Faith stared up at him. “Are you saying
we're together because
Merle
wanted it to happen? And here I thought you were this
independent maverick.”

Shane linked his hands around her, effectively imprisoning her. “I
just meant this is what Merle was hoping for. Before I moved here,
he went on and
on
about you.
And I pretty much ignored it.” His voice dropped. “Until I met
you.”

She believed him, but at the same time her new feelings were still a
bit shaky. “You're
sure
this isn't some kind of nepotism thing?”

He laughed out loud. “You should know better than that. My point
is that while my uncle might be behind the times electronically, he
was way ahead of the curve on this one. He said you were perfect for
me and he was right.”