Always Dakota - Debbie Macomber [31]
Dennis called the family to the table; no one needed further encouragement. Sarah watched as her brother tenderly placed his infant daughter in her carrier, then escorted Maddy into the room. So much had changed in all of their lives this past year.
Once everyone was seated, they joined hands and bowed their heads. Joshua waited a moment, then offered grace. His few simple words were followed by a soft chorus of “Amens.”
No one mentioned Calla, although there was a place set for her, in case she changed her mind at the last minute. Sarah wanted everyone to know that her daughter continued to be a part of her life, even though she’d chosen to live with her father.
Soon dishes were being passed around and happy chatter took over. It astonished Sarah that a meal she’d spent days perparing could be consumed in less than an hour. Including dessert.
Once everyone had finished, Joshua looked around the table. His gaze settled on Jeb with Maddy and Julianne, then drifted to Dennis and her. He nodded once, then said, “It seems we have more and more to be grateful for each year.”
“That’s true,” Dennis agreed and reached for Sarah’s hand, gently squeezing it.
Jeb held Maddy’s hand, as well.
“The only person missing is Calla,” Joshua added, glancing toward the empty chair.
As soon as he mentioned her daughter’s name, tears sprang to Sarah’s eyes, mortifying her. She clutched her napkin and tried to hide the emotion that surged within her. Not only had Calla returned the airline ticket, she’d torn it in half, as if to say that being with her mother was the last thing on earth she wanted to do. She hadn’t even bothered to include a letter. Not a single word. The brutal rejection ate at her, tarnishing this lovely time. She’d made mistakes, but she didn’t deserve this.
Dennis’s fingers tightened around hers. “It’s all right, sweetheart,” he whispered.
“No, it isn’t!” Joshua declared, leaping to his feet. “I don’t know what the hell’s gotten into that girl, but I intend to find out.”
“Dad?” Sarah had rarely heard her father so angry. She watched as he marched across the room toward the telephone. “Get me Willie’s phone number,” he demanded.
Without questioning him, Sarah did as he asked. Joshua grabbed for the phone and quickly punched in the number.
“What are you going to say?” Sarah asked, standing next to him.
“What someone should have said a long time ago. I’m going to tell her it’s high time she came home where she belongs.”
“But, Dad—”
He held up his hand and blinked, looking uncertain. “Is this the Willie Stern residence?” he asked. He cupped the receiver. “A woman answered. She sounds drunk.”
“It isn’t Calla, is it?” Horrified, Sarah placed her hand on his elbow.
Her father shook his head. “Willie Stern,” he repeated, then glanced at Sarah. “She went to get him,” he explained.
Even this far from the receiver, Sarah could hear the loud, discordant music. Apparently Willie was throwing a party. Sarah hated to think of Calla in that environment. A helpless, sick sensation came over her. Dennis seemed to sense it, because he moved to stand behind her. His hands rested on her shoulders.
Sarah closed her eyes, grateful for her husband’s support, for his understanding and love.
“Willie?” Joshua asked, sounding unsure. He turned to Sarah and rolled his eyes. “It’s Joshua, Joshua McKenna,” he said loudly. “Listen, perhaps it’d be better if you talked to Sarah.” With an apologetic expression, he handed her the phone.
Sarah took the receiver but she wasn’t happy about it. “Hello, Willie,” she said, trying to hide her disgust for her ex-husband.
“Sarah, how are you?” It was difficult to hear him above the music blaring in the background.
“Just great. Where’s Calla?”
“Calla? Hold on, and I’ll find out.” He left and was gone several minutes. Sarah was about to hang up when he came back on the line. “No one knows for sure,” he said in a thick, slurred voice.
He was stoned on something, probably a combination of drugs and alcohol. It was enough to make Sarah sick to her stomach.
“Don’t you think it’s