Father's Day Surprise

Father's Day Surprise

  By

  Keith Kluksdahl

  Copyright 2013

  2nd Edition

  Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

  This book is a work of fiction and any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or places, events or locales is purely coincidental. The characters are productions of the author’s imagination and used fictitiously.

  This story is set primarily in the office of a small cabin rental business. Limiting the story mostly to a single setting gives it a play-like feeling. You'll have to rely on your imagination for the rest.

  This book is dedicated to my six. amazing children. I am blessed, humbled, and honored to be their father and I love them more than I can express. Every day they teach me more about life than I ever thought I would learn. It is my fervent prayer and hope that I am becoming the father that they need and that I point them to God every step of the way.

  To my ex-wife, who had to endure my faults for far too long.

  A special thanks goes to the men in my life who know me and love me regardless. My pastor continues to invest in me even though I frustrate him to death. You guys are the greatest.

  The Week

  Monday Afternoon

  Tuesday Morning

  Wednesday Morning

  Thursday Afternoon

  Friday Afternoon

  Saturday Evening

  Sunday Noon

  Monday Afternoon

  The clerk looked up from his newspaper when the younger man walked into the rustic office, which was the front. The visitor removed his sunglasses and did a study of the motel office that was the front room of a much larger house. The clerk waited patiently. After a few moments, the young man approached the counter.

  "May I help you?" asked the clerk with a courteous smile on his lips.

  "I need a place to stay," said the young man. "I heard in town that you've got some quiet cabins."

  "Some of the nicest cabins on the lake," said the clerk as he automatically pulled out a registration card and a pen from a drawer and placed them on the counter in front of the young man. "Secluded and quiet, if that's what you need. We need a little information and we'll get you set up," he said.

  The young man started writing down the required information, wondering to himself why he had to fill out a registration card instead of using a computer.

  "Are you staying long?" the older clerk asked.

  The young man looked up from the registration card and squinted as he studied the older man's face. After a moment or two, he answered. "Depends," he said as he returned his attention to the card. "At least a couple of nights," he added.

  "Well," responded the clerk, "we're not overly busy this time of year. We get a big rush on Memorial Day and another on the 4th. Now that we're a couple of weeks past the busy Memorial Day weekend, there's a cabin available for you as long as you want to stay."

  When the young man had finished filling out the card, he looked it over and slid it across the counter to the clerk. The clerk checked to make sure that the information was complete. "I see you're from California," he said. "Taking some time off work?" he asked as he wrote a cabin number on the card.

  "Sort of," answered the young man.

  "The pace is pretty fast in the Golden State," said the clerk as he retrieved a key from the rack on the wall behind the counter. He slid the key across the counter. "You'll get some peace and quiet here. We're probably a bit behind the times compared to where you live, but we like the pace. You're in cabin 8. It's down the road around back of the office. It's got a pretty good view of the lake."

  The young man picked up the key and nodded his appreciation. He started toward the door.

  "Young man," said the clerk as the visitor reached the door.

  The young man stopped and hesitated. He turned slowly and faced the older man.

  When the clerk had his attention, he continued. "I almost forgot to tell you about breakfast. My wife makes some great rolls and muffins. Those and juice and coffee will here in the office from 6 to 9 in the morning. It's included with the room."

  The young man nodded his understanding. He studied the clerk again.

  "Name's Bob," offered the clerk. He glanced at the registration card and made a note of the young man's first name, Mark.

  Mark stood looking at Bob for another few seconds. "Thanks Bob," he finally answered. He turned and left the office. He closed the door behind him and headed to his car.

  Bob's wife came down the stairs on the far side of the office. "Customer?" she asked.

  "Yes," he answered. "A young man."

  Nancy leaned over the counter and kissed her husband. She turned and glanced out the window. "He's alone?" she asked as she watched their guest climb into his car and back out of the parking spot.

  "Yes ma'am," answered Bob. He scratched his head. "Looks like a decent young man. Didn't look like a salesman," he puzzled. "Must be vacationing. He's kind of quiet. He, ah, seems to be preoccupied."

  Nancy turned and looked at Bob. "I've got a hunch. Why don't you ask him to dinner?" she asked.

  "I don't know," said Bob with a slight frown. "He does seem like he's got something on his mind. I don't think he'd be interested." He looked thoughtfully at his wife. "Another hunch?" he puzzled. "Is God trying to tell you something again."

  "It's up to you," answered Nancy with a smile. "Just let me know." She walked to the front door. "I'm going over to the church," she said as she pulled her car keys from her purse. "We women are doing a special presentation at the service this Sunday for Father's Day and we need to rehearse."

  "You're not going to tell me what it is, are you?" asked Bob with a big smile.

  "No," answered Nancy. "You'll have to wait until Sunday, just like everyone else. See you later." She walked outside and closed the door behind her.

  Bob placed the registration card in the box for cabins that were occupied, picked up his newspaper, and resumed reading.

  ~~~~

  Tuesday Morning

  Bob was doing some paperwork when Mark walked into the office. He looked up and smiled at the young man. "Morning Mark," he offered. "Help yourself to the goodies," he said pointing to the breakfast table against the wall.

  "Morning," answered Mark with a polite nod making a mental note of the fact that Bob had progressed to a first name basis. He walked to the table and filled a cup from the coffee pot. He picked up a muffin and turned his attention to Bob. "I need some information," he said after he had a sip of coffee.

  "Ask away," said Bob.

  "I'm looking for the local cemetery," stated Mark.

  It was obvious that the request took Bob by surprise. He stared past Mark for a few moments, his mind lost in a memory. He snapped himself back to the present, swallowed hard, and addressed Mark's request. "That's an easy one," he answered. "It's on the other side of town just off the highway." He paused to look Mark in the eye, which made Mark a little nervous. As Mark covered his nervousness by concentrating on his muffin and coffee, Bob wondered to himself about the reasons that Mark might be looking for the cemetery. "Just as you are leaving the east side of town, look for the cemetery sign," said Bob. "You can't miss it."

  "Thanks," said Mark. He eyed the door as though he was anxious to escape the somewhat awkward situation. Instead of leaving, he continued to work on his coffee and muffin, holding his cup as if it was a life preserver keeping him from drowning in a sea of awkwardness.

  Bob couldn't help but notice the mixed messages. He decided to pursue the only plausible explanation for Mark's interest in the cemetery. "Someone you know buried out there?" he asked.

  Mark looked at Bob with some surprise at the question. His expres
sion hardened as he answered the question. "My dad," he said.

  "I see," said Bob sensing that it was something that Mark really didn't want to talk about it. He remembered his wife's hunch and decided to push it a bit further anyway. "Has he been gone long?"

  Mark stared out the window. "Quite a while," he answered. "I've just never made it out here before."

  Bob picked up his own coffee cup and took a sip. He decided to take another chance. "Sounds like you weren't too close?"

  Mark stood, stared out the window, wondering why he was having this conversation. He frowned. "He left us when I was 8," he answered. "I never saw him after that."

  "I'm sorry," offered Bob. He stared out the window lost again in his own thoughts. Once again, he brought himself back to the present. "You'll have nice weather today," he said, breaking the tension. "No rain. Not too hot. Should be a perfect summer day."

  Mark pulled his own thoughts back to the present and glanced out the window. "I think you're right," he said. He took another sip of coffee. "I'd better get going."

  The two men stood in awkward silence. They were slightly startled by a noise at the other end of the room. They welcomed the intrusion when they turned and saw Nancy walk down the stairs and approach them. She put her arm around Bob and kissed him on the cheek. "Are you going to introduce me?" she asked.

  Bob blushed just a little. "Nancy, this is Mark. Mark this is Nancy, my wonderful wife."

  Mark shook Nancy's hand. "I was just heading out for the day," he said glancing toward the door.

  Nancy smiled at Mark. "Please make yourself at home. We don't get a flood of visitors this time of year, so we're at your disposal."

  "Thanks," answered Mark. "If you'll excuse me, I need to get going."

  "We didn't mean to keep you," said Bob. "You go on and have yourself a good day."

  "It was a pleasure to meet you Nancy," said Mark. "I'll see both of you later."

  Bob and Nancy stood with their arms around each other and watched as Mark got into his car and drove away. "You like him, don't you?" asked Nancy.

  "He seems like a decent young man," Bob answered. He shrugged his shoulders. "I guess there is something about him. I don't quite know what it is." He furled his brow in thought and stared out the window. "His Dad is buried here. Hmmm. There's something about this kid..."

  "Reminds you of someone?" she asked.

  Bob tried to hide his reminiscing. "Maybe," he said. "Maybe."

  Nancy gave him a big hug and kissed him again. "Be good to yourself," she said.

  He hugged her tightly. "I'm okay," he said with a warm smile.

  ~~~~

  Wednesday Morning

  Mark walked into the office and approached the counter.

  Nancy looked up and smiled when she saw him. "Nice to see you again, Mark," she said. "What can I do for you?"

  "I've decided to stay through the weekend," he answered. "I hope that's okay?"

  "No problem," answered Nancy. She pulled his registration card from the box. "So, you'll be checking out on Sunday?" she asked.

  "Yeah, that'll work," answered Mark. "I do have to get back to work on Monday."

  She entered the update on the card and placed it back in the box. "Done," said Nancy. She then turned her attention to Mark. "How's your stay going?" she asked. "Are you enjoying the lake?"

  "To be honest, I haven't spent much time at the lake," answered Mark. "I kind of have some things to take care of."

  Whistling floated down the staircase followed by Bob. He was obviously enjoying himself.

  "Mornin' Mark," he said.

  "Good morning, Bob," answered Mark.

  "You're in a good mood," said Nancy. "Got something special planned?"

  "I've got to fix the steps on cabin 7," he answered, "and you know how much I like that Disney song about whistling while you work."

  "It wouldn't have anything to do with not having to be behind the desk and being outside, would it?" asked Nancy with a laugh.

  "What's up for today, Mark?" asked Bob.

  "I'm going to the newspaper office and the library to do a little research," he answered.

  "Do you need directions?" asked Bob. "I've got to run into town after I finish the steps and I'd be glad to show you."

  Mark thought about it for a moment. He was drawn to Bob for some reason and he couldn't quite put his finger on it. "I could help you with the steps, if you'd like," he offered. "And then you could show me."

  Bob and Nancy exchanged glances. "You're on vacation," said Nancy. "We don't want to impose on your free time."

  "Well," started Mark, "I live in an apartment and I don't get to do real work very often. I used to do most everything around the house growing up, and I kind of miss it."

  "Are you sure?" asked Bob.

  Besides missing working around the house, Mark was also not that anxious to do the research he came to do. Helping Bob seemed like a nice way to procrastinate. "I'd really enjoy it," he said. "I can still hear my mom telling us that it's not right to relax while someone else is working."

  "Well, I would enjoy the company," said Bob. "I'll get another hammer and we'll whip those steps into shape in no time."

  "You boys have a good time," said Nancy. "And while you're in town Bob, don't forget to make use of that grocery list."

  "No rest for the weary," laughed Bob as he led Mark out the door.

  ~~~~

  Thursday Afternoon

  Nancy looked up from the newspaper when Mark walked in. "Hi," she said.

  "Hi, Nancy," said Mark. "Wall Street Journal?" he asked.

  Nancy laughed. "Sure. Investing isn't just for city folks and business people. Not all of us small town folks are hicks."

  "I know," laughed Mark. "You two seem to run a nice little business here. Small town, friendly, and everything is just right."

  "Thank you," said Nancy. "We do it more for something to do than as a real business, but it's nice to hear that we're doing it right. How's the research going?"

  Mark frowned and sighed. "It's not going too well. It's a little depressing and I'm not finding a lot. I've spent hours going through information in the courthouse and library and have talked to countless people. I got bits and pieces, but no one knew my dad that well. The only thing I do know is that my dad's obituary didn't even list any of us as survivors."

  "Bob told me that you asked about the cemetery. Your Dad is out there?" she asked.

  "He sure is," answered Mark with a glazed look. He paused for a few moments. "I visited his grave for the first time a couple of days ago."

  "Sounds like this isn't really a vacation," offered Nancy.

  Mark sighed heavily and stared at the counter. "I think it was something I had to do." He looked up at Nancy. He had something to say, but it was obvious he didn't know quite where to start. "When I asked the cemetery caretaker where to find my Dad's grave, we got to talking. He asked where I was staying and when I told him, he shook his head and told me a story." He didn't need to go on.

  Nancy's smile faded. "He told you about Bob's first family, didn't he?" she asked.

  Mark nodded. "He showed me the graves," he added.

  It was Nancy's turn to sigh. "It was rough on him," she began. "He and I have had a great life, and we've raised two wonderful daughters. I'm pretty sure that he's been very happy, but losing his wife and son in the car accident was hard. And there's something about losing his young boy that he's never quite gotten over."

  "That's why my asking about the cemetery seemed to bother him?" observed Mark.

  "Yes," answered Nancy. "Some wounds don't heal as completely as others."

  They stood in silence for a few moments. Finally Nancy broke the silence. She smiled warmly at Mark. "I think I'd never forgive myself if I let you leave without getting a taste of our mountain hide away. Bob is the tour guide. He knows this area like he owns it. He loves the outdoors. Why don't I talk him into showing you around?" she offered.

  Mark studied Na
ncy for a second, thinking about why this woman would be offering him so much. "I'd like that," he finally said. "Do you think Bob would be up for it?"

  "Leave it to me," she answered. "Do you have anything planned for tomorrow?"

  "Not really," answered Mark. "But I don't want to be a bother."

  Nancy smiled again. "It's no bother. Bob may act like he's being inconvenienced at times, but believe me, he'll be excited about showing you around. He loves to fish and hike. He'll even backpack when you catch him in the right mood. Let's start with the fishing, if that's okay with you."

  "I haven't fished in years, but I'm up to getting back up to speed," he answered. "I do hike and camp a lot."

  "Be here at six in the morning and Bob'll be here ready to go."

  "Okay," answered Mark. He scratched his head, a little overwhelmed by the turn of events. It wasn't what he expected when he came up to this part of the mountains. "Guess I'd better get some sleep," Mark observed. "Thanks, Nancy."

  "My pleasure," she answered.

  "Good night," Mark said as he headed for the door.

  ~~~~

  Friday Afternoon

  Bob opened the door to the office and held it for Mark. Both men had their arms full of fishing gear, coolers, and assorted accessories, which made the entry somewhat comical. Fishing poles refused to cooperate, which led to several attempts to gain entry. By the time they had managed to get themselves and all their equipment inside and assembled, Nancy had come down the stairs to find out what all the noise was about.

  "Well?" she asked.

  Neither man said a word. They looked at each other and grinned from ear to ear. Bob grabbed one of the coolers and opened it for her inspection. Inside the cooler were a half dozen large trout, cleaned and ready for the grill.

  "Wow!" Nancy exclaimed. "I guess you guys had a good day."

  "That's an understatement," said Mark. "We threw back at least twice that number." He smiled broadly. "It was great."

  Bob leaned over to give Nancy a kiss, but she put up her hand and stopped him. "You guys smell like those fish. I think I'll wait for the kiss until after you've taken a shower."

  Bob laughed. "I think I know what we'll be having for dinner," he said. "Mark, why don't you go to your cabin and get cleaned up, and then we'll grill these fish."