Still, his kids were much more important. He should have been there for Mac when she needed him. He hadn’t even been available when she’d called. What if it had been something worse and she’d had to go to the hospital?
Yet while that had played a role in his sleeplessness, it was the stricken look on Paisley’s face that had haunted him all night. He’d behaved callously when he should have been thanking her profusely for looking after his daughter. Instead, he’d misdirected his frustration with himself and had taken it out on her.
He couldn’t have been more cruel than he’d been in that moment, emphasizing the fact that he had kids and she didn’t. What he’d said was downright mean. Now, as church dismissed, he had to find a way to make things right with Paisley, even if it might be easier to find a needle in a haystack.
Glancing across the aisle, he saw Mac sitting on the padded pew, giggling with her friends. Despite her foot feeling better, she’d insisted on using an old pair of crutches he’d had stashed in the closet, making her the center of attention.
“Dad.” David patted his arm. “I left my Bible in Sunday school. I’ll be right back.”
“All right, buddy.”
Alone, Crockett surveyed the rapidly emptying sanctuary until he spotted Paisley near the double doors at the back. She was talking with Rae, looking downright gorgeous in a pink floral sundress, her copper locks tumbling over her shoulders onto her back. The two friends hugged before going their separate ways, Rae continuing outside while Paisley went the opposite direction, bringing her right past him.
This is your chance.
He drew in a fortifying breath. “Paisley?”
Her steps slowed, and she lifted her chin, glancing his way without really looking at him. “Sorry, Crockett. I need to pick up something from the church office.”
As she began to walk away, he said, “Would you care to join me and the kids for lunch?” When her retreat halted, he added, “It is Mother’s Day, after all.”
Her body went rigid as she turned her narrowed gaze on him. “And why would that matter, Crockett?” Her sugary drawl held a bite. “Because as you were so quick to point out, I don’t have any children.”
Chagrin washed over him in buckets. “Paisley, I—”
She held up a hand. “I will be contacting Mr. Hollings tomorrow morning.”
“What for?”
“I’m withdrawing from our deal. Now if you’ll excuse me.” She turned on her high-heeled sandals and continued along the worn blue carpet.
Crockett watched her retreat, his insides knotting with regret. Paisley was giving up the very thing she’d so desperately wanted. And all because he’d taken his own failures out on her. He couldn’t say that he blamed her. Yet, as the day wore on, the more his conscience prodded him like a hot poker. He had no idea how to right this ship, or if he even could, but he had to try and find a way to make amends.
After contacting a couple of the parents of Mac and David’s friends, he dropped his kids off before continuing to Paisley’s. He parked in front of the stately gray Victorian, his heart pounding as fat raindrops pelted the windshield. He should have apologized this morning. Instead, he’d asked her to lunch as if everything was hunky-dory. What kind of person does that?
Someone with major issues. Someone who’d been cast aside without so much as a second glance. Someone who found it easier to reject than be rejected.
He was that person. But Paisley didn’t deserve his scorn.
Humidity enveloped him, threatening to steal his breath as he exited his truck. He stepped onto the sidewalk, pushed through the iron gate and marched onto the front porch. God, whatever help You can give me here, I’d greatly appreciate it.
He pressed the doorbell and waited. Several long moments later, Paisley opened the door. Dressed in black yoga pants and a flowing white tank top, she didn’t appear very happy to see him.
“What is it, Crockett?”
Knowing he’d better say what he came to say before she slammed the door in his face, he mustered his courage. “I’m sorry, Paisley. For what I said to you last night. I was wrong. I treated you harshly when I should have been thanking you.”
She clung to the door, wearily resting her head against it. “Why did you do that?”
“I was mad at myself for not being there for Mac.”
“So, it made you feel better to throw verbal darts at me?” Hearing her say that made him feel even worse.
“I didn’t mean to. It just...came out.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “And in the process, I hurt you. I’m so sorry, Paisley. Truly I am.”
Moving his hands to his hips, he stared at the rain and hauled in a breath before meeting her sorrowful gaze once again. “Can you ever forgive me?”
Letting go of the door, she said, “Not unless you can answer one simple question.”
“Fair enough.”
“Why have you always treated me with such disdain?”
He blew out a breath. “I’m afraid that question is anything but simple.” It would mean revealing a part of himself he preferred others didn’t know about. He didn’t want to be the object of anyone’s pity.
Glancing through the screen, he said, “May I come in?”
After a lengthy pause, she pushed the screen door open and he stepped aside.
He followed her into the living room next to the entry hall, the sound of his boots on the wooden floor echoing off of the high ceiling. Paisley settled into one of two black-and-white-checked wingback chairs near the windows, eyeing the Atlanta Braves baseball game on the television that hung on the opposite wall, the sound muted.
His nerves were a jumbled mess as he eased onto the edge of the cream-colored sofa, trying to come up with the right words. “I...tend to be a rather guarded person.”
Crossing her legs, she looked at him. “You don’t say.”
“My barriers go up when I’m around, well, women like you.”
Her sapphire eyes narrowed slightly. “What do you mean ‘like me’?”
“Beautiful. Driven to get what they want. Women who have an appreciation for life’s finer things.”
Now she just looked perplexed. “That’s a backhanded compliment if I ever heard one. I wasn’t aware those were bad traits.”
“They can be.” Standing, he paced to the front windows, knowing he was getting this all wrong. “Look, trust doesn’t come easy for me. My mother and my ex-wife, Mac and David’s mother, they both walked out of their children’s lives. Out of my life.”
Her eyes followed him back and forth. “So, first you treat me like dirt and then you lump me with two women who don’t deserve to be called mothers?” Her brow furrowed as she watched him. “You’re not doing yourself any favors, Crockett.”
“I know.” Again, he rubbed the back of his neck, wishing he was better with words.
“What do their actions have to do with the jab you threw at me last night?”
He dropped onto the sofa again, resting his elbows on his knees as he stared at the pale gray area rug. “I wrongly assumed that you were faulting me for allowing Mac to go to the festival without supervision. Throwing the first punch was a defensive move, but I hit below the belt. You didn’t deserve that.” He forced himself to look at her. “Words can’t express how sorry I am.”
Paisley stared at her clasped hands. “First of all, Mackenzie is old enough to do some things alone with her friends. Second, I’m sorry your mother and your ex treated you with such disregard. But purposely hurting someone else because of what you think they might do.” She looked at him now. “That makes you no better than them.”
The reality of her words had him wishing the couch would swallow him up. There was no denying she was right. “I can assure you, I have no desire to be like either of them.”
She nodded but remained silent.
If
he only knew what was going through that mind of hers. Not that he could blame her for being upset.
“Paisley, I can’t promise you that we won’t be at odds with one another ever again, but I believe we have been given an opportunity to create something special. Something that will not only make people happy but, perhaps, benefit the people of Bliss. If you can somehow find it in your heart to forgive me for being the world’s biggest jerk, I’d really like to see both of our dreams come true.”
“For someone who was so skeptical, you sure have had a change of heart.”
“What can I say? You won me over with your thoughtful insight on security measures.”
“Don’t you know anything about sales?” The corners of her mouth twitched. “You always try to overcome the buyer’s objections.”
He puffed out a laugh. “You’re pretty smart, you know that?”
“And don’t you ever forget it.” She stood. “Thank you for being honest with me. I’m sure it wasn’t easy. And I’m sorry the women in your life let you down. Just don’t judge me by their actions.”
“No, I don’t think I’ll be making that mistake again.”
“Good.” After a moment, she peered up at him. “We still need to create a single list of expectations and must-haves to present to the Renwicks.”
He dared to hope. “Does that mean you forgive me?”
“It means I really want to see that castle restored.”
For some inexplicable reason, his heart sank. If she couldn’t forgive him—
“And yes, I forgive you.”
Chapter Five
A squeal slipped from Paisley’s lips as she pulled into Crockett’s drive Wednesday evening. Not only had her kitchen window finally been replaced, Molly Renwick Simmons was coming to Bliss this weekend and wanted to meet with her and Crockett.
Paisley was thrilled that the woman was so eager to get things rolling at the castle when the contracts hadn’t even been finalized. They’d arrived Tuesday and were now with a local attorney, but Molly said she had every confidence they’d work things out.
Yet, while the impromptu visit was a pleasant surprise, it left little time for Paisley and Crockett to take their individual ideas and combine them into one master plan they would then share with Molly. So as of eleven o’clock this morning, dinner at his place had been deemed a necessity. Lord willing, it would be a productive evening, as opposed to ending in another disagreement.
Winding toward the house, her thoughts wandered to her conversation with Crockett on Sunday. No doubt, the women in his life had wounded him deeply, leaving painful scars on his heart. Paisley couldn’t help wondering how old he’d been when his mother left. And to have his wife do the same to his children?
She shook her head, her heart aching for Mackenzie, David and the boy Crockett had once been. While she didn’t appreciate the way Crockett had treated her, at least now she understood the motivations behind it. No one should feel unwanted.
After parking in the circle drive, she exited her SUV, armed with two pies. Since Crockett had offered to take care of the meal, the least she could do was provide dessert.
The front door opened before she reached the porch, and a smiling David appeared.
“Hi, Ms. Paisley!” His blue eyes sparkled with mirth as he approached.
“Hello there, David.”
He eyed the two boxes in her hands. “What’s in there?”
“Pies.”
“What kind?” Hands buried in the pockets of his basketball shorts, he looked so hopeful.
“Lemon.”
“Oh.” His gaze fell as he toed the flagstone pavers with this high-top sneaker.
“And chocolate.”
His head popped up. “I like chocolate.”
“I know you do. That’s why I made it.” She lowered one hand. “Would you like to carry it for me?”
“Sure!” He carefully took hold with both hands before starting back into the house. “Dad’s fixing dinner, and Mackenzie’s setting the table.”
The tangy aroma of tomato sauce and garlic teased Paisley’s senses as she closed the door behind her and followed the boy through the living room to the kitchen.
“Hey, Ms. Paisley.” Mackenzie waved with a fistful of silverware.
“Hi, darlin’.”
Crockett turned from the stainless-steel stove to the long granite-topped island that distinguished the kitchen from the living space. “You’re right on time. Lasagna is out of the oven, and the garlic bread just went in.”
“Dad, Ms. Paisley brought us pie.” David set his atop the creamy-gold countertop that coordinated beautifully with the rich maple cabinetry.
Paisley followed suit with hers, eyeing the way-too-handsome man opposite her. “Lemon or chocolate. What’s your preference?”
Perching his hands on either side of the sink, he leaned forward, emphasizing his already large biceps. “You mean I can’t have both?” The boyish look in his dark eyes had her cheeks warming.
“I believe that can be arranged. But only if you finish your dinner like a good boy.”
He glanced toward the oven before sending her a mischievous grin. “I’m certain that won’t be a problem.”
“Dad, can I play my video game until dinner’s ready?”
Crockett looked at his watch, then David. “You’ve got ten minutes, buddy.”
“Cool.” The boy took off across the living room and disappeared into a hallway.
Paisley’s stomach growled as she savored the delightful aromas. “It smells divine in here.”
“It’s just Dad’s ‘specialty of the house.’” With the silverware all on the table, Mackenzie made air quotes with her fingers as she approached. “Frozen lasagna, frozen garlic bread and salad from a bag.”
“Hey—” Crockett tossed a cup towel in his daughter’s direction “—you’re not supposed to reveal my chef secrets.”
Mackenzie rolled her eyes and emphatically thrust the towel back in her father’s direction. “Frozen food is not a secret.”
“No, but it can be very good,” said Paisley.
“See.” Crockett grinned at the girl.
“Stop.” Mackenzie hastily crossed her arms over her chest. “I’m still mad at you.”
Her father sent her a warning look.
Though curious, Paisley wasn’t about to pry.
“I wanted to have an end-of-school swim party.” Mackenzie turned her attention to Paisley, seemingly eager to offer up the details. “But Daddy says I can’t because it wouldn’t be appropriate to host a bunch of girls with only a male for supervision.”
“Mac...” Crockett glared at the girl.
It burned Paisley to no end that Mackenzie’s mother had been so selfish as to abandon her children and put her daughter in such a position. If she were involved in their lives, she could at least help out in these sorts of situations. Instead, she’d robbed her children of some of life’s simple pleasures.
Paisley palmed the girl’s elbow. “I know you don’t want to hear this, darlin’, but your father’s concerns are justified. Some parents might not be comfortable sending their daughters when there’s not a female adult.”
The girl lowered her head. “It’s not fair.”
Paisley agreed. It wasn’t fair.
“I’m sorry, Mac.” Crockett reached for a pot holder as the timer chimed on the stove. “That’s just the way it is.”
As he pulled the garlic bread from the oven, his daughter looked up, a glimmer of excitement brightening her brown eyes. “What if Ms. Paisley was here?” Her gaze shifted from her father to Paisley.
Unease rippled through Paisley. She did not want to get caught in the midst of an argument between father and daughter. What if Crockett didn’t want to host a party and the absence of a female was simply an excuse? Then again, he wa
s also the type to do anything for his children.
Setting the bubbling bread atop the stove, he said, “Mac, you can’t just volunteer Paisley like that. It’s not right.”
While Paisley appreciated him stepping in for her, she really did want to help. She was all about parties, after all. But she couldn’t very well make the offer without checking with Crockett first—and certainly not in front of his daughter.
Mackenzie glared at her father, then stormed out of the room in a huff.
Tossing the pot holders onto the counter, Crockett heaved out a sigh and shook his head. “She just doesn’t get it.”
“No, she doesn’t.” Paisley glanced to the hallway where the girl had disappeared. Looking back at Crockett, she said, “And I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but she’s just getting started. She’s still got her teen years ahead of her.”
He cut her a sideways glance across the island. “Wow, thanks for the encouragement.”
Biting back a smile, Paisley eased into one of three iron-backed barstools and clasped her hands atop the cool granite. “I didn’t want to say anything in front of Mackenzie, but I’d be happy to help. That is, assuming you’re willing to allow her to have a party.”
“After the way she just behaved, I’m not sure she deserves it.”
Paisley shrugged. “Your choice. But I’m happy to assist with planning, food and, of course, supervision.”
His gaze narrowed. “That’s an awful lot. I couldn’t ask that of you.”
“You didn’t. I offered.”
The corners of his mouth tilted upward. “I appreciate that. I don’t think Mac grasps the fact that I want her to be able to have parties and sleepovers, all those things that other girls get to do. It’s just that, in this day and age, and with me being a single dad, I worry how people will react.”
“That is completely understandable. It’s a shame, but your concerns are valid.”
A Future to Fight For Page 6
