by Terri Reed
Maya’s heart hammered against her ribs. Brady’s scream echoed through her head like a siren. Needing to get to her brother, she raced headlong down the hall with Alex and Rusty at her heels.
She burst into the room she was to share with her brother and flipped on the light. For a moment, the room appeared empty. Terror clawed at her throat.
But then she noticed the lump underneath the covers. She ran to the bed and pulled back the comforter. Brady was curled into a ball, his hands over his head and tears streaming down his cheeks. Rusty jumped onto the bed and licked Brady’s face.
“Honey, what happened?” She gathered him into her arms. He came willingly and laid his head against her chest, much like he had when he’d been a little boy after they had learned of their parents’ deaths. Rusty settled next to her brother, his paws on Brady’s legs.
“I had a nightmare,” Brady said, his voice wobbly.
Maya winced with empathy. No doubt the trauma he’d suffered out on the trail had caused the bad dream.
The bed dipped where Alex sat on the edge. He put his hand on Brady’s shoulder. “Can you tell us what the dream was about?”
Brady shook his head. “Too scary.”
“You’re safe, Brady,” Alex assured him. “I’m not going to let anything happen to you.”
Brady lifted his head and stared. “Do you promise?”
Maya’s gut twisted. She’d emphasized to Brady that breaking a promise wasn’t acceptable. So over the years, just as her parents had done, if she couldn’t be sure she could keep her promise, she never made one.
Alex gave Brady a gentle smile. “How about we pray and ask God for protection? And I promise I will do everything in my power to make sure that you are safe.”
She would have hugged Alex for his response if she hadn’t already had Brady in her arms.
Brady shook his head. “No. Promises can be broken. God sometimes breaks His promises.”
Maya leaned back to look at Brady in surprise. “Why would you say that?”
“I prayed for Mommy and Daddy to come home and they never came home. God never answered me. He never brought them home.”
Maya’s heart hurt for her brother. He’d been so young when they died. For months after their deaths, he’d sit staring out the front window as if waiting for them to return. Under the advice of his medical doctor, she’d taken him to see a grief counselor. After several sessions, he’d seemed to accept their parents were gone. But apparently he held resentment toward God for not bringing them back.
Alex met Maya’s gaze. She could see the uncertainty in his eyes. She was at a loss how to explain to Brady the finality of death.
“What happened to your parents hurt God as much as it did you.” Alex’s tone was gentle. “God loved your parents. He loves you. And Maya. Your mom and dad are with God now.”
Heart melting, Maya mouthed, Thank you, to Alex.
Brady nodded. “That’s what Maya says. But I want them back.”
“I know you do, sweetie.” Maya fought back tears. “One day we’ll see them again. But for now, you have me.”
“And Alex,” Brady stated.
Surprise flashed in Alex’s chocolate eyes, and then his expression filled with tenderness. “Yes, Brady. You have me, too.”
Maya wanted to tell Alex not to make an implied promise when there was no way he could keep it. Yes, Alex was a part of their lives now but there would be a day when Alex wouldn’t have time for them. He’d go back to his job and they’d resume their uneventful lives, which seemed so far away at the moment.
Alex touched her hand. Her pulse jumped as their gazes locked. She couldn’t do this. She couldn’t form some sort of attachment to this man. She had enough to deal with and she couldn’t put any energy into a romantic relationship.
She both broke the eye contact and eased away from Alex. “Brady, it’s time for you to try to go back to sleep.”
Brady held on tighter. “Don’t leave me.”
“Never. It’s time for me to sleep, as well. I’ll be right here with you.”
Standing, Alex motioned for Rusty to follow him as he headed to the door. The dog seemed reluctant to leave Brady but Rusty slowly climbed off the bed and went to Alex. “I’ll see you both in the morning.”
Alex and Rusty walked out of the room, shutting the door behind them. Maya climbed under the covers next to Brady. He turned his back to her and within seconds was softly snoring. She lay there for the longest time staring up at the ceiling before turning out the light.
“Please, God,” she whispered. “I don’t know what purpose this all serves but I’m trusting You. And I’m trusting Alex. Please, don’t let me be making a mistake.”
* * *
After letting Rusty outside, Alex sat on the hearth and dropped his head into his hands. Being responsible for people’s lives was one thing but trying to answer questions about God... That was so far out of his comfort zone. His relationship with God had been tenuous at best most of his life. His mother’s parents had taken him to Sunday school when he was a kid. But they’d passed on when he was teen and his mom and dad hadn’t thought church was necessary.
He knew some people looked at God as a father and then equated God to their earthly fathers. And when their earthly fathers failed, the blame shifted to God.
On some level that had been how Alex had felt until he’d moved to Bristle Township and started attending church regularly. Through hearing of the word and reading his Bible, he’d been able to distinguish the difference between the heavenly Father and his earthly father. Maybe the realization had been why Alex had allowed his father back into his life. He let out a scoff. Probably why God had brought Frank back into Alex’s life. A lesson to learn?
He glanced toward the ceiling. “Okay, God. What do I do here? How do I navigate this quagmire of self-doubt and danger? How do I be a good role model for Brady?”
And the man Maya needs?
He quickly scrambled away from that thought like a burning ember had hit him on the head. No. He was not the man Maya needed. Maybe she needed him now, in this situation. But she didn’t need him long-term, just as he didn’t need her. He was happy being a bachelor. He wasn’t ready to trust another woman with his heart after his ex-girlfriend Evie’s unfaithfulness. It didn’t matter how much time had passed; her betrayal had cut deep, leaving a raw wound he feared would never completely heal.
He needed to stay focused on his job. Protect the Gallo siblings. Protect himself. And find a killer. That was the primary goal. Letting himself get sidetracked by his unwarranted attraction to Maya Gallo served no purpose and would only lead to heartache.
* * *
The next morning, Alex put on a pot of coffee and made breakfast. He’d finally dozed in the recliner but as soon as the sun had come up Rusty had nudged him, wanting to go outside again. After a shower and shave, he changed into a fresh uniform. He was ready to start the day and resolved to keep his emotions under wraps. He needed a clear head. Though he suspected as long as Maya was nearby that would prove difficult.
He went down the hall and knocked on his father’s bedroom door. “Breakfast,” Alex said shortly.
“Just a sec” came his father’s muffled reply.
Alex shook his head in wry amusement as he thought about his teen years when he lived with his father. Dad had been an early riser then and the one who would make breakfast. But that was before he’d lost his job due to his alcoholism.
Interesting how times changed and their roles reversed. He went to Maya and Brady’s room and knocked on the door.
Brady opened it with a wide grin on his face. “Deputy Alex. I smell bacon.”
“Brady, your manners,” Maya said from the doorway of the bathroom.
Startled, Alex spun to face her. “Good morning. Breakfast is ready.”
“We’ll be
right there.”
She looked lovely. She’d changed into formfitting jeans and another plaid shirt, probably because it was easier to get on with her bum shoulder than something she’d have to yank over her head. Though today’s shirt wasn’t oversize like the one she’d had on last night. This one showed off her curves. Her long hair gleamed as if recently brushed. Normally, she wore a single braid, but he figured she probably couldn’t manage the braid with her injured arm.
“If you’d like, I can braid your hair for you after breakfast.”
Her eyes widened. “You know how to braid hair?”
He grinned. “I’ve done my share of braiding horse manes for the parade. Your hair can’t be much different.”
Amusement danced in her eyes. “Wow, thanks. Being compared to a horse really builds up a girl’s confidence.”
He flushed with embarrassment. “I didn’t mean it that way.”
She laughed, the sound lodging in his chest and spreading out like a burst of sunshine.
“Of course, you didn’t, silly. I’m teasing you.”
Her intimate smile had his heart thudding in his chest and his blood racing. “Okay. Well, hurry up before it gets cold,” he said briskly before striding back to the kitchen. With each step, he willed his emotions under control.
His father was already in the kitchen, pouring himself a cup of coffee. His hands shook. He looked haggard as if he’d had a bad night’s sleep. Concern arced through Alex.
“You okay?”
Frank glanced at him. “I’m good.”
They both knew he was lying, but Alex wasn’t going to call him on it. If his dad wanted to pretend he wasn’t sick, then Alex would let him. He didn’t know how to help his dad, anyway. Giving him a place to live was more than enough as far as Alex was concerned.
Once everyone was seated at the table and eating, Alex said, “It would be best if you don’t open the store today, Maya.”
She set her fork down in a slow movement before giving him a measured look. “That is not your call. I have never closed the store for anything other than a holiday. The only time the store has closed unexpectedly was when—” She glanced at Brady, then back to Alex. “It’s been a long time.”
“Surely you have someone who can work for you?” Did the woman never take a vacation?
She sipped from her orange juice, then set the glass down. “Trevor Howard fills in for me when I need to be away from the store.”
The teenager was a solid citizen and rode as a volunteer for the mounted patrol. “Then call him and see if he can take over for a while.”
“He’s already scheduled to work during the Harvest Parade this weekend,” she said. “Besides, he’s in school today. I can ask him to fill in this afternoon and evening.”
He’d take the concession.
“I have school, too.” Brady said.
Alex and Maya looked at each other.
Maya reached over to take Brady’s hand. “I think you’ll come with me to the store today.”
“If you’d like, Brady can stay here with me,” Frank said. “I could show him around the ranch. And he can help with the chores.”
Brady bounced in his seat. “Yes, yes. Please, Maya, yes?”
“That’s okay, Dad,” Alex said, cutting Maya off from speaking. He wasn’t sure his father would be a good influence on the kid. He noticed his father’s flinch so he added, “I’m sure Maya would prefer to have Brady by her side.”
Frank stared at him with determination in his gaze. “I won’t let anything happen to Brady.”
Maya’s gaze searched Alex’s face before focusing on Frank. “I think that’s a splendid idea. Nobody knows Brady’s here, so he’ll be safe. I’ll call his teacher and let her know he won’t be there today.”
“Yay!” Brady exclaimed. “Do I still have to do my schoolwork?”
“Yes,” Maya said. “I’ll bring your computer back with me when I return, along with today’s assignment.”
Alex clenched his jaw. He didn’t like relying on his father for anything. But he had to admit Brady would be safer here out of the public eye. He only wished Maya would stay, too. “He could use my computer to do his schoolwork.”
“Really? That would be great.” Maya turned to Brady. “Did you hear that? Alex will let you use his computer, but you have to be careful with it.”
“I will be.”
Brady’s joy was contagious. Alex found himself smiling. After a moment, he turned his focus to something less delightful. “I’m going to have a security system installed today,” he announced. He’d never felt the need before but now, with Maya and Brady staying here, he wanted to use every resource available to protect them.
For a moment everyone was silent, then his father nodded. “Good idea, son.”
His father’s praise seared through Alex. He couldn’t remember him ever saying, “Good idea, good job, well done.” And it made Alex mad that Frank was putting on the show now for Maya and Brady when Alex knew the real Frank Trevino was a drunk who yelled and screamed and threw things.
Alex gathered up the dirty dishes and took them to the sink without comment.
Maya joined him at the sink as he rinsed the dishes and set them in the dishwasher.
Curiosity radiated from her in tangible waves. “What’s going on with you and your dad? I noticed tension last night and now even more this morning.”
Alex glanced to where Brady and Frank had left the table and had started pulling out some board games from the hall closet. Alex knew she wouldn’t understand. She’d adored her parents and had good memories of them. He had no good memories of his dad. Or his mom, for that matter. The two had fought constantly until the divorce. Then Dad had proceeded to drown his sorrows in a bottle.
“We’re trying to get used to each other again,” he hedged.
“Has your dad been sick?”
Alex was startled by her observation. The jaundice that had startled Alex when his dad first showed up had decreased and Frank had gained back a little of the weight he’d lost. But he did look haggard and ill.
Alex clenched the dishrag in his hands and he breathed in deep before replying, “His liver is damaged. The doctors told him he wouldn’t live much longer if he continued to drink. He came here to dry out.”
Sympathy softened Maya’s expression. She put her good hand on his arm and gave a gentle squeeze. “I’m so sorry. That must be hard.”
She had no idea. “He did it to himself.” Before she could respond to his less-than-gracious statement, he said, “We better get you to the store if you are going to open on time.”
She nodded and stepped back. “I’ll go get ready.”
He watched her walk away. What was it about this woman that burrowed under his skin? He had to find a way to thicken his armor, because he had a feeling if he weren’t careful she would unintentionally tunnel her way into his heart.
And that was the last thing he or she needed.
SIX
Maya’s heart ached for Alex and his dad. There was obviously a great deal of unresolved resentment and pain between the two men. She wished she knew how to soothe the hurt, but she had no clue. She lifted up a silent prayer that God would soften the hard edges of anger she had sensed in Alex toward his father and bring healing to Frank.
She was halfway down the hall when Alex called to her, “Wait! Your hair.”
She paused, remembering his offer to braid her hair. “It’s fine. I’ll just leave it loose today.”
He walked toward her, his gaze intent. “As lovely as it is down, I have a feeling you usually put it up because it bothers you at work. Am I right?”
His compliment and his perceptiveness both pleased and confused her. She had to admit he was right. Having her hair down while at work could be a nuisance. She’d rather not have to deal with the mass of cu
rls. She walked back to him. “Are you sure? I hate putting you out like this.”
“You’re not putting me out. Come. You’ll get an apple-and-oat treat if you hold still,” he joked over his shoulder as he moved to the dining table and pulled out a kitchen chair for her.
She gave him her best horse whinny in response, but still took the seat he offered with trepidation. He immediately buried his hands in her hair, gently working out the knots from the curls.
Having his big strong hands running through her hair caused goose bumps to rise on her skin. Her breath hitched, and she tried not to purr like a cat. She didn’t want him to know how much his touch affected her. She never experienced this sort of overwhelming sensation when her hairdresser, Janie at Honey Curl beauty salon, washed and cut her hair.
Under Alex’s gentle but methodical machinations, she could feel her body relaxing even as her heart raced. He braided her hair into one long braid down her back. From the pocket of her jeans, she produced a hair tie. He secured it around the end and gently placed the heavy braid over her shoulder.
“There you go,” he said, his voice oddly thick.
Standing, she smoothed her fingers over the braid in wonder and she murmured, “Thank you, Alex. You’re a good man.”
He swallowed and stepped back, shoving his hands into the pockets of his uniform pants. “It’s really not anything to brag about. I’m going to warm up the Jeep.” He turned on his heels and headed toward the front door.
“When can we expect you back?” Frank called from where he sat with Brady in the living room. “I’ll fix dinner.”
Alex’s jaw firmed. “I don’t know.” He stepped outside with Rusty in his wake.
The dog stopped in the open doorway and looked back at her, cocking his head as if waiting for her.
She felt compelled to say, “I’ll be right there.”
Seemingly satisfied, the dog trotted out.
Feeling a bit shaky by her reaction to Alex and the dog’s uncanny behavior, Maya went into the bathroom and checked the braid. It looked perfect. He’d done a great job. Bemused by his act of thoughtfulness, she quickly stowed her things away and made the bed. She hurried out to the living room, where Brady and Frank were playing Settlers of Catan.
