Love Runs Deep (New Beginnings Book 7)

by Margaret Daley

  “I know. But I wanted to. I figured you had enough to cope with.” She pointed to the mess that littered the yard, then popped the trunk.

  “It wasn’t too bad until they started on the roof that needed the old shingles removed. I’ve only had a couple of minor leaks on the middle section. Nothing like the right or left side of the second floor.”

  Kathleen handed Kim a large, clear plastic container with sandwiches. “It’ll be nice when you’re completely dry.”

  “Yeah, since the hurricane, every time it’s rained, I’ve found another water spot on the ceiling.”

  “Mom had that problem over the garage and kitchen.”

  “Speaking of Ruth, how’s the campaign for mayor going?” Kim headed for the two card tables she’d brought out for the food. Recently, Ruth Coleman had decided to run for mayor after the current one pressured Kathleen’s mother to run for the office.

  “I’m seeing a whole new side to my mom. She has dived into this with both feet.”

  “She’s a shoo-in with the mayor now endorsing her.”

  Kathleen unloaded a paper sack with chips, brownies and a vegetable tray. “I don’t know. Her opponent has some big money behind him.”

  “He hasn’t lived here very long. Money isn’t everything when running for office.”

  Setting the jug of iced tea down next to the paper cups, Kathleen scanned the area. “Where’s Maggie?”

  “She went to get some chocolate-chip cookies she made.”

  “Good. I want to hear her take on this race since she works for the mayor.”

  “Ruth’s got her vote and mine.”

  Kathleen laughed. “I can’t believe I’ve turned into my mom’s unofficial campaign manager at the same time I’m planning my wedding.”

  “And working at the hospital.”

  “Don’t forget my two active boys. I need to find someone to help her besides me.”

  “Why didn’t they come with you? Anna and Brady are inside, but they’ll be out here soon.” Kim stepped toward the front of the house where the guys were working, cupped her hands around her mouth and shouted, “Time to eat.”

  Zane stuck his head over the edge of the roof. “Great. We’ll be down as soon as we finish one area.”

  “Don’t wait too long. I see Anna and Brady coming down the staircase.”

  The partially open double doors flew wide as both children burst from the house, dressed in jeans and T-shirts, with Maggie right behind them.

  Her daughter skidded to a halt a few inches shy of one of the tables. “I’m starved.”

  Kim released her captured breath slowly and said, “When aren’t you hungry?”

  Anna grinned. “When I’m asleep.”

  Brady reached for a paper plate and snagged two sandwiches from the plastic container in time for Maggie to say, “Haven’t you heard of taking one sandwich at a time? You’d better eat both of them.”

  “Mom, that’s not gonna be hard. Now, four might be a real challenge.” He started to pick up another one.

  Maggie swatted his hand. “Don’t even think that. Give the guys who’ve been working a chance to get their lunch.”

  “I’m gonna be working after lunch. Look.” He nodded toward the debris from the roof, mostly old shingles and pieces of damaged plywood. “Me and Anna gotta clean up the yard. We need fuel for that.”

  “Yeah, Mom. Fuel.” Anna piled her plate with extra chips and even a few carrots and celery sticks.

  As Brady and Anna strolled to the steps of the house, Maggie placed the cookies next to the brownies. “I checked on Uncle Keith. He’s sitting in his room, watching TV. He grunted at me and kept his attention on some sporting event. But I doubt he even knew who was playing.”

  “I’m sure you’re right. Dad isn’t much into sports.”

  Maggie looked around. “Where are Kip and Jared? Brady was hoping they would come and help him with cleaning up.”

  “Making placards for Mom’s campaign. She and Miss Alice are printing the slogan on the poster, and my sons are hammering them to the stakes. A nice production line.” Kathleen’s eyes lit up when Gideon strode toward her and kissed her. As the rest of the men approached, she said, “There are tuna-fish and chicken-salad sandwiches.”

  “Now you know why I’m marrying this lady in four weeks. She makes the best chicken salad.” Gideon gave Kathleen a plate. “After you.”

  Kim stood back and observed the couple—the looks exchanged, the touches shared—and her heartbeat slowed. She’d wanted that at one time. She’d had it with Zane, even with Scott. But not for long. She rotated away, facing the direction of the Gulf. She glimpsed the blue sparkling water through the pine and live oaks still remaining after the hurricane that had taken over a third of them.

  Zane lowered his head toward her, his breath fanning her neck. “You okay?”

  She shivered. Angling toward him at the same time she took a step back, she glimpsed the worry in his gaze. “I’m fine. Thinking about old times.”

  “When we were dating?”

  She nodded, her throat jamming with emotions she’d thought she had rid herself of over the years. “Among other things. You are part of my past.”

  “Do you see us being friends in the future?”

  The question threw her off guard. “I—I…”

  “I know it’s over between us, but I used to enjoy your company. Seeing you again, talking with you, has made me realize that.”

  “Well, yes. I guess so.”

  One corner of his mouth tilted upward. “I love how you say that with such enthusiasm. Good for my ego.”

  She shook off her apprehension and said in a strong voice, “Of course, we can be friends.”

  “That’s much better.” He held out his hand. “C’mon. Let’s go eat before there’s nothing left for us.”

  She fit her palm against his, a spark sending an electrifying streak up her arm. She almost pulled her hand away but didn’t. Zane was putting his work on hold because of her. The least she could be was civil to him—a friend as he said. But no more than that. Her fragile composure wouldn’t survive it.

  Zane passed her a paper plate. “Is your dad gonna eat?”

  “I’ll take him something after we finish.”

  “Then you’d better set his aside now. I see Brady heading back for thirds.”

  “I already did.” Maggie sat nearby in one of the folding chairs she and Kim had brought out earlier. “I put it just inside the front door. I figured you’d want to take it up to him later.”

  “Thanks. It’s probably a good thing he isn’t out here.” Kim peered toward the house, half expecting her father to appear and demand everyone leave.

  “So, he really isn’t okay with all of this?” Zane took a seat next to Maggie.

  “His way of coping is to hide in his room. I’ve seen my dad’s health decline over the last few months since the hurricane. I’m hoping getting his place fixed will help him, but I’m not even sure if that will.”

  “I’ve gotten to know Cody Weston at church. He has a doctorate in psychology. He’s working as a counselor with the Christian Assistance Coalition. He’s seeing that a lot with the townspeople. It’s not unusual in these kinds of circumstances. Do you think your dad would talk to him?” Zane asked as he bit into his sandwich.

  “I don’t know. Maybe if he knew the man first. He’s pretty reserved with strangers.”

  Maggie leaned around Zane. “That’s the group I was gonna talk to tomorrow. If you know someone, that’s even better.”

  “But how do we get Dad to meet Cody? He doesn’t leave the house lately unless he needs to go to the doctor’s.”

  Zane snared Kim’s attention. “Then we’ll bring Cody here.”

  His look conveyed she wasn’t alone, that he would help her with her father, as well as the house. “How?”

  “I think I have an idea,” Kathleen said across from them. “Your dad and my mom are friends. Let’s have a campaign meeting here. We need
calls and signs made. A planning session.”

  “That doesn’t mean Dad will participate.”

  “If he balks at doing it, I’ll sic Mom on him. He could never say no to her. I don’t know what I’m doing. Something like a political campaign isn’t my expertise.”

  An idea weaved its way into Kim’s thoughts. Her dad had worked on a few campaigns for his friends in the past. “When do you want to do it, Kathleen?”

  “We have a meeting set up for Thursday evening. Is that okay with you?”

  Kim wasn’t sure how this would work, but she hoped it did. Her dad couldn’t go on the way he was and decline even more. “Yes, and thanks, Kathleen.” She shifted her attention to Zane. “Can you come and bring Cody?”

  “I can, but am I the best one to do it? Your dad doesn’t want me here.”

  “As I said earlier, Dad needs to get used to you being here if you’re going to be repairing the roof.” And besides, his presence helped her. Zane had taken his life and made something of it. He was strong—in body, mind and faith. She needed that right now, even if she wouldn’t admit it to him.

  His visual survey of her face heightened her awareness of him even more. Her pulse reacted by picking up speed. She pushed to her feet. “I’d better go take Dad his lunch. If you aren’t here when I get back, Kathleen, thanks again for this delicious spread of food. I’m going to have to get you and Maggie to teach me how to cook better.”

  Kathleen grinned. “Anytime. And I’ll call you to arrange Thursday night.”

  Kim cut across the yard toward the veranda. Out of the corner of her eye, she spied Zane’s dad watching her. A frown, directed at her, marred his leathered features. She focused forward and mounted the steps, then crossed to the front door. Inside, she took her father’s plate up to his room, knocked then entered because the television was up so loud she doubted he could hear her rap.

  “At least the racket has calmed down for now. Are they finished?” he asked over the blare of the cheering crowd at some basketball game.

  “No, Dad.” She placed the plate on the table beside his chair in front of the TV, then turned the sound down and sat across from him. “Kathleen, Ruth’s daughter, made the food. I especially like the chicken salad.”

  His gaze glued to the game on the screen, he huffed. “Why did she do it?”

  “Gideon is helping, so I guess she thought she would, too.”

  “We don’t need all this help. We can get along just fine without—”

  “Hold it right there. We do need the help. I know it. You know it. And in exchange we’re going to help Kathleen and Ruth. Thursday I’m hosting a campaign-strategy party here at the house. Ruth’s running for mayor, and we’re going to help her. She would be great running Hope.”

  “She shouldn’t have any trouble winning, so why the worry?”

  “Her opponent has a lot of money behind him. Ruth is conducting a grassroots campaign, which needs people. We’re going to be some of those people.”

  “Me? What can I do?” He held out his shaking hand.

  “Do you think Ruth would make a good mayor?”

  “Yes.”

  “Then you can help with all the people you know in Hope.” She rose as the nail gun started again above them. “I expect you to be at the meeting. If you don’t want to be beholden to others, then you have to give back. Thursday is a good start.”

  When she took a step toward the door, her father turned the TV sound up to its previous loud volume.

  Her head pounded as the noise bombarded her from two sides. Kim shut the door and leaned against it. Although the TV’s blare was muted some, her head still ached. Massaging her fingertips against her temples, she prayed Thursday would work.

  * * *

  Night inched closer, the dim light too weak to do any more work on the roof. Zane descended the ladder last and laid it on its side against the house in the backyard. He peered up at the door to the game room from the upstairs gallery. “I’m telling Kim we’re leaving, Dad, then we can go and get something to eat.”

  “I’ve seen you looking at her today. Don’t get involved with her again. She isn’t right for you. Don’t let her use you.”

  Zane gritted his teeth but couldn’t not reply to his father. “Use me? That isn’t the type of person Kim is.”

  “Are you so sure about that? You’re a wealthy man now.” His dad swept his arm across his body. “Who better to put this place back to its former glory.”

  “You think you have to stand up for me. Don’t. I can take care of myself.”

  “A slur against you is a slur against me.”

  “Is that what this is about?”

  His dad narrowed his eyes. “I know what people think about me. I’m trying to change, yet it’s people like Kim’s dad who still give me looks like I’m a leper.”

  He closed the space between his father and him. “Give them time. They’ll see you’re staying sober. You’re strong. You can do it.”

  “You don’t really believe that.” He pushed past Zane and stalked toward the truck.

  Lord, how do I help my dad? I don’t want to lose him again to alcohol. Please show me the way.

  He mounted the stairs to the second-floor gallery and knocked on the door to the game room. Perched on the roof, he’d seen Kim down below helping Brady and Anna pick up the scraps. Once she’d looked up as he had been staring at her. He should have gone right back to work, but he couldn’t take his eyes off of her. She smiled at him and waved before her daughter said something to her and Kim peered away. But her smile had stayed with him for hours as he put the roofing felt down.

  She opened the door, and again he found himself trapped by her look, words fleeing his mind. Her eyes gleamed first, and then the corners of her mouth lifted. A warmth spread through his chest to encompass his whole body even though the night had turned the breeze cold.

  “Hi. Did you need anything?” she finally asked.

  He cleared his dry throat. “Just wanted to let you know I’ll be back tomorrow afternoon after lunch to start on the shingles. I’m gonna bring one of my workers to help me. We should have the whole roof done by late Wednesday afternoon before the storm.”

  “Great.”

  He didn’t move—couldn’t.

  She glanced over his shoulder. “Where’s your dad?”

  “Cooling off in the truck, which is why I’m not too eager to join him at the moment.”

  “Y’all have a fight?”

  “I’m thirty-four, and he’s trying to tell me how to live my life. This from a man who has spent most of his time drinking and in an alcohol haze a good part of his life.” He breathed in the scents of jasmine and cooking meat. “Smells good.”

  “Maggie is fixing a roast chicken. Would you like to eat dinner with us?” She paused for a few seconds before adding, “Your dad can, too, if he wants.”

  “No. We’ll grab something on the way home. But I’ll take a glass of water.”

  “Sure.” She stepped to the side. “Come in. I’ll get it for you.”

  He’d give his dad another couple of minutes before he joined him. Right now, he wasn’t sure what he would say to him if he started in again about Kim and her father.

  When she filled a glass and gave it to him, his fingers grazed hers. He nearly dropped the drink but covered his reaction to her touch by quickly raising it to his lips and sipping the water.

  “Kim, where are you?” her father shouted right before he came into the game room. His glance strayed to Zane then Kim. “They’ve revised the weather forecast. It looks like the storm system will be here a day early. It’s really building up west of us. It doesn’t look good for us, especially with gale-force winds.”

  “That means a tarp probably wouldn’t be enough to protect our house.” Kim threw an appealing gaze toward Zane.

  “Then we have to get all the shingles on tomorrow. They’re delivering them by eleven, but it’ll be faster if I pick them up myself. If I have to, I’ll work
on the roof after dark. I’ve got some floodlights I can use. Tomorrow night you’ll have your new roof.” Zane took another swig of the water, then put the glass on the counter. “I’ll be here after I get the shingles. I’ll pull as many workers as I can spare from the school to help me.” He strolled toward the outside door. He knew the owner of the supply house. He’d try him this evening. Maybe the man could open up earlier tomorrow so he could get the shingles sooner.

  Kim followed him to the door. “Thank you. Are you sure you can afford to use your men?”

  “I have to. There are a couple of other places we’re working that will need the same kind of attention. You aren’t the only one I’ll have to pull men from the school for.” He clasped her hands. “Don’t worry. I’m not gonna let anything happen to this house.”

  “I appreciate it. I’m not sure how much more Dad can take.”

  The worry and pain he glimpsed in her eyes prompted him to cup her face. “Is he the only one you’re worried about?”

  “Yes.” Her eyes glistened. “I’m fine.” She backed away. “See you tomorrow.”

  He left Kim’s and headed for the side of the house where his truck was parked. When he rounded the corner, he stumbled to a halt. His truck was gone. What did his father do?

  In the past, his dad had done impulsive things when he was upset, and they usually led to him drinking. He looked back toward the lights in the game room, then tried his dad’s cell. It went to voicemail. He left a message but knew his father wouldn’t be calling him anytime soon. After trudging back up the stairs, he knocked again on the door.

  When Kim appeared in the entrance, she frowned. “What’s wrong?”

  “I need a ride home.”

  “What’s wrong with your truck?”

  “It’s gone. I guess Dad got tired of waiting.”

  She chuckled. “So, he left you to walk home.”

  He gave her a grin. “Not if a pretty lady will give me a ride home.”

  “Then do you want me to get Maggie for you?”

  For a few seconds, he didn’t know what to say to that. Then he saw her smirk and answered, “I guess I can settle for you.”