by Lisa Carter
She came to an immediate and abrupt halt. Coffee dribbled over the side of the mug. She made a move to do an about-face, but Ethan waved her over. And then for pride’s sake, she became obligated to join them.
Ignoring her father, Dwight Fleming, she set down the coffee. But she felt her face flame.
Smiling, Ethan brought the cup to his lips. “Two of my favorite people in the whole world together in one place.”
Her father pushed his glasses higher onto the bridge of his nose. “A sentiment I have a feeling Amber wouldn’t share.”
She scowled at her dad. “And I wouldn’t be the only one, would I?”
A mother herded a trio of preschoolers through the narrow aisle toward a vacant table. Forcing Amber to lean closer to Ethan and out of their path. But diving for the counter stools, the three boys spun around like a pair of whirling tops.
“Reminds me of a certain young son of mine.” Her dad threw Ethan a grin. “And his sidekick.” Her father sobered. “Amber, I heard that with ErmaJean out of commission, Ethan is going to look after the girls until you graduate from nursing school. Is that true?”
“That’s still up for debate.” Heart pounding, she swiped the cloth over the table. “Not that it’s any of your business.”
Her father settled his hands on his hips. “It’s Saturday. Who’s keeping the girls today while you work?”
“Again, none of your business. But if you must know, Deirdre Fielding offered to let them spend the day at the dude ranch.” Amber’s lip curled. “You remember Mrs. Fielding, don’t you, Dad? Mom’s best friend.”
Ethan set the mug onto the table with a clunk. “Amber.”
“Yes, I remember Deirdre. A good woman, as was your mother.” Her father’s lips thinned. “I’m glad I ran into you, Amber. There’s a serious matter I’ve been meaning to discuss with you about Lucy’s and Stella’s welfare.”
She stilled. “What about Lucy and Stella?”
“It’ll be summer soon. Have you thought about giving them swimming lessons?”
She folded her arms. “You can say that to me after what happened to Mom?”
“The kayak overturning and your mother getting caught underneath was a freak accident. You grew up on the water. I would be happy to give the girls lessons once school is out. It doesn’t have to be me. Perhaps Ethan could—”
“I’m not letting the girls anywhere near the water.” She jutted her jaw. “Or you either, Dad.”
His expression hardening, her father’s eyes flicked to Ethan. “Be careful with the girls.” He grimaced. “Children will break your heart. Right, Amber?”
Feeling a sting of tears, Amber straightened so quickly she saw stars. “Why do you come into the Jar every week, Dad? It sure isn’t for the food.” She threw the cloth on the table. “To harass me or to gloat? Which is it?”
Ethan extricated himself from the booth. “Amber...” He reached for her.
She shook him off. “I’ll get your lunch and leave you to your reunion with my father.”
Trust her father to ruin the few moments of happiness she might’ve enjoyed with Ethan. Glaring at them both, she stalked away.
Chapter Five
The Mason Jar’s kitchen door, with its glass porthole, swung shut behind Amber.
Sitting back down in the booth, Ethan found Dwight Fleming watching him watch his daughter. Behind Dwight’s wire-rimmed glasses, there was an interesting gleam in his eyes Ethan wasn’t sure how to interpret.
“I hate to see this bitterness between you and Amber. You two were always so close, Dwight.”
There was no man Ethan respected more than Amber’s father. He’d taught Ethan how to shave. How to read the river. How to be a man.
Brow furrowing, Dwight joined him on the other side of the booth. “Things change.”
For a man in his late fifties, the rafting business had ensured Amber’s father retained the shape of a man fifteen years younger. Dwight had the classic chiseled features of a man who’d spent his life outdoors. A former collegiate champion swimmer, his shoulders were still broad and powerful.
Ethan warmed his hands around the mug of coffee. “I was so sorry to hear about Mrs. Fleming’s death.”
For a second so brief as to be almost imaginary, Dwight’s stoic features wavered before resuming his customary mask of control. “Like the river, life flows on.”
Ethan didn’t believe him. Dwight had adored his wife. But Ethan respected his right to keep his feelings—and grief—to himself.
Co-owner of Fleming River Adventures, Kitty had been a perfect mix of outdoorsy athleticism and motherly warmth. Her sense of adventure had been legendary. And five years ago, her death on the river a tragic accident.
“If I’d have been able to get leave—”
“We know you would’ve been here if you could.” Dwight fiddled with a sugar packet. “Your grandmother called me yesterday. She said you’d come home.”
Is that what Truelove was? His home? Ethan wasn’t sure anymore.
“Your grandmother isn’t the only one hoping you’ll decide to stay in Truelove for good.”
“I’m only here until Grandma Hicks is back to her old self.” Ethan shifted in the booth, the old familiar need to be away overtaking him. “I’ve got a job waiting in Wilmington, and next year I’ve promised myself a trip to test my skill on the Burnt Ranch Gorge in California.”
“Class Five rapids.” Dwight blew out a breath. “Serious sieves and hydraulics on that run.”
Ethan grinned. “That’s the challenge of it. Pitting yourself against the elements. The rush. The thrill. The—”
“The stupidity of risking your life trying to tame the untamable.” Amber placed the hamburger plate, loaded with fries, on the table. “You two so totally deserve each other.”
Dwight set his jaw. “Once upon a time you would’ve understood the love of white water.”
She removed the order book from the pocket of her jeans. “Once upon a time, I thought you loved us more than the river.”
Dwight’s face darkened. “You don’t think I blame myself? Every day I—”
She ripped a paper from the pad. “Your bill.” She laid it on the table in front of Ethan. “And you are just like...”
Ethan stiffened. “Just like who?”
She walked away.
“We still need to talk about the girls, Amber,” he called.
“I never meant for things to get this bad between us.” Dwight stared after her. “When her mom died, we were both hurting. I poured myself into the business. Matt was overseas. And I pegged Tony as no good the first time I met him. I should’ve never hired him.”
Ethan’s stomach knotted.
“Stuff was said—on both sides—that couldn’t be taken back.” Dwight eased out of the booth. “Lucy and Stella will grow up without me ever knowing them,” he whispered.
Ethan got to his feet. “I’d love to stop by the office. Hang out. Like the old days, sir.”
“Come by whenever you can.” Dwight clapped his hand on Ethan’s shoulder. “And don’t think I won’t try to convince you to reconsider giving Truelove another chance. You’ve got people who care about you here.” Dwight’s gaze wandered toward the kitchen. “You ever get tired of roaming, you could make a life here. A good life.”
Problem was, Truelove wasn’t Ethan’s idea of a good life.
He had finished the burger and was halfway through the fries when Amber finally slipped into the empty seat Dwight had vacated.
She steepled her hands on the table. “I don’t want you or Miss ErmaJean to think I’m not grateful. I admire your decision to allow your grandmother to recuperate in her own home.”
Dropping his gaze, he shoved the plate away. Her admiration was unwarranted. His motivations were not as loving and unselfish as she believed. But he had t
he distinct feeling that if he shared the full terms of his agreement with Grandma, Amber would refuse him outright.
She took a breath. “I can’t ask you to take on the care of two very lively—”
“You’re not asking. I’m offering.” How could he convince her? “It’s important that you finish school.”
“Be that as it may, you’ll have enough on your hands taking care of your grandmother. And I... I don’t want anyone’s pity.” Her cheeks pinked. “You have no idea how humiliating it is to always be on the receiving end of charity.”
Something tore in his heart. “Don’t be too sure about that, Amber. I’m the kid whose parents found it easy to abandon him. Think of me helping you as payback.”
Amber’s gaze flickered. “What do you mean?”
His throat thickened. “Payback for all the times your folks made me feel a part of your family. Like I belonged.”
Reaching across the table, she laid her hand over his. “You did belong. They loved you, Ethan. We—” She pressed her lips together.
Then inspiration struck. He leaned forward. “What if we were to make a mutually beneficial deal?”
She gave him a look. “You and your deals.”
“What if we could do each other a favor?”
Her forehead creased. “I don’t understand.”
“In the beginning, Grandma is going to need more care than I can provide. What if you helped her with bathing and dressing? In turn, I could watch the girls so you can finish school.” He pushed the plate of fries closer to her. “Help yourself.”
“A lot of what-ifs.” She snagged one of the fries. “You’re proposing an exchange of services?”
“Exactly. No charity involved.”
She twirled the fry in the pool of ketchup on the plate. “It would be awkward for you to help her with such personal needs.” She bit off the end of the fry.
He decided Amber even chewed pretty. “So what do you say? You’d be doing me a favor, Amber.”
Swallowing, she studied him for a long moment. “I guess there’s no harm in giving it a try.”
Over the rest of the fries, they worked out a schedule.
Her accelerated nursing classes ran Tuesdays and Thursdays from five in the evening till ten o’clock at night. On those days, he would be responsible for the girls until Amber returned from class. He would also be on twin-duty every other weekend on the Saturdays and Sundays when she had clinicals. Every day after her shift, Amber would tend to his grandmother. Ethan would take over afternoon carpool.
Ethan glanced at his cell. “I’m due to pick up Grandma from the hospital in a few hours.”
Amber ate the last fry. “I’ll meet you at the house and get her settled.” She slid out of the booth. “My lunch break is over.”
“Fries aren’t lunch, Amber.”
She shrugged. “Got to get to work.”
He didn’t think she took proper care of herself, but he knew better than to say anything. She’d only tell him to mind his own business. So they parted. Amber went into the kitchen. And he left to buy a shower chair for his grandmother per Amber’s suggestion.
Later, when he pulled into the driveway with his grandmother, Amber was waiting on the porch. Dusting off her jeans, she stood up.
He met her halfway. “I hope we didn’t keep you waiting long. I had to go by the pharmacy to get Grandma’s prescriptions.”
“No problem. I finished my shift at three.” She inspected her wristwatch. “There’s still time before I have to pick up the girls from the Fieldings’.”
He went around to retrieve the wheelchair from the trunk. Amber opened ErmaJean’s door and hugged her.
“I can’t thank you enough for helping Ethan with my care.”
Amber shook her head. “I don’t feel right about getting paid to do something I’d want to do, anyway.”
Thinking over their arrangement, earlier he’d texted Amber about adding a financial compensation to their agreed-upon exchange of services.
“I was going to have to hire someone for Grandma’s at-home care.” He brought the chair over. “It would cost me a lot more to hire someone from an agency. I’d prefer the money go to you.”
His grandmother patted Amber’s hand. “I feel better having you here instead of a stranger.”
Amber stepped aside as he maneuvered the chair closer to the car.
“It’s a win for all of us, Amber.” He set the chair brakes. “Swapping services to everyone’s benefit.”
She worried her lower lip with her teeth. “I want you both to know how much I appreciate this opportunity to finish school. And the extra money will enable me to reduce my hours at the Mason Jar. Giving me more time to study for finals.”
He helped his grandmother stand, careful she didn’t bear any weight on her fractured leg. Amber held on to his grandma, providing stability as he transitioned her into the wheelchair.
“Whew!” Grandma flopped into the chair. “That was a workout.”
He released the brake. “The chair is only for trips away from home.” Gripping the chair handles, he pushed his grandmother up the drive.
Amber strolled beside them. “I’ll show you how to use the crutches.”
Grandma groaned.
Amber squeezed her shoulder. “We’ll go over everything together. I promise.”
Past the clump of daffodils at the corner of the house, Ethan pushed the chair around to the ramp he’d erected.
Grandma put her hand to her throat. “Oh, Ethan, honey. How did you ever have time to build this?”
Flicking a look at Amber, he broadened his chest. “I’m a fast worker.”
Amber rolled her eyes. As he’d meant her to. “You’re something, all right.”
“It was fun using Granddad’s tools.” He leveraged the wheelchair over the doorjamb into the kitchen. “Now you can enjoy being a lady of leisure, Grandma. The queen bee.”
Grandma sniffed. “I’ve always been queen bee around here.”
“Don’t worry, Miss ErmaJean.” Amber poked Ethan’s biceps with her finger. “I’ll make sure he doesn’t forget it.”
“I’m not likely to forget.” He made a face. “Not with all you females around to remind me.”
“Let’s get Miss ErmaJean on the sofa.”
With Amber’s guidance, he transferred his grandmother to the couch. She propped the older woman against the cushions. “For the first few days, we need to keep your leg elevated, level with your heart, to reduce any swelling.”
Grandma smoothed her skirt. “We’ve been invited to a picnic at the Jackson orchard on Sunday, Ethan. Callie’s father, Nash, and her husband, Jake, will help you feel not quite so outnumbered.”
“But that’s tomorrow.” He placed a pillow under her casted leg. “Are you sure you’ll feel up to it, Grandma?”
She fluttered her hand. “Miss a chance to see the apple trees in bloom? I think not. Besides, I’m already sick of being stuck indoors.”
His gaze darted to Amber.
“Resuming normal activity with some limitations is a good thing,” she assured him. “It’s important to keep up a patient’s spirits.”
“Exactly.” Grandma smiled. “Seeing as this is Amber’s weekend off from clinicals, it will give you and the girls a chance to get used to each another before twin-sitting begins Monday afternoon.”
“Which reminds me.” Amber tucked a throw around his grandmother. “I need to go over the car pool diagram with Ethan.”
He handed his grandmother the remote. “How hard can picking up a pair of munchkins from school be?”
The women exchanged amused looks.
Amber pursed her lips. “Let’s just say there are certain protocols that must be followed.” She turned to his grandmother. “Make sure to wiggle your toes often. It will reduce stiffness.
”
He shrugged. “I can do rules.”
Amber propped her hand on her hip. “Since when?”
“Since joining the Marines.” He smirked. “I can do adulting, Amber.”
Grandma gave an unladylike snort. “Let’s hope so.”
“Relax, ladies. I got this.” Hands tucked into his armpits, he rocked onto his heels. “Two little girls. School. Car. Throw open the door.”
And because he knew it would irritate Amber, he flashed his trademark Ethan Green smile. “I might even decide to slow down before they jump in.”
Grandma’s eyes widened. “Ethan!”
Tongue pressed into her cheek, Amber shook her head. “He’s just trying to push my buttons, Miss ErmaJean.”
He raised his eyebrow. “Is it working?”
A small smile played about Amber’s lips. “I learned a long time ago never to take you too seriously.”
He straightened. “All kidding aside, I want you to know I take your children’s safety and well-being very seriously, Amber.” But then he couldn’t help adding, “You saw what I did there? Children? ‘Kidding’?”
She laughed. He loved to make her laugh. The lighthearted banter was their way with each other. Always had been. And though his time in Truelove might be temporary, he decided to make it his personal mission to help Amber laugh more often.
“It’ll be fine. They’ll be fine,” he said to reassure himself as much as Amber. “What could go wrong?”
* * *
Ethan woke Sunday morning with a strange sense of trepidation. He hadn’t been inside a church since he’d lived in Truelove. And he wasn’t sure how he felt about returning to the little chapel where his grandmother had taken him—most times against his will—every Sunday of his childhood.
He hadn’t minded the Bible stories or the songs. But it had been hard to sit still when he longed to be outside in the sunshine. He was a grown-up now, supposedly anyhow. Yet he remained much more comfortable with doing rather than merely being.
Grandma never missed a service, and he didn’t have the heart to disappoint her. After a quick text from his grandmother, IdaLee stopped by to help her dress.
