The Family She Needs

by Sue MacKay

  Mickey whooped and shouted, ‘I want to do that. I’m going to make the biggest.’

  He made one so big that when he tried to throw it the ball landed on his feet.

  ‘Here, buddy, make smaller ones so that you can throw them at Karina and make her laugh. Like this.’

  She got pelted, with all three males ganging up on her. Jonty had given up being photographer to join in the fun, even laughing once when he got a direct hit from Mickey.

  * * *

  ‘I liked the sled best.’ Mickey hung on to Karina and Logan’s hands and swung between them two hours later, as they made their way back to the car park and a late lunch. A smile lit up his face, and his eyes were bulging with excitement.

  ‘Even when you tipped over and got your head buried in the snow?’ she asked. Her heart had stopped for a moment, but Mickey had come up laughing and demanding to fall off again.

  ‘I tasted the snow. It’s yucky. Not like ice cream at all. What’s for lunch? I’m starving.’

  ‘I’ve got bacon-and-egg pie.’

  By the way all the faces lit up she knew she’d won some points. She wouldn’t mention the cream doughnuts she’d bought from the bakery until Mickey had eaten his pie, otherwise he’d go straight to the second course. She was spoiling him—spoiling them all, really—but what the heck? In these chilly conditions people needed food in their tummies, and why not have something naughty but tasty?

  Though if Logan was right, and Jonty had Crohn’s, then he needed to be warned that he shouldn’t eat too much of that sort of food. Damn, she should have thought about that and brought something more suitable.

  ‘Watch out!’

  The shout came from behind them.

  Logan snatched Mickey and leapt sideways in one smooth move. She jumped after them. A young boy on a snowboard shot past. Looking around for Jonty, she saw he was further over, well out of danger. Shuddering, she muttered, ‘Idiot. He shouldn’t be doing that in a crowded area.’

  ‘I think he might’ve lost control further up and doesn’t know how to stop.’ Logan held Mickey in his arms as they watched the boy finally crash to a stop in a large snowdrift. ‘He seems to have survived unscathed.’

  A loud voice indicated that the boy was getting a telling-off from his father. Karina grimaced. ‘Parenting never stops.’

  ‘A lifetime commitment,’ Logan said, then asked, ‘Where’s that lunch? I’m in need of a hot drink, too.’

  She heard the shiver in his voice. ‘Guess this is a shock to your body?’

  ‘You’re not wrong there. But, hey, I’m enjoying it.’ He grinned at Mickey, who was still in his arms. ‘What about you, Mickey? Isn’t this awesome fun?’

  ‘Yip. My nose is cold.’

  The food went down fast as everyone was ravenous. But standing around devouring pie and doughnuts had them feeling the cold too much.

  ‘Do we head home now or have some more games in the snow?’ Karina wondered aloud.

  ‘I want to ride on the sled again.’ Of course Mickey would fight the going home suggestion.

  Logan placed the sled on the snow. ‘Come on. I’ll pull you to the top.’

  Karina trudged along beside them. ‘You’re going to sleep well tonight, my boy.’

  At the top they turned the sled around and Mickey clambered on, standing up on his feet. ‘I’m going to do the same as him.’ He pointed to an older boy on a snowboard.

  ‘No, Mickey. Sit down.’

  Too late.

  The sled was already moving down the slope and Mickey was struggling to keep his balance. Logan leapt after him, jogging alongside the sled, ready to catch him if he slipped.

  Swallowing the worry tightening her tummy, Karina walked down behind them, watching like a mother hen over every move Mickey made.

  Things were going perfectly until the sled bounced over the end of a ski as its owner hurtled across in front of Mickey. The sled slid sideways fast, tossing Mickey into the air.

  ‘Mickey!’ she screamed, and ran, each step sinking into the snow.

  ‘Kar—ina.’ He rolled over in the snow and stared around. ‘Kar—ina!’ he yelled.

  She and Logan reached him at the same moment and dropped to their knees at his side. Logan put a hand on his chest, his fingers making quick work of checking him over.

  ‘You’re all right, buddy. Just a wee cut on your chin.’

  ‘I don’t want a cut. It hurts.’ He rubbed his chin, and when his fingers came away red he shrieked.

  Karina reached for him, bundled his little body up in a hug. ‘Shh, sweetheart. It’s all right. You just had a little crash.’

  You’re never going to ride a sled again.

  Mickey cuddled in tight, crying and hiccupping against her chest. ‘I was going good like that boy.’

  Logan collected the sled and laid it beside them. ‘You were doing great, buddy. It takes practice to be perfect.’

  ‘I don’t want to do it now.’

  Logan pulled a small ball of twine out of his pocket. ‘Fair enough, but how about you sit on the sled and I’ll tie this rope to the end so I can keep you from going too fast?’

  Mickey shook his head. ‘I might fall off again.’

  ‘Not if I’ve got hold of you.’

  Karina stood up, Mickey still in her arms. ‘It’s—’

  ‘Give it a go, Mickey.’ Logan cut her off. ‘If you don’t like it we’ll stop.’

  Wriggle, wriggle. Mickey wanted to get down. She locked eyes with Logan as she lowered the boy, shook her head at him.

  ‘Back on the horse,’ he said quietly. ‘He’ll be fine.’

  I worry far too much. Yeah, she got it. But mothers, even surrogate ones, were allowed to.

  Of course it was an uneventful trip back to the car park, where Jonty stood, stomping his feet and muttering about silly people who didn’t know when they’d had enough fun for one day. He took the sled and headed for the four-wheel drive.

  Logan lifted Mickey to hold him in one arm, took Karina’s hand with his free one and said, ‘Let’s head home. I think we’ve all had enough excitement.’

  She didn’t pull her hand free. It felt so right to be close to him after the day they’d shared. Later on she’d probably regret this, but now she wanted to be a part of someone.

  ‘Hey...’ Logan stopped a few metres short of his vehicle and turned to face her. ‘You’re one hell of a woman.’

  Then those lips she was getting to know and enjoy captured her mouth again. His tongue slipped inside and she tasted him.

  All too soon he pulled away. ‘Come on. Jonty will be keeping score if we’re not careful.’

  CHAPTER NINE

  BY THE END of the next week Karina had two bank loans on offer to consider, and a driveway that no longer flooded in a downpour. That had been proved already, when the frosts had moved over for a weather bomb that had brought more rain than anyone had seen in years. She also had a vase of colourful winter roses on the dining table from Logan and Mickey, for giving them such a fun day out on the snow.

  The arrival of the beautiful flowers at the surgery had had Leeann staring in amazement and Karina’s stomach fluttering like a butterfly in the breeze. Ian had used to have his secretary send her flowers every Friday afternoon, but those elaborate floral displays had never warmed her soul. Nothing like these, with their handwritten note from Logan.

  On her way out of what had used to be her bank for the last time, having closed all her accounts and transferred her funds to the new bank she’d finally chosen, she saw Becca.

  ‘I can’t believe Logan’s been here nearly two weeks already.’

  ‘And...?’

  Karina’s heart sank. What could she say? Kisses didn’t count as world-changing events, and nor did the nu
merous hours she’d wasted thinking about Logan. It seemed Logan didn’t know when to back off out of her head space.

  She cut Becca off at the pass. ‘And nothing.’

  ‘He came to Friday night drinks.’

  ‘He wanted a break from everything.’ Don’t ask what ‘everything’ involves.

  ‘He had a great time playing pool with you.’ Becca grinned wickedly. ‘He hardly took his eyes off you. If I wasn’t the generous-hearted woman I am I could’ve been insulted.’

  Unfortunately for her friend, Karina didn’t want to talk about the man who was haunted by something so terrible he relived it almost nightly in his sleep.

  ‘Look, he’s here for Mickey and they’re getting on so well. It’s “Uncle Logan this...”, “Uncle Logan that...”’ Mickey would be heartbroken when Logan left, but that was out of her hands. ‘And Logan’s offered to give David a break by working mornings all next week.’

  ‘That’s kind, but do you like him? Think he’s sexy?’

  ‘A bit.’ She’d never been able to lie. ‘All right—a lot. He’s caring and giving, and a lot sexy. But he’s leaving in little more than two weeks, so I can’t afford to play around with him.’

  As long as it’s not too late and I haven’t already caught the Logan bug.

  Because he’d sneaked into her heart a little bit while she’d been busy making him hot chocolate. She cared about him and for him, and at the moment that was survivable. She would miss him when he left, but her heart would be intact.

  Really?

  Of course. Absolutely of course.

  Becca watched her far too closely. ‘Bringing him along for drinks again tonight?’

  ‘Drinks? Is it Friday already?’ She slapped her head. ‘How could I forget?’

  ‘This Logan’s seriously distracting you.’

  ‘He could look after Mickey while I join you. That’s why he’s here—to bond with his nephew, not to go out with me.’

  His eyes were sometimes filled with laughter and happiness and at other times were bleak and desperate, but whenever he was with Mickey his expression was always bright. She wouldn’t think about that deep, hot look he wore around her.

  A text message hit her phone. Digging deep in her bag, it took her a moment to find the phone amongst all the junk that somehow seemed to accumulate when she wasn’t looking.

  Are you coming home for lunch? We’re missing you. Logan.

  ‘Got to go. Seems my men need me.’

  Becca had the nerve to laugh. ‘You’re hooked! Your men? That’s brilliant.’

  Karina opened her mouth to refute it, but snapped her lips shut. How could she explain that whatever affected Mickey affected her? Make that whoever had anything to do with her boy touched her. Nothing to do with her heart and Logan.

  Tell that to the birds.

  Saying, ‘I’ll text you about tonight,’ she left her friend, still laughing, and headed for the car to go to the supermarket. On the way she replied to Logan.

  Why’s Mickey at home? He should still be at kindergarten.

  Logan came back instantly.

  The teacher called, said he was upset.

  Why does my boy suddenly hate kindy when he’s always loved it? Is Logan playing the ‘Uncle’ card too hard? I should never have let him stay home that first day. She laughed softly. Listen to me, sounding like a mum—a mum in all but DNA. Cool.

  When she let herself into the house thirty minutes later she found Logan and Mickey lying on the rollout bed in front of the fire. Her feet turned to lead even while her throat ached with emotion. Mickey’s small body was curled in against Logan, his cute face pale and his eyes closed. Logan’s arm was wrapped around his nephew’s body, holding him close, protecting him. They looked perfect together.

  Slashing at the tears on her cheeks, she crossed to stand beside the bed. Whatever Mickey was unhappy about, she’d never forget this picture. He belonged in Logan’s arms.

  When she opened her mouth Logan raised a finger to his lips. ‘Shh. He’s only just fallen asleep,’ he whispered.

  Nodding, she quietly asked, ‘Want anything? A drink? Lunch?’

  ‘A cup of tea wouldn’t go amiss. And a sandwich.’

  He looked so hopeful she wanted to laugh.

  ‘You eat like a horse, yet it doesn’t stick to you. If I ate half what you do I’d be enormous.’ She squinted at him. ‘Actually, your face has lost some of that gauntness.’

  ‘So I’m gaunt? Charming.’

  Glancing at Mickey, she felt the fun go out of her. ‘He’s obviously tired, which isn’t normal.’

  Logan winced. ‘He’s peed a lot this morning, so I’ve collected another specimen to send off.’

  She shivered, forgot to whisper. ‘You don’t think this is the start of something worse? An underlying illness?’

  Panic flared, rapidly drying her mouth, cranking up her heart-rate and crunching her stomach.

  ‘Karina, take a deep breath and listen to me.’ He no longer whispered either.

  His calmness had her instantly taking that breath. ‘I know I worry too much, but I can’t help it.’

  ‘Despite the urinary frequency and tummy aches, I don’t believe he’s ill. He’s tired, but think of the energy he’s been expending in the snow and helping me and Jonty with the digging. There’s plenty of colour in his face. Nor is there too much,’ he added, when her mouth opened to ask exactly that.

  Forcing the panic down, she acknowledged that Logan was more qualified medically than she’d ever be. If he wasn’t overly worried maybe she shouldn’t be either. ‘Is it because he’s getting close to you and will do anything to stay home with you?’

  A rueful smile told her he knew the problems that he would cause when he left. ‘Sorry, but I admit I’m enjoying being with him.’

  Good. And bad. Another person in Mickey’s life who would leave.

  ‘I’ll get that tea.’

  ‘And a sandwich?’

  Placing the steaming mug and a plate stacked high with ham sandwiches on a stool within easy reach of Logan a few minutes later, she told him, ‘I’m due back at work. Anything else I can do before I go?’

  Shaking his head, he whispered, ‘I’ve got it covered.’

  ‘I’ll pop over when I’m not busy.’ Then she couldn’t help herself. ‘You’re really bonding with the wee man.’

  ‘Not quite how I thought it would go down.’

  The look of love he gave Mickey grabbed at her heart.

  ‘You must be doing it right if he’s relaxed enough to go to sleep with you.’

  Usually if there was even a hint of distress the only person Mickey had wanted since he’d lost his parents was her. But that had been changing over the time Logan had been here. She should feel a twang of jealousy that he was so comfortable with Logan, but all she knew was relief. Things were looking up as far as this relationship was concerned.

  * * *

  Mickey and Logan were playing Snakes and Ladders when she got home. The dinner she’d prepared earlier was heating in the oven, and Jonty was watching the news.

  Karina sighed. ‘That’s what I call domestic.’

  Logan raised his head and locked eyes with her. ‘Are we going out for Friday night drinks?’

  ‘I guess...’ Honestly, she’d prefer to stay home and keep an eye on Mickey.

  ‘Jonty’s prepared to look after our boy.’

  Our boy? That sounded as if they had a family thing going. ‘How’s Mickey now?’

  ‘I don’t want you to go out,’ Mickey answered her. ‘My tummy’s sore. And my head—’

  Logan cut in. ‘Haven’t you spent the last thirty minutes complaining because you’re starving and don’t want to wait for dinner? Not to mention being a gymnast on the couc
h?’

  ‘Stay home with me.’

  ‘No. Karina and I are going out and you will be good for Mr Grumpy. Do you understand?’

  ‘Yes, Uncle Logan. But—’

  ‘Dinner’s ready!’

  Karina cut him off and hurried to dish up for him and Jonty. She and Logan would eat when they returned.

  But Logan changed that.

  ‘Is there a Thai restaurant around here?’ he asked as they finished their beers.

  ‘Just along the road,’ Karina informed him. ‘It’s really good, what’s more.’

  ‘I’m drooling at the thought of a hot red curry. Want to have a meal there?’

  ‘I’d love it, but what about Mickey?’

  ‘I’ll ring Jonty and see if he’s okay to stay on for a bit.’ He held his hand up in a stop sign. ‘I won’t be asking if Mickey’s well. Jonty’s raised his own kids. He’ll know if there’s anything we should be worrying about.’

  ‘Okay.’ She forced herself to relax by breathing deep yoga breaths, dragging the air all the way down to her tummy, where it mixed with the beer and sent bubbles up her throat. Great.

  Becca did her usual elbow-nudge thing. ‘You’re going on a date! How long’s it been?’

  ‘For ever,’ she answered without thought. Wait up. ‘It’s not a date. We’re both hungry, so we’re doing something about it.’

  ‘The food warming in your oven at home would do that,’ Becca pointed out.

  ‘I guess...’ It was a date. Oh, my God. ‘I don’t do dating.’

  ‘You do now. And you couldn’t have picked a sexier guy if you’d checked out every male in Motueka.’ Becca grinned. ‘No, I’m not interested. He’s too brainy for me.’

  Logan snapped his phone shut. ‘Sorted—let’s go.’

  Becca wrapped her arm around Karina in a hug and whispered, ‘I want every detail.’

  * * *

  ‘This satay is superb.’ Nearly an hour later, Karina licked her lips of every last dot of sauce. Becca was going to be annoyed when she told her that. And about the delicious entrée of crumbed squid rings and spring rolls. ‘How’s that curry?’