“Same here,” Trey responded. “How’s Aunt Eleanor?”
Leon sat up in bed, propped against a stack of pillows. “She’s fine. Hey, you remember John Hayes?”
“Yeah. How is he?”
“We buried him yesterday.”
“What?” Trey gasped in surprise. “What happened?”
“He had a bad car accident here on the island.” Leon decided not to tell his brother about Misty and Talei over the phone. There would be time for that later.
“Man, I’m sorry to hear that,” Trey said.
“How are things with you?” Leon inquired.
“Things are actually good for me. I have leave coming up, so I’ll be home the twenty-second of June until the day after the Fourth of July. I can’t wait to see everyone.”
Leon couldn’t be happier at the news. “That’s great. Can I tell Aunt Eleanor?”
Trey laughed. “Yeah. That’s fine. The last time I tried to surprise her, she almost had a heart attack.”
“Man, I can’t wait to see you.”
“Same here,” Trey said. “Well... Duty calls, big brother. I’ll call you and Aunt Eleanor sometime next week.”
When he arrived at work, Leon phoned his aunt while still in the car. “Guess who’s coming home in a couple of weeks.”
“Trey,” she responded. “Is my baby boy coming back to the island?”
He laughed. “Yes, ma’am.”
Leon talked to his aunt a few minutes more, then said, “I’m at work. It’s time to get my day started.”
He ended the call and got out of his truck.
Leon saw Lizzie as she was leaving the station house and threw up his hand in greeting.
He navigated to the dorms, put his backpack away, then headed to the bay where the fire engines were stored.
“Leon... Where are you?” Charles called out.
“Over here. I’m washing engine two.”
“You have visitors. They’re waiting for you in the lobby.”
“Me?” Leon walked from the back of the truck. “Who is it?”
“Go up there and see for yourself.”
He washed and dried his hands, then walked into the station. Leon’s heart turned over when he saw Misty and Talei. He felt a ripple of excitement.
“Oseeyo, Eon,” the little girl said and rushed over to him. She gave him the bag containing peanut butter cookies.
“Osiyo,” Misty clarified. “It means hello.”
“I figured it was something like that.”
“Just saying thank you for everything you’ve done didn’t seem quite enough.” Misty handed him a box of red velvet cupcakes. “These are just a token of my appreciation.”
“You didn’t have to go to all this trouble but thank you.” Leon was touched beyond words by her thoughtfulness. Misty wasn’t the first woman to bring him baked goods, but unlike some of the others, she didn’t have a hidden agenda.
“I am forever grateful, Leon. I’m also glad you want to be her godfather.”
Leon picked up the toddler. “We already have a bond, don’t we?”
Talei nodded, then pointed to a stuffed Dalmatian puppy on the desk behind him.
“Dawggie.”
Misty laughed. “My child can spot a stuffed animal anywhere. It’s like she has a sixth sense or something.”
“Here you go,” Leon said. “It’s my gift to you, little one.”
“What do you say, Talei?”
“Wado.”
“Is it okay if she shares a cupcake with me?”
Misty nodded. “Sure.”
Leon escorted them to the dining area. He sliced a cupcake in two and gave a half to Talei while he kept the other.
He took a bite, then another. “Aunt Eleanor’s right. You definitely know your way around a kitchen.” Misty’s nearness made his senses spin.
She laughed. “It’s just a cupcake.”
“You should’ve met the guy you replaced. I don’t know if he started having issues with his vision but even on his best day, not one of his baked goods were as good as this cupcake.”
Misty smiled and took Talei out of his arms and set her on the floor. “We need to let Leon get back to work, sweetie.”
“Bye, Eon,” Talei said, wrapping her arms around his legs.
“Thank you again for the goodies,” Leon said.
The look Misty gave him was so galvanizing it sent a tremor through him. The pounding of his heart quieted only once they disappeared outside.
CHAPTER SEVEN
AFTER MISTY AND TALEI LEFT, Leon’s coworkers tossed a bunch of questions at him.
“Hey, you’re gonna share those, right? Those cupcakes look pretty delicious.”
“You and Miss Brightwater sure seem pretty close.”
“We’re friends,” Leon said. “That’s all y’all need to know.” He felt an unfamiliar shiver of awareness. There was something more than a mild interest where Misty was concerned. An undeniable magnetism was building between them. He had to wrench himself away from his ridiculous preoccupation. He and Misty could only be friends.
Nothing more.
“So, what about those cupcakes and cookies?” Charles interjected. “You sharing your bounty?”
Amused, Leon nodded. “Sure.”
He placed the snacks on the table just as the alarm sounded, prompting the team to rush and gather equipment.
“Engine one,” Charles called out.
Leon grabbed his gear and jumped into the truck.
“It sure is good to see you smile again,” Charles told him. “That little girl seems to have taken a strong liking to you.”
“John asked me to be her godfather, but I couldn’t accept it until now. I’m going to be there for her since her dad can’t.”
“Your friend will be able to rest easy,” Charles said.
Leon leaned back against the seat. They were on their way to the site of a car accident.
“You okay?” Charles asked.
“Yeah, I’m good,” Leon said as he stared out the window and tried to keep his mind focused on the job.
They arrived at the accident location.
It was quickly determined that they weren’t needed, much to Leon’s relief.
“Now we can pick up where we left off,” Charles said with a chuckle once they’d returned to the station. “I can’t wait to get my hands on one of those red velvet cupcakes.”
Leon laughed, then headed to his bunk. Now that he had some downtime, he couldn’t escape the thoughts of Misty that plagued him. Fate had ushered her into his life, blindsiding him plain and simple. The chemistry between them shook Leon down to his bones. Misty and Talei had stormed into his life like a tornado, turning his world inside out. He was unprepared for the emotions that were suddenly running rampant and rattling him to the core.
Leon lay down on his bunk and closed his eyes. What do I do now?
* * *
MISTY DROVE TO the shop so that Talei could spend some time with Eleanor.
“She’s been asking to see you.”
Smiling, Eleanor hugged Talei. “Hey, sugar. I’m so glad you came to visit me.”
“Where Mr. Josh?” the little girl asked.
“He’s in the kitchen. I’ll let him know you’re here.”
Misty guided her daughter into a booth, then sat down beside her. Leon was at the forefront of her mind. She had no ulterior motives in taking the cupcakes and cookies to the station, but there was something different in her interaction with him—something new. She’d felt an eager affection coming from him earlier. It was as if something intense flared between them, not to mention the tingling in the pit of her stomach—the way her heart lurched, and her pulse pounded whenever she was around Leon.
Eleanor walked to the entr
ance of the kitchen and said, “Talei wants to say hello to you.”
Josh appeared, wiping his hands on his apron. “Hey, little Princess.”
Grinning, Talei waved, then said, “You got fench fries?”
“I sure do,” Josh said. “Would you like a grilled cheese sandwich to go with them?”
“Yes, pleeze.”
Misty kissed the top of her daughter’s head. “I love you so much, munchkin.”
“Love you, Mommy.”
Eleanor walked over a few minutes later carrying Talei’s lunch. She sat down across from Misty and watched as the little girl dived into her food.
Gesturing to the stuffed animal on the table, she said, “Did you go by the station?”
“I did,” Misty responded. “I dropped off some cupcakes and peanut butter cookies to Leon. I wanted to thank him for what he did—from the accident to the funeral. He’s really been a great help to me.”
“I’m sure he appreciated the treats. My nephew has a sweet tooth.”
“He even offered to be Talei’s godfather. It’s what John always wanted.”
“I’m so glad to hear this,” Eleanor said. “It means that he’s finally ready to move past his own pain and grief. I actually think you have something to do with this change in him.”
“I have a meeting with Brittany in an hour, so we’d better head home,” she announced, checking her watch. “I’ll see you in the morning.”
“Thanks for bringing this little lady to see me,” Eleanor said. “She really made my day.”
One thing Misty hadn’t counted on—her emotions where Leon was concerned. Unnerved by the intensity of her response to Eleanor’s comment, she forced herself to shut out all thoughts of him.
* * *
MISTY WAS ON the planning committee for the upcoming Children’s Festival taking place the first weekend in August. She’d missed the last meeting because of John’s funeral, so her friend Brittany had graciously offered to come by the house to update her and had also emailed her the notes.
She designated the dining room table as a workspace for them.
Talei was in her bedroom watching a Disney movie when Brittany arrived.
Opening her tote, Brittany said, “I brought the pictures from the festival last year. We had people come from the mainland attend—it was great. Ours is a smaller version of the one they have every year in Charleston.”
“I’m super excited to be a part of this event,” Misty responded. “I read the notes from the last meeting. Looks like it was a very productive one.”
“It was,” Brittany said. “I wanted to stop by because I have more great news. Annie Bell Watts contacted me about doing a workshop on quilting. She’s even supplying all of the materials.”
“That’s wonderful,” Misty murmured as she made some notes of her own. “The island is known for the beautiful quilts sold in the boutiques. I think the craft should appeal to the teens.”
Misty updated Brittany on the tasks she’d completed. “All of the sponsorship packets have been sent out and we’ve gotten some great responses. I’ve just emailed you an updated list of the donors for this year.”
They spent forty-five minutes going over more details. Misty made a couple of phone calls regarding the venue.
“Everything’s confirmed,” she said after the last call.
“That’s everything on the festival,” Brittany stated. “How did things go in Orangeburg?”
“John’s father was his usually angry self. I’m so glad Leon was there—I didn’t want to deal with that man alone.”
“I take it things are going well with Leon, then.”
“He’s really nice, Britt. I’m hopeful that we’re going to be great friends.” Misty was careful to keep any emotion out of her voice.
Brittany gave her a sidelong glance. “Friends... That’s all you want with that gorgeous man? A friendship?”
“Yeah. After John, I realized I make terrible choices with men. I think I’m better alone.”
“Do you really believe that?”
“Britt, you have no idea the emotional abuse I endured with my father. I had a string of bad relationships, and when I met John, I thought all that changed, but it was more of the same. Trust me, Britt...I’m better off alone.”
Shaking her head, Brittany said, “You just haven’t met the right man. Until now.”
* * *
LEON EXITED THROUGH the gym doors, wiping his brow with a towel as he made his way to his car.
“I’m beginning to see you everywhere.”
His heart jolted at the sound of her voice. “It’s bound to happen every now and then,” Leon said smoothly. “We live on an island.”
Pointing to his gym bag, Misty inquired, “On your way to a workout?”
“Actually, I finished up not too long ago.” Misty’s nearness made his senses spin, and he couldn’t ignore the smoldering flame in her eyes. Without thinking about the consequences, he said, “I was about to grab some lunch. Would you like to join me?”
“You’re stepping out on your aunt,” Misty said when they walked through the door of Tony’s Italian Bistro. “Shame.”
“Every now and then I come over here for the Italian sandwich.”
“I have to confess that I love Tony’s sandwiches, as well.”
Leon swallowed tightly as he dropped down next to her. It made him feel good to be around Misty.
“What’s on your agenda for the weekend?” Leon inquired once their food arrived.
“My mom’s here,” Misty said. “We’re going to enjoy some girl time with Talei.”
“I hope y’all have a great visit.”
“What are your plans?” Misty asked. She took a bite of her sandwich.
“I’m working.”
She gave him a tiny smile. “I hope that it will be a quiet weekend for you, then.”
“Thank you. I’m taking vacation for a week. I need to do some much-needed work and repairs around my house. My brother is coming toward the end of June for a visit.”
“How wonderful for you and Miss Eleanor. She misses him a great deal.”
“I know.” Leon bit into his sandwich. He swallowed, then said, “I’m really glad you decided to attend John’s service.”
“He was my ex-husband. I wanted to say goodbye,” Misty responded. “I debated whether to bring Talei. My mom didn’t think it was a good idea, but in the end, I felt like she needed to be there.”
“How is Talei doing?”
“She still talks about her dad. She woke up a couple of times saying he was hurt in the car. This morning she picked up my tablet and said she wanted to see him. John used to FaceTime with her.”
“I know this isn’t easy for either of you.”
“It’s not,” Misty said. “It’s heartbreaking to watch my little girl yearn for her daddy and there’s nothing I can do to help her.”
“You’re doing all the right things,” Leon assured her. “I’m curious. What does her name mean?”
“Talei means Precious One,” she responded.
“It fits her.” He finished the last of his sandwich and considered a moment before speaking. “For the record, I never knew about John’s treatment of you.”
“I’m not surprised,” Misty said. “He didn’t want that getting out to anyone. Growing up with a man like his father, John didn’t know how to stand up to him. Drinking was the way he dealt with it; only it made him just like the man he despised.”
Leon took a sip of his water. “John could never really handle his alcohol. After a couple of drinks, I’d have to practically carry him back to our dorm room.”
Misty smiled. “He told me how you always looked out for him.”
Leon agreed. “Yeah.”
“I love your aunt,” Misty said, changing the subjec
t.
“Everybody loves her. Aunt Eleanor used to tell me that she was called to be of service to others. If you didn’t have any money you could still eat in the café. She just asked that you come talk to her first. Each year, elementary school students tour the bakery. Aunt Eleanor always makes sure there are cookies, even gluten-free options, for the children.”
“I saw all the thank-you cards in her office from the different schools,” Misty said.
“John never mentioned that you were a baker,” Leon stated.
“He didn’t want me to work while we were married. This is my first real job in a while. I came to Polk Island to see some property and had lunch at the café. Miss Eleanor and I got to talking. I went back to Charleston with a condo and a job. It seemed like the perfect choice.”
CHAPTER EIGHT
“I’M BACK, MAMA,” Misty said when she arrived home. “I ran into a friend. We had lunch together.” She laid her purse on the counter. “Where’s Talei?”
Oma came out of the kitchen carrying a bottle of water. “She’s taking a nap. She’s been down for about fifteen minutes. I made some fried squash bread and Cherokee casserole for dinner.”
“Thanks, Mama. You know how much I love your squash bread.”
They sat down in the living room.
Misty freed her hair from its ponytail. “Was she still asking for John? She had a tantrum this morning because she couldn’t FaceTime him.”
“A couple of times. What’s an eon?”
“She means Leon. He was the first person there when the accident happened and again at the hospital. He’s the person I had lunch with earlier.”
“Is he a firefighter?”
“Yes, he is. Why?”
“Talei has a bear with a Polk Island Fire Department T-shirt in bed with her. She would give it to me and say eon. I didn’t know what the child was talking about.”
“I think he gave it to her the day of the accident. Leon and John were friends. He’s known him since college.”
Oma looked surprised. “Really?”
Misty nodded. “I didn’t know they still kept in touch.”
“What do you think of this man?”
“He’s nice,” she said. “Leon is a caring person—he looks out for his aunt and all the people he cares about. He’s been here for me and Talei. He’s friendly and funny. A little old-fashioned in some of his ways, but I like it.”
Harlequin Heartwarming June 2021 Box Set Page 54
