“A girl has to have some secrets.” She winked and then sent an adoring glance toward the cake. “Decisions, decisions. Red velvet or lemon coconut? I’ll be wavering all day.”
He recognized the opportunity for a quick getaway and picked up the measuring tape. Snapping out the first foot, he was certain of one thing.
One taste of Natalie’s lips, and he’d be hooked.
CHAPTER EIGHT
WITH ONLY A few minutes until closing time, Aidan exited the water utility office in Hollydale’s City Hall. Frustrated, he shut the door with a little too much force and the glass window rattled. Coming in person hadn’t yielded the results he wanted. He would have liked to have moved out of the bed-and-breakfast sooner to be closer to Danny, but Monday was still the earliest the water and gas would operate at Shelby’s.
At least he hadn’t canceled his remaining nights at Eight Gables. Besides, Ginny’s afternoon scones were delicious, so good he’d have to resume his morning runs soon. He turned toward the exit that would lead him out to Main Street.
“Major Murphy!”
Mayor Wes stopped him in his tracks. He turned and saw the tall man striding toward him. “You found me.”
Should he mention Hyacinth’s and Belinda’s gifts that bordered on bribes? “Mayor Wes, there’s something you should know about the pie contest.”
“All in good time. Let’s make ourselves comfortable, shall we? Have a minute?” Aidan hadn’t nodded before the mayor steered him in the opposite direction. “My office is this way.”
Before Aidan knew any better, the mayor’s assistant handed him a bottle of water and he was ensconced in a comfortable padded chair near the impressive chestnut desk.
“Thanks for the water.” He uncapped the bottle and took a sip. “You treat your pie judges well. Speaking of judging, in full disclosure—”
“Our city manager is retiring, but he has to hold on a little longer for his complete pension to kick in. He needs his health benefits, too.” The mayor steepled his fingers, genuine concern on his face, so Aidan decided to hear him out. “For the most part, that hasn’t been a problem. However, there is one situation that’s come up, other than the pie judging, that is.”
“About Hyacinth and Belinda, there’s something you should know—”
Once again, getting a word in proved impossible. “Any security detail in your training?”
Was the mayor serious? One look at the discerning eyes in the jovial face proved he was. “Yes, sir.”
“Good.” The mayor shuffled some papers and produced a business card. “Here’s Bob Woodley’s info. We have a project I bet is up your alley. It concerns the security details for the parade route. I’d like a consultant’s view of the weaknesses before the tourists arrive. They start arriving about now and continue until the last leaf falls off our trees. We have a smaller group of visitors trickle back in the winter for the snow resort ten miles away.”
Aidan accepted the card with some trepidation. “Wouldn’t a job like this require bids? Background checks? Detailed strategies?”
The mayor snapped his fingers. “Knew you were the man for the job. This is only a minor temporary assignment but a vital one. You’ll review the latest police report for strengths and weaknesses.”
“I’ve worked in security, but I’m more geared toward linguistics.”
“Good. An extra set of eyes on a security plan never hurts.” The mayor reached for his reusable water bottle and took a long swig. “Woodley’s at the station now, coordinating the parade route and logistics with the new sheriff, Mike Harrison. Woodley’s expecting you, and he’ll get you set up.”
Aidan leaned back, perplexed at how he was getting more and more caught up in the town’s web. Then again, having a side project might keep his mind busy and help him cope with all he had to do in the upcoming month: going through Shelby’s belongings, listing her house and the downtown building, and planning activities with Danny.
“I’ll need clearance from my commanding officer.” Aidan leaned forward and tapped Woodley’s business card on the desk.
“Of course.” The mayor scribbled something down and handed him another business card. “Here’s my private contact information. Your commanding officer can get in touch with me directly. Sheriff Mike Harrison will give you the paperwork you need for clearances and fingerprint you.”
Considering the mayor always seemed to be flying by the seat of his pants, this was thought out and well-planned.
“About Belinda and Hyacinth.” What would the mayor’s answer to this conundrum be?
“They’re great, aren’t they?”
“I think they’re bribing me.” Aidan winced at how silly those words sounded.
“Nonsense.” The mayor shook his head and waved his hand, dismissing Aidan’s concern. “Besides, the pies aren’t labeled. You won’t know who baked what. Good news is we’ve received other entries this year, too.” The mayor rose, moseyed around his desk and extended his hand. “What do you say? Are you on board?”
It would give his mind something to think about other than an attractive redhead. “Yes, sir.”
The handshake was brief, and the mayor went and sat at his desk. “Woodley’s expecting you.”
With his marching orders, Aidan was out the door and in the hallway in no time flat. Mayor Wes had played him like a fiddle and taken Aidan’s participation in this security venture for granted.
He wasn’t sure if he should be annoyed or flattered.
* * *
AIDAN PATTED HIS STOMACH, full of Natalie’s chicken fried steak and gravy. She wasn’t just pretty, kind and creative, but a good cook, too. Any cake would have to wait until after a little exercise.
He scooted his chair away from the table and smiled at his nephew. “Feel like getting outside in the fresh air for a walk?” He looked at the dishes still on the table, minus the ones Natalie had already started taking into the kitchen. “After we help with cleanup first.”
Aidan stacked bowls and placed them on his plate. Crossing the threshold into the kitchen, he almost bumped into Natalie. Her silky sundress brushed his skin. Her eyes widened before she hustled back into the kitchen and found containers for the leftovers.
He glanced around her kitchen. Colorful curtains in shades of purple and blue and bold patterns weren’t what most would expect in a breakfast nook, but the brightness suited her style. Her house burst with color in every shade of the rainbow, but it came together.
It looked like home.
She glanced over her shoulder as she turned on the faucet and poured dishwashing liquid into the water. “You’re right about getting out of the house and doing something. Fresh air sounds delightful.”
Danny joined them and scraped off his plate into the trash can. He wrinkled his nose. “Walking is boring.” His eyes lit up. “What about soccer? With Uncle Aidan on my team, I might be able to win.”
Natalie rinsed off her plate and reached for Aidan’s, their fingers touching. Even with her wet soapy fingers, the spark between them was palpable.
He pulled his hand away. “I have to warn you. I was on my high school soccer team. Maybe the two of you should play against me.”
Danny clutched at Aidan’s T-shirt, and Aidan looked down. “Aunt Natalie is really good.”
She shut off the water and turned toward them, reaching for a towel. Tonight she wore her hair up, and a few tendrils now graced the sides of her face. The effect was quite beautiful. “Thanks, Danny. However, I’m too self-conscious on a soccer field. How about baseball or basketball instead?”
Aidan’s curiosity was piqued. “What’s the deal about soccer? You owe me a detail about your life.”
“I didn’t know we were keeping score from the coffeehouse, but okay.” She sighed and threw the towel onto her counter. “My twin sister, Becks, played soccer professionally for a coup
le of years. She lives in California with her husband, Jack, and my baby niece, Pippa. I’m nowhere near her level, but you can’t grow up with Becks without learning a few moves. She always kept her attention focused on one sport. I liked to diversify, and I don’t take soccer as seriously as she does.”
That was fine with him. “That chicken fried steak was delicious, and the person who cooked that meal definitely gets to pick the game.”
“Thanks.” She washed the pot, and he picked up the towel from the counter and dried.
He liked the way they worked in tandem.
“What about basketball?” she asked.
“I’m not on any basketball teams. Sounds good to me, and I’m already wearing sneakers. What about you, Danny?”
Aidan placed the pot on the counter and watched Danny pump his fist. “Yes.”
Natalie put the pot in a drawer below the stove. “There’s a court at the elementary school a couple of blocks away. Five-minute walk, tops.” She turned toward Danny. “You and me on the same team?”
Danny nodded with too much emphasis for Aidan’s liking. Severing their connection might not be the positive remedy Aidan hoped it would be. Something akin to frustration bubbled up in him. This was supposed to be quick, easy and simple, none of which described Natalie.
He supposed the best way to get her out of his system was accepting his time here and then moving on. That was how he’d lived his life until now, and that had worked for him.
Except for the nights that felt empty.
“Where’s your basketball?”
Natalie thumped her chin and then snapped her fingers. “It’s in the garage. Danny knows where.” She glanced at her sandals and her floral sundress. The blue flowers against the pink background brought out the deep blue flecks in her eyes. “I’ll make a quick change and meet you there in ten minutes.”
He tried to keep his mind off the delicate fabric swooshing around her as she headed out of the kitchen. “Come on, Danny.” He held out his hand, happy of the reminder of who had to come first. Everything had to be about Danny for now.
His nephew led him into Natalie’s garage, boxes and bins lined up against the wall. Aidan was impressed at the organization.
Danny went to a clear tote and brought forth a basketball. When he tried to dribble, however, the ball stayed on the ground, a dent in one side, proof it had deflated. Danny’s face fell before it suddenly brightened again. “Mommy bought a ball last fall when I played with my friends. I scored six times, Uncle Aidan!” Danny searched him for signs of approval, and Aidan held up his hand for a high-five. Danny slapped his hand harder than anticipated. Danny’s smile proved he’d done the right thing, and Aidan breathed a sigh of relief.
He had so much to learn, and fast. “We’ll have to wait for Natalie to get into Shelby’s house.”
“I know the code for the garage. Come on.” Danny motioned with his hand, and Aidan texted Natalie to let her know where they were going.
They walked next door. Aidan hesitated in front of Shelby’s garage, unsure of why he stopped. He’d already been inside her house, so that wasn’t the issue. The box to punch in the numbers was out of Danny’s reach. Good thing the electricity was turned on. “What’s the code?”
“My birthday. It’s—”
“I know your birthday.” He’d missed that day as he’d been stationed in Afghanistan at the time, unable to procure leave for his nephew’s arrival. He punched zero-nine-zero-two into the keypad, and the whir of the motor filled the air. Shelby’s teal compact sat there as if waiting for its owner.
It would be too impractical to drive it cross-country, but he could return his rental now. He’d ask Woodley if he knew anyone who would buy it from him after Aidan left town. The city manager might be able to give him a lead.
Danny ran into the space and found the basketball. He bounced it up and down. “You’ll get hot in that shirt. Do you want one of my mommy’s shirts?”
Aidan bit back a laugh. “I’m good.”
“Is it because you don’t want me to see that line on your arm?” Danny kept bouncing the basketball, the resounding echo consistent and purposeful. “Does that have anything to do with why you didn’t come home when Mommy died?”
Aidan stilled. Until now, he didn’t know Danny had missed him. Sadness swept over him as yet another wave of grief that he hadn’t properly said goodbye to his sister hit him like a tsunami. He rubbed his arm and sat on the car’s back bumper, patting the spot next to him. This parenting thing wasn’t as easy as it looked, and Danny was only six. The next few years stretched before them. There were so many ways to mess it all up.
Army strong. The motto flashed before him. He’d made it through so much already, he could manage this. Or at least try.
“Um.” Sweat formed on his forehead, caused by mental anxiety rather than the weather, and he hadn’t even stepped foot on the basketball court yet. He wiped away the beads of perspiration with his sleeve. The easy way out would be a distraction or a pithy excuse. Whenever he asked his father questions after his mother died, his father had always blurted out something off the cuff and changed the subject. That was, until he met Cathy. After they married and had Shelby, he’d opened up a little more.
“Can I see the line?” Danny scrambled closer to Aidan and stared at his sleeve.
The unexpectedness of his question caught Aidan off guard, but he recovered and rolled up his sleeve. The scar had faded to a pale white line, an old injury that hadn’t been serious enough for a medical discharge. When the incident occurred nine years ago, the nightmares had been worse than the pain. Occasionally he woke up covered with sweat, but those nights were few and far between.
“So…” He steeled himself, waiting for some sign of revulsion on Danny’s face but found none.
“Does it hurt?” Danny reached out as if to touch it but drew his hand back.
“You can touch it. It won’t hurt.” Aidan stretched out his arm. The scar, only four inches, was now simply a part of him, even if he preferred wearing long sleeves to cover it up. “It happened a long time ago. Before you were even born.”
He’d been quite fortunate the knife wound hadn’t severed any tendons. He’d downplayed it to Shelby, but this and the inherent risk in the military might have been part of the reason she didn’t name him as Danny’s sole guardian.
Truth was, his visits with her had grown less frequent over the past couple of years. Different missions had kept him off the radar for months. This new training assignment at Fort Lewis changed all of that. Unless something unexpected happened, he would remain stateside until he sought an honorable discharge next year.
Danny reached out and traced the jagged line with his finger. “Why’d this happen?”
Aidan noticed he’d asked why, and not how. “This occurred during a mission where I assisted with interpreting different dialects of a certain region during sensitive and classified negotiations between rival factions.”
“Huh?” Danny pulled back. “What does that mean?”
“I was the translator for my boss. I listen to someone else and tell my boss in English what the person said. I speak six languages. What’s different about me, though, is I’m adept with a variety of dialects and pick up slang easily.” That was one reason the security firm in DC wanted him. He saw the confusion still written on Danny’s face and tried to make it even easier for him to understand. “I was caught up in the moment and failed to ascertain the threat from the enemy combatant.”
Translating for his commanding officer was easier than talking to a six-year-old, and Aidan stopped while he was behind. He glanced up and found Natalie standing at the frame of the garage door, a glimmer of a smile lurking in her blue eyes and a duffel bag at her feet. However, it was the way those athletic shorts showed off her tanned legs that deprived him of speech for a second.
“What your u
ncle is trying to say is he’s good at talking to people. He got hurt when he was trying to help make life safer for everyone.”
“Oh, okay.” Danny nodded and jumped off the bumper. He turned to his uncle and hugged his arm. “Thanks, Uncle Aidan, for helping the world.”
Natalie smiled at Aidan. “Ready to go?”
Danny passed the basketball to Natalie, who dribbled it on the driveway. “First team to ten gets to pick out tonight’s cake flavor.” A challenge lurked in her words, same as the challenge to connect with Danny.
And he wasn’t one to pass up either challenge.
* * *
SOON THE SUN would set and the night would cool off a great deal because of the proximity to the mountains. Crickets chirped their mating calls, trying to find that special someone. Right now, though, magic sparkled in the twilight, the balmy air close to perfection.
With the basketball game complete, Natalie enjoyed the night that much more. She wiped the sweat off her forehead with her towel and then sipped water while resting on the bleachers. She took another sip and drank in everything around her.
She loved those rounded mountaintops, her little cottage and, most of all, her friends.
Until Shelby’s death, she’d spent every Tuesday night at the River Bar and Grill, shooting the breeze and darts while munching on nachos. Once Danny joined her family, her parents had noticed her grief and instituted Sunday night dinner, with Mike and Georgie bringing Rachel, as long as Sheriff Mike wasn’t busy.
Natalie reveled in summer, the long stretch of time away from the classroom to recharge. Fall would come soon enough, along with a new batch of kindergartners to keep her on her toes. She wouldn’t trade her job for anything.
Except keeping Danny close by.
That was one of the few things she’d give anything to make happen. She loved Shelby’s son as if he were her own. Now, for all intents and purposes, he was. She’d promised Shelby she’d take care of Danny if anything happened to her. A promise made on gossamer wings as Shelby had been the picture of health, but a promise all the same. Promises were dreams come to life, and she would do whatever was within her power to fulfill a promise.
Harlequin Heartwarming March 21 Box Set Page 52
