by Lois Richer
How could she refuse now? “All right.”
“I’ll come back and pick you up after the service. Dress casual. We’re not a fancy family.”
She nodded, wishing he’d smile at her again. His smile had sent a ray of warmth over her like stepping from a dark forest into the sunlight. “Okay. We’ll be ready.”
“Bye, Tyster.”
Ty waved and walked across the deck toward the stairs. Elliot ran to the window and watched him until he disappeared around the corner. “Mom, we’re superheroes.”
Ginger and Elliot were ready and waiting when she heard Ty’s car pull in below the cabin later that morning. She’d changed her clothes three times, finally deciding to take him at his word and wear her dark jeans and a plain gold V-neck sweater. She added a pair of small heart-shaped earrings as a final touch.
When Ty didn’t appear at the door, she stepped out onto the deck in time to see him walking toward the boathouse. Probably to change clothes. He walked with an easy, confident gait, broad shoulders dipping and rolling as he moved, his long stride chewing up the yard. His arms swung easily at his side. He walked with authority. The authority of a police officer. It didn’t take much imagination to envision him with a badge on his belt and a holster at his side.
Her heart made an extra beat in her chest. Ty was an attractive and compelling man, and he made her aware every moment that she was a woman. But he was a cop. A man who carried a gun and put his life on the line every single day. When he disappeared into the boathouse, she went back inside to gather her things. She and Elliot were waiting at the top of the cabin steps when he returned. Elliot darted down the steps to greet him. “Tyster.”
Ty gave him a friendly head rub, then unlocked the car. Once safely belted inside the luxurious SUV, Ginger allowed her son’s chatter to fill the space. It was easier than trying to talk. She sensed Ty was in a bad mood, probably because of her outburst last night.
The ride was taking more time than she expected, and it dawned on her just how far out of town the lake cabins were. It would have been better if she’d gone to church with him and saved him the long drive.
The country road soon gave way to a three-lane highway. Stores and businesses started to appear. Ty slowed for the railroad track, and when he crossed over, the landscape changed. Two brick pillars bracketed a large sign. Welcome to Dover. She smiled as they passed through the charming downtown area. It was the quintessential nineteenth-century small town. Built around a center square with majestic courthouse and brick buildings lining the streets.
“Oh, look at the gazebo. How lovely.”
Ty nodded. “It is now. Thanks to my sister, Laura.”
Ginger turned to him for an explanation.
“A couple months ago some guy crashed his car into it, and he and my sister, the contractor, had to restore it. She’s marrying the guy in a few weeks.”
“Oh?”
Ty shook his head. “I don’t know all the details. I haven’t even met him yet.”
As they passed out of the downtown area, Ginger found herself wishing she could explore the little shops and stores. It had been a long time since she’d had the luxury of simply enjoying her surroundings. If she found a job here, she’d be able to do that.
The streets on this side of Dover were lined with huge Victorian homes and brick mansions. Ty made a left turn onto another tree-lined street, only to slow at the sight of two cars up against each other. Steam rose from the hood of one. The drivers stood face-to-face, gesturing wildly, obviously upset. He slowed and pulled up to the curb. He released the seat belt and started to get out of the car.
“Where are you going?”
“To see if I can help. Stay here.”
She reached for his arm to stop him, but he was already out of the car and moving quickly toward the drivers. Concern for his safety increased her heartbeat. He didn’t need to get involved. She saw him stride forward, but a few feet shy of the men, he stopped.
“Where’s Tyster going, Mom?”
“He’s checking to see if everyone is okay.”
“Why?”
Might as well deal with the inevitable. “Because Ty’s a policeman, Elliot.”
“Really? Way cool.”
Her heart sank. She did not want her son entertaining ideas about becoming a cop. She watched as Ty spoke to the men, one of whom looked extremely upset. He was waving his hands in the air and pointing at the other driver. Ty nodded a few times, then glanced over his shoulder. A patrol car was pulling up. Once the officer was out of the vehicle, Ty returned to the car, sliding in behind the wheel and quickly pulling his seat belt across his chest, snapping it in place.
“Sorry about that. Turned out to be nothing real serious. Just a lot of crunched-up metal and some angry drivers.”
“Tyster, Mom says you’re a policeman.”
Ty gave her an understanding glance before replying, “Yes, I am. A hungry one. Let’s get to my parents’ place so we can eat.”
“And meet Kenny.”
He nodded, then turned the key in the ignition. His hand shook as he took the wheel, alarming Ginger. “Are you all right?”
He glanced at her before engaging the transmission. “What?”
She reached over and lightly touched his hand. “You’re shaking.”
He gripped the wheel. “It’s nothing.”
His tone told her it was definitely something. She sensed a change in his mood. And there was a tension in his shoulders that hadn’t been there before.
Soon they turned down a street in an old, established neighborhood with large trees and charming homes, rich with character. Ty pulled the car to a stop in front of a two-story white house, plucked from her deepest dreams. From the twin dormers on its roof and the abundance of mullioned windows to the wide, welcoming front porch, it was the image of a family home. She climbed out of the car, unable to pull her gaze from the stately home. “Ty, this is beautiful. Did you grow up here?”
“For the most part. I was ten when we moved.”
She took Elliot’s hand. If the inside was as lovely as the outside, she’d have to watch him every moment. She could not afford to replace anything he might break.
Ty opened the beveled glass front door, stepping to one side to allow her and Elliot to enter the foyer.
The inside met her expectations. Warm and welcoming, it was filled with traditional furnishings, lovingly worn by years of use. Her parents had favored a stark contemporary style. Growing up, she’d ached for something warm and homey. Something exactly like this. She caught a glimpse of an office to one side and a formal living room on the other. A broad staircase rose to the second floor across from a formal dining room.
An uneasy sensation began in the pit of her stomach, a mixture of insecurity and fear at meeting his family. She turned to look at Ty for some reassurance, only to find his expression tight and closed off. A deep scowl creased his forehead. His shoulders were braced with tension.
Before she could ask him what was wrong, a pretty blonde stepped in front of them, a huge smile on her face. She made a beeline for Ty, squealing as she wrapped her arms around his neck.
“There you are. It’s so good to see you. I’ve missed you.”
“Me, too, sis.”
Ginger saw Ty’s tension ease somewhat, but the smile he offered his sister was lacking real warmth. Ginger’s tension spiked. Maybe he’d lied about his family situation.
“You must be Ginger. I’m Laura Durrant, Ty’s baby sister. We’re so glad you came today. And this must be Elliot.” She turned and shouted over her shoulder. “Kenny, Elliot is here.”
Ty steered them toward the back of the house into the kitchen, where a wave of shouts and expressions of joy rose up as everyone welcomed Ty back into the family. Ginger pulled Elliot to her side, stepp
ing back to allow the reunion to go unimpeded. She couldn’t help but smile at the loving welcome he received. She always dreamed of a family like this. Brothers, sisters, cousins.
She tried to sort out the people as she watched. The older woman with short, graying blond hair must be his mother. Two tall, dark, attractive men stood together near the back door. The first one shook Ty’s hand, then yanked him into a brotherly hug, a huge smile on his handsome face. The older brother, Matt. The other man extended his hand and smiled. Ty shook the man’s hand, but Ginger noticed his back straightened.
“I’m so sorry we’re ignoring you. I’m Angie Durrant, Ty’s mother.”
“Ginger Sloan, and this is my son, Elliot.”
“We’re so glad you came. Let me introduce you to everyone. We’re all a bit overwhelmed. This is the first time Ty has been home since he— In several months.” She stopped and placed a hand to her throat, looking into Ginger’s eyes. “We almost lost him, you know.”
A shaft of fear raced along her nerves. She’d seen Ty’s scar, but she hadn’t allowed herself to wonder about the details of the shooting. Now she couldn’t help but look at Ty and worry.
Angie took her arm, guiding her to the opening between the family room and the kitchen, which seemed to be where everyone congregated. Ginger smiled as she met older brother, Matt, and his new wife, Shelby. Laura returned with her fiancé in tow, Adam Holbrook, an attractive man with piercing green eyes who was obviously in love with Ty’s sister.
“Don’t forget me.”
A girl about twelve pushed between her parents. “I’m Cassidy.”
“Nice to meet you. This is...” She looked for her son. He was standing in the kitchen, showing his favorite car to a boy about his age. The pair looked as if they’d been friends forever. It was good to see Elliot coming out of his shell. It had been a difficult and lonely couple of years for him. She smiled at Cassidy. “That’s Elliot, and I’m guessing that’s Kenny.”
Laura perched on one of the stools at the kitchen island, her friendly, easy manner calming the butterflies in Ginger’s stomach. She was a lovely, petite woman; her thick dark blond hair flowed in expertly cut layers around her face. She was dressed in faded jeans and a layered top Ginger had seen in magazines, but would have no idea how to wear. From her platform shoes to the stylish earrings, she looked pulled together and confident. Something Ginger never felt. Smoothing the front of her simple sweater, she scolded herself for making comparisons.
Laura shifted on the stool, leaning toward her. “So, I hear you’re looking for a job.”
Ty had mentioned he’d speak with his family about her situation, but she hadn’t anticipated what that would mean. “Um, yes. My car needs work, and I’ll have to find a job to pay for the repairs.”
“What kind of work are you looking for?”
“Anything. Waiting tables, flipping burgers.” She laughed lightly in an attempt to brush off the embarrassment. Ty had told her about his sister’s company. Laura was a successful businesswoman. Ginger was homeless and desperate for any job she could find. “For the last few years I’ve worked as the assistant director of a parks department in Connecticut.”
Laura’s eyes lit up. “Really. Wow. I wish you were staying here longer. I have a position coming up you’d be perfect for. I’m opening a senior center downtown, and I’ll need a director to run things. But, unfortunately, we’ve only just started the renovations, and it’ll be summer before I need to fill that spot.”
Shelby Durrant slid into the stool on her other side, making Ginger feel like the country mouse sandwiched between two city mice. A little taller than Laura, Shelby was slender and elegant, her dark brown hair pulled into a long braid at the back of her head. From the tips of her suede high-heeled boots to the leggings beneath a flowing shirt wrapped with an ornate belt that showed off her tiny waist to the large dangling earrings, she looked as if she’d stepped from the pages of a New York fashion magazine.
Shelby sighed and lightly touched her hand. “I wish I could help. I’m starting a small business soon, but I haven’t even finalized the lease on the space yet, or I’d hire you in a minute.”
“Thank you. I’m sure something will turn up.”
Her gaze traveled to Ty, who was standing in the middle of the family room, talking to his father. Mr. Durrant had his back to her, but she could clearly see Ty’s face, and it was obvious he wasn’t happy. His mouth was in a tight line as his father pointed and gestured, obviously trying to convey some important information.
Ginger had the strangest urge to rescue him. Ty caught her gaze and smiled, then steered his father toward her. He was the only person she hadn’t met yet. She angled the stool to face Ty and his dad as they joined her at the kitchen island.
“Ginger Sloan, this is my father, Tom Durrant. Dad. Ginger.”
The elder Durrant’s smile was as dazzling and charming as his youngest son’s. He shook her hand. “I’m delighted to meet you. I hear you’re staying at Ty’s cabin.”
“Yes, he’s been very generous about letting us stay there.”
“Well, if he gives you any trouble, you let me know.” He softened his words with a wink and broad smile.
“Dad.” Ty shifted his weight and rubbed his neck.
“I’ll do that.” She smiled at Ty, who held her gaze, bringing a warmth into her cheeks. Quickly she turned her attention to his dad. Mr. Durrant was an older version of his son Matt. Ty and Laura seemed to favor their mother in looks and coloring, though it wasn’t hard to see the family resemblance between the three children. The men were all around six feet tall, broad-shouldered with long legs, but where Matt and his dad were more solidly built, Ty was lean, sleek and elegant. And Laura was a younger version of her mother.
Dinner was delicious, and Ginger found herself content to sit and watch the family interact. They prayed over the meal together, laughed, argued and eventually tossed around ideas for her future employment.
“Too bad I don’t need anyone at the hardware store, but between Adam and myself, we’re doing great.”
Ginger felt Ty stiffen beside her. “Thank you all for your help. I appreciate it.”
After the meal Ginger went to check on Elliot and Kenny, who’d disappeared the moment their food was finished. She found them in the corner of the front room surrounded by toys. The place was a mess. She started to tell Elliot to pick up, but Angie Durrant touched her shoulder.
“Don’t worry about that. I like seeing the mess. It reminds me of when the kids were little. Sometimes I leave it there for a day or so, just remembering.”
The sweet sentiment touched her. What she wouldn’t give for a family like this, people to surround her, support her, love her and not judge. Unlike Laura and Shelby, she had no career aspirations. All she’d ever wanted was a family, a home of her own, someone to love her. She turned to speak to Mrs. Durrant when she saw something she’d completely missed before. In the bay window of the large room stood a black baby grand piano. “What a lovely instrument.”
“Do you play?”
Ginger nodded, touching the gleaming white keys with her fingertips and lightly pressing down on a key. “I used to. I took lessons for years. I was studying music in college, but then I got married.” She shrugged. No need to reflect on that.
“You’re welcome to play this one anytime you want. Laura took lessons for a long time. Ty and Matt, too, though neither one of them kept up with it once they started playing sports. Well, I think it’s time I cut the cake. Three-layer chocolate with chocolate fudge icing. Ty’s favorite.”
Ginger lingered at the piano for a few minutes, allowing the warm and comfortable sensations of the gathering to seep into her bones. She wanted to make a permanent mental snapshot of the day to treasure. It had been nearly perfect. Elliot had made a new friend, the Durrants had treated her like one of
their own, and she’d had the opportunity to live her dream for one day.
The only sour note was Ty. He’d been quiet and withdrawn, bordering on surly the entire time, and she wasn’t sure why. As if hearing her thoughts, Ty strode through the foyer and out the front door.
Chapter Five
Ty strode to the edge of the front porch, sucking the cool, damp air into his lungs, allowing the bracing air to settle his nerves and clear his head. Leaning against the post, he wrapped an arm around it, resting the other on his hip as he fought to master his anger. Dad wanted him to take over a church project while he was here. Why couldn’t he understand that was the last thing he wanted to do? He needed time to think, not do busy work.
He’d wanted this visit with his family to be enjoyable for Ginger and EJ. Instead, he’d arrived sullen and defensive. He never should have stopped to help with the car accident. The simple gesture had triggered an anxiety attack, calling up all his doubts about his ability to remain in law enforcement. What if one of the men had been armed? What if they’d come to blows? Would he have had the courage and strength to handle the situation? Or would he have cowered from the danger and run away? The idea sickened him. The worst part was, no one could understand his struggle.
“Ty. Are you all right?”
He jerked around. The concern in Ginger’s dark gaze touched him. “Fine. Just needed some air, that’s all.” He forced a small smile. “Are you feeling overwhelmed? Our family has grown suddenly. Lots more people. More noise.”
“I loved every minute of it. Your family is wonderful.”
He nodded. They were wonderful, but he didn’t need the well-meaning hugs and words from family right now. He needed space and time to sort out his life.
Ginger moved to his side, laying her small hand on his arm. “If you’d like to leave, we can. I’ll tell them Elliot is tired and needs to get to sleep or something.”
Her consideration warmed him. He thought back to what she’d told him about her husband. She was probably the only person he knew who might really understand some of what he was dealing with. He had an overwhelming urge to tell her his deepest secrets. “You wouldn’t mind? We haven’t had dessert yet.”
