“Aren’t you going to turn the lights out?”
Jack looked up at her from beneath the covers. Leo lifted his head, as if waiting for an answer, too. This was something she hadn’t thought through when she’d agreed to keep Jack overnight. Lights. She sorted through her options. Jack was probably accustomed to sleeping with only a night-light. Not something she could do. She needed more than a faint glow from a tiny bulb. She moved to the nightstand and switched off the lamp. “How’s that?”
Jack shook his head and pointed to the ceiling. “You have to turn off the ones up there.”
No way. Not a chance. She’d never sleep if she did. She sat on the edge of the bed. “Jack, I have a secret. I really don’t like the dark. I usually sleep with all the lights on.”
A thoughtful frown appeared on the child’s face and his lips pressed together. “You could leave the bathroom light on and the one out there in the hall. Pop does that so I don’t get scared.”
It was a good compromise. Not perfect, but if she lay with her face toward the bathroom light she might be able to sleep. She’d try it for Jack’s sake. “You are a very smart little man.” She kissed his cheek, patted Leo, then walked to the door and switched off the overhead lights. Her stomach tightened, but her gaze rested on the boy. She wanted Jack to be able to sleep more than she wanted the feeling of safety for herself.
“Good night, Jack.”
“’Night.”
Curled up on the sofa, she let herself fantasize about a family of her own. It was something that was starting to occupy her thoughts more than it should. She understood that watching Jack, sharing suppers with Seth, had created a false family dynamic ripe with implications, but while it was fun to imagine, she knew it wasn’t a future she could have.
Her cell phone rang and she glanced at the screen. Mavis. She accepted the call and settled back. “You must have known I needed to talk to you.”
“You always say that when I call.” The older woman’s voice was thick with affection.
“Because I’m always thinking about you. You’re family, Mavis.”
“And you are the daughter I never had. How are things going? You still watching that little boy?”
Carrie caught her friend up on the events of the last few weeks. “What about you? How are things in Little Rock?” The silence on the connection caused a blip in her pulse.
“I wanted to let you know I got a call from the prison. Neil is up for parole next month. I thought you should know.”
Ice water surged through her veins. “So soon?”
“Apparently he’s been minding his manners. But that’s no guarantee.”
“What if he tries to find me?”
“We talked about this and it’s why you changed your name. I know this is upsetting, but you’ll be fine. You’re a strong woman, Carrie. You’ve fought so many battles and won them all. I’m so proud of you.”
Carrie spoke with Mavis a few minutes longer before hanging up. Her friend had done her best to reassure her that her brother, Neil, had no reason to look her up, and if he did, she’d moved and had a new identity. She was safe.
A shiver chased up her spine, reminding her of those odd moments when she’d thought someone had been watching her. It couldn’t have been Neil. He was still incarcerated. But what if he was granted parole? Should she tell Seth? Should she stop watching Jack just to be safe? Hugging her knees up to her chest, she scolded herself for giving in to unwarranted fear. She was anticipating something that probably wouldn’t happen. Mavis was right. She had a bad habit of falling prey to her fears. She was stronger than her past. God had forgiven her and established her in a new life. She had to trust that He would see her through whatever lay ahead.
* * *
Never in her wildest imaginings had she expected that getting one little boy up, dressed, fed and out the door to preschool was more difficult than organizing an entire citywide picnic. She’d arrived at the office frazzled and exhausted, but oddly filled with satisfaction. Jack’s happy chatter on the way to school, his big hug and wave as she left him at the door to the preschool rooms would keep a smile on her face the rest of the day.
A few hours later, her smile was long gone as she hung up the phone and rubbed her forehead. Wanda Peters, the head of the food-donation committee, had called first thing this morning to say she had to resign. Her little granddaughter was seriously ill and Wanda needed to go to Atlanta to help. Carrie had been calling prospective replacements without success.
The donation of canned goods was the foundation of the picnic. Everyone who wished to attend had been asked to bring nonperishable food as their admission fee. With the large number of people expected, someone had to be in charge of organizing the collection point. So far, everyone she’d contacted was already busy with other things.
She looked up from her desk when someone called her name. Francie Montgomery smiled as she came into the office. She wore a dressy pair of pants and a soft flowing blouse with a statement necklace and heels, the very image of the successful businesswoman she was.
“I hope I’m not interrupting you?”
“Not at all. I’m ready for a break. I’m trying to reshuffle some people to work at the picnic.” She gestured to the chair in front of her desk.
“Let me guess. Wanda’s sudden departure to take care of her granddaughter?”
“Wow. News travels fast. It’s left me with a dilemma. I need to find someone to handle the food donations the day of the picnic. She felt really bad about backing out, but her family needs her more than we do right now.”
“Agreed. And that’s why I’m here—to volunteer to take over her duties. In fact, the whole Montgomery family wants to step in and help out.”
Carrie wasn’t sure she’d heard correctly. “Are you serious? That would be wonderful. But it’s a big job. You’d be tied up all day and wouldn’t get to enjoy the picnic.”
Francie waved off her concern. “There are a lot of us, so we can take turns. We have it all worked out. We receive dozens of boxes at the company every day, so Linc and Gil will start collecting the empties to hold the donations, and we have a large panel truck we can park nearby to store and lock the filled boxes. We’ll also sort and deliver the food to the charities you’ve chosen.”
Carrie breathed a sigh of relief. “Miss Francie, I can’t thank you enough. This will make the transition so much easier. Wanda was a real blessing and she had all the details worked out. I wasn’t sure I could find anyone to take over that job.”
“We’re happy to do it. The Montgomerys have been members of this church for generations. It’s the least we can do. But now I need a small favor from you.”
“Name it.”
“I’ve already checked with my son, but I wanted to get the okay from you, too. I’d like to pick up Jack from preschool and take him home with me for the day. I try to schedule one-on-one time with my grandchildren so we can have our own special memories. I think Jack is finally comfortable enough to come home with me. We’re going to make cupcakes and I’ve picked up that new animated movie. Evan wants to spend time with him, too. He’s glad to have a new boy cousin. He’s been complaining there are too many girls in our family. Seth won’t have to pull double duty again since the Shipley baby has arrived, so he’ll come by and pick him up later this evening.”
“That’s a wonderful idea, and I’m sure Jack will love being with you, but you didn’t have to get my permission. I’m just his babysitter.”
Francie’s eyes softened. “No, Carrie. You’re much more than that. Seth and Jack rely on you and trust you. I’m very appreciative of all you do for them.”
The compliment warmed her heart. “It’s my pleasure. They... Jack is a sweet little boy. I love having him with me.”
“Well, I’m going to go get Jack and you can look forward to a nice quiet evening all
alone. We can all use those from time to time.”
“So true. Thank you.”
Carrie’s mood dimmed when Francie left her office. She’d told the truth. Jack would love spending special time with his grandmother and his cousin. But the prospect of going home without him left a hole in her chest. She looked forward to hearing him chatter about school and his friends on the way home. Leo would miss him, too.
However, Francie was right about needing alone time. Normally she would be delighted, since she was behind on a couple of her courses and could use the evening to catch up. Without Jack there, she’d be able to concentrate and probably finish up the one subject. But, oh, how lonely the cottage would feel. For a moment she even considered calling Kathy and suggesting a movie, but that was the coward’s way out. She was a big girl. She could handle one night without her little fellow. After all, he wouldn’t be with her forever.
Once she had her degree and became a certified social worker, she could work anywhere. Dover was a small town, and landing a job here would be difficult, which meant she would have to move to a bigger city.
The realization made her stomach sour. She’d never thought about her life after she graduated. It had always seemed so far away. A distant goal. She loved Dover, loved her job at the church and the people she worked with. It was where she’d like to stay.
She stood and went to the window. The goal ahead was blurred now. Not as sharp and clear as it had always been. Somewhere along the way, another goal had started to form. One where she had a man she loved and a child of her own. It had always been a fantasy, but now she was thinking it might just be a possibility.
* * *
The sun was just starting to lower on the horizon when Seth pulled into the long tree-lined drive of his family home. He steered the truck past the main house and pulled to a stop near his mother’s cottage. He peered out the windshield. Something was different. His gaze landed on a huge play set that had been erected under the old oaks. A large fort rose above a slide, several swings, ladders and a half-dozen other accessories. Evan and Jack were popping in and out of the fort having a good time. Seth got out of the truck as his mom walked toward him. “When did that arrive?”
“Linc finished it this morning and the boys haven’t left it since. I even had to feed them lunch out there.” She smiled up at him. “You might have to get one in your backyard for Jack.”
“My yard is too small. In fact, I’m beginning to think my whole house is too small. I may have to look for a new place.”
“You mean like a family home?”
“Maybe. He takes up more space than I realized for such a little guy.”
“And you might marry someday.”
Was his mom turning into a matchmaker? “Not likely.” Jack spotted him and waved from the fort, then started carefully down the ladder.
“Pop.” Jack ran across the lawn so fast he fell down, but got up again and raced toward him. “I’m glad you’re home. Did you see the humongous fort Uncle Linc built? Isn’t it big? And there’s a rope ladder and a slide and swings, and we had lunch up there, too.”
“So I heard.”
Jack wrapped his little arms around Seth’s neck and squeezed. Seth’s heart swelled to the point of bursting from his chest. “Are you ready to go home?”
“I guess. Will Miss Carrie be there?”
“We’ll call her and have her wave at the window. Leo, too.”
“Yay!”
After a long goodbye that included lots of hugs for his grandmother, one for his cousin and one for the dog, they started for home. Seth was still exhausted from the night shift, so he opted for supper from the Fil-er-up Burger place.
Jack talked nonstop about his time with his grandmother, and it was a relief when he fell asleep beside Seth on the sofa. He’d begged for a few more minutes of playtime and Seth had relented. He’d missed his son more than he’d expected. He gently hugged the little boy closer to his side, placing a kiss on the top of his head. He could cheerfully remain like this forever and never let go.
Since Brian was filling in for him tomorrow, that meant he’d have three days off and lots of time to spend with Jack and maybe help Carrie with the picnic.
He’d missed Carrie, too. Working the night shift had made it impossible for him to connect with her. She’d been on his mind more than usual lately. Learning about her brother had left him feeling even more protective. He suspected there was more to the story, but until she was ready to share, he’d have to be patient.
His cell phone blared into the quiet house, and he snatched it up before the sound could wake Jack. The number on his cell didn’t look familiar and he almost ignored the call. He didn’t know anyone in Cancun. But something urged him to answer. “Hello?”
“Seth? It’s me. Tiff.”
His heart stopped. “Tiff? How did you get my number?”
“I know where you live. And you can find anyone on the internet. I heard you were looking for me.”
“I want to know about Jack.”
“What about him?”
“Is he mine? You didn’t put a father’s name on the birth certificate.”
“That’s because I’m not sure who it is. You weren’t the only guy near the end, you know. You’ll have to do a test or something.”
Seth rubbed his forehead, fighting the anger rising in his chest. “I have. I also want to know why you shipped him here, dumped him on my front porch and left him all alone with a note pinned to his chest.”
“What? I didn’t do that. I sent him with my friend Monique. She was supposed to hand him over to you and give you the note.”
“He’s just a little boy. How could you send him here like a package?”
“Because I was leaving the country. I finally found someone, Seth. He’s handsome and rich and he thinks I’m special. He brought me here to Cancun and we’re staying in a five-star luxurious resort. It all happened so fast I didn’t have time to call you, so I sent him with Monique. I was in Beaumont at the time and she was heading to Fort Walton. Since she had to go right by Dover, I figured it would be okay.”
Seth clenched his jaw to keep from cursing. “It wasn’t okay and Dover is not exactly on the way. He arrived here dirty, hungry and scared. Did you know this woman? Was she a friend? Someone you could trust?”
“Yeah, of course. I mean, we’d known each other a few days.”
“You left him with a stranger? How could you do that? What if she’d harmed him or abandoned him somewhere?”
“But she didn’t, ’cause you have him now.”
The indifference in her tone sliced to his core. How could she do such a heartless thing? He took a moment to calm himself. “I want to know the truth. When did you find out you were pregnant and why didn’t you call me and let me know?”
“Stop badgering me. Why should I tell you? We’d already split up.”
“And what about Jack? If the test proves he’s mine, I plan on keeping him with me.”
“Fine.”
“Will you agree to full custody or maybe signing away your parental rights?”
“Sure. I won’t have time for him from now on.”
Seth gritted his teeth so hard his jaw ached. “I need his medical records, too, if you have them. How soon can you send those?”
“Don’t get on your high horse. I’ve got it around some place. I’ll send it when I can find it okay? Are we done?”
Seth ended the call, running his fingers through his hair. Emotions churning like a hornet’s nest, he closed his eyes and inhaled a slow, deep breath. How had he ever have thought he loved her? How could she agree so easily to give up her child, and how could she send Jack on a road trip with a stranger?
He had hoped talking to Tiff would answer his questions, but all she’d done was muddy the waters an
d stir up his guilt. There’d been a time when he’d thought Tiff was the woman of his dreams. He saw now that those dreams were the product of an immature, naive young man who had no idea what he wanted and what was truly important. And he wasn’t sure his judgment had improved. The few women he’d dated since that time hadn’t been the forever type. They’d been the kind who weren’t looking for commitment. He hadn’t even realized it until he’d met Carrie.
His whole concept of the right woman had changed. He had no plans to get married again, but if there was a next time, he’d make sure she was smart, kindhearted, respectable and a believer. Someone like Carrie.
But how could he ask a woman like her to overlook his past? No matter how hard he tried, it would always follow him around like dirt stuck to his shoe.
He glanced down at the little boy still snuggled beside him. It was best if he and Jack went it alone. They’d be fine and he’d do everything necessary to give his son a life of love and happiness.
* * *
Carrie stretched her neck side to side to loosen the tightness, then leaned back in her office chair. From the moment she’d arrived at work today, she been chasing one problem after another. Returning phone calls, tracking down items needed for a ladies’ luncheon this weekend and giving a visitor a tour of the church. Pastor Jim had requested a meeting about an event slated for next month that had to be rescheduled, then the Dover Parks department had called to say the official permit for the picnic was ready for pickup.
The parks office was in the old courthouse in the square. Peace Community stood on the northwest corner. It would only take a few minutes, but it was time she didn’t really have. She was meeting with two of the committee chairmen shortly about picnic issues. She could really use Seth’s help, but pulling him off duty for this was ridiculous. She’d have to risk missing her appointment and run to the old courthouse.
“Afternoon, little lady.”
Like an answer to a prayer, Ralph appeared in her doorway. “Ralph, I am so glad to see you. Are you available to run a quick errand for me?”
“Sure am. What can I do for you?”
The Lawman's Secret Son Page 10
