* * *
Seth hurried inside his house Saturday morning. He’d been up at the crack of dawn helping set things up for the picnic today. The bouncy houses were in position and being inflated. Amos had delivered the ponies, and had them fed and secured to the sweep ready to greet the children. Phil had volunteered to handle the first shift at the liaison car. And the vendors were all setting up. Carrie’s fears about the weather hadn’t materialized, and the day was warm, sunny and perfect for a day at the park.
After a quick shower, he dressed quickly in jeans and a dark navy blue Dover PD T-shirt. He was officially on duty today, but since he was working security his boss thought a full uniform might dampen the mood. The T-shirt would let people know in a more subtle way the police were on the premises.
Jack had spent the night at Seth’s mom’s, and she planned on taking him to the picnic sometime today. A quick glance at his watch told him he had to get a move on. He was due at the park in ten minutes and he anticipated a lot of traffic despite the shuttle service.
A noise from the front porch reminded him the postman had arrived. He retrieved the mail and sorted through the stack. One envelope stopped his heart. The DNA lab. Inside was the answer he’d been waiting for. He found himself unable to tear it open. What if it proved Jack wasn’t his?
How would he go on without that little boy in his life? But what if it proved Jack was his son? Then he could start planning the rest of his life. A bigger house for Jack, a college fund—a mother.
He was getting ahead of himself. Fear was paralyzing his ability to make a decision. If he opened the envelope now and it was bad news, it would weigh on him throughout the entire picnic. He didn’t want to ruin Carrie’s big moment, but if he waited until later, he’d be equally distracted by the nagging doubts.
Maybe there was a middle ground. Carrie would be as anxious to see the results of the test as he was. Maybe they should open it together. That way they could either celebrate or comfort each other if the news was bad. They’d started this journey with Jack together, and it was only right that they end it the same way. Besides, he wanted her to be with him when he learned the truth.
Slipping the envelope into his jeans, he locked up and climbed into his truck. He’d tell Carrie about the letter and they’d open it together when the picnic was over.
* * *
The park was already filling up when he pulled into the last available slot in the parking lot. In a short while the nearby streets would be lined with vehicles, and the shuttles would be chugging back and forth from downtown.
He found Carrie in the pavilion where the band was setting up. She turned when he called her name, and her smile brightened the already sunny sky. A playful breeze made her blond hair flutter. In the pink slacks and floral top she wore today she looked like a walking flower garden. She truly was a ray of sunshine. And she brought a light into his life he’d never expected.
“Officer Montgomery reporting for duty. How’s it going here?”
“This is the last thing to set up. Then it’s just a matter of keeping things running smoothly.”
He touched her arm, craving the contact. “I saw Ralph. He’s in high cotton as the greeter. It gives him an excuse to tell all his stories.”
“I knew he’d be perfect for that.”
Seth took her hand and guided her from the pavilion toward the cul-de-sac, stopping under the sheltering limbs of an old live oak dripping with Spanish moss. “I need to show you something.” He pulled the envelope from his pocket and handed it to her.
Her eyes widened. “The test results. Is Jack yours?”
He pointed to the seal. “I haven’t opened it yet.”
“Why not?”
He took the envelope from her and slipped it back into his pocket. “I wanted to do it together. You’ve been a part of this journey with Jack from the very beginning. You deserve to be part of the answer. I thought I could meet you at your house after the picnic is all done and we’ll open it together.”
“What about Jack. Shouldn’t he be there, too?”
“Yeah. If the test is positive I want him to know right away. If not, then I’ll do whatever it takes to make him mine. He needs to know that, too.”
Someone shouted to Carrie and she waved. “I’d better see what that’s about.” She stood on tiptoe and kissed his cheek. “Thank you for wanting me to be with you when you learn the truth. That means a lot to me.”
Seth watched her walk away, her every movement light and feminine and full of life. He’d never met anyone like her and he was determined to make her a part of his future. But right now it was time to patrol the park. There were other officers here, but with this many people in one place, you couldn’t be too cautious.
“Hey, Seth.”
Phil waved him over to the liaison car. A couple of elderly men were checking it out. Seth acknowledged them with a friendly nod. “How’s it going? Is it drawing a crowd?”
“Not bad, and it’s early yet.” Phil shifted his weight and glanced away as if preparing to discuss something important. “You and Carrie make a nice couple. It’s not hard to see you two are crazy about each other.”
Seth frowned at the change in the man’s attitude. “And?”
“And I hope I find that kind of relationship someday.”
The longing in Phil’s tone softened Seth’s irritation. “Let me give you a little advice. Make sure you’re looking in the right place and for the right woman. Look beyond the packaging to the person inside. If you don’t, you’ll never find what you’re looking for.”
* * *
The day passed so quickly Carrie barely had time to catch her breath, though she’d taken a break when Jack arrived. She had watched him ride the ponies and play in the bouncy house. Seth had helped him play a few carnival games, they’d eaten way too much junk food and they’d had an enjoyable time together. Now twilight was settling in. The park closed at dark, which meant the picnic would be shutting down soon. She’d made arrangements to pick up Jack from Francie’s as soon as she was done at the park. Seth had volunteered to be the last man out and make sure the park was secured. He would come by her place as soon as he was finished, and they’d open the envelope and learn once and for all if he was Jack’s biological father.
At the end of the day Carrie had overcome all of her lingering anxiety about the residents of Dover harboring ill will toward her over the laptops. A few people gave her harsh looks and one or two even made snide remarks, but for the most part it was if the incident had never happened. Her hope had been renewed that she could remain in Dover, after all.
More importantly, the picnic had been all she’d hoped. Everyone had had a good time, and no major issues had arisen. All the vendors had shown up, and all the volunteers had worked like troupers. The games had been a hit, and the pony rides were the most popular attraction. Even the last-minute substitution of a police car for the airplane had gone well. The kids had flocked to it filled with questions. There’d been plenty of food and drink to feed the large crowd. The food donations had exceeded their expectations, as well. Seth’s brother Linc had told her they’d packed their van to the ceiling, and both Martha’s House and the local homeless shelter would have their cupboards stocked for a long time.
She glanced into the backseat of her car at Jack, who was playing quietly with his little cars. In a short while the question of his parentage would be answered. She believed with every fiber of her being that the test would prove Seth was his father. She was convinced that the Lord had brought them together because they were meant to be a family.
As for her family, Neil hadn’t been heard from in over a week. She’d started to believe he’d given up and found another way to get his money.
Carrie pulled her car to a stop beneath her carport, relieved to be home again. Jack had learned to unfasten his seat belt and was
ready to pop out of the car the moment she opened the door. He raced up the walk to the back door, bouncing on his toes, eager to get inside and see Leo. She marveled at the child’s energy.
Carrie unlocked her back door, but before she could open it all the way Jack pushed through and shouted for Leo. The dog met him in the middle of the kitchen and the pair began a wrestling match, eliciting giggles from the boy and a wagging tail from the dog.
Her cheery kitchen welcomed her home, easing the last of her fatigue and allowing a sense of satisfaction to take root. She was exhausted but exhilarated. The picnic had been a bigger success than she’d ever dreamed. The turnout had been phenomenal, too. She wouldn’t be surprised if nearly every resident of Dover had put in an appearance. She pulled her phone from her purse. Seth had promised to text her when he was on his way to the house and she didn’t want to miss it.
She had felt guilty about leaving when there was still plenty of cleanup to do, but Seth was right. She couldn’t do it all and the cleanup crew would do a good job. Ralph had even volunteered. She hoped Seth would keep an eye on him. He’d worked hard today greeting everyone, answering questions and giving directions. His special kind of warmth and friendliness had added so much to the entire event.
“Miss Carrie, can I have a cookie?”
“Just one. You’ve had a lot of sweets today.” Jack hurried to the counter, his fingers clutching the edge, his eyes bright with anticipation as she lifted the lid from the cookie jar and handed him one. “They’re almost gone. We’ll have to bake more tomorrow.”
“Isn’t that sweet? You not only have a boyfriend who’s a cop, but you’re making cookies for his kid.”
Carrie whirled around at the sound of Neil’s voice. He stood in the doorway, the sneer on his face telling her he’d been drinking. It always brought out the nasty in him. “Get out. Seth will be here any minute and he’ll have you arrested.”
Neil let out a harsh laugh. “Like he arrested you?”
“I can’t help you, Neil. I don’t have any money to give you.”
“No, but your boyfriend does. I saw that big old house his family lives in. They have plenty of money and they’ll pay to get you and the kid back safely.”
Carrie’s blood froze in her veins. When she had seen Neil in the park that day, he had probably followed her to the Montgomerys, too. “They aren’t rich. Not like you think.”
Neil lunged forward and grabbed her arm. “Let’s go. I’ve got a nice cozy place for you and the kid to wait.”
Frantic, she tried to think of a way to let Jack get away or hide, but it was too late. The only way out now was right past her brother. She took Jack’s hand, wrapping the other around his shoulders and holding him close to her side. Slowly she moved forward, snatching up both their jackets and using the movement to hide her phone in the folds. Later she could slip it into her pants pocket. Maybe Neil wouldn’t think to ask for it and she could get help.
“Hurry up.”
Leo started to follow, but Neil shouted at the dog and he scurried away. Neil motioned them to the door. Carrie was glad he didn’t have a gun, though she wouldn’t put it past him. She had to find a way to let Seth know they were in danger.
She stopped and glanced at Neil. “I’d better turn out the lights. If I leave them on people will get curious and check on me.”
“Hurry up. Leave the boy here. Just make sure you don’t try anything funny.”
Carrie moved quickly, slapping switches and casting the house into darkness. Her stomach spun, but she ignored it. In the kitchen she hurried to Jack’s side and lifted him into her arms, hitting the last switch as Neil shoved her out the door.
She prayed that Seth would understand the message she’d left him. If not, she feared for her and Jack’s safety. Neil was desperate for money, and in his current state he was capable of anything.
Chapter Eleven
Seth pulled out of the parking lot, buoyed by a sense of satisfaction. The park was clean and secure. The only signs of the big day were the worn patches of grass where the booths had stood and a bare circular path under the trees where the ponies had been. The parks department would take care of replacing the sod and restoring the grounds.
A flutter of nervous excitement put a smile on his face. The Dover anniversary picnic had been a big success, and somewhere during the day he’d realized that Carrie was the woman he wanted to spend his life with. He’d known he was in love with her, but seeing her manage all the venues with the skill of a puppeteer—tweaking this, adjusting that, troubleshooting every detail—had deepened his admiration for her strength and caring. Watching her with Jack had sealed the deal. Any doubts or reservations had vanished. She loved Jack as much as he did. Possibly more.
Something deep inside had settled into place after being off-kilter for a long time. For the first time in his life he felt he knew the meaning of contentment. That edgy, trapped feeling he’d had growing up, his deep fear that he’d never be satisfied anywhere, was gone. Having Jack and Carrie in his life filled every molecule of his body with a peace and joy greater than anything he’d ever known. He thanked the Lord for this blessing. He’d taken a long, meandering journey to find where he belonged, but he’d found it and he was determined to convince Carrie that she should be part of his future.
Parked in his drive a few minutes later, he slipped the DNA-lab envelope from his pocket. He was anxious to open it with Carrie and learn for certain what his soul already knew. Jack was his. Even if the test was negative, he knew the Lord had brought the boy into his life to be his son, and he’d do whatever it took to make it legal. And it was time to tell Carrie how much he loved her. He knew she had feelings for him, but her past still held her captive. He prayed she was ready to let him come alongside her, and they’d battle that together.
He checked his phone. He’d texted Carrie when he’d left the park. She usually responded right away, but she hadn’t. Climbing out of the car, he mentally replayed the speech he planned on giving to Carrie. He crossed to the gate in her yard and stepped through, glancing at the house. He stopped. Something wasn’t right. It took him a second to realize the lights were all out. Carrie’s house was never dark. Ever. Even when she wasn’t home there were low-wattage lights illuminating the windows.
Fear lanced through his chest. Something was wrong. As he approached the back door, he noticed it was ajar. His gut kicked. Cautiously he stepped inside, calling her name. The lack of light only amped up his alarm. His pulse raced and all his senses were on alert. He wished he had his gun, but his role at the park hadn’t required it. Only the uniformed officers had carried their weapons. A quick search of the cottage revealed a broken cookie on the kitchen floor and Carrie’s purse on the chair. He could only think of one reason Carrie would leave her purse and turn off her lights. She was trying to send him a message. And it wasn’t good. But where were they and what had happened?
Back in the kitchen, he scanned the room again and saw the paper on the table. He snatched it up, his entire body turning to ice as he read. Neil had taken Carrie and Jack and he wanted fifty-thousand dollars for their return. He wanted it delivered in two hours to the burned-out store on the edge of town. Fear closed his throat. His family didn’t have access to that kind of money.
He crumpled the note in his fist. Carrie had left the lights off as a signal.
He reported the kidnapping, then called Phil. He’d been following up on any leads that involved Neil. Seth prayed Phil had found something in his investigation that would lead them to Carrie and Jack.
“He came back to town yesterday evening, but I only learned about it this afternoon.” As Phil caught him up, Seth paced. “We figured his partner was the one who took the laptops and put them in Carrie’s car. Gloria identified him as a man who had come to the church inquiring about becoming a member and requested a tour of the campus. We f
igure Neil was in the vicinity, waiting to make his anonymous call as soon as the laptops were reported missing. He wanted to make sure Carrie was nabbed for the theft.”
“What about now? Do you have any idea where he might have taken Carrie and Jack?”
“Not yet. Though we did get a complaint about someone trespassing at an old farmhouse out on Post Oak Road.”
“Has anyone checked it out?”
“Not yet.”
“Then I’ll start there. Oh, and put a trace on Carrie’s phone.”
“Seth, you can’t go charging in there without backup, and without knowing for sure they’re there. You could get them both killed. Get your hard head to the station and let Captain Durrant take the lead.”
Seth knew Phil was right. If Carrie and Jack were at the old farm and he went in unprepared, he could make things worse. If they weren’t there, then he’d wasted valuable time. Common sense waged a fierce battle with his emotions as he steered his cruiser toward the police station. The officer in him knew he was doing the right thing, but his heart wanted to turn the car around and take the highway directly toward Post Oak Road.
Seth began a constant prayer for the safe rescue of Carrie and Jack. When he saw Carrie again, he’d tell her how he felt and not waste any more time. And if he ever got his hands on Neil Overton... He swallowed the bitter taste of anger and gripped the steering wheel with white knuckles. He had to find them.
They were his family.
* * *
Carrie held Jack on her lap as Neil drove his dilapidated car down a dark country road. She’d tried to talk to him several times, but he’d ignored her or told her to shut up. Jack buried his head in her chest, and she patted his back. It was the only encouragement she could offer at the moment.
She stole a glance at her brother. She didn’t know the man he’d become. Neil had always been stern and serious, but somewhere along the line he’d become angry and nasty. “Why are you doing this, Neil?”
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