Reunited by a Secret Child

by Leigh Bale

  “Can I see your Smokey toy?” Caleb asked. June stood nearby, eyeing the stuffed bear with a bit of envy.

  “Sure,” Chrissy said and handed it over. The kids each examined the toy, then handed it back.

  “That’s really cool. I wish I had one,” June said.

  “Maybe your dad can get you one up at the Forest Service office,” Chrissy suggested. “Smokey says we shouldn’t play with matches.”

  “Yeah, our dad is a firefighter, too, so we know all about that,” June said.

  The kids settled in to watch the rest of the parade. They laughed, talked animatedly together and enjoyed their fill of taffy. Katie didn’t have the heart to limit Chrissy to only two pieces. It was a holiday, after all.

  “That was really nice for Chrissy,” Megan said.

  “Yes, it was.” Katie sat down and dropped her hands on the armrests of her chair. She smiled but felt a bit dazed.

  Megan leaned close and whispered low so none of the children would overhear. “I think we can guess who’s playing Smokey this year.”

  Katie gave an uncertain nod. “I think so.”

  “He probably wanted to surprise Chrissy. Usually, we don’t find out who it is until the parade is over. The firefighters keep it quiet among themselves. Though it’s hot inside the bear suit, they love playing with the kids. Most children in these rural towns adore Smokey the Bear.”

  And Chrissy was no exception. She continued following the bear as the pumper truck moved slowly down the road. Charlie was close by, finally taking her arm to bring her back.

  “Reese is a good dad,” Megan said.

  Katie whipped her head around. Yes, he was a good father, and that was what concerned her so much, but she didn’t say so. After he’d left the motel last Sunday evening, Charlie had presented Katie with five crisp one-hundred-dollar bills. Reese had given him the money because he feared Katie might refuse to accept it. He’d told Charlie that it was to help pay bills and buy clothes for Chrissy. He’d promised to provide more financial support, once he found a job in Reno. And that was the crux of the problem. If he was a bad father, it’d be easier for Chrissy to let him go. It’d be easier for Katie, too. And this wasn’t getting any easier.

  The parade didn’t last long, only thirty minutes more. But it turned out to be a highlight of the day. It felt good to see Chrissy so cheerful.

  “Now we get to have barbecue and Daddy will be with us. I can’t wait to tell him about Smokey the Bear. I’m gonna share some of my taffy with him, too.” Chrissy spoke nonstop as they loaded up their lawn chairs and made their way back home.

  So. Chrissy didn’t know the bear was her father. Maybe Reese would decide not to tell her.

  Yes, he had said he would join them for barbecue that afternoon. And Katie couldn’t deny having her own feeling of anticipation.

  * * *

  “If you don’t mind, just let me off there so no one will see me.” Reese pointed down the alley behind the motel.

  “Got it. We kept you well hidden from the media today.” Jared Marshall turned his Forest Service truck, drove a short way and stopped at the back door to the Ashmores’ living quarters.

  Reese glanced at the open garage but didn’t see Charlie’s vehicle inside. No doubt the family hadn’t returned from the parade yet. His plan had worked like clockwork. He’d had a blast tossing taffy at Chrissy and then scooping her into his arms while Tessa took their picture. When he’d first seen Katie, she had been sitting nearby, chatting with Megan. Dressed in sandals, capris and a blue shirt, she’d crossed her slender legs and sipped from a water bottle. She’d tucked her long hair up in a bun, with a few tendrils framing her flushed face. She’d looked happy and animated, and completely unaware that he was watching her.

  “You need any help getting out of that bear costume?” Jared asked.

  Reese shook his head. “Nah, I got this. I’ll return it to you tomorrow, after I’ve had a chance to air it out.”

  Jared chuckled. “I’m sure the next man who wears the suit will appreciate that.”

  Reese laughed, too. He’d had so much fun playing the part of Smokey during the parade. And just as Jared had promised, he’d gone incognito, so no reporters knew he was there. He’d already removed the bear head. Most kids’ reasoning minds told them that there was a man inside the furry suit, but Reese didn’t want to ruin their illusions. The firefighters had treated him like he was one of them, but he really wasn’t. Not anymore. Not as long as he couldn’t fight wildfires with them.

  “See you at the fireworks later tonight,” Jared said.

  “I wouldn’t miss it.” Reese wiped a bead of perspiration from his forehead and stepped out of the truck. His hair felt wet and sticky with sweat. Now that the parade was over, he was almost desperate to get out of this itchy, sweltering suit. It must be a hundred degrees inside the costume. No doubt Katie would let him change and wash up before the family barbecue.

  Jared pulled away just as Charlie drove down the alley and parked in the garage. Reese paused, eager to see Chrissy. A part of him wondered if he should have hidden the bear suit from her, but another part wanted her to know that he had played the role of Smokey the Bear.

  “Daddy!” The girl ran toward him. Her eyes widened when she saw the giant bear head tucked beneath his arm, then she gasped. “You were Smokey the Bear?” she asked with awed disbelief.

  He nodded. “I was. Is that okay?”

  “Oh, Daddy!” She rushed to him and threw her arms around his waist, then laughed with abandon, brushing at her nose as it was tickled by the furry costume.

  Reese hugged his daughter, feeding off her joy. She started babbling about how fun the parade had been and that she now understood why he couldn’t go with them. Overall, she was delighted.

  “Wait until I tell Caleb and June that my dad was Smokey the Bear. Last year, their dad was Smokey, but they didn’t get to have their picture taken with him,” she said.

  Her mom and grandpa joined them, and Reese almost squirmed beneath Katie’s searching gaze. Maybe she didn’t like him playing the part of Smokey, or the photo op he’d staged with Chrissy during the parade.

  Katie fished around inside her purse and pulled out her cell phone. “May I take a picture of the two of you with the bear head off?”

  Reese nodded, grateful she didn’t appear to be upset. “Sure! I’d like that, if you promise to send it to my cell phone so I can have a copy.”

  “Of course.”

  Within moments he had picked Chrissy up. Like she’d done during the parade, she wrapped her arms around his neck and smiled for the camera.

  Katie clicked several times. “Got it.”

  Reese set Chrissy on her feet.

  “Now I have proof that my dad was Smokey,” she said.

  Reese chuckled at her exuberance, his chest feeling full and warm. He tugged on her ponytail and spoke in a teasing voice. “Can I get out of this hot bear suit now? I’m broiling in here.”

  “Of course. Come inside.” Charlie unlocked the door to their apartments and opened it wide.

  Reese held back, letting the ladies precede him. Chrissy went first. When Katie passed by him, she spoke softly for his ears alone.

  “What you did today was really nice. You made Chrissy feel very special. She’s so happy. Thank you for that.” Then she continued inside, giving him no opportunity to respond.

  As Reese went into a back room where he could change and wash the sweat away, he felt an overwhelming happiness. He’d never experienced this before and couldn’t explain it. He only knew that this was his family now, for better or worse. Being with them brought him exquisite joy.

  So how could he tell them that he’d accepted a job and would be leaving town next week?

  That afternoon, as they enjoyed their barbecued hamburgers and hot dogs, and homemade ice cream, Reese’
s feelings of belonging increased. He longed to tell Katie how he was feeling, but he knew she didn’t share his emotion.

  When he’d first returned to Minoa, she’d made it clear what her expectations were, and none of them included a relationship with him. He’d done what Katie had asked, getting to know their daughter and having his picture taken with her. In fact, he loved Chrissy with all his heart. But now he had a huge problem on his hands. Because he wanted much more.

  Chapter Thirteen

  “Where shall we sit?” Katie asked as they arrived at the park that evening. Carrying Chrissy’s little folding chair, she perused the congested entrance and wondered if they would be able to find a spot to watch the fireworks.

  As long as there were no heavy winds, the spectacle would begin as soon as it was dark. The sun was going down, painting the western horizon with pink and gold.

  “How about over there?” Reese pointed to a low hill just inside the park. Although it was crowded with happy families, there were several spaces that might work.

  “That’s perfect,” Charlie said. “Don’t wait for me. Hurry and stake out our area. I’ll be along shortly.”

  Toting the lawn chairs, Reese hurried ahead. Chrissy ran beside him, keeping up with his long stride. Carrying a thick blanket, Katie followed with her dad.

  Charlie smiled. “They’re sure cute together. Almost inseparable.”

  Yes, and one more reason Katie dreaded Reese’s departure. She hated the thought of explaining to Chrissy why her daddy had to leave. She had no idea when that might be and didn’t look forward to her daughter’s tears.

  “While we have a moment alone, I’d like to tell you something,” Charlie said.

  He drew her away from the foot traffic and they stood together beneath the shade of an elm tree.

  Katie looked up at him. “What’s on your mind, Dad?”

  “I spoke to an attorney yesterday.”

  She quirked her eyebrows. “What about?”

  “He’s drawing up the paperwork to make you my full partner in the motel.”

  “What?” Katie’s mind reeled.

  Charlie cupped her cheek with his work-roughened hand. “My dear, sweet daughter. You and Chrissy are everything to me. I want you to be happy. You’ve taken on so many responsibilities at the motel already. It’s only right that you officially have a say in how we run it. Besides, when I’m gone, you’ll inherit it anyway.”

  “Oh, Dad. You’re way too young to talk about this now.” Having lost her mother recently, she didn’t want to think about losing Dad, too. Not now, not ever.

  “I should live for a long time yet, but you never know. The Lord could take any of us at any time. I want my will and paperwork to be legal and in good order, to make sure you and Chrissy are taken care of. Too many people get caught unprepared. I wanted you to know what plans I’m making and that you never need to be afraid of how you’ll provide for Chrissy.” He dropped his hand, gazing into her eyes.

  Katie hugged him tightly. He smelled of aftershave and peppermint. Familiar scents she would associate with him for as long as she lived. “Thanks, Dad. But I’d rather you stick around for many years to come. I love you so much.”

  “I love you, too, sweetheart.” He drew back and smiled. “There’s one more thing I want to say, before it’s too late.”

  She gave a tearful laugh and brushed at her eyes. “Okay. Go ahead.”

  He jutted his chin toward where Reese and Chrissy were unfolding the chairs. Or rather, Reese was unfolding them, while Chrissy bounced with excitement.

  “You should marry that man.”

  Katie snorted. “That’s not gonna happen, Dad.”

  “Why not?”

  “Because we don’t love each other.”

  Charlie leaned closer, his gaze intense. “Are you sure about that?”

  Like a blaze of lightning, his words made her realize that no, she wasn’t sure at all. At least, not about her own feelings. But was it love she felt for Reese? The kind of deep, abiding love that would make her heart ache when he left town?

  She didn’t want to think about that now. Because if she did, she might not like the answer.

  “You want my advice?” Charlie asked.

  “No, but I know you’ll give it to me anyway.”

  “Ask Reese to stay,” Charlie said.

  He didn’t wait for her response but turned and limped toward the spot where Reese was now tickling Chrissy. The girl’s shrill laughter filtered over the buzz of happy chatter. Katie stood there watching them. In her heart of hearts, she had to admit that Reese had changed for the better. He was a good father and a good man. But he needed a job. And she doubted he’d want to stay here in Minoa and help them run the motel. Or would he?

  Someone bumped into her, jarring her out of her thoughts.

  “Excuse me.” Katie turned.

  “Hello, Katie!”

  She stood next to Jared Marshall. Megan and their two kids were beside him, with Sean and Tessa bringing up the rear.

  “Hi, there. I’m sorry, I didn’t see you,” Katie said.

  “That’s okay. It’s pretty crowded tonight. Are you here with your family?” Jared looked around for them.

  She nodded and pointed to where Charlie had joined Reese in teasing Chrissy. “Yes, we’re all here.”

  “Reese is with you, too, huh?” Sean asked with a knowing grin.

  “Yes.” Katie tried not to bristle at the reminder. Her irritation stemmed from something more personal. She didn’t want Reese to leave, and it hurt to think that she was so unlovable that he might not want her.

  “We’re glad to see the two of you together,” Tessa said.

  Katie bit back a groan. “We’re not—”

  “Hey! Can we get cotton candy?” Caleb interrupted, pointing at a vendor.

  “Maybe later. You’ve eaten too much junk food today and you didn’t finish your dinner,” Megan said.

  “Aw, but it’s the Fourth of July,” the boy whined.

  Megan gave an embarrassed laugh and grabbed his hand before he could take off into the crowd on his own. “Sorry about this.”

  “It’s okay. I better go. It’ll be dark soon.” Katie turned and walked toward her family, glad to make an escape.

  She skirted around people, threading her way up the hill. By the time she arrived, Charlie and Chrissy were nowhere to be seen. Reese sat alone, guarding their space.

  “Where’s Chrissy?” she asked, sitting in a chair beside him. Maybe this was a good time to talk about what was really bothering her.

  “Charlie took her for cotton candy.”

  Katie laughed.

  “What’s so funny?” Reese asked.

  “Chrissy didn’t finish her dinner. She’s eaten too much junk food today.”

  “Sorry. I didn’t think about that.”

  “It’s okay. It’s an extra special holiday.” She didn’t want to get after him or Charlie for spoiling Chrissy. Her daughter wasn’t the only one who would never forget this day.

  “You love them both very much,” he said, a tender expression on his face.

  “Yes, they’re my whole world.” It felt odd and intimate to admit that to this man. Maybe it was because he’d come to mean a lot to her, also.

  Ask him to stay.

  The words ran through her mind. She opened her mouth to say them out loud but didn’t get the chance.

  “I need to talk to you about something important,” he said.

  “Okay. What’s on your mind?”

  “I have a job offer in Reno,” he said.

  Her heart gave a powerful thud. “So...so you’re leaving?”

  “Yeah, I start work next Monday.”

  A lump formed in her throat. She should have known he’d never be happy working a mundane job at the mote
l. Reese liked action. So much for asking him to stay. She finally admitted to herself it was what she’d always wanted. For him to remain here with her and Chrissy and be a family for real. But when he’d left town the first time, she’d made a promise to herself. Never again would she wait for a man to love her. If Reese didn’t want her, she’d have to accept it and move on with her life. It appeared he’d already made up his mind and his plans didn’t include her.

  * * *

  Reese paused, giving Katie time to soak in what he’d told her. To give her time to react.

  “Where will you live?” Katie asked.

  “My friend said he could put me up, until I find a place of my own. He has a spare room.”

  “That’s nice. I’m glad you found a job. You must be very happy.” Her voice sounded forced, as if she was trying to convince him that she was pleased by his news.

  “I am. It’ll be a new adventure, but I’m up to the challenge.”

  “Are you sure you don’t want to accept Sean’s offer to be one of the captains of the Minoa Hotshots?” she asked.

  He hesitated. Deep inside, he still loved and respected the profession and regretted that he had to make a change. It couldn’t be helped. He’d never been afraid of fighting fires or worried about his own abilities and decision-making skills. Until recently.

  “No, I don’t think so.”

  “So, I guess this is it.” She looked away and Reese wondered if he’d imagined a flash of disappointment in her eyes.

  “Not quite. I’d still like to see Chrissy regularly,” he said.

  And you. But he bit his tongue to keep from saying that. He didn’t know what Katie thought, or how she was feeling. For all he knew, she’d be glad to see him go.

  Katie nodded and he caught the flash of her smile in the deepening darkness. “Of course. Chrissy will be glad to hear that.”

  “And what about you?” he asked, hoping she might give him some sign that she wanted to see him, too.

  He had to know where he stood with her. Over the past few weeks, they’d become good friends. And maybe that was best. No one to tie him down. No one that he could hurt the way his father had hurt him. And yet he realized they were way beyond that now. He was Chrissy’s daddy. He couldn’t go back in time and change that fact. He knew the girl would be deeply hurt when he left.