She tightened her grip on the steering wheel and eased to a stop at one of the few traffic lights in Merritt’s Crossing. The owner of the hardware store was neatly stacking shovels for sale in front of the entrance, while the young woman who just opened the new flower shop on the opposite corner was arranging a spring-themed display in her front window. She glanced up and waved at Skye.
Skye waved back, smiling at the stark contrast between her fellow business owners. With the whole town still looking like a winter wonderland, it was hard to imagine spring was supposedly just six weeks away. It was even harder to imagine that a flower shop might thrive in Merritt’s Crossing, but the wind energy group brought new jobs and more families to town than ever before. It wasn’t the sleepy little wheat-farming town just off the interstate anymore.
Could she stay here beyond Easter—manage the store and care for Connor?
A fresh wave of uncertainty washed over her. Before the idea grew legs, her phone rang. The light turned green and she cast a longing glance at her bag on the passenger seat. Not good to fumble for her phone and drive. Reluctantly, she accelerated through the intersection and down the street to the furniture store’s parking lot.
By the time she found her phone in the depths of her purse, the call had gone to voice mail. She checked the ID. Her boss in Denver.
Her scalp prickled. Why was he calling? She still had six weeks of leave and one of her coworkers was covering her sales territory.
Skye tapped the screen and listened to the message.
“Hi, Skye. It’s Jim. I’m sorry to bother you while you’re on leave. Just wanted to let you know there’s an unexpected opening in our division. One of your colleagues resigned yesterday, and I think you’d be a great fit for the role. It would be a promotion, of course, with a larger territory. Please call me when you have a few minutes. I hope your mom’s recovery is going well. Take care.”
A great fit for the role. He wouldn’t have called if his offer wasn’t genuine. She’d worked hard to hit sales targets and even earned a bonus last year. A promotion was one of her goals. And now it seemed so close, yet life was working against her.
Jim’s offer came with a downside, though. The long hours, a new territory to cover, more responsibilities—not to mention more upheaval in Connor’s life. He couldn’t handle that. They didn’t know what was going on with McKenna, and there was no way she’d dump the responsibility of Connor’s care on Mom. With each passing day, she’d grown attached to the little boy, and despite her rude behavior yesterday, her attraction to Gage had grown, as well.
She couldn’t ignore Connor’s obvious affection for Gage, either. When he’d intentionally reached for Gage at the birthday party, and when Mom reported that Gage and Connor had a great first afternoon together, something inside her shifted. While she valued her independence and loved her work, if McKenna didn’t come back for Connor, Skye’s future plans couldn’t just be about what she wanted.
Connor needed a stable home, and ideally, one that included a father, too. Maybe he would be better off with someone else, someone who was already married and could provide a stable home with two parents. She closed her eyes and rested her head on the steering wheel. While full-time day care was still a viable option, how could she seriously consider going back to Denver if it meant depriving Connor of a meaningful relationship with Gage?
* * *
He couldn’t put it off another day—he had to tell Skye about Gerald and Irene’s email. Waiting only made it harder and introduced the possibility that she’d think he was scheming behind her back. That was the last thing he needed.
Gage turned off his truck’s ignition and stared at the double doors fronting Tomlinson’s Furniture. If he spoke to Skye now, he’d still have time to squeeze in some studying for his exam before he went by her mom’s house to take care of Connor.
He climbed out of the truck, hunched his shoulders against the bitter wind swirling down Main Street and strode toward the store’s entrance. The living room furniture staged in the front window showcased an appealing inventory. A dark leather sofa, modern lamps, paired with nice end tables, and a large vase of fresh flowers invited customers to step inside.
The aroma of leather and upholstery mixed with citrus wafted toward him when he opened the door. An impressive arrangement of chairs, sofas and timeless wood furniture filled the showroom. Brick walls and vaulted ceilings with exposed pipes hinted at the building’s age, while modern accessories indicated a store owner who kept up with current trends.
“Welcome to Tomlinson’s. I’ll be right with you,” Skye called out from across the room without making eye contact. Two young women stood beside her in front of a bedroom set.
Gage nodded and shoved his hands in his jacket pockets, nervously shifting his weight from one leg to the other. A dark mahogany desk with a matching set of shelves sat against the wall to his right. An oval container shooting mist into the air explained the fruit-infused aroma, and several framed photographs mounted on the wall nearby caught his attention.
A black-and-white photo of the building from another era was surrounded by more framed color photos of a man and woman smiling proudly under the Tomlinson’s sign, flanked by two boys and a gangly preteen girl. He grinned. Skye and her family—he recognized her blue eyes.
Footsteps clicked across the hardwood behind him, and he turned around.
“Gage?” Skye approached, her smile tentative, and Gage couldn’t ignore the subtle blip-blip-blip of his pulse accelerating. “What brings you by?”
“I—I need to talk to you.”
“I’m sorry about yesterday.” She glanced down and fiddled with the hem of her pink-and-navy-plaid button-down shirt. When she met his gaze again, her expression was tinged with regret. “I shouldn’t have jumped to conclusions and assumed the worst. I’m sorry I didn’t...trust you.”
Wow. Wasn’t expecting that. He opened his mouth to respond, but no words came out.
“My family and I really appreciate you stepping in and helping us with Connor.”
His mouth went dry. Oh no. That sounded like the beginning of a dismissal. “I—”
She held up her palm. “Please let me finish. I hope my rude behavior didn’t run you off.”
“I’m not here to bail, if that’s what you’re thinking.”
Her mouth curved into a relieved smile. “I was so afraid you’d refuse to come back after the way I treated you.”
“You can’t get rid of me that easy.” He pulled a small plastic bag from his jacket pocket. “Your mom said Connor ran out of medicine, so I stopped at the drugstore and picked up another bottle, so you’ll have some on hand for next time. I hope I bought the right thing.”
“That was nice of you.” She took the bag and pulled out the tiny box of fever-reducing drops. “This is perfect. Thank you.”
Her genuine smile sent a jolt of electricity arcing through him. He quickly squelched those sensations with logic. Once he told her about Gerald and Irene’s email, she wouldn’t be happy with the news. Ryan’s parents expressing an interest in Connor totally threw a wrench into her well-ordered plans.
Unless she wanted to find a more permanent home for Connor. In that case, Ryan’s parents might be the solution to her long-term problems.
Her brow furrowed. “Are you all right?”
“There’s something else I need to tell you,” he said.
“Oh?” She glanced over her shoulder. “I guess I can talk for a couple more minutes.”
“It won’t take long.” Her customers were out of earshot on the other side of the showroom, circling the bedroom set. He took a deep breath. “I received an email from Ryan’s parents this week. They just found out about Connor and contacted me for more information.”
Eyes wide, she pressed her fingertips to her lips.
“I wrote back and confirmed Connor was Ryan’s
son and that he’s living with family. Since I’m not Connor’s guardian, I didn’t think it was my place to tell them exactly what was going on.”
“But you’re their son’s best friend. They trust you, I’m sure, and deserve to know the truth.” She wrapped her arms around her torso. “I can’t imagine how they must be feeling.”
The tension in his shoulders loosened at the realization she wasn’t going to panic over this news. “I’ve never asked you about survivor benefits because it’s none of my business, but Ryan’s parents are going to want to know. Are you aware if Connor received anything from the navy after Ryan passed?”
Skye shook her head. “McKenna never mentioned a word about it.”
“So it’s possible she has access to the money?” Gage’s stomach clenched. “That might not be a good thing.”
She rubbed her forehead with her fingertips. “No, probably not a good thing, given her track record.”
“Gerald and Irene seem like solid, upstanding people. I doubt they’re looking for money, but they will want to know all about Connor. Maybe even be involved in his life. Are you okay with that?”
Pain flashed in her eyes. She hesitated, then lifted one shoulder in a helpless shrug. “I—I don’t know. Do they live close by? Are they asking for visitation?”
Her customers strode toward them. Gage pulled his keys from his pocket. “You have customers. We can talk more later. I’ll be at your house at one o’clock like we planned, all right?”
“Thank you.” Sadness lingered in her expression. “For everything.”
He turned to leave, rubbing his knuckles against the hollow ache in his chest. He’d told her the truth, but it made him feel worse. Was it wrong that he wasn’t okay with Gerald and Irene getting involved? Not that he didn’t believe they had Connor’s best interests in mind, but what if that meant Connor moved to Illinois with his grandparents? If Gage was honest, he hoped for more than just infrequent visits and the occasional photo of Connor. And he definitely wanted to spend more time with Skye, but without Connor, how was that possible?
Chapter Eight
It was standing room only around the air hockey table at Pizza Etc. on Saturday night. From her perch on a tall chair at the three-top table Skye had managed to score, she surveyed the crowded restaurant. Most of Merritt’s Crossing had turned out to wish Bethany and her husband well on their new life in Arizona.
The server set a platter heaped with loaded nachos in the center of the table, along with a stack of napkins. “There you go, ladies,” she said. “Can I get you anything else?”
“I think we’re all set for now.” Skye smiled at her. “Thank you.”
“This looks amazing.” Laramie reached for a napkin. “I’m not even going to think about how many calories are involved.”
“Thank you for putting this party together,” Bethany said. “Allen and I are really going to miss you guys.”
“We’re going to miss you, too.” Skye patted Bethany’s arm. “This is all happening so quickly.”
“I know.” Bethany filled her plate with some nachos. “I can’t tell you how sorry I am to leave you in a pinch with Connor. Have you found anyone else to help out?”
“Has she ever.” Laramie waggled her eyebrows.
Skye rolled her eyes and reached for her diet soda. “Gage Westbrook is staying with Connor and Mom in the afternoon while I’m at the store. He’s new in town and was a friend of Connor’s dad. Just temporarily until I can find someone more permanent.”
“It doesn’t have to be temporary. I think he might be a keeper.” Laramie’s knowing grin made Skye chomp down on a mouthful of ice to keep from saying something snarky.
“Do you know if he’s single?” Bethany asked.
“Not a clue,” Skye mumbled around an ice cube. From the corner of her eye, she noted Gage lingering near the air hockey table, talking to one of Dane’s friends. Again, the invisible thread tugged at her, heightening her awareness of his presence in the room.
Bethany used a napkin to mop up a glob of cheese on the table. “He might have a girlfriend we haven’t met yet.”
Skye’s stomach lurched.
“Oh, you don’t like that idea one bit, do you?” Laramie’s triumphant grin made Skye wrinkle her nose in disgust. Sometimes knowing a person for more than a decade had its drawbacks. She never could hide anything from her best friend.
“If he has a girlfriend, she would not be happy to hear about you,” Laramie said.
“Why not?” Skye glanced from Laramie to Bethany. How did this conversation even get started? Weren’t they supposed to be talking about Bethany’s new house in Arizona or something? “We’re just friends.”
“Right.” Laramie’s eyes glittered with mischief as she plucked another chip off the pile. “Friends who spend a lot of time taking care of a baby together.”
“When Allen and I were first dating, he rented a garage apartment from Mrs. Gaither. Remember?” Bethany nudged Laramie’s arm. “Out by the old Hartnett farm?”
“Oh yeah. Her gorgeous granddaughter moved in with her.” Laramie nodded. “You were beside yourself.”
“Thanks for the painful reminder.” Bethany shot her a playful look. “Allen and I almost broke up over that.”
“What does that have to do with Gage babysitting Connor?” Skye couldn’t keep the irritation from her voice. “You guys are happily married now.”
“Exactly.” Laramie fired another knowing glance across their small table. “Bethany is trying to tell you that if Gage has a girlfriend, she wouldn’t be happy about how much time he spends at your house, taking care of an adorable baby that isn’t even his.”
“Especially if she has long-term plans for the relationship,” Bethany chimed in. “Just sayin’.”
“Whoever this hypothetical girl is, she has nothing to worry about.” Skye slid her drink aside and loaded a pile of nachos onto her own plate.
“Then why does he keep looking over here?” Laramie asked.
“What?” Skye froze, a chip coated in melted cheese and topped with black olives, jalapeños and tomatoes halfway to her mouth.
Bethany scanned the room. “He is looking over here quite a bit.”
“Stop,” Skye said. “Maybe he likes Laramie.”
Bethany’s grin stretched wide. “Then he’ll have to arm wrestle your brother Jack to get to her.”
Laramie’s cheeks flushed, and she stared into her soda. “I don’t think Jack has the nerve to speak to me.”
Skye munched on her appetizer, caught in the awkward position of wanting Laramie to be happy, while acknowledging that Jack didn’t seem courageous enough to offer more than polite conversation. “He did make an effort with his appearance at Connor’s birthday party. Mom commented later that was the happiest she’d seen Jack since—in a long time.”
She stopped short of mentioning her father’s passing.
Laramie’s smile wobbled. “He did look good.”
Sidestepping that delicate topic, Bethany shifted the conversation back to Connor. “Connor is such a sweet little guy. I’m going to miss him, too. Will you let me know where he ends up?”
“Ends up?” Laramie’s eyes widened. “What do you mean? Like foster care?”
“I’m sorry.” Bethany grimaced. “Poor choice of words. Skye, you talk about Connor’s situation as though it’s temporary—until McKenna comes back. I assumed that was still the plan.”
It was still the plan. Wasn’t it? Skye wiped her greasy fingers on her napkin. “I’m still hoping she’ll come back. Although we haven’t heard anything from McKenna since she texted that she’d found some friends in Kansas. Gage did get an email from Connor’s dad’s parents, though. We’re waiting to hear more about that.”
“Where do they live?” Bethany asked.
“Not close by, I hope.” Laramie frowned
. “What if they want Connor to live with them?”
“I—I don’t know what’s going to happen.” Skye squirmed in her chair. Laramie’s line of questioning dredged up all kinds of worries. Not to mention her boss’s voice mail making her question if she could balance caring for Connor with taking on a more demanding role at work. And allowing Gage to spend time with Connor had been hard enough. The thought of letting another stranger into Connor’s world felt like a punch in the gut, but she couldn’t keep pretending it wasn’t a real possibility. Even if Ryan’s parents appeared to be the best people on the planet, Connor wouldn’t—
“When do you think you’ll know more details?” Laramie’s question pulled her back to the conversation.
“Gage and I talked about how to respond to the email today. It’s only fair that Connor’s grandparents know what’s going on. After all, he’s their only son’s child. Gage let them know that Connor is living here in Colorado with extended family, and now we’re waiting to hear more from them.” She braved a quick glance across the room to where he still stood. He looked her way and caught her eye, then grinned. Warmth unfurled in her abdomen and she quickly looked away.
“Just friends, huh?” Laramie lifted an eyebrow. “I don’t believe you.”
* * *
With a flick of his wrist, Dane sent the white plastic disk spinning past Gage’s lagging defense, scoring another goal in the impromptu Saturday-night air hockey tournament. A wave of approval rippled through the crowd milling around the air hockey table at Pizza Etc.
Gage gritted his teeth. Dane was ahead 7–6. How had he allowed himself to get roped into this?
“C’mon, Westbrook. Show me watcha got,” Dane gloated, high-fiving one of his buddies standing near him at the other end of the table.
Should’ve stayed home and studied for his next exam.
Their Baby Blessing Page 9
