The Driftwood Promise

by Suzie O'Connell

  Liam shook his head. “Dad took me there last summer, and I wanted to go back, but Mom didn’t want to. She said it was too crowded and too much money.”

  “I’m sorry to hear that, little man. Are you excited to spend a month in Sea Glass Cove with your dad?”

  He nodded, but the frown was still in place.

  She held the door of Lauren’s gallery open for him, and once it closed behind them, she squatted in front of him. “Hey. It’ll be okay. I know it doesn’t seem like it now, but they’ll work this out.”

  His eyes rounded and tears gathered along his lower lids, and he shook his head slowly, pinching his lips together.

  “Yes, they will. You know how I know?”

  He nodded.

  “Because your dad loves you.” She reached for his hands and gave them a squeeze and was stunned when he yanked them away to throw them around her neck. With only half a second’s hesitation—did he really just say his mother didn’t love him, or was she hearing things?—she folded her arms around him. “Your mom does, too, even if she doesn’t always know how to show it.”

  Sensing someone’s gaze, she lifted her head. Lauren approached with a strange gleam in her eyes. Alongside curiosity and concern were memories, and Erin winced. She hadn’t considered how having Gideon and Hannah battling over their son under her roof might affect her cousin.

  “Everything okay?” Lauren asked.

  “He’s having a tough morning,” Erin murmured. “Gideon and Hannah are out back arguing, so I thought it’d be better to bring him through this way. I hope you don’t mind.”

  “Not at all. Am I smelling bacon?”

  “Yeah. You hungry?”

  “I could eat again.”

  “Liam, would you help me bring Lauren her second breakfast?”

  “Second breakfast?” he asked. With a sniff, he straightened and wiped his eyes and his nose with his sleeves. “Like hobbits eat?”

  Erin laughed softly. “Yep, just like hobbits eat. Come on, kiddo.”

  She ushered Liam toward the door between Lauren’s gallery and home and caught her cousin watching her with a faint, contemplative smile.

  What? Erin mouthed.

  Lauren shook her head. “Nothing. Just seeing a new side of you. Guess we’ll find out if your man is smart enough to see it, too.”

  My man? Erin shook her head and strode into the house without responding.

  It was an appealing idea, calling Gideon hers, but….

  Catching sight of him through the window in the door out to Lauren’s porch—he was still fighting with Hannah—she stopped herself. As she took in the anguish and guilt twisting his beautiful features, the need to protect him from it clenched around her insides. She flexed her fingers at her sides, fighting to keep her hands from curling into fists, and commanded herself to stay out of it. It wasn’t her business.

  Then she made the mistake of glancing down at Liam. His eyes were trained on his parents, and there were tears in them again.

  Screw it.

  She fixed Liam a plate of food first, nodded in acknowledgment when he quietly but politely thanked her, then marched toward the door.

  Because there was no but. The idea of calling Gideon and his son hers had taken root, and if they were hers, it was her right to defend them both.

  Eight

  As soon as the words were out of his mouth, Gideon regretted them. Erin had done an incredibly generous thing for him, and dragging her into this mess with Hannah was a crappy way to repay her. It didn’t matter that Hannah had brought her into it first with that snippy comment; he should’ve defended Erin and left it at that, not used her to insult his ex.

  Stupid. But stupid summed up much of his relationship with his son’s mother.

  “That came out harsher than I intended,” he admitted. “I’m not awake yet, and yeah, I’m pissed I had to turn around and drive to Mendocino only a day after I drove to Sea Glass Cove. Did you honestly expect me to jump when you snapped your fingers and be happy about it?”

  Hannah didn’t respond, only glared at him.

  “Let’s just get Liam’s things moved from your car to mine so I can see my son and you can be on your way back to your sister’s. Just please tell me you remembered to bring Oliver this time.”

  “Yes, we brought the stupid bear.”

  That stupid bear had been a gift from Gideon’s father, something he’d bought for his stillborn daughter and held onto for twenty-some years to give to his first grandchild. There were few material things in this world Gideon would walk through fire to save, but that stuffed bear was one of them. He’d fetch it even before his camera equipment and computers, and he made his living with those.

  With a growl, he swallowed the urge to call her every fowl name he’d ever heard of in English and in Spanish and glanced toward his car just in time to see Erin toss Liam’s backpack into the back seat. When they headed around front to her cousin’s shop instead of returning to Hannah’s car for the rest of the boy’s things, Gideon frowned.

  “That’s it?” He turned back to his ex. “Just his backpack?”

  “That’s all you sent him with.”

  “Oh, for Christ’s sake, Hannah! I sent him with two duffle bags, too. Where are the rest of his clothes and his toys?”

  “I guess they’re back home.”

  “That’s all you took to San Francisco for him?”

  “That’s all I had.”

  “What about the clothes he has at your apartment? Didn’t you bring any of them?”

  “He’s outgrown everything.”

  He swore under his breath and scrubbed his hands over his face. For almost a minute, he stared beyond her at the ocean with his teeth clenched. When he leveled his gaze on her, she scowled. Why had he ever thought she was beautiful? He’d never be able to un-see the irresponsibility and immature vindictiveness, and it tainted even her undeniable physical appeal.

  At last, he said, “I don’t get it.”

  “Don’t get what?” she asked distractedly, scowling after Erin.

  “I don’t get why you’re fighting me for custody when you clearly only want to be a parent when it suits you.”

  “I love my son.”

  Gideon snorted.

  She whirled on him. “Do you really think so little of me?”

  “You don’t want me to answer that. His arm hasn’t been out of the cast long enough yet.”

  “Hey, you’re the one who bought him that stupid trampoline.”

  “Yeah, and I always sit out there with him while he jumps on it to make sure he’s being safe! I sure don’t let him jump onto it from the swing set. What were you doing instead of watching him? Texting on your phone like the day he and Sean McKinney wandered down to Hidden Beach by themselves?”

  “You’re never going to let that one go, are you? Jesus, it’s been three years, Gideon!”

  “I’d’ve let it go a long time ago if it were a one-time slip. But it wasn’t. How many times have I had to stop in the middle of a photo shoot to pick him up from school because you forgot it was your day to get him? How many times have I had to drop what I was doing to clean his cuts and scrapes because you couldn’t be bothered to take care of him? You want to know why he comes to me when he’s hurt or scared, Hannah? Because he knows I’ll be there!”

  That struck a nerve. She snapped her mouth shut and glared at him. The seconds ticked by, and the shine of tears in her eyes cooled his anger a few degrees.

  “That’s not fair. You’re good at this whole parent thing. I don’t know what I’m doing.”

  “And you seem to have no desire to learn. I have no idea what I’m doing most of the time, either, but I do what needs to be done.”

  “Is the plan still for you to bring him back this weekend?” she asked, her voice wavering.

  He didn’t have time to analyze her evasive change of topic before his mouth fell open. “You’ve got to be kidding.”

  “No, I’m not. Why would I be?”r />
  “Well, you sure were in quite a hurry to get rid of him.”

  “Regardless of what you think of me, I do love my son.”

  Her chin wobbled and tears welled in her eyes, and he winced as he watched her fight to contain it. He didn’t like seeing her cry. He couldn’t say he’d ever truly loved her, but he cared enough for her that the doubt that the tears were even real hurt him. She’d pulled so many tricks in the months since he’d asked her to leave that he couldn’t help but wonder if this was just another tug on the leash to remind him she still held the other end.

  “I haven’t seen my son in two weeks,” he said quietly. “I’m not going to turn around and bring him back in a few days, but I’ll bring him back the weekend after next.”

  “That’ll have to be good enough, I guess.”

  He was mildly surprised she wasn’t going to argue with him about that, too. “Let me ask Erin to send Liam out so you can say goodbye to him and get on the road. I know you’re anxious to get back to your sister’s.”

  He started toward the door, but when his hand landed on the knob, her voice stopped him.

  “Who is she?”

  “Erin? She’s Owen McKinney’s sister.”

  “No. I mean… who is she to you?”

  “That isn’t any of your business.”

  “Actually, it is. I have a right to know what kind of woman you’re bringing around our son. Especially when he hasn’t shut up about her.”

  Sighing, he said, “She’s a friend.”

  “I don’t believe you.”

  He ground his teeth at the indignant air she affected. “Fine. She’s a friend I hope will become more.”

  “Become more….”

  Liam wasn’t the reason she was asking, merely a cover for something else. She’d been out with at least two men since they’d broken up, so it couldn’t be jealousy… could it? No, not quite. The way she watched him with the facade of parental righteousness giving way quickly to insecurity—she chewed on the inside of her cheek, something she did when she was trying to keep a grip on her emotions until she could escape a situation—was closer to regret than jealousy.

  Abruptly, he straightened, catching himself; he was leaning toward her, ready to be there for her when she reached for him. He folded his arms across his chest again. “All you need to know about Erin is that she’s great with Liam. Otherwise, leave her out of this. Because you have no room to talk after you brought that prick Cal around.”

  “And you’re Mr. Perfect who’s never made a mistake.”

  He started to say that his mistakes had cost him seven years of his life, but Erin’s voice cut him off.

  “Excuse me, but there’s a little boy inside who’s upset because his parents are too busy fighting to even notice him.”

  Her words were polite enough, but her tone was sharp, and he whipped toward her.

  “You need to set your differences aside until he isn’t watching.”

  Fire flashed in Hannah’s golden eyes, but to Erin’s credit, she held the younger woman’s gaze with her back straight and her jaw set. Even with fury still swirling through him like a restless tide, he was awestruck by the power in her. Hannah’s expression turned black, and Gideon stepped between them before she could act on the venom seething in her veins.

  Hannah snarled. “How dare you—”

  “Is this really how you want him to see you?” Erin asked. She shifted her gaze to Gideon. “For God’s sake, you haven’t even said hello to him yet.”

  Guilt and anger boiled together in a poisonous stew, but then he noticed the way she held his gaze, unflinchingly with the faintest hint of tenderness. Oh, she was smart. With one seemingly caustic rebuke, she’d momentarily placed herself in opposition to him, which put her on Hannah’s side by default, and it had the desired effect. His ex’s lips twitched into a haughty smile, her anger at Erin expertly diffused.

  Abruptly, he left them on the porch and went into the house. Liam leapt off the stool at the kitchen island and raced across the dining area. As Gideon wrapped the little boy in his arms and inhaled the familiar scent of him, he sighed, trembling with relief. God, he’d missed the little bugger. How could he have let Hannah get under his skin like that?

  “I’m sorry, bud,” he murmured. “So sorry. I shouldn’t have fought with your mom. I should’ve come straight in here to be with you.”

  “It’s okay,” Liam whispered.

  “No, it’s not. I don’t care how angry or hurt I am. You are the only thing that matters.”

  “I don’t want you to be angry. Or hurt.”

  Gideon exhaled. “This won’t last forever. Your mom and I will find a way to work through this. Thank goodness Erin was here, huh?”

  “Yeah. She makes yummy pancakes.”

  He gave a sniff of laughter. “I bet she does. Come on. We need to say goodbye to your mom.”

  Unwilling to let go of his son, he carried the little boy outside. Erin tried to slip past him into the house, but he snagged her hand and whispered, “Thank you.”

  She dipped her head in acknowledgment without meeting his gaze and escaped inside as soon as he released her hand.

  Hannah waited exactly where he’d left her, and at last, he lowered Liam to the porch so he could give his mother a hug goodbye. The little boy didn’t move toward her, instead clinging to Gideon’s side. Hannah’s brows dipped briefly.

  “Go give your mother a hug so she can get on the road.”

  He shook his head, and hurt brightened Hannah’s eyes.

  “Go,” Gideon said quietly but firmly. “You don’t want her to remember this for two weeks, do you? She’ll be so sad.”

  “I don’t want to go with her in two weeks,” Liam said defiantly, glaring at his mother.

  Hannah jerked back and her eyes sprang wide.

  “Liam!” Gideon chided, but it was too late.

  Hannah was already turning away with tears spilling over. Gideon called after her, but she ignored him. She jogged out to her car, yanked the driver’s side door open, and sank into it. As she sped away, spraying gravel as she went, he let out a growl and swore under his breath.

  “Well, that’s that, I guess,” he sighed.

  He gripped his son’s hand and led him back inside. Erin had finished the dishes and was sitting at the island with a plate of eggs, bacon, and pancakes sitting untouched in front of her. When she heard them approaching, she looked up. The apprehension that widened her eyes sharply contrasted the unyielding strength he’d seen only minutes ago, and he paused.

  “I’m sorry,” she murmured.

  “For what?” he asked, letting go of his son’s hand and striding to her. He took her hand and drew her to his feet, then wrapped her tightly in his arms. After only the tiniest hesitation, she melted into his embrace. “I needed that.”

  “I guess you aren’t mad at me for overstepping my bounds.”

  Her voice was adorably muffled against his neck, and he let out a sigh that was half relief and half affection. And did his best to ignore the way her warm breath on the curve of his neck and the weight of her head on his shoulder made his pulse lunge.

  “You said and did exactly the right things.” He sighed. “I have to stop fighting with her—it only hurts us more. Especially Liam.”

  He leaned back with her arms still hooked around him and clasped her face gently in his hands, skimming his thumbs over her cheeks. He expected her to look away, but she held his gaze, and a soothing calm washed over him.

  “You’re incredible,” he murmured.

  “I don’t know about that.”

  He tucked her hair behind her ears, consumed by the shy desire hazing her eyes. “I do.”

  A guttural sound from his son drew his attention, and he laughed at Liam’s curled lip.

  “Are you two gonna kiss?” the boy asked around a mouthful of scrambled eggs.

  “Not yet,” Gideon replied, but he dipped his head to kiss Erin’s cheek. Finally, he released her and
grabbed the empty plate she’d left on the counter for him. “Did you tell her thank you for breakfast?”

  “He did,” she replied. “So… I’ve been meaning to ask. Does this trip count as our first date?”

  “I’ll let you decide that.” He lowered his voice so Liam couldn’t hear. “But either way, I’d still like to take you out to dinner when we get home. I can ask Hope to watch Liam for a few hours. I’m sure he and Daph would love—”

  She shook her head, and he snapped his mouth closed, confused.

  “This trip is all I get?” He turned his gaze back to his plate. Just a few moments ago, he’d seen desire in her eyes, and there had been only the briefest moment of reluctance in her arms when he’d hugged her. Had that been no more than the support of a loyal friend? His shoulders droop. “I don’t blame you. Maybe I was wrong to think I’m ready to start dating again. Obviously, I need to fix a few things with Hannah first, get to a point that I don’t want to scream at her every time I have to deal with her.”

  “I agree with that second part, but I wasn’t saying no to another date. You can’t leave Liam alone right now. We can find something to do to include him.”

  He kissed her hard on the lips, clasping her face and drawing her off her stool toward him. When he let her go, she stared at him in wide-eyed shock edged in wonder, and he couldn’t remember anyone ever looking so beautiful. The shy innocence that turned her pupils into deep pools rimmed by the slimmest ring of sea green sucked him in.

  “Thank you,” he breathed.

  “Um… you’re welcome?”

  “I thought you said you weren’t gonna kiss,” Liam muttered, stabbing another bite of pancake.

  Erin laughed softly. “Apparently he changed his mind.”

  The shyness in her voice drew her to him, and he leaned closer, asking permission to kiss her again. God, he wanted to kiss her. When she didn’t lean away, he touched his lips lightly to hers and angled his body against hers. She slipped her arms around his neck, responding to his coaxing with breathtaking curiosity. He skimmed his tongue over her bottom lip as instinct and desire filled his head with cotton and buzzing that made conscious thought impossible.