by Annie Rains
“For their girls’ day out,” he said with a knowing nod. “I wasn’t invited.”
“Why would you be? You’re her physical therapist.”
“It turns out she’s the daughter of a woman I dated in college. Crystal Sanders.”
Halona’s forehead wrinkled as she thought. “When you were broken up with Renee, right? I remember her.”
He swallowed, knowing that Halona would put two and two together in a quick second.
“Oh,” she finally said, straightening as she reached the natural conclusion. “Are you sure that she’s your daughter? That is what you’re trying to tell me, isn’t it?”
“Yeah.”
“Have you been tested?”
He blew out a breath. “Not yet. But I know.”
Halona placed a hand to her chest. “Oh, wow. I have so many questions. Mom is going to flip.”
“She can’t know right now. Maddie doesn’t even know yet.”
“What?” Halona reached for her coffee cup. “Okay, start from the beginning. Tell me everything.”
Fifteen minutes later, Tuck had drained half the coffee in his mug and all the energy in his body’s reserve.
“That is some surprise. I’m an aunt,” Halona said with a smile. “And my niece is pretty cool. I loved her when she stopped in the other day. She’s so beautiful and smart. Theo was here. She played with him, and he took to her just like a sister…Oh, Tuck, this is amazing news! What does Josie think?”
He lowered his brow. “What does Josie have to do with this?”
Halona tilted her head. “Oh, come on. You’re spilling secrets so you might as well fess up on that one too. You like her. I’d say you like her a lot.”
Tuck looked down at his mug.
“I think it’s great,” his sister added. “It’s time. I’ve been telling you that for a while now.”
“But it’s complicated. Everything is complicated right now.” He massaged his forehead. “I have a daughter. She needs me…It’s not the right time to be falling in love.”
When he looked up, Halona’s eyes were wide. “I didn’t say anything about falling in love. I said like.” Her eyes sparkled as she grinned. “This is incredible, Tuck!”
“No. Don’t even go there. Josie is temporary. What she and I have is a casual fling.”
He started to rattle off an excuse about his new responsibilities but Halona held up a hand. “Stop right there. Just because you’re a parent doesn’t mean you can’t have a life.”
“Look who’s talking,” he said, turning that statement right back at her.
She frowned. “Theo is younger than Maddie. He just lost his dad.” Halona lifted her mug to her mouth, seeming to use it as a shield. Tuck was the widower but Halona guarded her heart even more than he did.
“It’s not that I don’t want to date but Theo needs me,” she continued. “He’s lost a lot.”
“And Maddie just lost her mom,” Tuck reminded her.
Halona’s smile drifted, and sadness colored her brown eyes. He guessed she was realizing that, in some ways, they were now in the same boat.
“All I want is for my big brother to be happy again,” she said.
Yeah, he and Renee had been happier than any couple deserved to be. A guy didn’t get that lucky twice. Did he?
“So, what’s the next step?” Halona asked. “With Maddie.”
Tuck checked his watch. “I’m meeting with Mr. Garrison at two thirty.”
“A lawyer? Why?” Halona asked.
“Because the plan is for Maddie to come live with me this summer.”
Halona reached for his hand.
“It was supposed to be me and Renee. If she were still alive, what would she have thought of this news? I never told her about Crystal.”
“You two were broken up. It’s not like you lied to her.”
“A child came out of it. What would she have thought?” he wondered aloud.
“The same thing that I think. That you’ll be an amazing dad and Maddie is one lucky little girl. You for a dad and me for an aunt. She can’t go wrong.”
Tuck laughed, which worked to loosen up the tightness in his chest. His late wife had been a gentle spirit. Halona was right. Renee would have embraced Maddie with open arms if she were alive now.
Josie had that same quality. She’d already bonded with Maddie when she didn’t have to. She was incredible, and his slip in conversation with his sister just now was true. He was falling in love with Josie. He hadn’t intended it but he was.
If Renee was looking down on him from somewhere, he didn’t even have to wonder at her response. She’d tell him it was okay because that’s the kind of woman she was. Giving and loving. She wasn’t perfect by any means. Renee had her flaws that had driven him insane when she was alive. But he’d loved her. The same way he was beginning to love Josie.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
The last hour with Michelle was not what Josie was expecting. They hadn’t talked about work at all. Instead, like two old friends, they’d talked about everything, to include local gossip, diets, fashion, and their favorite late-night TV shows.
Michelle looked out the storefront window. “It’s really coming down out there. I might have to get another coffee and hang out here until the rain stops.”
Josie studied the downpour outside as well. “Same.”
“Thanks for meeting me today, Josie. This has been nice.”
“It really has but I have to admit I thought we were meeting to discuss my article.”
Michelle smiled back at her. “What’s there to discuss? I love it, I want it. I can only pay so much though.”
“Don’t worry about that,” Josie said. “I’m just honored to have my work featured in your magazine.”
“Well, I’m honored that you would even consider writing something for us. I’m quite a fan of yours. I read Loving Life magazine, and I always love your pieces.”
“That’s nice of you to say,” Josie said. “And it means a lot. I told you the kind of articles my boss wants me to start writing though.”
“‘Sex in the Sticks.’” Michelle nodded. “I remember. One thing I love about your writing, Josie, is that your passion shines through. If you don’t love what you’re doing, it’ll show.”
“I know.” Josie molded her hands around her cup of coffee.
“If you decide to follow your heart and write the topics you choose, send them my way,” Michelle added.
“Thank you.”
They sat for a little while longer, and then Michelle gathered her things and stood. “I have to get back to work but thanks for today. Let’s do this again sometime.”
Josie didn’t bother to mention that she’d be gone soon. Michelle already knew. Instead, she nodded. “Definitely.” It was just what people said but Josie wished that she and Michelle could be friends. It was refreshing to have a fellow writer to chat with.
That would never happen with Bart.
Speaking of…Josie pulled her laptop out of its bag and opened it. Waiting for her was an email from him.
Received your latest article. Your update on Sweetwater Springs is now up on the e-zine.
Catch The Vibe!
Bart
The e-zine? Had she been demoted to writing for the e-zine now? After ten years working at the magazine?
Josie went to the website and pulled open the follow-up piece, the one that Bart had edited on his own. Her heart sank lower in her belly with each word, sentence, and paragraph.
“This isn’t what I wrote,” she mumbled under her breath, feeling her face turn hot. “I didn’t say that,” she nearly shouted at the computer screen.
“Everything okay?” Emma asked, walking over with a coffee pitcher in hand.
Luckily the shop was slow right now. The rain was keeping current customers inside and prospective customers away.
Josie looked up and gestured to her laptop. “No. This is not okay at all…but the coffee is great.”
A little V of concern formed between Emma’s eyes. “I’m not sure what’s going on but would another cup help?”
Josie seriously doubted it. “That’d be great. Thank you.”
Emma turned back toward the counter, and Josie continued reading the train wreck of what had been a very sweet, uplifting piece on the town. She’d spoken so nicely of the people here, telling how welcoming everyone had been to an outsider. She’d talked about the Sweetwater Springs Festival and all the great events leading up to it.
Her stomach soured. Bart’s editing had made it sound like she was stuck here twiddling her thumbs and that she was miserable.
The one time of year that tourists come to Sweetwater Springs is for the small-town festival that offers little more than what you’d get at any local fair. If you’re looking to buy crafts from old women or to hear a no-name band in an open field, it might be worth the drive into the valley.
Josie kept reading. It felt like she was trapped in a nightmare right now. She was so going to let Bart have a piece of her mind when she called him this afternoon. Then she’d demand that he take his hack job on her article down. Until then, she hoped no one read The Vibe’s e-zine. Especially nobody in this small town that she had fallen for so completely.
* * *
Tuck had met with Mr. Garrison several times over the years. The last time he’d been in this office had been with Renee because she’d wanted to make a will.
“I knew Crystal Sanders,” Mr. Garrison said now, sitting across the table from Tuck. “She was a lovely woman. I always wondered who the child’s father was but I never suspected that the girl’s own father didn’t even know about his paternity.”
Tuck’s stomach clenched as it did every time he thought of being shut out from Maddie’s childhood.
“If Crystal were alive, this would be cause for legal action.”
“If she were alive, I suspect I still wouldn’t know the truth,” Tuck pointed out. “Will it be hard to get custody of Maddie?”
“Shouldn’t be. Once you have proof of paternity, the courts will look at your ability to take care of Maddie. Your record is clean. You have a good job and the means to provide for her. If Beverly isn’t planning to fight you on this, then there are no obstacles in your way. Even if Beverly put up a fight, I think you’d win.”
Tuck’s shoulders relaxed as he exhaled softly. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. After you’ve gotten the test completed, come back to my office and we’ll get started on the paperwork.”
Tuck stood and shook Mr. Garrison’s hand, and then they walked to the door, making small talk about Mr. Garrison’s grandchildren and the weather.
“Still raining out there, I see.” Mr. Garrison chuckled. “Well, that’ll be good for the budding flowers.”
Tuck pulled his hood over his head, said a final goodbye, and dashed out toward his Jeep in the parking lot, water splashing over his ankles from the puddles on the pavement. Once inside his vehicle, he caught his breath and cranked the engine.
He was in good spirits as he drove back to Hope Cottage. Part of him had dreaded meeting with Mr. Garrison today. He was a single man with no experience with children other than his nephew. He’d been worried that might not look good to the courts. Mr. Garrison had assured him that there was nothing standing in his way though. Tuck had missed the first eleven years of Maddie’s life but he wouldn’t miss the next.
When he pulled into his driveway, he noticed Maddie under the covered awning of his porch alongside Josie. Maddie’s appointment was usually the last one of the day. That way he could spend as much time with her as he needed. She was standing with her cane, although barely using it for support. Josie stood close to Maddie, ready to catch her if she stumbled, and he trusted that she would.
He got out of the Jeep and darted up the steps. The ground was too soft and wet from a full day of rain to have a therapy session in the yard.
“Sorry I was running a little late,” he said. “I had something to handle in town.”
“Did it go okay?” Josie asked with knowing eyes.
“Better than okay.”
“Great. I’ll let you two work. I have something to handle myself,” she said, her smile wobbling as she stepped away from Maddie.
“Everything all right?” he asked.
“No, but I’m going to do my best to fix it.”
“Feel free to go inside the house if you want. There are tea and snacks in the fridge.”
“Thanks.” She turned to Maddie. “Work hard.”
“I always do.” Tuck didn’t miss the slight roll of Maddie’s eyes. While Maddie had liked Josie at first, she seemed put off by her lately. What in the world is that about?
Tuck watched Josie go inside and then turned his attention to his daughter. He couldn’t wait to tell her the truth. The sooner she knew, the sooner they could become a family.
“Everything okay?” he asked.
“Yeah, why wouldn’t it be?”
“I don’t know. You just seem upset with Josie lately. Is there a reason?”
“No, she’s nice enough,” Maddie said with a shrug.
“But…”
“But nothing. I can see why you like her so much.” Maddie averted her gaze.
Tuck debated pressing further, because he wasn’t completely buying that response. Before he could say anything more, though, Maddie headed for the steps.
“Hold on there,” he said. “Today, let’s just work on the porch where it’s dry. Afterward I’ll take you to the stables. I want to introduce you to Sugar and Chestnut.”
Maddie gave him a wide grin. “Horses? Can I ride them?”
“Probably not today. It’s too wet. But you can say hello and offer up an apple slice.”
“Yes!” Maddie slowly turned her body and walked the length of the porch, then pivoted quickly and headed back.
“Easy now. If you fall, we might not make it to the stables.”
“I won’t fall,” Maddie said with renewed determination.
* * *
“Take the article down now, Bart. It’s not the story that I wrote.”
“It is the story,” Bart insisted, “with just a little extra pizzazz. Readers need a little sensationalism to pique their interests.”
“They don’t need lies.” Josie was pacing Tuck’s kitchen with her cell on speakerphone.
“Name one thing I lied about.”
“You told readers to find somewhere else to have their fun,” she said through gritted teeth.
“That’s not a lie, Josie. Admit it—Sweetwater Springs is not a tourist hot spot. There’s nothing to do there.”
“There are mountains, hot springs, and quaint little shops. There are wonderful people who call this place home.” Tuck and Maddie came to mind. Even Kaitlyn considered Sweetwater Springs home now.
He yawned loudly into the receiver. “Sorry, but you’re putting me to sleep.”
“Take it down,” she commanded, fisting her left hand at her side. It was a good thing there were several states separating them right now, because she might have been tempted to attack.
“Not happening. It’s already had a thousand views, which is terrific for our e-zine articles. It’s good for the magazine and for your career.”
“The people of Sweetwater Springs are going to be livid.”
“And why do I care?” Bart asked.
Josie stopped pacing and stared out the back window, realizing he was right for once. “You don’t.”
“Exactly, and neither should you.”
Bart was nothing like his predecessor. The Vibe was nothing like Loving Life magazine and never would be. She’d known that for weeks, and this was one more example.
“I quit,” Josie said, her voice oddly calm.
“Excuse me?”
“I quit. I’m not coming back to work for you. I can’t write stuff I don’t believe in.”
“Great,” Bart said, not even feigning disappointment. “I wasn’t
looking forward to rewriting all your stuff to make it work for The Vibe’s e-zine anyway.”
Josie shook her head, anger flaring inside her. “And that’s a stupid name for a magazine. The direction you’re pointing your father’s magazine in is stupid too. And to be quite honest, Bart, you’re not too bright either.” A smile spread through her cheeks, sore from clenching her jaw over the last ten minutes. “Goodbye and good riddance.”
She didn’t wait for his reply. She disconnected the call and put her phone down on the counter. Her body was trembling so hard she might have dropped the device if she hadn’t.
“Wow.”
She turned toward Tuck. “You heard?”
“I did. I haven’t seen the feisty side of you since I found you on the hiking trail behind the B and B. I like it.”
“Should I call him back and say just kidding? Because I kind of need that job until I find something else,” she said.
“No you don’t. And no. Don’t call him back unless you want to hand the phone to me and let me give him a piece of my mind too.”
She laughed weakly. “I’ve never been unemployed in my adult life. I think I might puke right now.”
He stepped toward her, bracing his hands on her shoulders and looking deep into her eyes. “I’d hold your hair if you did.”
She smiled up at him. “Why are you such a nice guy, Tuck Locklear?”
“Anyone who’d be anything other than nice to you is a fool. And I’m no fool.”
Her frazzled nerves startled to settle. Tuck seemed to have a way of calming her. He’d done the same the other night when she’d told him about the child she’d given up in college.
“Why don’t you get dressed?” he said.
“Are you sure you don’t mean undressed?” she teased.
“That’s for later. Right now, I want to take you out and celebrate.”
“Celebrate quitting my job?” she asked.
His smile made him even more irresistible. “No, we’re going to celebrate your newfound freedom.”
CHAPTER NINETEEN
