Читать книгу The Firefighter's Twins - Heidi McCahan - Страница 13
ОглавлениеAfter attending the early service at church the next morning, Natalie sat at her kitchen table, eating a sandwich while scrolling through her email on her iPad. There were a hundred things to do today, and all she really wanted was a quiet afternoon at home. And possibly a nap.
A message from Forever Love dropped into her inbox. She stopped chewing and let her finger hover over the screen. Did she even want to read this right now? Her brief meeting with Karen after the Maria debacle had ended on a cryptic note. While Karen had taken several pictures with her phone and asked plenty of questions, she’d driven away after offering a quick handshake and the standard “we’ll be in touch.”
Oh, why not. What did she have to lose? She opened the message.
“‘Dear Natalie,’” she read out loud, “‘it was wonderful to meet with you and see your delightful venue. Magnolia Lane is everything I hoped it would be.’”
Natalie’s pulse sped as she devoured the rest of the message silently. “Forever Love is actively working to expand its reach into the greater Raleigh area. Our research indicates this market has tremendous potential. We have a proposition we believe you’ll find very appealing. Our firm is interested in acquiring your business. Secondly, we’d like to offer you a position as an event planner here in our Charlotte office...”
Natalie gasped. “What in the world?” She read the details again. Sell Magnolia Lane? The thought had never crossed her mind. But working for an elite firm like Forever Love—now that she’d dreamed about often, especially in the lean times when she’d struggled to open Magnolia Lane. Having someone else in her corner to brainstorm strategies for dealing with high-maintenance brides, or share the burden of upkeep and help secure new vendors when the caterer went out of business... Forever Love’s proposition felt like a breath of fresh air.
Easy. Natalie heeded the warning in her head and forced herself to focus on the message’s closing lines. “My business partner and I would like to give you some time to consider our offer. If you’re available, we’d like to discuss this via a video conference call on Thursday, October 2, at 1:00 p.m. Please respond at your convenience and indicate your availability...”
“Yes, yes, I’m available.” Natalie’s fingers trembled as she clicked over to her digital calendar and scrolled to October 2. Even though it was less than two weeks away, thankfully she was still free. She scheduled the call with Forever Love.
A dozen questions flew through her mind, but a quick glance at the clock revealed she had all of five minutes to get out the door and over to The Grille to make sure Nolan, the new manager, was prepared for the after-church lunch rush. If he had everything under control, she’d have just enough time to walk across the highway to the fall festival committee meeting.
After typing a brief response and accepting the meeting request, Natalie pushed back her chair and tucked her iPad inside her handbag. Striding to the sink, she added her plate to the dirty dishes already stacked on the counter. Chores would have to wait. She cast a longing glance toward her bungalow’s cozy living room as she headed for the front door. Sunlight streamed through the wide front window, spilling onto the overstuffed cushions of her favorite chair and a stack of untouched novels she’d intended to read before the hectic fall season started. Those would have to wait, too.
With a heavy sigh, she shifted her focus to the mirror in the entryway, frowning at her reflection. A string of late nights and early mornings hadn’t done her complexion any favors. She fished a tube of lip gloss out from the depths of her bag, and then she dabbed on a quick coat and surveyed the results. Good enough. Natalie readjusted the coral scarf layered over her white T-shirt and navy cardigan and then slipped out the front door.
Outside, her porch swing swayed in the breeze. She drew in a deep breath—crisp, cool air and no humidity. Birds chirped, while the familiar rumble of a tractor echoed across the otherwise empty fields. She shouldered her bag again as she walked down the steps and across the yard.
“Hey, there, sunshine,” her sister Kirsten called out from the parking lot, wearing a stylish, belted denim dress and short, open-toed suede boots. She clasped Daddy’s elbow with one hand, while Mama assisted him on his left side. “We thought we’d have lunch here today.”
“Great.” Natalie pasted on a smile, determined to mask her heartache. Daddy hadn’t made eye contact yet, his focus on the gravel in front of him as he struggled to walk the short distance from the car to the front door.
“Hey, Mama and Daddy.” Natalie held the door open for them. “I bet Nolan has your favorite table ready.”
Daddy met her gaze briefly, a twinkle evident in his blue eyes. “Sure hope so.”
Mama squeezed Natalie’s arm as they passed. “Hey, sugar.”
Natalie followed them inside. The aroma of fried food lingered in the air, even though the restaurant didn’t open until twelve thirty on Sundays. The dining area sat empty, although it wouldn’t stay that way for long. While Mama and Daddy made their way to a corner booth near the windows with a beautiful view of the pond, Natalie tugged on Kirsten’s short sleeve.
“What’s the occasion?”
Kirsten lingered near the door. “What do you mean?”
“Mama and Daddy haven’t been here for lunch in weeks.”
Kirsten sighed. “I wanted Mama to have a break from fixing a meal. They used to love to go out for lunch after church, but Daddy says he gets too worn out. I convinced them to come here, since they’re only two minutes from the house.”
Natalie watched Mama help him maneuver into the booth. “We’re going to have to talk to them about assisted living. Soon.”
“Go for it. I’ve tried bringing it up. Mama shuts me down every time.”
Natalie turned away, her stomach clenched in a tight knot. Daddy’s mobility had declined more rapidly than she’d expected. “I don’t understand how they can ignore the facts. He’s getting worse. We can’t pretend his health isn’t going to impact their lifestyle.”
“I know. But Mama thinks she can handle it. Like she handles everything—by sheer force and stubborn determination.”
“What if she’s not able?” Natalie threaded her scarf between her fingers. “Eventually he’ll need care, possibly around-the-clock. Sure, the farm’s doing well, but the liability insurance and property taxes get more expensive every year. What if the cost of his care exceeds their income?”
Kirsten’s eyes glistened with tears. “Believe me, I’ve thought about everything you’ve mentioned. Mama and Daddy simply don’t want to hear it.”
“If Daddy’s diagnosis isn’t...” Natalie swallowed hard. She couldn’t bring herself to say the words. “If the news isn’t what we’d hoped, I think we should be prepared to have that hard conversation. Cami’s in school at Clemson, you’re working on your MBA and I’m practically working two jobs. Tisha’s not here, right—”
“Mama says Tisha’s coming back from Alaska in the next week or so,” Kirsten said.
Natalie sighed. “Tisha’s been away a long time. She can’t exactly make an educated choice about what’s best.” She stopped short of mentioning how their sister’s ridiculous plan to lease some of their land to that solar energy company nearly cost them everything.
“She’s changed a lot since she moved away, Nat.” Kirsten shifted from one foot to the other. “Mama and Daddy are her parents, too. We can’t exclude her from the discussion.”
Natalie clamped her mouth closed. She couldn’t argue with that. Although Tisha’s blind affection for her conniving ex-boyfriend and careless actions almost ruined any future plans for the farm, Natalie couldn’t be too critical. Not with the surprise news from Forever Love sitting in her inbox. If she decided to accept their offer, she’d be moving to Charlotte. What if the sale of Magnolia Lane helped provide professional caregivers? Then they wouldn’t have to worry about financing Daddy’s care. On the other hand, it meant pursuing her dreams at the expense of her family’s heritage. Daddy’s parents had built the barn themselves. Even if they’d deeded the building and the surrounding land to her, the news of the sale would still come as a shock. Could she really live with that?
Kirsten’s gaze flitted from Natalie to Mama and Daddy. “Let’s wait and see what the doctor says before we try to talk to them again. Maybe it’s not as bad as we think.”
“Miss Natalie?”
Natalie glanced over Kirsten’s shoulder to see Nolan, who was hurrying toward her as he tied an apron over faded jeans and an NC State T-shirt.
“I was fixin’ to text you. Justine called in sick. Any chance you could fill in at the register during the lunch rush?”
Oh, brother. What other surprises could land in her path today? “I’ll find somebody to help out, Nolan. Thanks for letting me know.”
“Yes, ma’am.” He returned to the kitchen.
Kirsten frowned. “Are you short-handed all day? I’d offer to help, but—”
“Could you? I’ve got my first fall festival committee in a few minutes.” She regretted the request as soon as she said it. Maybe having Kirsten fill in for Justine wasn’t the best idea. Her sisters hadn’t worked the counter in ages. Natalie bit her lip. What if she pushed back the meeting until—
“I guess I can do it. I’ll work on my presentation later...”
Natalie shoved her doubts aside. It would have to do for now. “Perfect. Thank you so much.” Natalie didn’t stick around. If she lingered, she’d be tempted to tell Kirsten everything about Forever Love, and it was too soon for that. She needed more information. More time to weigh her options. She rubbed at the ache in her chest as she hurried toward the door. A solution that appealed to everyone and allowed her to follow her dream felt hopelessly out of reach.
Outside, she offered friendly greetings to the customers coming into The Grille, recognizing several familiar faces. Mama and Daddy would be glad to see some of their friends. A line of at least a dozen cars waited on the two-lane road beside the entrance to the farm, blinkers on, indicating they’d be pulling into the parking lot. Looked like another busy Sunday afternoon. That would make Mama and Daddy happy, too.
Her smile quickly faded once she jogged across the road to the new subdivision where the committee meeting was scheduled to take place.
Shay Campbell was less than twenty feet away, climbing out of a pickup truck.
Natalie’s steps faltered, and she stumbled, wincing more from embarrassment than from the twinge in her ankle. What was he doing here?
Shay waved, a smile lifting one corner of his mouth.
Natalie tried to play it cool while her pulse went all kinds of crazy. Although she hated to admit it, he did look handsome in khaki slacks and a brick red button-down, the sleeves rolled up to reveal his chiseled forearms.
“Hey.” Shay closed the driver’s door. “Is this the fall festival committee meeting?”
She cocked her to head to one side. “It’s supposed to be. The others aren’t here yet.”
“Mind if I join you? I’m not on duty today, but the chief sent me as the liaison from the fire department.”
Rats. Why him? The chief had ignored her email requesting Trent Walker’s help.
He shoved his hands in his pockets. “He said we needed to have a presence at major community events.”
“You must’ve drawn the short straw.”
“I don’t understand.”
“Two of our key members and biggest supporters of the festival had to step down unexpectedly. They’re in Chicago caring for their daughter and her family. We’re going to struggle to pull the festival together without them.”
A frown etched his features. “Unless Chief Murphy tells me differently, the fire department is committed to helping. When’s the festival?”
“In about six weeks. The first Saturday in November.”
“One of the guys mentioned a service project. Is this it?” He angled his head toward the lot nearby.
“Yes.” Natalie glanced at the concrete foundation and exposed wood framework for the walls. Mounds of ugly red clay and large rocks dug up by the construction crew surrounded what would eventually be a three-bedroom rambler. Nothing much had changed since the last time she’d stopped by. Had the volunteers run into a problem no one had mentioned to her?
“Is anyone managing the project?”
“That’s where things get complicated. I guess I’m in charge now.” She sighed and met his gaze again. For the second time in one weekend, the luminous color of his eyes—green rimmed with hints of blue—captured her attention.
A girl could get lost in those eyes.
Shay’s brow arched, waiting for her to elaborate.
Warmth heated her skin. “The house is for a wounded veteran and his family. The big reveal happens during the festival. At least, that was the plan, anyway. Now with Maureen, the former committee chairperson, gone—”
The sound of another car approaching interrupted her. Natalie glanced over her shoulder to see her best friend, Erin, parking beside the curb.
“Wait.” Shay held up his hand. “Before the others get here, I have something I need to say.”
“Oh?” Natalie faced him again and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. This should be interesting. “I’m listening.”
“I—I owe you an apology.”
“For?”
“I’m sorry for the way I spoke to you at the farm. I shouldn’t have been so critical.”
“Apology accepted.” She reached into her bag for her iPad. “Have you heard how Maria’s doing?”
“I have.” He offered a sheepish smile. “She had a healthy baby girl in the ambulance, on the way to the hospital.”
“Whoa. That was quick.”
“Very quick. If it weren’t for that stellar emergency plan of yours, she might’ve delivered in the middle of the party.”
“So you recognize my plan wasn’t so flawed, after all?” She couldn’t resist a subtle jab. Or conceal her smile.
“I do. I mean, I recognize that your plan isn’t so flawed. At all. Again, I apologize for being rude and trying to take control of the situation.”
She lifted one shoulder. It was kind of fun to see him stumble over his words. “Don’t worry about it. But thank you for apologizing.”
“You’re welcome.” He studied the lot again. “Any idea what you still need in terms of building supplies? You’ve got walls up, it’s framed...looks like the subflooring was started. What would it take to finish this in time for the festival?”
About fifty more volunteers and an extra three weeks. She bit back her snide reply as Erin strode toward them, a pastry box and a stack of napkins in hand.
“Hey.” Erin’s curious gaze flitted from Natalie to Shay and back. “What’s going on?”
Natalie pretended not to notice Erin’s nonverbal cues. No doubt they’d exchange a flurry of text messages later about the newest member of their committee. “Shay, have you met Erin Taylor? She and her husband own the coffee shop in town.”
He shook Erin’s outstretched hand. “Shay Campbell. It’s nice to meet you.”
“Nice to meet you, too.” Erin let go of his hand and then pressed her palm over the napkins on top of the white cardboard box to keep them from blowing away. “Are you building in this neighborhood?”
“Not exactly. I’m a volunteer committee member from the fire department. Natalie was bringing me up to speed on the status of the service project.” Shay’s arm brushed against hers, and the scent of something clean nudged her nose, like laundry soap and fresh air. Natalie’s stomach tightened. Why did he have to smell so good?
“Was she?” Erin asked, an innocent smile tugging at her lips. “She’s served on the fall festival committee for years. If anyone can whip us into shape and get the job done, it’s Natalie.”
It was Natalie’s turn to fire a pointed gaze Erin’s direction. “That’s sweet of you to say, but Maureen had much stronger contacts for building supplies and coordinating volunteers. I’m all about weddings and hay rides. Lumber and windows? Not so much.”
“Oh, please.” Erin playfully nudged Natalie’s hip with her own. “You’re the logical choice to replace her, especially on short notice. She’s only in Chicago while her daughter’s recovering from her car accident. It’s not like you can’t reach her. If I know Maureen, she’ll find a way to get you all the information you need. This festival was her pride and joy.”
“I just wish we could do more.” Natalie frowned. “We could’ve built three new houses for wounded veterans and their families if we had more resources.”
“You only lost Maureen and her husband. There are plenty of other people in Meadow Springs who will gladly help,” Erin reminded her.
“I’m grateful for the little bit of progress we’ve made. I’m just afraid we won’t finish in time.” Natalie’s declaration was punctuated by more car doors slamming. Missy Josephson hurried over, with Pastor Adams not far behind. Thank You, Lord. Natalie straightened, the tense knots in her shoulders loosening. She was beginning to think they’d forgotten. “Hey. I’m so glad you’re both here.”
Missy’s purse slid down her arm as she leaned in and gave Natalie a quick hug. “I wouldn’t miss it. I’m sorry I’m late. It took forever to get the kids out the door and over to my parents’ house.” She looked at Shay speaking with Pastor Adams and shot Natalie a questioning glance.
“Missy, Pastor Adams, this is Shay Campbell. Shay, this is Missy Josephson and Rick Adams, the youth pastor from Meadow Springs Community Church.”
Once introductions were finished, and they’d all gathered in a half-circle, Natalie perused her notes quickly. “Thank you for coming. I’m sure you’ve heard two of our committee members have resigned as a result of recent events in their daughter’s life. But we’ve gained a new member, thanks to Chief Murphy at the fire station. I was updating Shay on the building project before you both got here.”
Pastor Adams smiled. “We’re glad to have you, Shay. The fire department’s presence at the festival is always a big favorite.”
“Oh, the kids love it.” Missy bobbed her head. “My students are already asking if they can squirt the hose and wear those plastic fire hats.”
“Missy’s a preschool teacher,” Natalie said.
Shay smiled. “Little boys love fire engines.”
“That sounds like the voice of experience.” Erin opened the box to reveal an assortment of her legendary cookies. “Do you have kids, Shay?”
Natalie stilled, pretending to stare at her screen. But her racing pulse was a dead giveaway. She was more curious than she cared to admit. Hadn’t he mentioned something about his kids at the birthday party?
“Twin two-year-old boys,” Shay said.
Oh, my. Natalie’s gaze darted to his ring finger. Nothing. Warmth heated her cheeks. She only needed his help with the festival, right? Shay’s family life—particularly his potential single-dad status—was none of her business. The heartache over losing Spencer was enough to last a lifetime. She gave herself a mental shake. Avoiding firefighters, remember?
“How about the other trucks we’ve had in the past?” Pastor Adams chose a chocolate chip cookie from the box. “Kids enjoy climbing all over that stuff.”
Bless him for steering the meeting back on track. “We always have a tractor, riding mower and Dad’s old pickup truck available.” Natalie glanced down and double-checked her notes. “I’ve left a message with a heavy equipment company in Raleigh to see if they’d bring a loader or a dump truck out. They haven’t returned my call.”
“Do you want my husband to follow up on that?” Missy whipped out her phone. “He has quite a few contacts through the department of transportation.”
“That would be fabulous. Thank you.”
“Of course. Let me send him a quick text.” Missy’s fingers flew over her screen.
Shay declined the cookie Erin offered. “Is there any sort of performance or live entertainment?”
“Yes, that’s the best part.” Natalie grinned. “Jayce Philips, the hottest new thing in country music, grew up here, and he promised to be our headlining act. Isn’t that great?”
Missy gasped. “No way.”
“He’s a great kid.” Pastor Adams nodded his approval.
“I still can’t believe it,” Natalie said. “His mom indicated he might give away two tickets and backstage passes to his Raleigh concert, too. Wouldn’t that be amazing?”
Shay’s countenance dimmed.
Natalie studied him. What was wrong? Maybe he didn’t like country music. Or he’d never heard of Jayce Philips. If that was even possible.
“Could we auction those tickets off or hold a raffle?” Missy’s smile widened, and she snapped her fingers. “Oh, how about this. All proceeds benefit the family moving into the new house.”
“Perfect. I’ll follow up with Jayce’s mom.” Natalie typed in a quick note on her to-do list. “Our biggest issue is finishing the house. We’ve had great support from local volunteer groups, including several men from the church, but it looks like we need even more people to step up. I’m a little concerned that we’re running out of time. These next six weeks are crucial.”
“I can’t officially commit until I talk to some of the guys at the station, but this sounds like the kind of thing we could get involved in,” Shay said. “When we aren’t on shift, we’d help with the landscaping or the plumbing, hanging drywall—anything we’re skilled at doing.”
Natalie felt her mouth drop open. “You’d do that? For us?”
“Of course. Like I said, I’d need to ask around. I’m a little new to be volunteering the whole station, but the chief’s made it very clear that you will have our full support.”
“I—I don’t know what to say.”
He grinned, warmth returning to his eyes. “Say ‘thank you.’ Maybe a few cheeseburgers from The Grille would help, too.”
“Done.” Natalie held his gaze, noting the way a crescent-shaped scar on his cheek accompanied that incredible smile of his.
“I’ll schedule some youth group work parties, as well.” Pastor Adams dusted crumbs from his fingers. “Our congregation always pulls together when there’s a need.”
“See? We’ve got you covered,” Missy said. “It’s all going to work out.”
“I hope you’re right.” Natalie typed more detailed notes into the app. She still couldn’t envision this all coming together in the next month. But she’d never forgive herself if the festival and the service project fell through on her watch. Now that Forever Love’s incredible offer had arrived, wooing her with a fantastic opportunity, she’d have to work extra hard to guard against distraction. There was too much on her plate already.
Shay linked his arms across that muscular chest she couldn’t seem to get out of her line of sight.
It was time to add “stop staring at handsome service project volunteer” to the top of the to-do list.
* * *
Shay corralled Aiden in the bathroom and swept him up in his favorite bath towel—the one with a puppy face and floppy ears on the hood and his name embroidered on the front. “What does a puppy say, Aiden?”
“Woof, woof.” Aiden grinned, beads of water from the bath still clinging to his pale eyelashes. That adorable, innocent smile offered a ray of hope—a tender reminder that even in Shay’s exhausted state, he could keep going. In moments like these, weary from the marathon of the evening routine, he found himself wishing for a partner—someone to laugh at the boys’ antics with, as well as share the load. Natalie’s head cocked to one side, her gaze holding his, flitted through his mind.
No.
He gritted his teeth. Who was he kidding? He pushed the mental image aside and shifted his focus back to the boys—where it belonged.
“That’s right.” He quickly dried Aiden and settled him on the bath mat. “Let’s put your jammies on.”
“Books?”
“After we brush your teeth, okay?”
“’Kay.”
He’d already lifted Liam from the tub, dressed him and sent him across the hall to play in the bedroom. Once he had Aiden’s diaper in place, Shay leaned back on his heels and listened.
Silence answered back.
“Liam?” he called over his shoulder. “What are you doing?”
“He play.” Aiden stared up at him, fingering the hem of the bath towel lying nearby.
“It doesn’t sound like he’s playing.” He scooped Aiden up, grabbing the clean pajamas off the counter on his way to the door. “Let’s go check.”
“Yee-um?” Aiden called in a soft voice as they crossed the hallway to the boys’ bedroom.
A line of cars and trucks sat abandoned in the middle of the floor, and puzzle pieces were spilled underneath one of the cribs, but there was no sign of Liam.
“Nope, not here.” Shifting Aiden to his other hip, Shay hurried down the hall of their modest rambler and stopped at the back door. The dead bolt was secure, so he moved on, checking both the washer and dryer in the laundry room. Don’t panic. He’s got to be here somewhere.
“Where go?” Aiden opened his palm heavenward.
“I don’t know. We’ll find him.” He jogged to the front door and double-checked the childproof knob and the lock. A two-year-old couldn’t get past that, right?
He pivoted, raking his hand through his hair as he surveyed the den and breakfast nook. “Liam?” His voice echoed off the empty walls. “Come out, buddy. No more hiding. It’s time to read books.”
Aiden giggled. “Yee-um hide.”
“I’m glad you think it’s funny,” Shay muttered. His heart rate rising, he retraced his steps back down the hall toward the master bedroom. Once or twice since they’d moved in, he’d allowed the boys to snuggle in bed with him and watch a cartoon on TV. It was the only way he could keep them still while he caught a few more precious minutes of sleep.
“Liam?” He yanked back the comforter on his king-size bed. Empty. His chest tightened. “Where is he, Aiden?”
Aiden regarded him with a wide-eyed stare, his thumb tucked securely in his mouth. This was probably just the beginning of the boys taking up for each other. Shay glanced at the clock on his nightstand. Mom would be over in a few minutes. She could keep Aiden occupied while he searched more thoroughly. Maybe he should call her and ask if she was on her way.
“Sweepy.” Aiden mumbled around his thumb, resting his head on Shay’s shoulder.
“I know you are. It’s almost bedtime. As soon as we find your brother.” He patted Aiden’s back while he went to the kitchen to grab his phone. When he reached the tile floor, something hard crunched under his bare foot. He stepped back and glanced down. The remnant of a Cheerio was smashed against the tile. A few more dotted the space between him and the pantry door, which was open a fraction of an inch. Shay nudged it open the rest of the way. Liam sat on the pantry floor, surrounded by the cereal—likely the entire box.
“Liam Douglas Campbell, what do you think you’re doing?”
“Uh-oh,” Aiden whispered.
“Da-da.” Liam offered up a Cheerio. “Want some?”
“No, I do not. Get up. Right now.” Shay couldn’t keep the exasperation from his voice.
Liam clambered to his feet, Cheerios sticking to his dump truck pajamas.
“Daddy mad.” Aiden patted Shay’s back.
“Daddy is mad. You know better, Liam. You don’t go in the pantry without a grown-up, and you certainly don’t open anything without asking.”
Liam’s lower lip pooched out, and he hung his head.
Oh, here we go.
His little body trembled as he began to cry. Out of sympathy, Aiden sniffled a few times before launching the waterworks, squirming to get down. Shay was happy to comply, releasing Aiden to stand with Liam, perhaps in a declaration of solidarity. They stood together, sobbing in the middle of the kitchen floor.
“How did we get here?” he whispered, massaging his aching forehead with his fingertips.
The doorbell rang, which only meant one thing. Backup.
“Let’s go see who’s here. I sure hope it’s Nana.” They made their way to the front door, the boys’ cries escalating. He was certain that was for Nana’s benefit.
He checked the peephole. Mom stood on the porch, holding a grocery sack and her overnight bag. He turned the lock and then opened the door. “Hey, Nana. We’re glad you’re here.”
“Oh, my.” Her eyes widened. “What’s the matter with my fellas?”
He stepped aside so she could come in. “Someone did some unsupervised exploring in the pantry.”
She slid the groceries onto the table, next to a plate with Liam’s half-finished supper on it, and set her bag next to the chair. She kneeled down and tugged Liam toward her, smoothing his hair with her hand. He melted against her shoulder, sniffling.
Aiden’s tears had slowed, replaced by hiccupy breaths. “Nana. Hugs.”
“Pajamas first, pal.” Shay glanced around. “Where are they?”
Aiden ignored him, toddling over to nuzzle Nana’s other shoulder.
Leaving Mom to soothe the last of their tears, Shay backtracked until he found Aiden’s fire truck pajamas on the floor, in the laundry room.
“Here we go, buddy. Let’s put these on.” Aiden didn’t put up any resistance. Shay helped him pull on the shirt and pants, while Mom took Liam over to the couch.
“Why don’t we read a few books before bed?” She pulled some of their favorites from the stack on the coffee table.
Shay considered protesting that Liam’s misbehavior shouldn’t be rewarded. Books were a privilege. But they looked so adorable, snuggled on either side of her, and he was too tired to fight them.
“I’ll fix their milk.” He trudged to the kitchen, side-stepping the mess on the floor.
Once their sippy cups were full, he returned to the den. Mom was halfway through The Little Blue Truck. Aiden’s eyelids drooped, and Liam had already fallen asleep.
She touched a finger to her lips and then kept reading. When she’d finished, Shay carried first one boy and then the other to their room. Although they had separate cribs, they’d refused to sleep apart. He settled them both in one crib, turned on the monitor, night-light and music box. Tiptoeing out of the room, he closed the door behind him. What a day.
In the kitchen, Mom stood at the counter, ladling beef stew onto a plate. “Have you had supper?”
He shook his head. “No. The boys did, but I didn’t get a chance.”
“I’ll warm this up. Would you like some bread? I brought rolls.”
“You didn’t have to do all that. What’s Dad eating?”
She waved him off. “I’m happy to help. You need to eat, son.”
His mouth watered. In the weeks after Monica’s sudden departure, the anger and confusion were all-consuming. People brought meals, but most of it ended up in the garbage. Now, almost a year later, he craved real food again. He could sit at the table with the boys and not let the empty fourth chair bring him to tears.
Mom slid the plate into the microwave.
“You didn’t answer my question. Where’s Dad tonight?”
While his supper reheated, she took a glass from the cupboard and filled it with ice and water. He waited. The set of her shoulders indicated she didn’t want to talk about it. But they never talked about it. That was the problem.
“He has plenty to eat. Don’t worry about him.”
“Mom, if you coming here is an issue, I can hire a nanny.”
The microwave beeped. “Don’t be silly. I love coming over.”
“But Dad doesn’t.”
She pressed her lips into a thin line and carried his plate to the table.
He followed, gently placing his hand on her arm. “I’m serious. I hired help in Virginia, and I can do it again here.”
“Nonsense. You don’t need strangers watching the boys. That’s what grandmothers are for.”
“Not when it aggravates the grandpa.”
She offered a sad smile. “Don’t you worry about your father. I trailed him all over creation for years with the military. This is how I want to spend my retirement. He understands.”
“But he doesn’t have any time for his only grandchildren.” Shay bowed his head and silently thanked God for his food. When he opened his eyes, Mom stared at the table, cupping her glass of water with both hands.
“He loves Aiden and Liam in his own way.” Her voice, thick with emotion, gave him pause.
Measuring his words, Shay spread a paper napkin across his lap. “At some point, he’s got to demonstrate that. They’re perceptive. They’ll start asking why Grandpa never wants to hang out with them.”
“Honey, we aren’t going to change your father. The best thing we can do is keep praying and creating opportunities for him to be involved.”
Shay speared a bite of meat with his fork. While her response carried truth and wisdom, it still stung. So far, Dad had avoided almost all interaction with the boys. He’d come by the house once, maybe twice, since they’d moved in. The complex web of hurt and guilt undergirding most of his interactions with his father wasn’t the boys’ fault. He wouldn’t let them carry the heavy burden of disapproval.
“Were you able to join that committee the young lady at the birthday party mentioned?”
Shay dipped his bread in the broth, pooling on his plate, too hungry to protest her deliberate shift to a new topic. “Yes. My first meeting was this afternoon.”
“Oh? How’d it go?”
“Great. Looks like the fire department will play a big role in the festival.”
“Wonderful. I’m sure you’ll be a tremendous help.”
“Hope so.” He also hoped he could find a way to get Natalie’s teasing smile out of his head. His thoughts had turned to her often. Too often. Dating wasn’t even an option. They’d lost so much when Monica left. While the thought of being a single dad forever planted an icy ball in his gut, bringing someone new into the boys’ lives was a risk he wasn’t willing to take.
