Читать книгу Gift-Wrapped Family - Lois Richer - Страница 10

Chapter Three

“Lily’s an incredible child.” Mia couldn’t conceal how moved she was after meeting her husband’s daughter.

“You didn’t feel a barrier because she’s, well, your stepchild?”

“Not at all.” Her certainty surprised Mia. “It’s obvious Harlan was her father. Those eyes and that chin give it away, but Lily is her own person. She isn’t responsible for Harlan’s betrayal. She’s just a little girl who’s lost her mother.”

“I’m glad you feel that way,” Caleb said warmly. The admiration and appreciation in his gaze warmed a lonely place Mia always kept hidden.

Perhaps it also emboldened her because she blurted, “What happened to Lily’s leg?”

“A riding accident.” Caleb shuddered. “A year ago she was on a horse for the first time and it threw her. Lily broke her leg. It was a complicated break and hasn’t healed well.”

“Can it be fixed?” Mia asked.

“Reba told Lara she couldn’t find a surgeon willing to try another operation.” Caleb’s forehead furrowed. “I haven’t had time to check into that. Abby Lebret, the woman who runs Family Ties and is trying to find Lily a home, might have more information.”

“Family Ties—oh, yes, the adoption agency you mentioned. So you’ve handed care of Lily over to them?” Mia said, not managing to hide her disapproval.

“It seemed best. I’m not father potential,” he said, defensively, Mia thought.

“I thought you were very loving with her, exactly as a father would be.” She mentally replayed her meeting with Lily. “She reminds me of myself at her age.” She didn’t realize she’d spoken her thoughts aloud until she heard Caleb’s voice.

“How is that?”

“I was a sickly child. I missed a lot because I was often in hospital or at home recuperating.” Wishing she’d kept silent and fearing Caleb would press to hear more, Mia explained, “It was hard socially when I joined school after the others had already made friends.”

“You think Lily’s missing out like that?” The idea seemed to startle him. “I’ve been so intent on getting her affairs worked out that I never gave much thought to her social state.”

“She seems a bit restrained. That’s probably due to just losing her mother, but I have a feeling her leg also holds her back from being more outgoing.” Mia shrugged. “I may be way off base. I’m not a child expert.” She gave a harsh laugh. “Far from it, in fact.”

“Actually you’re right. Before the accident, Lily was bubbly, giggling all the time. You’re the first one I’ve heard make her laugh in ages.” His frown reappeared. “I should visit her more often. Maybe take her out so she doesn’t brood. I’ll have to do better.”

Caleb’s soft voice, his thoughtful words and the gentle goodbye kiss he’d brushed across Lily’s cheek all revealed his soft spot for her. Mia found it indescribably attractive that this hard-nosed lawyer became putty in Lily’s tiny hands.

“Thank you for taking me to meet her. She’s a darling child. It’s Harlan’s loss that he didn’t really know her.” It was the first time she’d ever said anything negative about her husband, but after meeting Lily, Mia was annoyed that he’d apparently ignored the sweet little girl, his own daughter.

“You and she seemed to bond.” Caleb’s mild tone made her check his face. Nothing unusual there, but the way he’d said it, almost smugly...

“Who wouldn’t bond with Lily?” Mia was immediately sorry she’d said that because they both knew Harlan hadn’t bonded with her. “I wish you the best in finding her a new family to love her,” she added, hoping to dissuade him from considering her as a candidate for Lily’s mother.

“Thanks.” Caleb fell silent.

Mia bit her lip. If Caleb knew about her past, the mistake she’d made that had cost a child his life—she refocused, saw his face alter into that blank-mask look he favored.

“So what’s next for you, Mia?” he asked.

“That’s the second time you’ve asked me that question.” Wondering at the reason for his query, Mia searched his face for a clue. “Why?”

“Just wondering if you’d come and visit her again,” he said.

Visiting Lily alone was the last thing she could do.

“I have no way to get out here. I don’t drive, remember?” The joke fell flat when Caleb suddenly slowed and turned right. “Wh-where are we going?”

“To do some driver training.” He flashed a grin before pulling onto a seldom-used gravel road. “Ready?”

“I can’t—” Mia gulped, then swallowed her words when he jumped out of the car. When he opened her door, she reminded him, “I don’t have a permit.”

“We’ll rectify that later. This is my land, so right now you’re perfectly legal to drive on it since I’m with you. Trust me. I’m a lawyer.” He gave her a cheeky grin. “If you get into trouble, I’ll bail you out, or sweet-talk the cops.”

Trust wasn’t something Mia was ready to give, but what choice did she have?

“You may regret this,” she advised. When it became clear he wasn’t backing down, she sighed her resignation, walked around the car and climbed in on the driver’s side. “Fasten your seat belt,” she ordered as if she knew what she was doing.

Caleb obeyed with a deep-throated chuckle. “Yes, ma’am.”

“Now what?” She prayed she didn’t ruin his vehicle. It looked expensive. She flicked the key as told and flinched when the motor ground too long.

“Twist, then let go,” Caleb directed calmly. Mia repeated the action with better results. “Good. Now you need to start moving. Right pedal is the gas.” He waited for her nod. “Left is the brake. Keep your foot on that while you put the car into gear and then gently press on the gas pedal.”

Mia followed his words and gave a little squeal when the car started rolling forward. She froze, her fingers clinging to the wheel as the car headed for the ditch.

“You do have to steer,” Caleb said in a mild tone as he turned the wheel so the car returned to the middle of the road. “Don’t worry about oncoming traffic. I’m the only one who lives on this road. I moved out here after Lara died.”

It took all Mia’s concentration to keep the car centered. She knew he was impatient for her to speed up, but she was terrified to do so.

“You can move a little faster,” Caleb hinted after she’d driven at a snail’s crawl for five minutes.

“I’ll try.” She pressed the gas, but the wheels felt squishy, so she slowed down until she was comfortable. Well, as comfortable as she could be driving his car. “I like this speed. I don’t feel as if I’m losing control,” she said when he hissed in a breath of frustration.

“Maybe it’s the gravel,” he suggested. “I doubt you’ve driven on that before.”

“I’ve never driven on anything before,” she reminded him with an impish smile. “Oh, there’s your house.” She studied the sprawling ranch home. “It’s nice.”

“Eyes on the road,” he reminded her.

“Oh, dear.” Mia jerked the wheel to center the car once more then realized the road turned in a circle. Steering around it wasn’t as easy as it looked. When she found herself heading for a massive pine tree, she pressed her foot against the brake pedal with all her strength.

Caleb gave an “oof” as he slammed back against the seat. Mia risked a look at him, disgusted to find he was laughing.

“It’s not funny,” she said, irritated that he’d put her in this situation.

“Yes, it is.” His silver eyes glittered with amusement. “You drive like a scared girl.”

“I am a scared girl,” she growled, but he only laughed harder. “I think it’s time for you to take over.” She lifted her hand to unclasp her seat belt, but Caleb laid his over it. “What?”

“You’re still in gear, Mia.”

Too aware of his warm hand on hers, she shifted the lever into Park then glanced at him. “Okay?”

“Uh-uh. One thing you’ll learn early on is that when you get in a driving pickle, you have to get yourself out.” His gentle voice soothed her skittery nerves. “Don’t expect to do everything right at first. You haven’t done this before. It’s natural to make mistakes.” He drew his hand away. “I’m sorry I laughed at you.”

“No, you’re not,” Mia contradicted, frowning as the corners of his lips tipped up.

“No, I’m not,” he agreed. A chuckle burst from him. “You’re a good sport, Mia.”

“Thank you. I think.” Her breath caught as she met his gaze. Why did Caleb Grant have to be so good-looking?

“Now try again,” he ordered.

She sighed, shifted back into Drive and turned the wheel, slowly easing down the road.

“Very good,” he praised. The words sounded like music to her ears.

“I’m sure most women have their driver’s license long before they’re my age,” she said, suddenly awkward in his presence. “I must seem like a dinosaur to you.”

“Pretty young dinosaur. Actually, I think you have a lot of guts.” The quiet compliment drew her glance his way. Caleb smiled. “Not everyone would meet her husband’s daughter and then take on learning to drive after what you’ve been through today. I don’t think Harlan had a clue about what a strong woman you are. You have a lot of courage, Mia.”