To Save a Child--A Clean Romance Read online

  Her finely arched eyebrows pinched in disbelief. “He’s old and wouldn’t have enjoyed it.”

  Her attitude floored him. “He’s my grandfather, and he eats, talks and can carry on a conversation like everyone else. He celebrates every holiday, and he’s been the center of my whole life. I’m never putting him in a home or any place where I can’t see him when I want to. My grandfather means the world to me, and the woman I spend the rest of my life with is going to feel the same way about him.”

  “Oh, you never said—”

  “I did, many times, but you never heard me.”

  As if he’d never spoken, Stephanie asked, “Was my father just in here?”

  “Yes, he was involved with the Briggs incident.” That’s all he was going to say. Her father could tell her everything else.

  “I’m sure he had a good reason.”

  “Which is only known to Harlan Myers himself.”

  “Is that her?”

  “Who are you—” Cole followed Stephanie’s glance to Grace, standing in the ER doorway rocking Zoe and talking to a nurse. What was her fascination with Grace?

  “She’s not plain.”

  “I never said she was plain. And what difference does it make?”

  “Cole—”

  “Goodbye, Stephanie.” He didn’t feel the need to answer more questions. They were over, and she had to accept it.

  He walked toward Grace and met her worried look with a smile. He hadn’t said Grace was plain. He’d said she was average. He’d lied more to himself than anyone else. He didn’t want to admit how beautiful she really was. Then he would have to admit that he was dating one woman and attracted to another. That wasn’t him. But in life there were some things you just couldn’t stop. Love was one of them.

  * * *

  AT NINE O’CLOCK they finally made it back to the farmhouse. Everyone was okay, except Mr. Walt was a little grouchy. He was back to his old self, grumbling about everything. Cole helped him to bed, because the hospital staff had given him something to relax him. Grace kissed him good-night and then left the room to take care of Zoe. But she could hear them talking.

  “Tomorrow morning I’ll give you your pill and watch you swallow it. I’ll do the same at night. You have to take your blood pressure medicine.”

  “Ah, now you’re going to be on about that.”

  “Yes, I am.”

  “You know, Cole, I could feel your grandma when I was in the ER. It was like she was there.”

  Cole cleared his throat. “Yeah, you were talking about her...or to her.”

  “I thought she didn’t protect Zoe. Now I think she did. You know, the devil’s out there, too, causing all kind of problems.”

  “Yeah, I think I met him a time or two.”

  Grandpa chuckled. “Yeah, I was there, too.”

  “Good night, Grandpa.”

  Grace took care of Zoe and then went down the hall to the kitchen and started cleaning up the mess they’d made for supper. They’d had turkey sandwiches, so it wasn’t much. Grace sat at the kitchen table with a cup of tea, and Cole joined her.

  “Would you like a cup?” she asked.

  “No, thanks.” He stretched his long legs out in front of him. “It’s been a long Friday.”

  “It has to be horrific to watch someone die.” She couldn’t even imagine that feeling, but she knew the feeling of losing someone you loved.

  “Yeah, you never get used to it, either.” He scooted forward in his chair as if he was restless. “Everything you told me about Briggs was true.”

  “And he would’ve gotten away with it if I hadn’t slid off the road by Mr. Walt’s house. I still think about that and wonder how Zoe got to the front porch.”

  “I guess that will always be a mystery.”

  He ran both hands through his hair. “But everything turned out okay.”

  “Not exactly. We still don’t know who Zoe’s father is.”

  “Yeah.” He sighed. “I had Bo go over and get Colson’s DNA so that we’d know how he fits in to the picture. I put a rush on it, so we should have it in a couple of days.”

  “I’m just worried if Joel’s not the father and Colson is, will he want Zoe?” It was constantly on her mind, and she couldn’t shake it. But she was stronger now, and she wasn’t giving up without a fight. “I spoke to Gabe earlier, and he said he would file a temporary custody order on Monday so I can keep Zoe until this is settled.”

  “That’s the wisest thing to do. Until the DNA tests come back, everyone is in a holding pattern. And a judge is not going to grant any kind of order until that time.”

  Grace took a sip of her tea. “That lawyer isn’t giving up, is he?”

  “Myers?”

  “Yeah.”

  “No, but he’ll abide by the DNA tests like everyone.” He held her eyes. “Even you.”

  She shook her head. “Don’t do that.”

  “What?”

  “Make me face the fact that I may never get Zoe. I refuse to face it. I’ve had her since she was born, and I just can’t let go.”

  “Grace—”

  She ignored his strong voice that held a tinge of reason. “When will my sister’s body be released?”

  “I’ll call the ME’s office and tell them where to send the body. Where would that be?”

  “I’ll call. Just give me the number. I’m really not helpless.”

  One eyebrow rose. “I never said you were.”

  She felt guilty for annoying him when all he’d done was help her. But now she had to take control of her life. “I leaned on you a lot these past few days, and I shouldn’t have. It’s time for me to make better choices.”

  “Okay. I’ll give you the number in the morning.”

  She got up and put her cup in the sink. “Thank you.” Turning around, she said, “I got a text from Frannie. She’s coming home on Sunday. I’ll probably leave here on Sunday morning. I have to get back to my life.”

  “Sure.” He stood. “I better feed the animals.” With that, he walked out of the kitchen, and she heard the back door slam.

  Grace leaned against the counter. Cole seemed upset. From the moment she saw him talking to the blonde woman who she assumed was Stephanie, she’d known she had to detach from everything that was happening between her and Cole. They had been together so much in the house and with Mr. Walt, and she had breathed in the warmness of family that she craved. It had been a moment out of the time, but it wasn’t real. She had to go back to her daily life, to get in touch with what was real. And she could now, thanks to Cole.

  Cole would understand once she was gone and he was back to his regular routine. As she got ready for bed, she kept telling herself that. But somewhere along the way, her heart had gotten involved and she knew she was never going to forget the handsome take-charge cop who’d helped her when no one else would.

  * * *

  SHE WAS LEAVING. That was all Cole could think as he put feed in the trough for the boys. They were bedded down for the night, but they came to the trough to eat. The chickens were bedded down, too, in the hay. He should’ve just waited till morning. They were fine.

  He wasn’t. That was the problem. He’d thought Grace would at least stay for another week to give them all time to adjust, but she seemed in a hurry to go, even though Zoe’s paternity hadn’t been decided. He didn’t understand that.

  By the outdoor light he’d installed years ago, he found his way around in the barn. He opened the door of his grandpa’s truck and got in, staring out at the barn where he’d spent a lot of his childhood. The far right corner was where he and Grandpa had spent every Christmas, except when he was in the Army. Last year he’d told him he was getting too old to spend Christmas in the barn. Grandpa had said Cole would never get too old for tradition. Now that Grandma was gone, he had no idea what this
Christmas would bring.

  Otis jumped on the hood of the truck and did his cock-a-doodle-doo routine. The light made him think it was morning. That stupid rooster had dementia, but it made Cole laugh. There had been lots of laughs in the barn, too. The beer incident came to mind. After that, Grandpa had gone to town and bought them beer and let them drink two apiece. And then he and Bo lay on the hay and talked about girls, the Army and freedom. One time they tried to smoke and caught the barn on fire. They’d stomped it out and had scorched their boots. And then there was the time when Cole was twelve years old and his grandpa was teaching him to drive. His job was to park the truck in the barn, which he tried to do, but he’d missed the entrance and hit the barn. He’d thought he was in big trouble. Grandpa looked at the damaged barn and said, “That’s not what I meant,” and then burst out laughing. So much of his childhood revolved around the heart and soul of this old barn. It wasn’t as bad as he remembered. He was never abused. He was never hungry. He was like so many other children—he just wanted what other kids had.

  He got out of the truck and headed for the house, the cool north wind nipping at his clothes. He shoved his hands into his jacket pockets, remembering something Grandpa had always told him when things got rough. There’s always another day. When there’s not, that’s when you need to worry.

  Yep. Tomorrow was another day.

  * * *

  THE NEXT MORNING Cole gave Grace the number of the coroner’s office. Grandpa seemed fine. He was busy telling Grace what to cook for breakfast. How was he going to tell him Grace was leaving tomorrow? He thought he would save that until later.

  Zoe was in her high chair eating bits of scrambled eggs. He hadn’t gone into Grace’s room this morning to get her. He thought it was time to let go. That wasn’t an easy thing to do.

  He poured a cup of coffee. “I’ve got to go to work. I have a lot of paperwork waiting on me to finish the Briggs case. I don’t know what time I’ll be back.”

  Grace glanced at him from the stove. “That’s okay. I’ll be here.”

  Her face was healing fast like before, just a little red on her cheek. He had an irresistible urge to kiss it. Man, he was in over his head.

  “I’ll see y’all later.” He headed for the door and Austin to get his mind on something else.

  * * *

  COLE’S ATTITUDE TOWARD her had changed, and she knew why. She was leaving. He had to understand she couldn’t stay. She had a job and a house payment. And then it hit her. She was running again from feelings she couldn’t face. As she cleaned the kitchen, she made a decision. Before she left, she would talk to Cole and be as honest as possible. Their lives had connected for a brief moment in time, and now they had to go their separate ways.

  She made another decision while wiping down the counter. She would also tell Mr. Walt instead of saving that task for Cole. She had to explain to him why she was leaving, and she hoped he understood.

  Mr. Walt announced he wanted turkey pot pie for lunch.

  “Mr. Walt, I do not know how to make turkey pot pie.”

  “Don’t worry, I’ll show you.”

  That’s what she was afraid of. But since this was her last day, she would make anything he wanted. Afterward Mr. Walt took a nap, as did Zoe. Grace sat on the sofa waiting for Mr. Walt to wake up. She dozed off a couple times, and she had to stop that. Taking afternoon naps could become habit-forming.

  She thought about Brooke, her beautiful sister, and all the stress she had gone through so she and Joel could become a family. Those beautiful words—a family. Almost every woman wanted one, a home filled with love and laughter. Grace had gotten a glimpse of it during the few days she’d been here on the farm. Even though the Chisholms were an unusual family, she could still feel the love. Saying goodbye wasn’t going to be easy for her, either.

  Mr. Walt straightened in his chair. “Where’s Zoe?” He asked the same question every time he woke up.

  “She’s asleep in her bed.”

  “I’ll go get her.”

  “No, Rascal’s in there, and he’ll bark when she wakes up. I want to talk to you for a minute.”

  Mr. Walt leaned back. “Okay.”

  She turned sideways so she could face him. “I wanted you to know that I’m leaving in the morning.”

  He sat up straight. “What? Why?”

  “I have to go back to my life now and face my future. Zoe’s paternity is still up in the air, but I can handle it now. I’m so grateful for everything that you and Cole have done for me. But I have to go. Please understand that.”

  “Zoe will miss me.”

  She loved the way he phrased that. “Mr. Walt, I promise I will bring her to see you.”

  He thought about that for a minute. “How are you going to go in the morning? Your car’s not ready.”

  “I know. I was hoping Cole would drop me in Austin. I can rent a car. I should’ve done that in the first place.”

  He pointed a finger at her. “No, you shouldn’t have. You were right where you were supposed to be. I know that with all my heart. Cora told me.”

  She scooted to the edge of the sofa. “Mr. Walt, I’ve grown very fond of you, and it’s going to hurt to leave.”

  “Then don’t.”

  “Mr. Walt...”

  “Okay, I don’t understand how you young folks’ minds work. It’s confusing. But you don’t need to rent a car. You can take Bertha. At least I know you’ll be safe. You can bring it back when Lamar finishes your car.”

  “Mr. Walt, that’s extremely generous, but—”

  He got to his feet. “No buts. Now, what are we going to have for supper?”

  The man had a one-track mind, and since it was her last night, she would make him anything. It turned out to be the one thing she didn’t want to cook: fried chicken.

  While the chicken was thawing, they went outside to check on the animals. She put a jacket and cap on Zoe because it was cool. Rascal ran ahead, barking at the chickens. Otis strutted his stuff and cock-a-doodle-dooed all over the place. Warmth filled her heart, quickly followed by a sting of sadness. She would miss the Chisholms.

  CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

  IT WAS AFTER four when Cole drove over the cattle guard to the house. It had been a long day and a lot of paperwork, but they were finally able to close the Briggs-Bennett case. He drove into the garage and started to go into the house when he heard Rascal barking. He went outside instead.

  Grandpa, Grace and Zoe were at the barn. Rascal ran to meet him and then ran back to Zoe, who was in her stroller, jumping up and down and laughing at the animals. Cole slowly walked toward them and turned as he heard the sound of a truck coming up the drive. The truck loaded with hay stopped at the barn, and a tall, broad-shouldered man got out.

  Cole walked toward him and shook his hand. He knew Jericho well. He was one of the Rebel family. A child he had been fostering had gone missing, and he and Cole had worked together to find him. It had all worked out—Jericho and his wife had adopted the boy.

  “Mr. Walt ordered twenty bales of hay.”

  “I’ll help you put it in the barn.” That’s when he noticed three children in the truck. He glanced at Jericho. “You have some of the Rebel kids with you?”

  Jericho shook his head. “No. They’re mine and Anamarie’s. We were planning to wait, but the social worker who handled Dusty’s case called us about two little boys who desperately needed a whole lot of attention. They had been abandoned by their mother and were malnourished and had bad infections on their butts from staying in soiled diapers too long. We worried about Dusty, so we let him make the decision whether to visit with them or not. The boys are three and a year old. The moment Dusty and Anamarie saw the boys, it was love at first sight.”

  “Daddy, can we get out?” A little voice called from the open door of the truck.

  “Sure,” Jericho called
back. “Help Ben and I’ll get Logan.”

  Dusty was about six now and came around the truck holding the hand of a small boy. Jericho got the baby out and held him in his arms.

  Cole looked at the boys—they all had dark hair and dark eyes, just like Jericho. “The boys look just like you.”

  “Yeah. We took what God gave us, and we got three really good little boys.”

  “They’re my brothers,” Dustin said.

  Jericho pointed to the three-year-old. “That’s Benjamin Francis, and I’m holding Logan McGregor. We call him Logan Mac.”

  “I’m Dustin Jericho.” Dusty shook Cole’s hand, and he had to smile at the boy’s politeness. It was clear how much he loved his father. “Daddy, can we go look at the animals?”

  “Yes, take your brothers.” The three of them walked toward the corral holding hands, the baby in the middle. Zoe jumped up and down in the stroller, excited to see kids.

  Cole helped Jericho unload the hay. They talked as they worked.

  “You named the boys after Francis McGregor.”

  “They had first names. Anamarie and I talked about it, and then I called Mr. McGregor’s son to see how he felt about us giving them McGregor middle names. He was pleased. They came to meet the boys, and they’re coming again after Christmas.”

  Francis McGregor was a grouchy old man who’d lived on a ranch across from the Rebels, and everyone avoided him. He was steeped in the past and out of sorts with the world and took it out on people. Jericho was the only one who ever tried to help him, out of the kindness of his heart. Mr. McGregor had been estranged from his son for over forty years, but Jericho had urged him to talk to his only son. Somehow the old man listened, and before he died he and his son shared the last few days of Mr. McGregor’s life. Mr. McGregor’s will was a shocker to the town, and it was often talked about. He’d left his large ranch to Jericho, with his son’s blessing.

  “When are you moving into Mr. McGregor’s house?” Mr. McGregor’s home had been built in the 1800s and had a southern colonial feel to it.