A Fair of the Heart Read online

  “I’ll bet.” Carrie took a sip of her coffee. “So did this Caleb go running for the hills after he met Max?”

  Lauren broke off a small piece of the moist bread and popped it in her mouth. “That’s the surprising part—no. When Max didn’t come down for supper, I went up to get him and discovered he’d snuck out of the house. Caleb went out, found him, and dragged him home.”

  Carrie’s brow shot up. “Wow, a real man. Didn’t think there were any of those left in the world.”

  Lauren gave an absent nod. She didn’t quite share her friend’s cynical views on the male population, but understood where she was coming from. “When he said he’d call, believe me, I had doubts. Then yesterday, Max took off again. I found him hanging out in front of the hardware store with some punks I’d never seen before, and Caleb showed up.” Lauren shared the entire story with her.

  Carrie made a face. “Sounds a little too good to be true, if you ask me.”

  “I know, right? My thoughts exactly. But Max is exhausting, and I’m scared to death of what he’ll do next. Yesterday I got a call from Mr. Collier. He caught Max and those punks throwing eggs at his house. That’s why I went looking for him.” Lauren blew out a shaky breath, took a sip of her coffee. “Caleb made a comment about having been in Max’s shoes. He didn’t elaborate, but I got the impression his own father pulled a disappearing act, too. Maybe he’s exactly what Max needs, someone who understands how he—” Lauren stopped and gave her head a rueful shake. “Is it terrible of me to let this man, this...virtual stranger, take on my burdens?”

  Carrie’s eyes softened. “Of course not. You’re human, and you have a lot on your plate right now.”

  Lauren absently picked at her zucchini-raisin bread. “Yeah, but who doesn’t. I’m just desperate for help with Max. He’s drowning in his misery, and I have no idea how to help him. But maybe Caleb does, you know? Or maybe I’m just a terrible mother.”

  “Do I need to slap some sense into you? Come on, Laur, you’re a wonderful mother. And there’s nothing shameful about admitting you need help, or accepting help when it’s offered.”

  Lauren had to blink back tears. Normally, she wasn’t this weepy and emotional. Her period must be due, she thought with a rueful eye roll. “Thanks, I can always count on you to put things into perspective. And since I invited Caleb to supper again tonight,” she continued with a grin, “your speech came at just the right moment.”

  Carrie laughed. “Glad I could help.” Suddenly, her expression sobered. “Hey, did you hear about Rosalee?”

  “No, what about her?”

  “She passed away a few weeks back. Heard it was a heart attack.”

  Fresh tears stung Lauren’s eyes. “My God, poor Hutch.” Lauren and the kids adored Rosalee, who’d been a waitress at Hutch’s Diner for years; long before Lauren and her ex had moved to Redemption. Rosalee and Hutch had been planning to get married this summer…Max and Emma were going to be heartbroken when she told them. “Life really is short, isn’t it?” she murmured.

  “It sure is. So quit doubting yourself and start putting your own needs out there, too. Caleb may or may not be what Max needs, but he sure as hell seems to be exactly what you need.”

  * * *

  “Wow, is this déjà vu or what?” Lauren teased as Caleb walked in the front door. He had his tool belt strapped on his hips, and a sexy grin on his lips.

  “Cute.”

  She laughed. “Perfect timing. Supper’s ready.”

  Caleb unhooked his tool belt and hung it on the coat tree. “Smells delicious.” He followed her into the kitchen. “Keep feeding me like this and you’ll never get rid of me.”

  That’s the plan, Stan. “Don’t worry, this house needs so much work, you won’t eat a frozen pizza for months.”

  Caleb met her gaze, a slow smile lifting the corners of his lips. “Can I get that in writing?”

  “Ca’yib!”

  Lauren’s heart swelled when Emma hobbled into the kitchen, straight into Caleb’s arms. For a split second, she wondered if it was wise allowing her daughter to become so attached to a man they’d only just met. For all Lauren knew, she and Caleb might prove to be completely incompatible.

  Caleb swung Emma up and propped her on his hip, like an old pro. “And how’s the prettiest little girl in Redemption doing?”

  “I helped Momma cook. We make pork chops and corn.”

  “Wow, beautiful and a good cook, just like your mommy. You’re going to make some lucky guy very happy one day.”

  Lauren playfully rolled her eyes as she took Emma from him. “One day way, way in the future,” she teased as she settled her in her high chair.

  “Max!” Emma squealed.

  Lauren swung her head around, and sure enough, Max stood at the bottom of the stairs, gaze wary, arms crossed and shoulders hunched. He cast Caleb a dismissive glance before walking around to take his usual seat at the table, directly across from where Caleb sat.

  “I’m glad you decided to join us,” she said. “I made those brown and serve rolls you like so much.”

  Max gave a curt nod to indicate he’d heard her, but that was it.

  Caleb met her gaze and quirked a brow, but Lauren shook her head, so he remained silent. Max was sitting at the dinner table with them, and for now, that was enough.

  Lauren would take any little bit of forward progress she could and be grateful for it.

  If not for Emma, they would have eaten in virtual silence. Besides her happy chattering, the only sounds to be heard were the scraping of silverware on plates and ice clinking in glasses. Lauren’s hope grew when Max stayed and ate chocolate cake with them. And the whole meal was eaten without one single insult leaving his lips. For the first time in months, Lauren felt a glimmer of optimism.

  “Well…” Caleb pushed his chair back. “Guess I’d better go earn my supper. What do you have next on the agenda?”

  Caleb spent the next two hours shaving a good chunk off her ‘to fix’ list. And Lauren started to feel like a couple of dinners just weren’t payment enough for all the work he’d done. Not to mention his help with Max. That alone was worth a whole lifetime of home-cooked goodness as far as she was concerned.

  Whoa...a whole lifetime? Hell, you don’t even know if the man’s a good kisser yet.

  He came up behind her and rested his hands on her shoulders. Lauren flinched; he dropped his hands. “Sorry. Didn’t mean to scare you.”

  She turned to face him and gave her head a self-conscious shake. “No, it’s all me. I was lost in thought.”

  “Turn around.”

  “Huh?”

  Caleb chuckled. He gently turned her so she was facing away from him again, then grasped her shoulders and started kneading.

  Lauren closed her eyes as a low groan of contentment reverberated in her throat. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d gotten a massage, and Lord did it feel heavenly. After about thirty seconds, she knew she had to stop him before she melted into a puddle on the floor. She opened her eyes—and met her son’s harsh gaze. He spun around and raced up the stairs.

  “Max!” Lauren tore free of Caleb’s magic fingers. She heard a door slam and stood helpless, unsure whether she should race up after him, or leave well enough alone and let him sulk in peace.

  “He’s going through a difficult time. It’s hard for a young boy to understand why his father would up and leave him. And even worse when they don’t call or write.”

  Lauren turned to glare up at him. “You think I don’t know that? That I’m clueless when it comes to my own son and need you to explain him to me?”

  “I didn’t mean—”

  Lauren took a deep, shuddering breath. “It’s been a year since John left. He could be dead for all I know, and frankly, for all I care. But my son cares. I live every day in fear that if John doesn’t contact us soon, Max will blame me forever...hate me forever. Do you have any idea what that feels like?”

  Caleb propped his hands on his
hips and dropped his gaze to the floor. “Look, I didn’t mean to upset you, only to help. I’d best get going.”

  When he turned to leave, Lauren’s anger expelled in a big whoosh as she realized she was about to chase away the only person, besides Carrie, who’d ever shown an interest in her kids. “Please don’t. I’m so sorry. I-I just need a day at the spa or something.” She tried to laugh, but it came out more of a croaky sob.

  Caleb turned back around and pulled her into his arms. “Lady, what is it about you?” he whispered against her cheek.

  Lauren snuggled into his embrace, soaking him in like a dry sponge, wanting nothing more than to stay in his arms forever. But reality reared its ugly head, and she knew she couldn’t indulge herself for long. Not with Max so upset upstairs. “Caleb, I need to go talk to him. I know he’s a big boy, but he’s still only ten years old and doesn’t understand why I would let someone besides his father...touch me.”

  He pulled back and cleared his throat. “If you need anything...”

  “I know. And thank you. For everything. I’ll talk to you soon, I promise.”

  His gaze dropped to her lips, and for a moment Lauren thought he would kiss her. But they both knew the time wasn’t right, so with obvious regret, he stepped back and said, “Call me if you need anything.”

  Chapter Four

  Caleb stood staring down at his mother’s grave, his heart heavy with guilt, his throat swollen with repressed grief. She’d been asking for him to visit more often the past couple of years, never pressing too hard, just casual comments like, “Sure wish your job allowed you to travel more.” Or “So, you seeing anyone special? I’d love to meet her.” How sadly ironic that when he finally finds a woman who intrigues him like no other, she lives only a few miles from his mother’s home.

  Crouching down, he blew out a shaky breath. Rosalee Hunter, Beloved Mother. Christ, what he wouldn’t give to be able to turn back time and do it all again. Make better choices, be less judgmental, more forgiving. Be the kind of son she’d deserved.

  If he’d visited more often, he’d have met Lauren sooner and his mother could’ve known her. A smile touched his lips. His mother would’ve loved Emma. And she would’ve turned herself inside out trying to help Max cope with the loss of his father.

  Just as she’d done for Caleb.

  He reached out and ran a reverent finger across the words etched in marble. If Caleb hadn’t been busy holding grudges, he probably would’ve been there when she’d had her massive heart attack. Maybe he would’ve had a chance to say all the things he should’ve said years ago. Maybe he’d have gotten one last, long overdue “I love you” in there.

  Caleb kissed his fingers and pressed them to his mother’s name. He stood and flexed his hands, feeling incredibly uncomfortable in his own skin. A day late and a dollar short. Just like you always said, Mom.

  The last few rays of sunlight faded into the western horizon as Caleb walked back to his truck. He needed a drink. Maybe two. Just to take the edge off. And he hadn’t been inside Rowdy’s in years. Besides, if he went back to the house in this frame of mind, he’d probably lapse into a state of depression—like he had when he’d returned home from active duty.

  He passed Hutch’s Diner and couldn’t help taking a quick glance inside before pulling into Rowdy’s parking lot across the street. Caleb sat for a moment, fingers laced on the steering wheel, watching as Ed “Hutch” Hutchington poured a cup of coffee for a customer. Maybe the time’s come to forgive. With a silent sigh, Caleb grabbed his keys and climbed out of the truck, ignoring the urge to spin around and head to Hutch’s place instead.

  As soon as he yanked open the door, a feeling of familiarity overcame him. A welcome feeling, much to his surprise. The place looked the same, as far as he could remember: plenty of beer paraphernalia covering the walls; signs, mirrors, a clock with a moving waterfall. A country love song played on the jukebox, and Caleb’s gaze was drawn to the young couple dancing in the corner, held tight in each other’s arms while they swayed to the music. A wistful feeling tightened his chest, and he imagined slow-dancing with Lauren, her beautiful blue eyes gazing up at him, full of love and ablaze with promise.

  Jesus, Hunter, get a grip. You’ve only known the lady three days. He blinked the image away, gave himself a mental shake, and proceeded toward the bar. Caleb slid onto a stool and folded his arms on the counter. The tallest woman he’d ever seen strolled toward him, and he found himself sitting up a little straighter. As she drew near, he realized she had piercings in her face. Now there was one thing Caleb would never understand, someone wanting to punch a hole through their nose.

  “Evening.” She set a bowl of pretzels in front of him. “What can I get you?”

  “Give me a shot of Christian Brothers, if you have it, and a bottle of Bud.”

  She retrieved a familiar bottle from the top shelf behind her, a shot glass from beneath the bar, and poured him a healthy splash. Caleb tossed the shot back just as she set his beer down in front of him.

  “Thanks.” He dug a twenty out of his wallet and tossed it on the bar.

  After making his change, she tilted her head to the side. “I don’t think I’ve seen you in here before. You new in town?”

  Caleb took a pull on his beer, resisting the urge to glance back at the dancing couple. “No, I grew up here. Joined the Army after high school and haven’t been back much since.”

  “Well, let’s hope you’re here to stay this time.” She gave him a wink before strolling off to take care of some other customers.

  Caleb nursed his beer, his head a jumble of thoughts. He planned to take the electrician’s exam on Monday, and knew he was as prepared as he’d ever be. He’d been taking odd jobs around town since after his mother’s funeral, and thanks to word-of-mouth, his phone had been ringing off the hook with people in need of his services. The time had come to make a decision about his future—stay in Redemption or head back to Chicago.

  Until a few days ago, he’d been leaning toward Chicago, even if he’d never been especially happy there. But it had been home for so long, and he’d made a few friends over the years. Then he’d met Lauren and his whole perspective changed—which scared the living shit out of him. The possibility of a happily-ever-after suddenly seemed real and within reach. He’d never been one to believe in love at first sight, but what else could explain the soul-deep awareness that had cold-cocked him the first time he’d laid eyes on her?

  Or maybe it was something more basic, the rational part of his brain reasoned. He was thirty-four years old. Never married, no children. Maybe men had internal clocks, too, and his days of hitting the snooze button were coming to an end. Time to settle down and start a family before he was too old to enjoy them.

  But a ready-made family? Not too long ago the thought would’ve terrified him. Now, much to his amazement, not so much. He could easily imagine waking up next to Lauren every day for the next fifty years. And Max and Emma deserved better than a father who’d slunk off in the middle of the night like a coward. A father who couldn’t be bothered to call his own children, let them know where he was, why he left, and when—or if—he’d be back.

  Max needed a father who would love and guide him, teach him what it means to be a man, not a coward who runs out on the people who need him most. Teach him that a real man respects women; he doesn’t take advantage of them physically or emotionally.

  Emma, on the other hand, needed unconditional love and support. Too young to have any lasting memories of her father, she was a clean slate, and whoever she ended up calling daddy would be a lucky man indeed. Those children deserved the best, and so did Lauren. But was Caleb that man? Was he ready to become a father to those children?

  Jesus, Hunter, jumping the gun a little here, or what?

  “Hey, Marv, isn’t that the same kid from last week?”

  Caleb turned to see who the bartender referred to, and there stood Max, feeding money into the cigarette machine. Caleb should’ve b
een surprised to see him, but wasn’t. Good God, couldn’t the kid give his mother one friggin’ night’s peace?

  “Yup, that’s the one,” Caleb heard from behind him.

  “Thought so. I’ll go grab the little punk, you call the cops.”

  Caleb rose up and turned to face them. “Listen, I know the kid’s mother, and she’s had a pretty bad time of it lately. Let me take him home, and I promise you won’t see him in here again.”

  Marv and the Amazon woman exchanged looks. Marv shrugged. “Fine. But if I see him in here again, I’m calling the cops.”

  Caleb nodded. “Appreciate it.” He left his change on the bar and strode across the room until he was standing right behind the little shit. “I thought I told you these things are bad for you.”

  Max jumped almost a foot in the air. When he recognized Caleb, he let out a curse and stuffed his money back in his pocket. “Why won’t you leave me alone? I’m tired of you following me around town, like a stalker or something.”

  “Hate to burst your bubble, kid, but I was in here first. And I’d be a little nicer to me if I were you. I just saved you from getting hauled off to jail.”

  Max rolled his eyes and started toward the door. “Whatever.”

  Caleb grabbed his arm. “No, not whatever. I’m taking you home, let’s go.” Once they were outside, Caleb said, “Christ, don’t you care about your mother at all?”

  “It’s none of your business how I feel,” Max muttered, trying to wrench his arm free.

  Caleb opened the passenger-side door and shoved Max in the truck. “Don’t forget your seat belt.”

  “Why?” Max shot back. “If I die, you won’t have to worry about me getting in your way with my mom.”

  Caleb walked around to the driver’s side and climbed in behind the wheel. Max’s statement reminded him of just how young the boy was, despite appearances. He took a deep breath and started up the truck. “Son, I don’t want anything to happen to you. I’d like to help, if you’ll let me.”