Captured Heart (A Garrett's Point Novel) (7 page)

“There. All done.” Holding up a handheld mirror for Olivia to review, Emma asked, “What do you think?”

Olivia’s bottom lip stuck out and a frown marred her small face. “Mommy puts a barrette in my hair when she braids it. You didn’t do it like she does.”

Jack and Emma exchange concerned glances. This wouldn’t be the last time they were confronted with comments like this. It was only the beginning.

With patience and grace Emma asked for Olivia’s help. “If you tell me where the barrettes are, and show me where your mom put the barrettes in your hair, I’ll bet you can help me get it right. Will you help me, Liv?”

Her lip still protruded, but she took the small step stool in the corner and moved it to the cabinet beside the shower. Opening it, she pulled out a small storage box containing multiple sets of barrettes.

Handing the box to Emma, she put the stool back and picked out a pair of pink ponies to wear in her hair. She showed Emma where she wanted them placed and the potential emotional crisis was diverted.

“Alright. We are ready, and you get a special treat this morning, Liv.”As they headed down the stairs to the front door, Jack automatically placed his hand at the small of Emma’s back. A shiver slid up her spine at the contact. She just kept walking.

“After we eat breakfast at Mel’s, you get to stay with Miss Melanie while your Uncle Jack and I run a few boring errands. I understand that Mel has an important job she needs your help with too.”

Olivia’s mood changed instantly. She loved going to Mel’s. The diner was bright and friendly, and she always got ice cream. Normally that was for dinner, but Emma bet Mel would make an exception today.

“I’ll drive in.” Jack led them over to his black Mercedes. Not exactly a kid friendly car with its leather seats and perfect interior. “Liv, don’t put your feet up on the back of the seat, okay?” Emma instructed.

Jack just raised his eyebrows wondering if that were a normal occurrence. Just another thing he was going to have to learn.

The scenic drive captured Jack’s attention. He’d visited his sister here many times and always loved the view the water offered. Crossing the bridge into town, Jack noticed the many people already milling around the main downtown block.

Passing the GP Chronicle Newspaper, a paper delivery boy was loading the day’s news into the outside dispensing machines. Jack noticed the man Emma had introduced as Grady getting out of a Sheriff’s car in front of City Hall. The First Bank & Trust sat next to it with Dr. Hansen’s office and Pretty Paws Pet Grooming next to that. Harper’s Hardware finished out the block and sat directly across the street from Mel’s.

Usually every Thursday Emma would stop into the Book Nook next to the diner to pick up some new reads for her students. Usually she walked out with three new books for herself as well. She couldn’t help herself. Yes, she had transitioned to an eReader as well, but she still loved the feel of a book in her hands.

Seeing Jen Baker heading into her clothing store, she noticed the storefront window decorated for Easter. That was just a few weeks away. Another wave of sadness swamped her. Olivia loved hunting for Easter eggs. Dana had always made it so special. She and Jack would just have to make sure it continued to be. A new Easter dress was definitely in order, and Emma knew Casual Frills would have what they needed. She and Olivia would have to stop in later this week.

Maybe even a trip to A Good Look hair salon would brighten their day too, and since it was right next door to the dress shop, why not?

Jack procured a parking spot right in front of the Book Nook. Grady was walking up the sidewalk as they exited the vehicle. He hugged Emma and greeted Olivia and Jack. The man seems to always have his hands on her. It irked Jack.

“Denton. Good Morning.” Grady addressed. “McCloud.” was all Jack extended.

Grady turned his attention back to Emma. “Headed into Mel’s for breakfast?”

“Yes, we have some errands to run over at Mr. Spencer’s office this morning, so Olivia is going to hang out and help Mel while we take care of some business.”

Emma had stated it lightly as if it was just another day, but Grady received the message. He knew they were going to be reviewing the will. He also knew it was going to be another difficult day for his sweet friend. He hated that there was nothing he could do to take away her pain. Emma was always the one bringing hope and cheer to everyone else. Now the light was dimmer in her usually lively eyes. He didn’t like it.

Mel greeted them as they walked in. Grady wished them well and took a stool at the counter. Jack led them over to a corner booth.

Jack slid into one side of the booth while Olivia scooted into the other. Emma didn’t sit. “I’m going to grab a cup of coffee. Do you want one Jack?” Jack thought it was odd that she’d get it herself, but he didn’t question it. “Make it a pot of coffee. Strong.” he replied.

Emma raised questioning eyebrows and laughed. “Okay. Someone needs some caffeine support this morning.” Turning to Olivia she asked, “The usual?” she asked the little girl. Olivia agreed already focused on coloring the placemat she’d been given by a red-haired ponytailed girl that looked to be about eighteen.

“Hi, Julie. I’ll get coffee. I just want scrambled and toast this morning. Jack and Olivia can fill you in on the rest. Thanks.”

Jack couldn’t help but smile. Yes, he needed caffeine, boat loads of it is he was going to make it through today. He certainly hadn’t slept last night. He watched Emma go behind the counter and fix two cups of coffee and a glass of chocolate milk. So that was the usual.

Mel came out of the kitchen and walked the few short steps over to the counter. “Good Morning, Sunshine. You do know I pay people to do that, right?” she teased her friend. She was pleased to see a little more color to Emma’s complexion today.

“Good Morning to you too!” Emma returned and hugged Melanie. “And yes, I do know that, so I’ll add it to your tab that you owe me.” she teased right back.

Hmm. That was a positive sign thought Melanie. “So, the gang's all here. How are all of you holding up?” It wasn’t so much what Emma said next that caught Melanie’s attention; it was Emma’s body language.

Looking over at the table to Olivia and Jack, Emma sighed. “Olivia is doing as well as can be expected. Children really are amazing at how they process things. She’s had good and bad moments.”

“And Jack? How is he handling everything? He is helping you, I hope.” Melanie stated. She was always so matter of fact.

This is when it got interesting. Emma tensed and pink colored her cheeks and spread. She twisted a napkin in her hands she had been using to wipe up coffee off the counter.

“Jack is hurting. I think he’s been in kind of a weird I’m here but I’m really not kind of phase until last night.”

Interesting, thought Melanie. “What happened last night?” Melanie asked.

Emma stepped back. “What? What do you mean?” Oh, yeah. Something had happened. The question was what?

“I mean you said ‘until last night’. What changed last night?” Melanie waited.

“Oh.” Emma stuttered. “Nothing really. We just finally had the first real opportunity to sit down and talk. It was kind of a relief for both of us.” Melanie noticed Emma was agitated to say the least.

“It’s always good to talk things out. It’s therapeutic.” Melanie responded.

“Yes, yes it is.” Emma changed the subject. “Well, let me get this to the table.”

She went to pick up the tray and stopped. “Are you still okay with Olivia staying here with you this morning?” she questioned.

“Of course I am. I saved the silverware for her this morning. Then we’ll move to the sugar shakers. Exciting stuff, I know.” Melanie grinned.

“It will be to a seven-year-old. Thanks, Mel.” Emma headed back to the booth with Jack and Olivia.

Melanie watched as Emma walked toward Jack. His eyes had never left her. He stood when she reached the booth and took the tray from her. He wasn’t just looking at her like a friend handling a crisis together. Oh, yes, thought Melanie again. Something had definitely happened. She was looking forward to Thursday night with the girls.

Breakfast finished, Emma handed Olivia over to Melanie. She thought Olivia was going to make a scene at first, but Melanie smoothed it over with the promise of chocolate ice cream. The only sign of Olivia’s inner turmoil was when she stopped as she headed to the counter with Melanie and ran back to Emma hugging her legs.

Then she asked, “You and Uncle Jack are coming back to get me aren’t you?”

Emma hugged her tighter. “Of course we are, sweetheart. Just a couple hours and we’ll be back. Now go show Miss Melanie how you can roll the best set of silverware she’s ever seen, okay?”

Smiling, Olivia skipped off. Again, another sigh. She seemed to be doing a lot of that the past couple of days. As they walked out of the diner, Jack clasped her hand.

She looked up at him questioningly. “You are pretty amazing with her, you know that?” Her heart swelled.

“Thank You, Jack, but it’s really just part of my training, plus I have spent a lot more time with Olivia. You’ll get there too after some practice.” She squeezed his hand and didn’t really question why he had taken her hand in his. She just knew it felt good, so why question it. Never mind that everyone on Main St. who saw them would question it. She’d think about that later.

They made their way to Mr. Spencer’s office by walking one block over from Main behind City Hall. Opening the doors, Jack knew this was a monumental moment. More than likely neither one of them would be the same when they retraced their steps later.

Chapter Seven

Joint custody and shared ownership of the house. Both sat is stunned silence. What were Jeff and Dana thinking? How was this supposed to work? Jack and Emma held letters written by Dana in their hands that they both had yet to read, because they were too shocked at the moment.

Furthermore the house was paid for due to savvy investments Jeff had made and was left to Emma. Mr. Spencer had stated that they knew Jack may have an issue relocating to Garrett’s Point, and they knew Emma loved it by the water and would most likely never leave. They wanted Olivia to feel secure in the home she was born and raised in around people that she knew.

Insurance policies were discussed. Mr. Spencer had the option to buy Jeff’s half of the business, and the money was to be added to the trust that had been established for Olivia.

Emma was reeling. Jack had been very astute and basically handled the entire session while Emma sat like a child feeling confused and worried. Deep down she was thrilled to not be completely losing Olivia. She hadn’t wanted to admit it, but she was afraid that Jack was going to whisk her away and she would lose all contact with the little girl.

They definitely had a lot to discuss, starting with how they were going to handle joint custody. They finished signing papers, and Jack stood to shake Mr. Spencer’s hand. Emma followed suit, shaking herself out of her own thoughts.

Jack said nothing as they walked back to the diner. He certainly didn’t hold her hand again. Was he angry with her for getting the house and joint custody? What was he thinking? His silence was driving her crazy and made her own thoughts seem very loud in her head. They had a lot to talk about.

“I didn’t see that coming did you?” Emma finally said as they crossed the street toward the diner.

“Not now, Emma. I need some time to think.” His body was tense and his tone terse.

What? Like he was the only one with things to figure out? That didn’t mean he had to shut her out. They were definitely in this together. Then a thought struck her. What if Jack decided to contest the will and fight for full custody? He could. Emma’s heart sank at the thought. Would that be better for Olivia? No, Dana had her reasons. Maybe her letter would explain better. She would walk down to the water and read it later on when she was alone.

It was lunchtime when they reentered the diner. Tables and booths were full and chatter filled the air. She noticed Kat at the bar sitting next to Grady.

“Does the guy live here?” Jack said under his breath. He was in a foul mood.

Olivia spotted them and ran over to Emma. “You’re back! Come see what I did.” she told both of them excitedly. She was very proud of her napkin rolling skills, and Melanie made certain she smothered her in praise.

“That bad, huh?” Kat whispered from behind her.

Emma turned to her and gave her the wide-eyed shake of the head signal of “Not now pleassssse” look. Kat raised her eyebrows questioningly but let it go.

“For now.” Kat answered, “But are you alright?”

“I’d be lying if I said yes, but we’ll work it out.” Emma said cautiously hoping that was true.

“We?” Kat asked for clarity.

“Yes, it’s definitely a ‘we’ now.” was all Emma offered up in explanation.