Love Inspired January 2014 - Bundle 2 of 2: Bayou Sweetheart\The Firefighter's New Family\Season of Redemption (28 page)

“Need help, Joey?” He watched the boy stare at the ice cream,
his spoon poised above it.

He shook his head and dived in. The first bite went half in his
mouth and half on the tray. But that didn't slow him down. Joey spooned it up,
finished the bite and licked the spoon. “Yummy.” He grinned.

With his focus half on Joey and half on Ashley, who seemed to
savor the dessert, he managed to eat his own treat. He had to admit the sweet
ice cream with the salty nuts and the creamy taste lured his taste buds in for
another bite.

They made short work of the dessert, and when Joey scraped the
last of the ice cream from the bowl, Devon brought a damp paper towel from the
kitchen and wiped the toddler's hands and mouth, then lowered him to the
carpet.

Ashley released a sigh and then chuckled.

Curious, he gave her a questioning look. “Did I do
something?”

“No. Just thinking.”

“I'm glad it made you laugh.” He wished he could laugh more
often instead of carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders. “Do you
think I'm too presumptuous?”

“Why in the world would you ask me that?”

He shrugged and settled back into the chair. “I walked in as if
I was invited and took over. I didn't ask if you were ready for dessert. I just
made it. I should—”

“You should be who you are. That's what you should do.”

“Are you sure?” He studied her face and saw only sincerity.

“Let me tell you what made me chuckle.” She wiped her lips with
the napkin and laid it beside the bowl.

“Tell me.”

“I was thinking, except for this rotten cast and the hospital
stay, I'm glad the tree fell on me. You know why?”

Puzzled, he shook his head.

“Because I met you. You're a bright light in my life—a special
person. I've only known one person similar to you, and that was Adam, but I
think you even top him.”

Heat warmed him. “You're embarrassing me.”

“It's a fact. Don't be uncomfortable. That's who you are. I
love that in you, and funny, sometimes I feel as if I've known you forever.”

He let her words wend their way through his mind. “That's how I
feel. I've tried to put my finger on it. But what you just said is it.” He
leaned back in the chair, a concern inching into his mind. “I don't want to be a
pest. If I overstep my welcome or anything, please say so.”

“Ask Neely. I'm pretty blunt. So don't worry about that.” She
grinned. “Now, let's sit in the living room where it's comfortable.”

He cleared the table while she settled into the recliner, and
as soon as he came into the room, Joey met him with a book. “Read to me.”

Ashley patted the arm of the chair. “Joey, don't bug Devon.
I'll read to you. Let's get you ready for bed first.”

He skittered across the room and clasped what looked like his
pajamas. When he handed them to Ashley, one garment dropped to the floor.

“Can I help?” Devon retrieved the soft flannel pants and held
out his hand to Joey. Ashley gave him the top, and he sat on the floor beside
her chair and helped Joey into the pajamas. Red dinosaurs decorated the blue
fabric.

“I bring those down in the morning to save me trips upstairs.”
Ashley motioned toward the staircase. “That's a trip with crutches.”

“You mean, that's where you sleep?” He eyed the long staircase,
wishing she had a better setup.

“I'm doing okay. Don't worry.”

One slip, and she could fall. He didn't want to even think
about it. “I don't like thinking of you alone here going up the stairs. Be
careful. Please.”

She nodded. “Okay, buddy, give Mama the book, and I'll read you
the story.”

Devon eyed the book in Joey's hand.
“Bunny
Blue.”

Ashley gave him a sheepish look. “This was mine when I was a
kid. It may have been my mother's. It was always a little beat-up, but it was a
favorite.”

“Interesting.” He reached for it, and she put the book into his
hand. He turned the book over and opened the cover. “I've never read it.” He
rose and settled on the sofa, keeping the book. “How about if I read it to
him?”

“If you've never had the treat, go ahead. Everyone should read
Bunny
Blue
. It has a message.” She tilted back the
recliner and watched him hoist Joey onto his lap.

Joey leaned against Devon's chest as he turned the pages and
read the story of the little blue bunny who'd lost his bright pink bow. As he
searched everywhere for it, Joey announced where he would look next. “You're
giving the story away, pal.” But Joey didn't seem to care.

As he read, Joey cuddled deeper into his arms. The feel of the
hefty boy felt right and good, and he recalled when Kaylee was a toddler and how
she would fall asleep in his arms. He missed those days. He continued the story.
Bunny Blue finally gave up searching for the bow. Daylight was coming and the
adults would awaken, so he had to return to the toy box without his bow. Sadly
he climbed into the box, but before he knew it, the lid opened and his owner
pulled him out. “Where's your pretty pink bow?” The bunny couldn't tell her.
“There it is. Right there beneath you.” The bunny laughed to himself. He'd
hunted all night never realizing he'd had the pink bow all the time.

Devon closed the book, but the message lingered in his mind.
Sometimes people search and search to find their heart's desire, and all the
time, it was right in front of them.

When he turned to Ashley, she gave a nod and pointed. “Joey
missed the ending.”

He gazed down at the boy, eyes closed, his breathing slow and
even. “I did a pretty good job.”

“You did, but now I can't get him up the stairs.” She tilted
her head.

“But I can.” He lay the book on the sofa and eased up with the
boy cuddled in his arms. “Remind me which way to go.”

“Thanks.” She gave him directions, and he climbed the stairs
and found the boy's room. He lowered him into the bed, drew up the blanket and
turned off the light. A small night-light shaped like a crescent moon glowed
from a plug. He gazed down at Joey and thought of Kaylee. He touched the boy's
soft cheek, whispered good-night and returned to the first floor, his mind
wrapped around his concern once again.

“He's still sleeping.” He settled back on the sofa and lifted
the book. When he gazed at Ashley, the lesson returned. Sometimes what he looked
for was right in front of him.

Ashley lowered the footrest and leaned forward. “You look sad
all of a sudden.”

“Thinking about Kaylee. When I saw Joey sleeping, I thought
about when she was little and happier. I wish she could be happy again.”

“Devon, I can only imagine how difficult it is to live without
her by your side.” Her face filled with concern. “I thought she was just a bit
unhappy because you'd brought her here, and she didn't want to come.”

Her expression touched him. “No, she laughs once in a while,
but not often even with me. I'm worried what's going on with her mother.”

“You're really concerned?” She lowered her eyes as if in
thought. “What do you think?”

He shook his head. “I don't know why I'm telling you. You have
problems of your own.”

“That's what friends are for.”

He drew in a breath, wondering where to begin. “Gina's
depression is what started it all.” He told her about Kaylee's birth and the
struggle she'd had until finally she'd made her decision to leave. “I know
Renee, Gina's sister. She's a kind woman, but I don't want her raising my
daughter, and I get the feeling that's what's going on.”

“In what way?”

“When Kaylee tells me what she's learned or what she's doing,
it's always about Renee. She never mentions her mother. I think that's strange,
and I don't want to put her on the spot and ask. There's nothing worse than one
parent grilling the kids about the other parent.”

“But if you're worried, you need to learn the truth.” She shook
her head. “It's tough, but you need to know for your own peace of mind and
Kaylee's welfare.”

Her eyes sought his, and the caring look captured him. His
pulse escalated, and a warm feeling slipped through his body. “I need to do
something. You're right.”

“Ask Renee.”

His head jerked upward, surprised at what she'd said. “You read
my thoughts.”

“Two heads are better than one even if the idea is
unspoken.”

“That's the truth. I will ask Renee. That's the only way I'll
know.” His shoulders relaxed as his course of action soothed his worry.

“Will Renee tell you the truth?”

He nodded. “I think so. She's a good person.”

She grasped her crutches and pulled herself up.

“What do you need? Let me get it for you.”

She wiggled her finger toward him. “I need you.”

“Me?” He pressed his palm to his chest.

She nodded, and he rose and went to her, trying to decipher
what she wanted.

Clinging to the crutches, she looked into his eyes. “I want to
give you a hug.”

His heartbeat tripped as her arms enveloped him. A crutch
dropped to the floor, but it didn't matter. He held her slender body against
his, hoping she couldn't feel the pounding in his chest.

When he released her, she kissed his cheek. “Even I feel
better.”

He couldn't respond. No words could express what he felt.

Chapter Seven

A
s Devon walked home, Ashley's slender frame still warmed his arms, and though her eyes captivated him, tonight his gaze had drawn to her lips, perfectly shaped and full. And they'd been so close to his. Not wanting to go in that direction for his own good, he let the embrace fill his mind. She'd asked for the hug, something he'd longed to do more than he wanted to admit. His chest expanded, touched by her concern for him.

The same caring concern often preoccupied him. He worried about her and the crutches, especially now learning she had to ascend those stairs each day. He wished she had a bedroom downstairs, but she only had a small room she used as her office, and he knew she wanted to stay close to Joey on the second floor. The problem couldn't be resolved by him. He had to leave her in...God's hands.

For too long, he rarely thought of God, but more and more the faith he'd grown to know through Gina wove through his mind. He suspected Ashley's family went to church. He could ask her where she went and offer to take her there on Sunday.

The idea lifted his spirit, but as he approached his door, one concern came crashing down on him. Gina and her relationship with Kaylee. He'd assured Ashley that Renee would be honest. He hoped he'd been accurate. She would be loyal to her sister, but for Kaylee's sake, he hoped she would tell him the truth.

He unlocked the door, fastened it for the night and strode to the kitchen. He opened a can of cola and sank to a chair, thinking about the call he should make. Gina would be evasive, so he'd be better off talking to Renee. But how could he do that? Asking to talk with her would be a sure giveaway.

The kitchen clock hung on the wall in front of him. Eight-thirty. Was it too late to call? He drew up his shoulders, deciding the answer. He pulled his cell phone from his shirt pocket, pressed the number and heard Renee's voice. Though he wanted her to answer, he hesitated. “I hope this isn't too late, but I want to make sure I can pick up Kaylee on Wednesday.”

“That's the plan. I have it on the calendar.”

Her tone made him edgy. “Can I talk with Gina?”

“She's not here, Devon. Sorry, but I'll see Kaylee's ready for you on Wednesday. In the morning as usual.”

“Yes, but it's late. Where's Gina?”

Renee released a stream of breath. “Devon, I'm not her secretary.”

He'd sensed something peculiar in Renee's voice earlier, and now his concern deepened. Trying to be lighthearted, he probed. “Does she have a date?” As soon as the words left him, he wished he could take them back. He could have asked if she was working late, but he was almost certain she didn't work.

“She's not here. That's all I know.”

He stared at the phone, wanting an answer, but he had no recourse. “Okay, Renee. I'll be there about 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday.”

“Kaylee will be ready.”

He pressed the end button and tossed his cell phone on the table. Renee's manner worried him. Something was going on, but he had no way of knowing unless she told him. The confidence he'd had that she'd tell him the truth faded. Gina and he were divorced. He had no control over her life. But he had a say in Kaylee's life, and if something was wrong, he should know.

He buried his head in his hands. Maybe he'd made a lot out of nothing. Gina may be dating. Maybe she found someone who met her needs. He sure hadn't. Gina needed more than he could give when her depression grew stronger. Maybe someone else could give her more.

The memory washed over him. The day the divorce papers arrived knocked him cold. He knew his work schedule provided an unsolvable problem, but he'd done everything else he could. He did housework, shopping, helped Kaylee with her needs—he'd done all he could to make life easier for Gina.

It hadn't been enough. He ran his fingers through his hair, wishing he could forgive himself for not being the person she needed. He didn't know to this day what he'd done wrong or what he lacked.

He slipped the phone into his shirt pocket, took the last swig of his cola and turned out the kitchen light. For now, he had to be the best father he could be. That's where he aimed his energy.

* * *

“Come on, Ash. I really want you to go with me to the hall. I need your opinion when I pick out the menu and the decor.”

“What about Jon?” The determination in Neely's eyes signaled a battle. “He should care what they serve.”

“When we started talking wedding plans, he made me promise I wouldn't drag him around picking out napkins and food.” Her resolve didn't flag. “I can't do this alone.”

Ashley studied her sister's face, feeling defeated. Her only tack was a threat. “I helped pick out the dresses, but now I'm a mess with this cast, Neely. I feel useless. I don't know how I'll be in August. If you want to replace me in the wedding party with—”

“Replace you? Are you crazy? You're my sister with or without a cast.” She brushed away Ashley's words. “Anyway, you'll be fine for the wedding. You'll be out of that thing or at least in a walking cast by then.”

Ashley listened, although her sister's assurance didn't help. “I still think I'll be a detriment. I need to do so many things for you, and I don't know that I can.”

“Everyone will pitch in. Stop worrying.” Neely shook her head as if Ashley's fears were unwarranted. “Can you go out with the crutches?”

“I suppose.”

“Good. I planned to go Thursday. I'm taking off work that day.”

Her own resolution folded. “Thursday...is okay, I guess.”

“Great. We're only going to the hall.” She leaned forward, a smile on her face. “I can't get married without my sister's input.”

Ashley sighed at her sister's vehemence. “I'll go. Don't try to con me.”

“That's what I want to hear, and I'm not conning you. I mean it.” She rose and gave her a hug.

More ammunition. “Neely, I have Joey. You don't want him there to—”

“I'll see if Dad can care for Joey. We'll only be gone a couple of hours.”

“Okay, but if Dad's busy...”

She brushed her words away again. “Stop with the worry. I'll call you.” Neely leaned down and kissed Ashley's cheek. “I have to run. I have a million things to do.” She gave a wave as she closed the storm door.

Ashley watched her slip into the car and back out from the driveway. The quiet surrounded her, and she grasped her crutches and hoisted herself up. With Joey napping, it meant time to work, so she made her way into the office. She'd figured out how to use an ottoman Devon had carried from the living room as a prop for her leg. Though a bit awkward, she could keep her leg up and still work at the computer.

Devon. She hadn't seen him again for a few days, and the same lonely feeling enveloped her. Before she met him, her life revolved around Joey and her work. She knew what to expect. Now she had to wonder...and worry.

She hated her indecision. One moment she wanted to stay clear of him before he became too important to her, and the next minute she knew it was too late. Her emotions wavered between head and heart. Head said to beware. His career was more than she could handle. Her heart said she could handle anything that was worth it. She wouldn't have given up a day of her life with Adam even though the outcome had left her heartbroken.

She stared at her computer screen, blurred by her tears of frustration. Feeling sorry for herself struggling on crutches and wrestling with indecision sank her into despondency. She didn't want to go there again and forced herself back to work, one letter after another to the list of clients. When she completed the last one, she hit the print button. The envelopes were ready so the job was nearly finished. Then on to the next task.

Using a form letter worked, but she had to address each one as if it were an original to the client. Then match the letter salutation to the correct envelope. She rose and pulled the stack of letters from the printer. As she did, the doorbell rang again. She grasped her other crutch and made her way to the door.

Before she reached the knob, the door inched open, and Devon peeked inside. Her pulse skipped seeing his face. Today his scruffy whiskers had returned, and the familiar longing to run her hand along the prickles resurfaced. Why his five-o'clock shadow intrigued her escaped her, but it did. She loved his rugged look, like a man who found life more important than a shave.

When he saw her, he smiled. “I thought I'd save you the trouble of answering.” He motioned to the door. “Am I interrupting?”

“Not at all.” He could interrupt her anytime. Devon made her feel a connection to the world and not just disabled, sitting alone with Joey as her main companion. Though she loved hearing him chatter, their conversation was less than stimulating.

“Why the grin?” He stood beside her, a lighthearted look on his face.

She shook her head, knowing she could never explain what his visits meant to her. They were only darkened by the other side of her that wrestled with emotions. But today her heart won. “It's nice to have an adult to talk with. Though I will admit, Neely was here a while ago. She ignores my cast and wants me to go with her to the wedding venue.”

“She values your opinion. What hall is she considering?”

“Neely already has the hall. She wants help selecting the menu and decorations—you know, linens and floral arrangements.”

He raised his hands in the air. “I don't know a thing about planning weddings. I left that up to Gina.”

As the name slipped from him, she watched his jaw tighten. Seeing his concern wrought hers. “Did you talk with Gina?”

“Do you have time?” He motioned to the chair.

She nodded, settled into the recliner and raised the footrest.

He backed into the easy chair and sank down. “No. I called, but Gina wasn't home. It was eight-thirty last night. That surprised me.”

She tilted her head, still wondering what in particular bothered him. “Maybe she had to work late.”

“I don't think she works. She's living on child support as far as I know.” His gaze drifted toward the window.

She could only speculate what worried him. “Is she seeing someone?”

“Maybe.” He shrugged. “That doesn't matter. Renee's tone is what set me on edge.” He explained the conversation with Gina's sister. “I think it's more than dating, or Renee would have told me. She knows I'm not trying to make amends with Gina.”

“So you don't know what it is.”

He faced her. “No, I don't.” He lifted his shoulders. “I suppose I'm just looking for trouble.”

“Maybe. Sometimes we have premonitions, but those aren't always right, either.” As the words left her mouth, the phone rang. She glanced at the caller ID and saw her father's name. “It's Dad.” She grasped the receiver, but instead of her dad, it was Neely.

“Dad's got plans for Thursday. He has a date with Alice.”

“A date? Dad?” She chuckled. “Good for him, but that messes up our plans. You'll have to go alone, unless you want Joey tagging along, and I know you don't.”

“If it's Joey coming with us or you staying home, I'll take Joey.”

Ashley knew better. Joey would be a big distraction. “Neely, you don't need me that much. Have Jon take the day and—”

“Ashley.”

Devon's voice caused her to turn. She covered the mouthpiece. “I'll only be a—”

He waved his hand. “No, it's not that. If you need someone to watch Joey on Thursday, I'm off work. I'll have Kaylee, and I can certainly entertain Joey for a couple of hours.”

She slipped her hand from the phone. “Just a sec, Neely.” She refocused on Devon. “Are you sure? Kaylee may not be happy.”

“Kaylee will be fine, and yes, I'm positive.”

She tilted her head in question, but he nodded again. His offer solved the problem, and she finished her conversation with Neely, grateful that she didn't have to lug Joey to the hall. “Thanks so much, Devon. Neely is determined to drag me around with her, cast or no cast.”

“Good for her. You need to get out. You've been penned up inside for too long.”

“I have. Even grocery shopping is starting to sound good.” The comment made them both laugh.

“Speaking of going places, I've been thinking...” Devon's face grew serious. “Do you attend a church?”

The question came out of the blue and surprised her. “I go to Abundant Grace over on—”

“I know where that is.” He looked thoughtful.

“Why are you asking?”

“I need to start attending, I think. Kaylee should have a chance to learn about Jesus. I haven't been much of a churchgoer, and I know—”

“You might not be active at a church, Devon, but you exude godly behavior—kindness, goodness, faithfulness. You're a walking example of the fruits of the spirit.”

“Fruits of the spirit? You see, that's the kind of thing I don't know. I learned manners from my parents. They're good people and raised me to be the same.” He shrugged. “I can't take credit.”

“But kind and thoughtful is who you are, with or without credit.”

He lowered his head, as if uncomfortable with her compliment. “I suppose, but I still want Kaylee to learn those things, too.”

Ashley understood. “You serve as a good example for your daughter, but learning the Sunday school stories and about Jesus' love for everyone is important. I think you're wise to want her to have a faith-based education.”

“Would you mind if I go with you sometime?”

His request touched her. “I'd be pleased to have you join me, but I haven't been to church since this.” She pointed to her cast. “It's so difficult to—”

“I'll pick you up and help you maneuver.”

“I'd love that, and then Joey can go to Sunday school.” Her chest tightened at the thought of Devon at her side. “Let me know when you'd like to go. Hopefully, I'll get into a walking cast one of these days and that will be easier.”