Love Inspired January 2014 - Bundle 2 of 2: Bayou Sweetheart\The Firefighter's New Family\Season of Redemption (30 page)

Devon glanced toward the doorway, apparently making sure Kaylee
wasn't within earshot, and told her what had happened when he picked up the
little girl.

“Do you think Renee was really late or being evasive?”

“Maybe a little of both. I didn't arrive until a little after
nine. I don't know what time she starts work, but she didn't give me a moment to
speak.” He ran his fingers through his hair and looked off in the distance. “I'm
not certain what to think.”

“I'm sure it worries you.”

“Kaylee told me how Renee reads to her when she goes to bed.”
He frowned and dipped the tea bag up and down in the hot water. “I asked if her
mother reads to her.”

“What did she say?” She watched him dunk the bag over and
over.

“She said her mother was usually sleeping.”

Ashley pressed her lips together, controlling the concerns that
raced through her mind. “You wanted to hear good news, I know.”

He glanced toward the doorway again. “Kaylee looked on edge
when she answered me. I'm wondering if Renee is dictating how she should respond
to my questions.”

“Would she do that?” She hoped not, but the same thought had
crossed her mind.

“A few days ago I would have said no, but now...I'm not
certain.” He settled the tea bag onto the saucer. “I know one thing. I need to
get to the bottom of the situation, and I don't want to make an issue of it with
Kaylee. It puts me in a bad position.”

“I know, Devon.” She reached across the table and grasped his
hand, remembering after she did that she'd decided to steer clear of
intimacies.

He weaved his fingers through hers and squeezed. “I need God's
help with this one.”

“You do, and I'll add it to my prayers. The answer will
come.”

They sat in silence a few moments while she listened to the
children's voices, pleased that they were getting along.

Devon shifted in the chair. “Thanks for listening.”

She squeezed his hand and unwound her fingers to pull the bag
from her tea. “There's one positive thing I can say.”

He gave her a faint smile. “I could use that.”

“Kaylee looked so happy when she arrived today. It's wonderful
to see. Whatever you've done to make it happen is great.”

“Thanks. I had to remember to be happy, and it just
followed.”

“Great. Keep it up.”

As his tension seemed to fade, the silence wrapped around her
like a comfortable blanket.

In the living room the children talked about storybooks. She
guessed Kaylee was telling Joey about the new books her dad had purchased. Their
voices faded a moment until Joey's voice soared through the doorway. “My mama
reads me bedtime stories.”

“So.” Kaylee's tone had an edge. “Mine will, too, when she gets
home.”

Devon's head shot up, staring at the doorway, then whipped his
neck toward her, his eyes wide. “Did you hear that?”

She nodded. “God answers prayer quickly sometimes.”

“I knew something was up.” He closed his eyes and drew in a
ragged breath. “Now I have something solid for Renee. She can't deny the truth
this time.”

“Will you say anything to—”

He shook her head. “No. Nothing to Kaylee.”

“Good.” Her heart ached for his situation. Seeking the truth
when no one wanted to be open destroyed relationships and ruined trust. “Renee
will be honest this time, Devon.”

“She has no choice.”

He leaned back in the chair, his gaze in the distance, his
thoughts far away.

She remained silent and said a prayer, thanking God for
answering her unspoken prayer and asking Him to bless Devon with peace of
mind.

* * *

Devon sat in front of the TV, fighting his desire to get
more details from Kaylee but knowing it wasn't the right thing to do. What
surprised him was, if her mother wasn't home, why hadn't Kaylee mentioned it?
Saying she missed her mother or some other comment seemed a typical thing for a
child to say, even offhand.

At least now he could confront Renee, but if Kaylee didn't get
to bed soon, it would be too late to call. He eyed his watch and headed for the
dining room.

Kaylee sat at one end of the table, a puzzle spread out and the
picture starting to take shape. He ambled toward her and studied the pieces. If
he found a few, he could hurry her.

But when he spotted a possibility and reached for it, she
tilted her head and frowned at him. “Don't do my puzzle, Daddy. I want to do it
myself.”

Surprised at her admonition, he withdrew his hand and pointed
to his watch. “It's time for you to be heading for bed.”

“Can't I finish?” She drew back and pointed to the portion she
had left. “I'm almost done.”

“You can finish it tomorrow. That will be fun.”

“No, it won't.” The frown he hated to see deepened.

He struggled for a response. “Bed now, and we can start one of
your books.”

“You'll read to me?” Her face brightened.

“For a little while. Okay?”

She slipped sideways in the chair and stood. “Okay, but not
just for a minute.”

He grinned. “Longer than a minute.”

She accepted that and skipped into her room. Within minutes, he
heard her running water in the bathroom and was pleased she voluntarily brushed
her teeth each night without a reminder. Someone had taught her that lesson
well.

When she called for him, he strolled in, hoping to hurry the
process but not wanting to rush too much. “Want to read one where you can sound
the words? Or how about
Miss Lina's Ballerinas?
”

“I never heard that one before.” She snuggled into the blanket,
and he propped himself beside her, his feet dangling over the edge. He held the
book low so she could see the pictures and began reading her the story about
eight little girls who studied dance with Miss Lina. Devon chuckled himself when
he saw their names. “Listen to their names, Kaylee. Ready?”

She nodded, and he began. “Christina, Edwina, Sabrina,
Justina.”

Kaylee started to giggle.

He loved hearing her happiness. “There's more. And Katrina,
Bettina, Marina and Nina.”

The laughter made his heart burst, and he continued the story
of the young girls who danced while reading and doing schoolwork, in the park,
and... “Kaylee, do you know where else they danced?”

She shrugged, her eyes getting heavy.

“They danced into bed.” He chucked her under the chin. “And
that's what you're doing right now. Dancing in your dreams.” He slipped off the
mattress and kissed her cheek. “Good night, sweetheart.”

“Night, Daddy.” She didn't open her eyes, but a faint smile
stole to her lips.

His chest tightened realizing the mistake he'd made for so
long. He'd allowed his concern to seep into her mind. Children weren't dumb.
They sensed things the same as adults. They just didn't know how to process it.
He thanked the Lord for the awareness.

He set the book on her lamp table and made his way to the door,
turning off the light. In the hallway, he breathed a sigh and checked his watch.
Still early enough to call Renee.

After filling a glass with milk, he settled in the living room,
then pulled out his cell phone and pressed in the number. It rang four times
before someone picked up. He feared it would be Renee's husband, Dwight, but she
finally said hello. It dawned on him, she had caller ID and had probably
considered not answering.

“Is something wrong with Kaylee?” Her voice edged with
tension.

“No. She's fine, Renee. I'm sorry to call late, but I wanted to
tuck Kaylee in first.”

Silence.

He gathered his thoughts. She suspected something.

“What's this about?” Her question sounded tenuous.

“It's about Gina. Where is she, Renee?” His palm felt damp
against the phone. “Don't play games with me, please. Just tell me the
truth.”

“Did Kaylee say something to you?”

“No, but why shouldn't she?” The truth struck him, and his
anger rose. “Did you tell her not to tell me? Is that it?”

“If she didn't say something, how do you know Gina's not
here?”

His fingers gripped the phone as tight as a vise. “Did you tell
Kaylee not to say anything to me?”

“Yes, Devon. I did.”

He boiled. “Don't ever do that again to my daughter. Don't ever
put her in a position to lie to me or hold problems back. I won't stand for
it.”

“Face facts, Devon. I'm raising your daughter because her
mother's incapable, and—”

“Hold on.”
Incapable.
The word
smacked him. “What do you mean incapable?”

“I don't have to tell you. Gina's had problems for years and
it's only gotten worse.”

“Where is she now?”

“Hospitalized from a prescription drug overdose.”

His gasp reverberated into the phone. “Why didn't you tell me?
Why keep it a secret?”

“Gina doesn't want to worry you.”

“Or stir up trouble. Isn't that closer to the truth?” His body
trembled with frustration.

“Probably.”

Confusion and concern knotted in his chest. He needed to think.
He needed to act.

“Devon, don't do anything drastic. Kaylee's fine with us, and I
know your work schedule isn't conducive to caring for her full-time.”

His schedule was a convenient excuse but not anymore. “I need
to think, Renee. Let's drop this for now, and I'll get back to you.” A new
thought slipped into his mind. “Will Gina be all right?”

“This time.”

The answer struck him like a steamroller. “I'm glad. I'll talk
to you later, but please don't put Kaylee in that situation again. It's not fair
to her to keep secrets from me.”

“I'm sorry. I was following Gina's request.”

“You're the healthy one. Gina isn't. Do what you know is
right.”

“I will.”

He thanked her and hung up, his body quaking with shock. He had
a problem to solve. Kaylee deserved a whole parent, one who loved her with all
his heart. He had to act now.

Chapter Nine

A
shley maneuvered her crutches through the
hall doorway while Neely held it open. Devon had picked up Joey as promised, but
hadn't had the opportunity to tell her what he'd learned about Gina with the
kids present. She was eager to hear what had happened.

“Thanks.” She swung her leg forward as they made their way
toward the office door. On her way, she'd noticed two large banquet rooms, both
with lovely chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, large round tables and a wall
of windows looking out to the setting beyond.

Neely pointed. “The hall looking into the garden is ours.”

Admiring the view a moment, Ashley shifted forward and looked
into the second room. The setting through the window appeared to be a patio with
a large fountain, today not spouting water, but she assumed it did for varying
events. She agreed with Ashley's choice, preferring the garden that would be a
lovely summer setting.

A woman appeared from the office, her hand extended. “Neely
Andrews, I assume. I'm Jessica Rushford.”

Neely greeted her and introduced Ashley.

She beckoned them back into the office. “Let's talk menu first
and then decor.”

Ashley heard them talking and tried to wrap her mind around the
menu, but the details escaped her. Instead, her thoughts were on Devon, the
double problem. The first was Devon's situation with Gina and getting the
details of her absence from Renee. The second problem was her own. How could she
stop herself from falling in love with a man she could never marry?

Then she considered Joey. Devon had won the boy's heart without
trying. He'd learned Devon's name although she never knew how it would come out.
Joey often said Debon. It made her chuckle.

Chicken with artichokes and capers. The dish brought her back
to the task at hand. She forced her attention to the conversation.

“What do you think, Ash?”

She eyed Neely, having no idea if she was talking about the
chicken or some other dish. “Everyone likes chicken.”

“No, I meant the stuffed pork loin. That's different.” Neely
pointed at the banquet menu. “Or we could go with the beef.” She curled her
nose.

The look gave Ashley the clue. “Pork is different. Everyone has
beef.”

“Good. That's what I thought.”

As Neely settled on the potato dish, vegetables and salads,
Ashley sailed back to her own quandary. Could she and Devon remain friends? No
more touches. Avoid the looks that became kisses. Could she do it?

Why not? She could if she wanted to avoid his romantic
overtures, but that's the question she couldn't answer. The look in Devon's eyes
drew her in and tangled her in threads of longing. Being touched, feeling a
man's hand on hers, his arm embracing her, the feel of his lips against hers,
she'd missed those feelings since Adam flew off for duty. She'd almost forgotten
how amazing it had been wrapped in the feelings of being special and loved.

Not that she knew Devon loved her. The question jarred her
mind. He was caring and tender. Was his kiss one of romance or one of...? Why
did she try to fool herself? She could tell a friendly peck on the cheek from a
kiss that held promise. Devon had feelings for her. She didn't know the depth,
but she knew they were real. And if she were honest, so were hers.

“Ash.”

Her head twisted toward Neely, hoping her eyes didn't look as
glazed as they felt. “What?”

“You're here to help me. I don't think you're listening.”

“I am...sort of. My mind wandered for a minute.” Ten minutes.
Maybe fifteen.

Her sister shoved a paper into her hand. “Look at this. What do
you think?”

She scanned the wedding menu—traditional appetizers of veggies
and dip, cheese and crackers, with entrées the two meats she'd discussed with
Neely, potatoes au gratin, mixed vegetables, a variety of salads, dinner rolls
and a buffet of minidesserts. “It looks wonderful. I wouldn't change a
thing.”

“Naturally we'll have a wedding cake, too.” Neely took back the
menu and handed it to Jessica. “And a punch to be served with the
appetizers.”

“Certainly.” Jessica made a note on the paper. “That's a given,
but you can have a fruit punch with sherbet or one that's less fruity that the
gentlemen usually prefer.”

“That would be fine. We need to please everyone.”

Ashley agreed, mainly to let her sister know she'd been
listening. She had to stay focused.

“Now, I'll prepare a copy of this for you while you and your
sister look through this album that shows the available colors for the linens
and some of our table centerpieces.” She rose, set the album on the table beside
them and left the room.

Neely opened the cover, but instead of looking at the pictures,
she shook her head and stared at Ashley. “What's wrong with you? You're off in
Wonderland.”

“No, I'm...I'm just—”

A concerned look flew to Neely's face. “I'm so sorry. I didn't
think when I asked you to come that you might think back to your own wed—”

“Neely, no.” She touched her sister's arm. “It's not that at
all. My mind is on a multitude of things, but mainly my relationship with
Devon.”

“What happened? Did he do something to—”

“Nothing. He did nothing.” Other than kiss me. “It's me. He's
wonderful, and I like him more than I can say, but I can't get involved with
him. I can't let myself do that. I'd hurt him and myself because no matter how
much I'd like to, I can't form a relationship with a man whose job puts his life
in danger daily. I can't.”

“Did he lead you to believe he wants more than a friendship?”
She slipped her hand on Ashley's shoulder. “I know he's around some, but maybe
he's just lonely and wants a friend.”

“That's what I told myself until...”

Neely's eyes widened. “What? Until what?”

Ashley knew she'd blown it, and she didn't have time to discuss
the whole thing before Jessica came back. “Let's look at the album. We can
discuss this later.”

“Until what?” Determination glinted on Neely's face.

“He kissed me.”

“He did?”

The memory washed over her. “And I kissed him back.”

Neely sat unmoving for a moment. “I can't say I'm not glad,
Ash. He's a really nice guy, and I want you to find someone in your life who can
fill the emptiness you've felt since the tragedy with—”

“And live day in and day out waiting for another person to come
to my door and tell me my husband died trying to save someone's life.” No matter
how she fought her emotion, tears blurred her vision. “I can't do it.”

Neely's hand grasped hers. “Ash, I—”

“How are you doing, ladies?” Jessica's voice pierced the
conversation.

“Sorry, we got sidetracked.” Neely chuckled. “You know, two
sisters with a million things to talk about.” She turned to Ashley. “Let's
finish this so Jessica can get back to work.” She shifted the album so they
could both see it and discussed color scheme.

Ashley did her best to focus. They could talk later, but the
problem was hers, and all the talk in the world couldn't change a thing.

* * *

Devon watched Kaylee crouch through the colorful tunnel
of tubes and head for the slide. Joey followed. He loved seeing the two children
play. Today Kaylee had behaved like a big sister.

He'd decided a fast-food treat with a play area would help pass
the time and keep them entertained. He didn't realize how entertained he would
be watching them. Having fun had escaped him for too long. He hadn't realized
until Ashley came into his life. She'd become his fresh air, one without smoke
and danger. A life with smiles and laughter, with spontaneous moments. One with
a kiss he longed to repeat.

Ashley's comments of friendship, not commitment, concerned him,
though he understood and agreed. They both had issues. He needed to resolve the
situation with Gina. He wanted the truth, and Ashley longed for something, but a
something he couldn't put his finger on. Some days he sensed Ashley still loved
her husband so much that she couldn't release the devotion and look ahead at
life. Other times, he tossed out the idea. She had grown beyond that, although
she would never stop loving his memory. He admired that. It meant she'd found a
true love and for some reason the Lord had chosen to take that love from
her.

But for what? Was it for him? Would God do that? The idea
seemed ludicrous. War wasn't God's doing. Evil caused war. Selfish, immoral
individuals wanting what didn't belong to them, striving to stamp out lives they
didn't value. That wasn't God's doing. He preserved life so it could be
abundant. He remembered hearing that in church years back with Gina. He liked
the idea of an abundant life. Not money. He knew it wasn't that kind of
abundance, but an abundance of joy and health and well-being serving the Lord
and praising Him. Walking in His steps.

He'd forged his own trail, and time had come to detour back to
the path set for him. What that plan was he didn't know, but he wanted to trust.
He wouldn't have Kaylee over the weekend, but he wanted to attend worship
anyway.

When Joey wanted to play in the bin of colorful balls—a sea of
color that rolled and pitched like waves, Kaylee said she'd rather not. They
shifted closer so he could keep an eye on Joey and see what was up with Kaylee.
Her earlier giggles had passed, and a serious look showed in her eyes.

He sat on the edge of a nearby bench, giving a wave to Joey,
but while his eyes were on him, he drew Kaylee closer. “Are you sad about
something?” He glanced her way.

She gave a shrug.

Her demeanor let him know she had a problem. “Tell me what's
bothering you.”

“If I do, I'm doing something bad.”

Her head lowered, and his heart broke. “Bad in what way?”

“Aunt Renee told me not to say stuff and I want to.”

His pulse jumped, hoping. “Is it a bad word?”

A faint grin dissipated her tense face. “Daddy, I don't say bad
words.”

“Good. Then if it's not a bad word, you can say it if it's the
truth.” He gave her a squeeze. “Is it?”

Kaylee nodded. “Mommy's in the hospital.”

“And you weren't supposed to tell me.” He knew why, but he
wondered about her understanding.

“She said so you wouldn't worry, and—” she turned to face him
“—Mommy's afraid you will want me to live with you.”

His chest constricted. “Would that upset you?”

“No.” She slipped her arm around his back. “I want to. We have
fun, and you teach me to bake.”

“But life's not always fun, Kaylee. I have to go to work, too,
so I'd have to have someone take care of you while I'm gone. You know I work two
whole days at a time.”

“Ashley could watch me.” She searched his eyes.

His chest ached. “She likes you a lot, but I don't know about
that. We'd have to see what we could work out.”

“But maybe?”

Her desire to live with him hugged his heart, yet worry tried
to pry it away. Having Kaylee live with him would be problematic. Yet it was
what he wanted. Kaylee needed security and a parent's guidance. Renee had made a
valiant effort, but she was an aunt not a mother or father who loved Kaylee
dearly. “Let's see what happens, sweetheart.”

He knew Renee would fight him, as would Gina if she knew, but
Kaylee had admitted preferring to live with him, and that was all he needed to
know.

Kaylee rested her cheek against his. “I love you, Daddy.”

“I love you with all my heart, Kaylee.” He turned his face to
hers. “Thank you for being honest. Your aunt Renee shouldn't ask you to keep
secrets from me. I understand why she did, but I want you to know that you can
tell me anything. I won't get angry at you. We'll work things out together. Do
you understand?”

“We'll work things out together.” The faint smile curved her
lips. “Me and you.”

“Me and you.” He wrapped his arms around her and held her
close.

* * *

Ashley slipped from Devon's car and opened the backdoor.
While Joey squirmed to get loose from the car seat, she unsnapped the belts, and
he grinned. “There you go, big boy.” She opened her arms and he reached for
her.

Devon stepped beside her and hoisted Joey into his arms. “Where
does he go for Sunday school? I'll take him for you.”

She gave him directions as she hobbled on behind them across
the parking lot, and before she reached the sidewalk, Devon had returned.

“No problem. Joey knew exactly where to go.” He stepped beside
her and moved along with her to the front of the church and up the two steps
into the building.

Devon looked around as they entered, his curiosity not easy to
hide. “Very nice.” He pointed into the sanctuary. “I love the stained-glass
windows. They're beautiful.”

“I find solace in them, too. The prisms of color find their way
across the seats and spread out on the carpet like a rainbow.”

“Isn't that God's promise.”

She grinned. “It sure is.” He placed his hand on her back and
avoided bumping the crutch out from under her.

He pointed to a back row. “Do you want to sit here?” His gaze
shot to her crutches. “Or are you willing to tackle the walk?”

“Let's go down a ways.” She started forward, and when her arms
appeared to grow more weary than they were already, she stopped. “I'll sit on
the end.”

He slid into the second seat and reached toward her crutches.
When she'd maneuvered her way into the row, he took the crutches and placed them
on the floor beneath their seats. He opened the program they'd been handed by
the usher and perused the inside while she watched him, wondering what he was
thinking. “Have you decided what to do yet?”