by J. Haney
Pulling into the nearest parking spot at the café, Caleb leans over and whispers to me, “It’ll be okay; we can talk about it and start sorting this out when we get back.”
He kisses my cheek and then gets out of the truck. I’m left sitting in silence as Caleb helps the kids out. He then opens my door and takes my hand to help me. I lean in and whisper, “I know we will, I’m just worried about them.”
Ava pulls me to the side. “Mom! Caleb is a really nice man, and I really think he likes you.”
I look over at Caleb as a blush creeps up my cheeks. Caleb smiles at me as he and Jax head for the door.
“Shall we go in?” I ask Ava with a smile. “I am actually a little hungry.”
The twins actually look happy as we take our seats in a corner booth. Caleb is seated so he can see the whole café, and I notice he is watching everything carefully just to make sure nobody is following us. Once I catch his eye, I try to give him a reassuring smile. Ava scoots closer to Caleb, and my smile broadens as he shares his menu with her. I sit there just watching the two for a minute. It’s quite nice to have someone other than myself to help with the twins.
We order our food and all talk while we wait for it. After the waitress sets the food down, Caleb and Ava start taking stuff off one another’s plates while Jax and I look at them like they are crazy because we are pickier about our food. Ava has always been a bit different than Jax and me. Caleb looks up as Jax and I give them a scrunched-up-nose look.
“What on earth has you two watching us with that look on your faces?” Caleb asks. Beside him, Ava starts giggling.
“They can’t stand to have someone touching their food,” she says. “I’m the only one in the family that can share food. They call me weird.” She giggles again and Caleb joins in.
I look to Jax, and he looks completely disgusted. I can’t help but agree, but his face makes me giggle just a bit, which has him looking at me like I’ve gone insane.
“Mom, have you lost your mind?” he asks, which has me laughing harder.
“No Jax, I haven’t, but if you’d have seen the look you had on your face while you were watching them” — I nod toward Caleb and Ava — “you’d have been laughing as well.” Jax looks at Caleb and Ava then back to me and I make the face he had made.
He looks back and forth a few times before laughing. “Okay, I see your point,” Jax says, then gives me a smile.
Ah, finally this is getting a little easier. I hate when Jaxson makes everything harder by analyzing every little thing. What can I say, though? I did raise him.
Looking up, I check around the café again. I don’t see anything, thank God. Caleb must have noticed what I was doing because he rubs his thumbs over my knuckles and winks at me. I smile back and take a sip of my tea.
After enjoying the conversation at breakfast, we head to the store to pick up what we’ll need while we stay under the radar. I make sure the kids have some stuff as well. Now I just can’t wait to get home. These kids have sure worn me out today.
Chapter Twenty ~ Caleb
I usually hate shopping, but with Kyler and the twins, it’s more fun than I expected. Kyler manages to turn it into a school lesson, asking the kids different questions and having them find the best prices for certain products. They have a lot of fun when they get to go in search of an item. I learn quickly that Jaxson is just like any other man, never asking for help, whereas Avaline will bat her little eyes and get whatever she wants from the stock boys.
Kyler glances at me as the kids are looking at the fruit and trying to figure out how many we’ll need of each for at least a month. Oh, and let’s not forget they have to add in meals.
“What?” I smile at her.
“Oh, nothing. I just figured you’d have run away by now.” Kyler nods toward the kids. “I don’t know many that can keep up with them.”
“They’re not that bad. Honestly, this is the most fun I’ve ever had shopping.” I chuckle. “I like how you make it into a lesson for them.” She smiles and goes to say something just as my phone rings.
Pulling my cell out of my pocket, I see it’s Pops calling. What the hell does he want? Can’t I have one day where he leaves me the hell alone? I hold up my finger to Kyler as I answer the phone.
“Hey, Pops.”
“Son, where’ve you been? You haven’t made it out in a while. I know you and Liam both keep saying you are on a case, but what kind of cases keep you from our weekly dinner for almost a month?” He huffs into the phone.
Fuck, I knew this was coming. I step away from her.
“Well, Pops, I’m helping this woman and her twins. There’s just something about her that makes me feel the need the stay close. She’s very strong-willed, but something in my gut tells me I need to be here with her.” I sound defeated, knowing it’s because we still have no fucking leads on this shit Kyler’s dealing with.
Pops chuckles. “Son, that sounds a lot like love to me. I’ve always told you it comes in unexpected ways.”
“I know, Pops, but how could I not know if that’s it?” I ask, unsure of what the hell I’m going to do.
“I’ve always taught Liam and you that if the lady is amazing, she won’t be easy. If she’s easy, she won’t be amazing. If she’s worth it, you won’t give up, but if you give up, then you’re not worthy of the amazingly uneasy woman.”
I shake my head when I remember all the times he’s told Liam and me this. “Yeah, Pops, I know. She’s not easy at all. She’s strong-willed, smart, and when she cries, I want to be her prince. Fuck, when she’s upset, watch out, Pops. She’s, I don’t know, she’s just something.” I catch myself rambling and hear him laughing at me now.
“Just calm down, son. This never gets easier. You will always wonder how you got her, how in the hell you’re going to keep her, and you will even ask yourself why the fuck she chose you.”
“Yeah, I get it.” I glance up to see Kyler turning the corner. “Hey, I have to go. They’re about to be out of my sight.” Saying those words causes my chest to tighten with fear that something may happen to them.
“Okay, son, I’ll talk to you later. Even if you need to bring them with you, come see your old man soon.” He’s almost pleading with me to come see him. I honestly don’t go there because there are too many damn memories and we usually argue.
“Yeah, I hear you. Talk to you soon.” I hang up before he can reply and jog down the aisle to catch up with Kyler and the twins.
“Hey.” Kyler grins when I make it back to her.
“Hey, sorry. That was Pops. I can barely get the old man off the phone.”
She frowns. “At least you still get to talk to your father. I’d give anything to have mine back with me and the kids.”
Fuck, what the hell do I say to her now? That frown is breaking my heart and I don’t even know why. She looks at me once more then walks off to join the kids.
We finish shopping a short time later, then head home. Back at the house, we get everything unloaded and put away. Jaxson has finally warmed up to me a bit. He helps me make dinner for the ladies, which is pretty cool considering he acted like he hated me just the other day.
After dinner Kyler lets me know she’s going to make sure the kids get their showers, then read to them. I busy myself trying to think of something to make up for what I said today. I need to remember she misses her family. Even after all these years, this is still hard for her.
Working as quietly as I can, I switch on the little lights that are still draped over the porch roof. They’ll make a sparkling curtain above us. I grab some tea lights and spread them out over the small table in front of the porch swing. After lighting the candles, I set a bottle of wine and a couple of glasses next to them, and grab some pillows and a fleece blanket from the couch to put over the swing. I position the pillows in the corners of the swing to make it look as cozy as possible.
Padding quietly to my room, I change into my best slacks and a button-up shirt, then take the bunch o
f roses I snipped from the side garden out of the sink and stand in the doorway ready for when Kyler comes out of the bedroom. As I hear the door close to the bedroom Jax and Ava are sleeping in, I turn on You Give Me Something by James Morrison.
Chapter Twenty-One ~ Kyler
After Ava and Jax are showered and in bed, I tuck them in and kiss their foreheads. Then I settle at the end of the bed and read them a chapter from the first Harry Potter book. It’s the only one I could get them both to agree on. I loved these books when I was younger.
Once I finish reading, I go to the door and turn the light off. As I shut the door, I lean back against it and that’s when I hear music playing from downstairs. As I walk toward it, I stop dead in my tracks when I find Caleb standing in the doorway. I can’t help but take in his appearance. He is one very good-looking man.
“Hi” is all I can manage to say as I walk the rest of the way toward him. He’s standing there smiling at me and gives me the most beautiful yellow roses I have ever seen.
“Hey, gorgeous.” He takes my hand and leads me to the porch swing, nodding for me to take a seat. As I sit down, he hands me a glass of wine, then grabs his glass and sits beside me. He gives me that smirk he has as he leans back against the swing.
“I hope this can work for an apology. I wasn’t thinking when I said what I did today at the store.” He’s looking down into his glass.
“You did all this while I was getting the kids into bed?” I shake my head. “You can’t worry about what you might say to me. You need to understand it will always be hard on me when all I have is the twins to keep me from going to the past. Sometimes that doesn’t even work. There are times I live in the past. Maybe one day that can change.” I take a sip of my wine, then I set my glass on the table. “Thank you for this.” I kiss him on the cheek.
Caleb looks at me like he’s thinking hard on what to say. Without talking, he sets his glass on the table next to mine. He turns back to me, taking both my hands in his own, then looks into my eyes.
“I wanted to help take your mind off of everything. I have felt horrible since you gave me that look while talking about your father. I hate that you’ve been alone for so long. I just want to help you and maybe possibly become more.” He stops for a minute and looks down at our hands then back up to me. “There’s this pull you have… It makes me want to protect you. My father says it’s love, but I’ve never been in love, so I couldn’t tell you the first thing about it.” His voice wavers as he talks about feelings. This is a very emotional topic for him.
I can’t help the smile that creeps across my face as he finishes talking. I lean up and kiss him on the cheek. “It’s working, thank you. I know we have a lot to do, but I like having this time with you. It’s nice having someone other than just the kids to talk to.” I lay my head on his shoulder.
Caleb hands me my wine, then sits back and we watch the flames dance on the candles. The only noise is the night’s insects and the odd animal walking through the woods looking for dinner. He leans his head against mine and I can feel us both relax.
“Even though it’s a bad time for you guys, I'm glad you are here,” he whispers.
Looking up just enough so I can see his face, I breathe, “I’m glad we’re here, too. You are a very sweet man and full of surprises.” I snuggle back on his shoulder and take another sip of my wine.
“Well, I plan on keeping you all safe, but if I can’t, then I’m hoping that this little guy can.” He reaches into his jacket pocket and pulls out a necklace. “Saint Christopher. It’s a Hudson tradition, anyone that travels a lot gets one to keep them safe.”
He unclips the necklace and fixes it around my neck then sits back and smiles as I brush my fingers over the necklace. “There, safe.”
As we sit I take in all the scents and sounds once more. The fresh air smells so clean and just good. I’ve needed something like this. Knowing the kids will get up early, I sit up straight and look over at Caleb. He looks at me to see if something’s wrong. I place my hand on his knee to reassure him.
“I’m going to bed. The kids usually tend to wake up early and I don’t want them to wake you up.” I stand up; Caleb does the same. I look at him as my hand touches the necklace again. “I love the necklace, thank you very much.” I walk to the door. Caleb stops me just before I open it and walk in. I turn to look at him and he grabs my waist, pulling me closer so our bodies are touching. I look down to the porch instead of looking into his eyes. He grasps my chin between his thumb and forefinger and makes me look into his daring blue eyes leaving me just wishing he would kiss me. Ugh, why is he killing me, looking at my lips while biting his own? After what feels like forever, he finally looks back into my eyes then slowly leans to kiss me.
Once the kiss starts, it bursts something within me. It has been so long since I had kissed a man. He pushes me up against the door and tips my head to deepen the kiss. There is a fire burning in my belly that Caleb put there. Caleb breaks apart from me, both of us gasping for air. I look into his eyes as a smirk crosses his face.
“What’s that smirk for, mister?” I ask, watching as humor dances across his eyes.
“Oh, you know, just that was a helluva kiss,” he says, the smirk still in place. I can’t help but smile at him. I look down because I’m honestly not sure what to do. I haven’t had a relationship of any kind in ten years. He places his forefinger under my chin and guides my face to look at him.
“It’s okay, Kyler; you don’t have to be nervous. Don’t say you’re not. I can feel the nervous energy radiating off of you.”
How can he tell this already? We barely know each other, and he can already tell when I’m nervous. Well, this is unexpected.
“I know, and honestly I’m okay. Better than expected, really. It’s been a long few days and I really just need to sleep. I mean, kissing you is great, but I’m not ready for it to move any further. So if I keep kissing you, I’m not sure what will happen. Here is where I’ll bid you a goodnight and give you one more kiss, and head to bed.” I smile, reach my lips to his, and press a small kiss. I have to make myself back away and go inside before my emotions take control.
Once I’m inside, I look back to see Caleb smirking at me. “Goodnight, Kyler.”
Chapter Twenty-Two ~ Caleb
I’ve been awake for a little while now; I can hear someone else moving about. There aren’t any little fast-moving feet, so I presume it’s Kyler. After lying in bed a bit longer, I get up to double-check that she’s okay. I quickly put on a shirt and a pair of sweats and head out of my room, rubbing my eyes a little.
I walk into the kitchen, where I find Kyler standing at the counter, sipping her coffee and staring intently at the floor. I walk up beside her and place my hand on her shoulder.
“You’re up early. Is everything okay?” She has a slightly pained expression on her face; something obviously is wrong.
She looks over at her open laptop and points. “I got another e-mail from Detective Ryan.” I walk over to the laptop and read the e-mail.
From: Detective Ryan
Subject: Update
Date: May 12, 2015 2:30pm
To: Kyler J
Dear Kyler,
I haven’t heard from you. I hope you and the kids are okay. We need to talk soon. Call me soon please.
Detective Ryan
As soon as I’m finished reading, I wrap my arms around Kyler and she lays her head on my chest. Rubbing my hand up and down her back, I hear feet heading this way. Sounds like the kids are awake. Kyler backs away from me right before they enter the room.
“Do you want some coffee and breakfast?” she asks. I think it’s her attempt to change the subject.
“Morning Ava, Jax.” I ruffle their hair a little as I walk past them. “I’ll be five minutes, just gotta jump in the shower.”
Kyler gives me a nod and goes about fixing plates. I quickly head back into my bedroom and start the shower. Kyler looks stressed out again. I can’t blame her for i
t. I need to get back on it and try to figure something out.
After a very quick shave and shower, I put on some clean clothes and head back into the kitchen. She is still at the counter. The kids are sitting at the table waiting for her. Jaxson seems nervous. I think he’s a lot like his mother. He seems to know something is going on, he’s just not sure what yet. I make my way over to Kyler, wrap my arms around her waist, and kiss her on the forehead.
“It’ll be okay,” I whisper. “Let’s work on it some more today. We’ll figure this all out. We are safe here.”
She looks up at me, fear in her eyes. “I know, but I still worry and now I’m not only worried about the kids and me. I worry about you, too,” she whispers, then looks over my shoulder and smiles to the kids. “Do you want some food?" she asks then turns back to the counter.
I smiled slightly when she said she’s worried about me. With everything in my past, I’m more worried about getting them hurt. My track record with women just hasn’t been that great lately, but I don’t want to worry her anymore with my problems. “That sounds good. Then we’re going to start going through some stuff, if you are up for that?” I rub her back, trying to reassure her.
“Yeah, that’s fine with me.” She nods and hands me a coffee. “Go sit while I grab these plates,” she says, pointing to the table. I smile at her, but before I can walk away she steps closer so only I can hear her. “I think we should figure out what’s up with the detective. I have never gotten an e-mail like that before.” This has my mind going nuts with questions.
I take my seat at the table as she starts setting plates in front of everyone. The kids already have their drinks. I look down at my plate as I wait for Kyler to sit. She made eggs, bacon, and biscuits with gravy. I smile at her as she takes her seat; I’m not used to being treated so well. I find myself watching her as we start eating, which has me thinking about her family puzzle again.