His question threw her for a second, and then she realized her shoe was still in her lap. “The machine took my money and I whacked it a couple of times with my shoe.”
He lifted an eyebrow. “You hit the machine with your shoe?”
“Crazy, hmm?” She shrugged. “What can I tell you? I wanted chocolate.”
He rested his forearms on his knees, his eyes on her face. “So when you need a chocolate fix, it’s okay to scuff up your shoes?”
She winced. “Okay. I need to apologize, too. I’m sorry I’ve been such a pain. Seeing myself through your eyes was a big eye-opener. If we ever dance again, I won’t care if you step on my shoes. That’s really very silly.”
“Grace.” He stretched out his long legs and folded his arms across his broad chest, his eyes holding hers. “I haven’t stepped on a woman’s shoes since I was thirteen years old.”
She recognized a sexual undertone in every word and welcomed the warmth that flooded her body from the top of her head to the tips of her toes.
“I like your hair like that,” he said unexpectedly.
She touched her hair, feeling almost giddy. “Thank you. I’ve had it like this all day and although I’ve received some startled glances, no one said a word.”
“Maybe they didn’t know what to say,” he commented.
“Maybe.” But it felt extremely good that someone had mentioned the change in her appearance. At the moment, she didn’t resemble Grace Whitten of the Whitten Law Firm.
“What are you doing here, Grace?” He asked the same question he’d asked earlier.
“I came to see Brady.” There was no reason to lie.
Tuck rose to his feet and reached out a hand to her. She placed hers in his and he pulled her to her feet. She hopped around on one foot until she slipped her other foot into her shoe.
He watched her for a moment. “Let’s call a truce,” he said. “For our family’s sake and our own, we’ll abide by the judge’s decision without any ill feelings.”
She should tell him that she’d recused herself from the case, but for some reason she didn’t. Her firm still represented the Templetons and she had to support them professionally. Personally was another matter.
They’d just had a very nice conversation and had started the process of getting to know one another. Trust had to be built and earned, not just given. If they had a future, it would happen naturally.
She nodded. “That’s fine with me. And if you’re at Eli and Caroline’s, am I allowed to visit, too?”
He picked up his hat from the floor and placed it on his head. “Of course. That was uncalled for.”
“Good.” She held out her hand. “Let’s shake on it.”
He stared at her hand then raised his eyes to hers. “We’re family, so we should hug on it, don’t you think?”
She was taken aback, but only for a second. Pushing her hair behind her ears, she replied, “Yes,” then stepped into the circle of his arms and wrapped hers around his waist.
His chest was solid, his heartbeat strong and the sensation that enveloped her was something she’d never felt before, something that had been missing from her life—the touch and feel of a man. Her feelings for Tuck were as strong as the arms that held her. She admitted that for the first time. That’s why his words had hurt so badly. That’s why she’d changed her appearance and her ingrained habits about neatness and order. That’s why she’d attacked a vending machine. Tuck mattered to her. But now they were set on a course that would test their relationship. Sadly, she wasn’t sure if she mattered to him at all, except as Caroline’s sister.
She forced herself to step back. “I wish you all the best in the custody hearing.”
“I just want Brady to have a good home.”
“We all do.” She picked up her purse and the empty milk carton, her eyes catching his. “Good night, Tuck.”
“Night, Grace.”
She walked away, resisting the urge to look back and also resisting the urge to brush the dust from her clothes.
Another baby step.
TUCK STROLLED down the hall to Brady’s ward. Jennifer sat at the desk. “How’s Brady tonight?” he asked.
She smiled a welcome. “You’re back.”
“I just went out for a bite. Nurse Dunbar said Brady’s not sleeping well.”
“He’s used to doing his own thing and suddenly there are so many people around him that he’s confused. He was awake a little while ago, but Ms. Whitten, the Templeton’s attorney, stopped by and got him back to sleep.”
“Grace got him to sleep?”
Jennifer’s eyes opened wide. “You know her?”
“My brother is married to her sister.”
One eyebrow arched. “Now that’s interesting.”
“Yes. It is, sometimes.”
“She seems like a high-maintenance type of woman so I was a little surprised when she asked to give Brady his bottle.”
“She has a nephew and she’s good with him, too.”
“You could have fooled me. I thought she was a little on the uppity side.”
Words rose in his throat to defend Grace. He smiled inwardly. Grace didn’t need his defense. She could take care of herself. “I’ll just check on Brady,” he said instead. “And I’ll be very quiet.”
“If you don’t get custody of that little boy, then there’s something wrong with this world.”
“Thank you, Jennifer.”
He caught all of Jennifer’s signals, but she didn’t trigger a response in him. He must go for high-maintenance, uppity women because he could still feel Grace’s body against his. Her scent, a delicate lilac, still teased his senses.
Entering the room, he thought it was ironic they were pitted against each other. But they didn’t have to be enemies. Tonight proved that to him. He’d seen a side of Grace he hadn’t seen before and he wanted to get to know her better. Though in light of everything going on, he couldn’t see that happening.
Barbara was asleep in her chair and he wondered how long she could continue to do that. For as long as necessary, he was sure—that’s what loving parents did.
He straightened the blanket around Brady, careful not to wake him. Brady deserved devoted, loving parents and Tuck intended to stay in the game until that happened.
WHEN TUCK GOT INTO HIS CAR, his cell rang. It was Beau.
“Hey, Tuck. I got a call from Ann Demott.”
“Who’s that?”
“She’s the Templetons’ new attorney.”
“What?”
“Grace has recused herself. The Whitten Law Firm is still handling the case, but Grace is no longer personally involved.”
“Oh.” He wasn’t sure how to respond to that. He’d just seen Grace and she hadn’t said a word. Why, he wondered?
“I guess Grace realized it was best for the family.” There was a slight pause. “She’s not as bad as you think she is.”
“I never said Grace was bad.” He was immediately on the defensive.
“Really? I always got the impression you’d rather be audited by the IRS than spend any time with Grace.”
“Well, your impression was wrong.” He could actually feel Beau smiling. “And stop smiling.”
“How do you know I’m smiling?”
“I know you, Beau McCain. You’re a natural born peacemaker trying to keep everyone happy.”
“You could be right.” Beau laughed. “Now let’s get down to business. I have other news.”
“What?”
“The hearing has been set for next Thursday at two o’clock in the judge’s chambers.”
“That was quick.”
“CPS is pushing for a quick decision from the judge. They feel Brady needs a stable environment as soon as possible so we have to have our ducks in a row. How are you coming with help for Brady while you’re at work?”
“I plan to take four weeks’ leave so Brady can be well-adjusted before I’m gone all day. Mrs. Wiggins has agreed to keep Brady at my
house. She’s no longer keeping her granddaughter. I hadn’t realized that.”
“That’s great. The judge will look at that favorably.”
“But not as favorably as a married couple where the wife is willing to stay home with Brady?”
“No, I’m sorry, Tuck. That’s going to be a hard one for us to beat. But I never give up until that gavel bangs.”
“Thanks, Beau. I knew from the start this was going to be tough.”
“How is Brady doing?”
“Physically he’s healing quickly, but mentally is another matter. He’s still not responding to anyone.”
“I guess that’s what CPS is worried about. They want the caregiver in place so Brady can feel at ease to form that bond. It will happen. Jake went through the same thing with Ben.”
“I know some of the story, but not all of it.”
“Ben was three years old when Jake found out about his existence. Ben’s grandmother, who had custody of him, had passed away. Not able to understand why his grandmother was gone, Ben shut down completely. Jake’s name was on the birth certificate and that’s why the authorities contacted him. As newlyweds, it was rough for Jake and Elise. They suddenly had a baby they weren’t expecting who had developmental problems. It took a lot of patience, but they made it. You’d never guess now that things had been so rough at the start.”
“No, and, Beau McCain, I bet you were right in the middle of it.”
“When it comes to family, you bet I am. I’ll be in touch before Thursday to go over some details.”
“Thanks, Beau.”
Beau would give the case his all, but Tuck was afraid it wasn’t going to be enough. The outcome didn’t look good and he had to be prepared.
As he drove home he wondered about Grace. Why hadn’t she told him she was no longer on the case? Because it didn’t matter. Her firm still represented the Templetons and her loyalty was with them. What about her personal feelings? Did she feel he’d make a good father?
Turning off the freeway, he decided he was thinking too much about Grace. But tonight had been one of those experiences that he would remember always.
She’d called him Tuck.
CHAPTER SEVEN
THE WEEK PASSED SLOWLY for Grace. She knew the Templeton case was on the docket for Thursday and they had gone over it in the weekly meeting. She didn’t offer Ann any advice and Ann didn’t ask for any. Ann felt the case was a sure win. Grace didn’t respond to that, either.
To say she was torn was putting it mildly. Her heart was clearly going in a different direction than her mind or her firm’s best interest. But since she’d had the talk with Tuck by the vending machine, her heart was not on business.
Her mind was, though.
On Wednesday, she went by the hospital to check on Brady. Tomorrow his future would be decided and she wanted to make sure it was the right one. Telling herself to stay out of it didn’t seem to work.
The beautiful Jennifer wasn’t on duty but another nurse told her that Brady was in the playroom with the Templetons. She stood outside the door watching Brady, Lisa and Keith interact. Lisa and Keith sat at a child’s table with a big puzzle on it. Brady stood trying to fit the pieces together, seeming oblivious to the two adults.
Lisa said something to Brady and he didn’t respond. She touched his shoulder and Brady pulled away, concentrating on the puzzle for a second then darting around the room, his socks making no sound on the tiled floor.
Brady was so beautiful with his big eyes and sweet face that Grace couldn’t take her eyes off him. Brady’s whole life was ahead of him. All he needed was the right people to nurture and guide him. Were Lisa and Keith those people? She had to be sure about that.
For Tuck.
And for herself.
Brady ran by Lisa and she reached out to catch him, holding him in her arms. Brady wiggled for a second to get away, but Lisa held on. Suddenly he laid his head on her shoulder. Grace’s breath caught in her throat.
“I guess everyone was right,” a familiar voice said from behind her.
Grace whirled to face Tuck, her pulse racing at his tall figure. She swallowed. “About what?”
“Caroline and others have said that Brady needs a mother. He needs nurturing and care from a woman so he can trust again.” His eyes were on Brady and Lisa and the pain in those eyes tore through Grace.
“Brady has a lot to overcome and it’s going to take time,” she offered for lack of something to say.
“Yeah, and he needs someone with him twenty-four hours a day.”
She was taken aback by his response. “Does that mean you’re withdrawing your petition?”
“No.” He glanced at her. “A judge will still have to make the decision concerning who’s best for Brady. But when Brady grows up, I want him to know there was a man who never gave up on him.”
That was the most caring thing she’d ever heard and tears stung the back of her eyes. She couldn’t make a fool of herself in front of him.
“You didn’t have to take yourself off the case,” he said abruptly. “I’m sorry I mentioned that.”
Her hand tightened on the strap of her purse. “I felt it was the right thing to do.”
He stared at Brady and Lisa. “Sometimes doing the right thing is hell.” After saying that, he walked off down the hall.
Grace’s chest contracted painfully and she wanted to go after him, to reassure him. But it wasn’t up to her.
Glancing back to the room, she saw Brady push Lisa away. She caught him again and he hit her. Grace winced. That wasn’t good. Brady had a lot of anger inside him and his recovery wasn’t going to happen overnight.
As Grace left the hospital, she thought of going to Tuck’s but she knew he wouldn’t welcome her presence. And he probably wanted to be alone before the big decision tomorrow.
So she went home to her neat, quiet apartment.
NOT MANY THINGS made Tuck nervous, but he had to admit he was on edge about today’s proceedings. Shaving, he nicked his chin. He spilled coffee on his slacks and had to change. When he spilled his coffee a second time, he realized he was as nervous as he’d ever been.
And the day had barely begun.
He met Beau at the courthouse and Beau explained what was going to happen. Tuck nodded. He just wanted it over with.
They met the Templetons and their attorney in the judge’s chambers. Opal Johnson and Harvey Beckman from CPS were there. A doctor and a therapist were there, too. They found seats in front of the judge’s desk.
They stood as the bailiff introduced Judge Nora Farnsworth. She took her seat and everyone resumed theirs. Each attorney presented their reasons why their client was the best person to gain custody of Brady Harper. The doctor spoke of Brady’s injuries and his recovery. The therapist talked about Brady’s mental health and the care and attention he needed for a full recovery.
“I have read all the facts, listened to the witnesses and in most cases I would take more time to review this case.” The judge closed a file and addressed everyone. “But CPS, Mrs. Johnson in particular, has stressed that Brady Harper needs stability now. So many people around him is confusing him more.” The judge adjusted her glasses.
“Ranger Tucker, I’m very impressed with your devotion to this child, as is Mrs. Johnson. I have depositions from just about every nurse on the pediatric ward praising your devotion and constant vigil at Brady’s bedside. For a single male that is very unusual and I realize that you’ve formed a connection to the boy.”
Tuck felt a big but coming and he didn’t have to wait long.
“But I have several reservations. Number one is your job. As a lawman, it is very high risk and time consuming. Number two is your single status.”
“Your Honor.” Beau was on his feet. “I sent the court several cases where a single male was granted custody of a minor child. Just because a man is single doesn’t mean he can’t successfully raise a child.”
“Yes, Mr. McCain, I read your documents and I
am thoroughly impressed with your research. But Brady Harper is different. He’s not biologically linked to Ranger Tucker and Brady has problems that will require a lot of attention. Even at fourteen months, he has a lot of anger issues. He needs to know that someone is always going to be there for him. That trust, that bond, has to be built day by day.”
“Your Honor…”
“Sit down, Mr. McCain. I’m ready to rule on this case.
“In light of Brady’s physical and mental state, I see no recourse but to place him with the Templetons, where he will have a full-time mother and father. Brady will need that structure to grow strong and healthy.”
“Damn,” Beau said under his breath.
Tuck’s breath wedged in his throat like a wad of cotton and for a moment he had trouble breathing. The verdict was what he was expecting, but he never realized it would hurt this much.
“Thank you, Your Honor.” Ann Demott rose to her feet. “When will the Templetons be able to take Brady home?”
“His wounds haven’t healed completely and I’m also concerned about his mental state. The therapist feels Brady has locked himself away into a safe corner of his mind and it will take a lot of patience and love to reach him. I would like the Templetons to spend most of each day with Brady so he can get to know them and start the bonding process. The therapist feels strongly about this, as do I. Brady is in familiar surroundings and to take him out of the hospital now would be disastrous. This has to be done slowly. In two weeks, I’ll review the therapist’s reports and make a ruling on when the Templetons can take Brady home. I hope all goes well. This little boy deserves a second chance.”
“Thank you, Your Honor.” Lisa smiled brightly and hugged her husband.
“I hope you realize the enormous task ahead of you,” the judge replied.
“Yes, Your Honor, we do,” Keith said.
Tuck stood, needing to say something. “Your Honor, may I please have some time to say goodbye to Brady? I don’t want him to feel that I’ve abandoned him.”
“Ranger Tucker, considering Brady’s mental state, I agree. I want this to go as smoothly as possible for Brady.” She signed a document then looked at Tuck. “Ranger Tucker, I hope you understand I’m doing what’s best for Brady Harper.”
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