He knew she no longer referenced Cody, but he wouldn’t fall into that trap. They needed to discuss the child, not Jack. He didn’t need help. “I’ve bought something that I want him to see.”
Her head moved up and down in a conceding nod. “Okay. I’ll leave it at that. You aren’t going to tell me what you bought?”
He shook his head. In truth, he was as excited to show Elise as Cody, but he wasn’t about to admit it.
She drank more chocolate, and this time, the foamy whipped cream lined her upper lip. But she didn’t seem to notice.
Jack found himself staring at the white substance and wondering...things he shouldn’t be wondering.
Her eyes found his, and she realized the problem, because she whisked the tip of her tongue across her lip to wipe the sweetness away.
Jack suspected her mouth would still taste like whipped cream.
Not that he would ever know. Or even wanted to.
The lie, even though merely thought to himself, taunted him.
He did want to know.
Jack attempted to push the unbidden feelings away, but he sensed the truth; those strings around his heart continued disintegrating. What good was a cabin in the middle of nowhere when a boy like Cody—and a woman like Elise—were at the other end of the trail?
“If you have a surprise for him coming on Monday, I guess I’ll have to tell him that beforehand, and then hope that he’ll be ready to start working with us again Monday morning. But we’ll only have ten days left. Do you think whatever you’ve bought is going to make that much progress that quickly?”
Thunder boomed in the distance, and the rain increased on the roof of the cabin. Even the weather knew what was happening with his heart. He knew there was nothing he could do to stop himself from caring so much; he simply had to help Elise get Cody ready so he’d have a chance at a family and so she would return to her home. Then he’d protect whatever happened to be left of his heart.
He cleared his throat. “We probably wouldn’t get a whole lot done anyway before Monday. From what I read online, this thunderstorm is expected to last all weekend. And this surprise will be worth the wait.” He drank more of his chocolate, ate a few more marshmallows and corralled his thoughts to the place where they should be, on Cody, instead of on Elise’s mouth. And memories of how amazing it felt to hold a woman whom he cared about.
He needed to encourage her to leave. Now.
“You should get going before it gets dark.”
Her brow lifted, luminous eyes looking up at him as though she knew where his thoughts had headed.
Did she know how much she affected him? Did she realize that, merely by spending time with him and letting him see how much she cared for Cody and how thoughtful she was and how fun...that she’d reminded him of what he’d lost? And what he’d never have again?
“I think it’s already dark,” she said ruefully, “thanks to the storm.”
Jack glanced at the clock. Only four in the afternoon. But a look out the window verified that it was even darker, even grayer, than when she’d arrived. “That’s some storm.”
“It is,” she agreed, “but I don’t think it’s going to do anything but get worse. You’re probably right... I should start back to Willow’s Haven.” She picked up her mug, then reached for his. “You finished?”
“Yes,” he rasped, too caught off guard by having her offer to clean up at his house—and by how it felt to have her offer—to protest.
She took the mugs to the sink, rinsed them out and then padded past the table toward the front door. He watched her shove one fuzzy pink foot and then the other into the turquoise rain boots. Then she stood and put on her rain jacket, with one jeans leg bunched above one boot and the other extending to the ankle.
There was something very beautiful about marred perfection.
She turned toward Jack, looked as though she were going to say something, but again, changed her mind. “I’ll do my best to bring Cody on Monday.” She reached for the door, opened it, and a flash of lightning illuminated the streaming rain. “Whoa.”
“Maybe you should stay here for a while.” The minute the words were out of his mouth, he regretted them. And from the shocked look on her face, she knew it.
“Like you said—” she tugged the hood of her jacket over her head “—the storm isn’t stopping. I should get back before it gets worse.”
“Wait.”
She paused, one hand on the door. “You’re really accustomed to giving orders, aren’t you?” She bit her lip, as though that very question had been what she’d fought not to say.
Jack was used to giving orders, but he always did it with respect and love. “I’m...sorry. But I can’t let you walk back in that storm alone. I’ll drive you back.”
She glanced toward the storm, then toward Jack, and he saw the indecision pass over her face before she answered, “I wore my raincoat and rain boots. And it isn’t that far of a walk.” She bobbed her head as though cementing this conclusion in her mind. “I’m fine to walk. And it’ll give me a chance to think about everything with Cody.”
What kind of man would let her go out into the storm, walking through the woods, no less, alone? Not Jack Simon. If she wasn’t going to waver in her stance to walk, then she wouldn’t do it on her own. “Let me grab my coat and an umbrella. I’ll go with you.”
A worried look passed over her face, but then she gave him a subtle nod. “Okay.”
Jack retrieved his coat and umbrella from the closet. He grabbed a flashlight too, for good measure, and said, “Okay, let’s go.”
* * *
Elise hadn’t agreed to Jack’s offer to drive her to Willow’s Haven because she hadn’t wanted to be alone with him in the confines of his car for the short duration of the trip. It’d seemed too intimate, too close, for her to get a grip on the turmoil of emotions that had pulsed through her ever since she learned about his past. She had every reason to ward off another attraction to a man with more than his share of pain, more than his share of heartache. She needed to keep their relationship focused on Cody.
Riding in a car with him had screamed bad idea. Bizarrely, walking beside him through the woods in the middle of a rainstorm...seemed even more of one. She hadn’t gained the courage to tell him what she’d learned this morning, yet she couldn’t help but feel closer to the man simply from knowing his story.
They walked in silence, but because they shared the umbrella, they walked closely. Very closely. So close that he had one arm wrapped around her to guide her steps, and so close that she could catch the scent of his aftershave every now and then. The flashlight illuminated the rain tumbling sporadically through the trees, some places merely sprinkling, and others pouring with a vengeance...causing Jack to pull her closer.
She was surprised that, regardless of her attempt to make this journey alone, she was glad he’d insisted on accompanying her. Because in spite of how scared she’d been of him yesterday afternoon, after learning the truth, she felt undeniably safe. Secure. As though nothing could harm her as long as she remained under this umbrella with Jack.
He nodded toward the last fork in the trail leading toward Willow’s Haven. “That way, right?”
“Yes.” She let him guide her down the path until she saw the lights from the circle of cabins for the kids. The dining cabin, at least double the size of the remaining ones, shone brightly at the far center of the property, though the golden light from the windows looked blurry through the rain. “That’s it,” she said, stopping on the trail. “I can make it the rest of the way with the raincoat.”
“Are you sure?”
His concern touched her, especially now that she knew his heart. He wasn’t anyone to fear, quite the opposite. This was a good man, a man of faith, a man who’d suffered unspeakable pain.
She longed
to help him heal. And she feared how that longing might affect her heart.
“Yes. I’ll be fine.” She had pushed her hood down while they were beneath the umbrella, but she reached for it now. It had bunched in the back or was caught on her hair, because in spite of her tugging, it wouldn’t move.
“Here, let me help.” Holding the umbrella and flashlight in one hand, he used the other to gently slide the hood over her head.
Elise stood very close to him; she had to, to stay out of the rain. So when she glanced up, the golden hue from the flashlight highlighted his features so that she could see the way he looked at her. She saw the questions in his eyes—and how he was torn inside. He’d wanted to hide, wanted to be alone and away from every aspect of a world that had hurt him so deeply. Yet here he was, walking with her, protecting her from the storm.
She didn’t let her own fears hold her back. She had to let him know how much she cared and how very much she wanted him to heal. She lifted her hand and touched his face, ran her fingertips along that strong jaw and watched the play of emotions when he realized what she was doing, and what she wanted.
“Elise.” His head shook subtly, but as she slid her hand to the back of his neck and eased his face closer to her own, he didn’t stop her.
She hadn’t experienced the power of a kiss in two long years. Hadn’t wanted to be that close to anyone again. But she wanted this, and as their lips met, she melted against the man whose world had been shattered yet who had nevertheless touched her heart in immeasurable ways.
She felt him respond to the kiss, knew he was as swept up in the moment as she was, and then...
Jack pulled away, his eyes filled with torment. “Elise, that...that isn’t what I want. I can’t. It’s...” He took a deep breath, closed his eyes and let it out slowly. “It’s too difficult for me, and it always will be. That’s why I’m here. There’s no way you can understand...”
She couldn’t let him continue. “Jack, I know. I know who you are. I know—what happened to your family.” She wanted to wrap her arms around him and hold him close, but he moved even farther away, so that she was certain the falling rain soaked his back.
More anguish filled his eyes. “You...know? How long?” The two words were short and clipped. “How long have you known, Elise?”
“Since this morning. Jack, it’s terrible what happened, and I know you feel like you can’t continue living the way you did before, but God has given you so much talent, and He can help you, and so can...”
“He can help?” His jaw clenched, mouth rolled in as though he had to physically cut off the next words he’d wanted to say. He jerked his head toward the cabins in the distance. “You’ve got this, right? You don’t need me anymore.”
Elise swallowed. Nodded. “I’m sorry, Jack.”
“Goodbye, Elise.”
She had nothing left to say, so she turned and walked away. Her feet slapped through puddles as she progressed toward the cabins without looking back. Had he watched to see if she made it safely, or had he turned away completely?
It didn’t matter. She shouldn’t care. She’d done it again. Tried to help a man who couldn’t be helped.
Thunder boomed. Lightning cracked. Her heart clenched.
What had she done?
She prayed that Jack would forgive her. And she prayed the rain disguised her tears.
Chapter Seven
Jack kept himself busy all weekend, in spite of the ceaseless rain, to keep his mind off that last conversation with Elise.
And that kiss.
She’d stirred emotions inside him that he didn’t want stirred. Started him thinking about things he didn’t want to think about. He’d moved here to keep from wanting everything he lost, and Elise—and even Cody—were blatant reminders of the pain.
And he was angry with her, felt betrayed by her. She knew the truth of his past. She’d mentioned his talent and what happened to his family. And then, as if that weren’t enough, she’d added that she believed God could help.
God had done enough.
But despite how furious he’d been on Friday, as he prepared for the finishing touches on the dresser, he found his attention continually veering toward that opening in the trees, to the place where Cody had first appeared, and the path he’d traveled during the storm with Elise by his side.
Would she bring Cody today so he could see his surprise?
Did he even want her to?
The answer hit him hard. In spite of her learning about his past and in spite of that nerve-rattling kiss, he still wanted—needed—to help Cody.
I honestly don’t think I can get him ready for the IEP without your help.
Her desperate words had reinforced Jack’s decision to spend the time and money necessary for today’s surprise. But what if the effort were made in vain because Elise stepped over the line? Looked into his past. And then unsettled his world with that soul-shattering kiss.
He turned toward the porch, where he’d left the can of polyurethane that would help him complete the dresser. He’d thought Cody would enjoy assisting with the final action. Now he’d finish it on his own.
The platter of biscuits he’d prepared for breakfast remained untouched on the porch table, a jar of golden honey at its side and three coffee mugs nearby. He’d bought the Cocomotion specifically for Cody because he thought the kid would enjoy the warm treat on chilly mornings. Like today. Fall hit Alabama later than he’d expected, but there was a definite chill in the air. It’d be a great day for them to start with hot chocolate. He’d suspected Cody would like the whipped cream too.
His mind jolted with the memory of Elise, her mouth trimmed by the sweet white treat. And that memory naturally progressed to Elise tenderly stroking his jaw, her lips fusing with his, and nearly—nearly—making him forget his pain.
He shook the thought away. No reason to go there. Torture to his soul, and he didn’t need any additional anguish.
A branch cracked, and he turned to see that he was no longer alone.
Elise walked slowly, timidly, toward the cabin with Cody by her side, his head tilted toward the ground.
She hesitated as she neared the porch, her shoulders low and her eyes pleading. “I...” she whispered. “I wasn’t sure whether you would want us to come today, but Cody came to my cabin after breakfast with the hiking card in his hand.” She shrugged. “I think he wanted to see you.”
Cody glanced quickly up at Jack, then looked back down and slapped the card he clutched in one hand.
“I see.” Jack didn’t know how to speak to her, or what to say, after the uncomfortable interaction Friday night. But he was very glad to have Cody there.
“I told him you’d said something about a surprise for him.” Elise looked toward the porch, and then at the dresser.
“I do, but it hasn’t arrived yet.”
Cody looked directly at Jack, his eyes sad and his mouth stretched into that hard straight line. He’d been disappointed at the football game when he’d expected the Mustang, but this wasn’t like that.
“It won’t be long, Cody. I promise. I’ve already heard from the guy bringing it. Probably be here within an hour or so.”
Cody stuffed the flash card in his back pocket and moved his hands to his chest, directly in front of the vintage Mustang logo, to tap his fingers wildly.
“I like that logo, Cody,” he said. “Old Mustangs are pretty cool, aren’t they?”
His mouth tilted down at the corners, fingers tapped harder. Maybe talking about vintage cars wasn’t the wisest thing after his disappointment at the field. But Jack’s surprise should cheer him up.
“Tell you what, I made some biscuits and have plenty of that honey I know you like. And I got something special to go with it. How would you like hot chocolate with whipped cream?”
“You can go ahead and start on the biscuits and honey. I’ll get the hot chocolate. Would you like whipped cream on top?”
Cody bobbed his head as he hurriedly climbed the porch steps, grabbed a plate and plopped three biscuits in the center. Then he pulled each one apart, so he could coat all sides with the honey.
Jack grinned at the kid. “The hot chocolate may not taste as sweet after all that sugar.”
Cody looked up, his mouth stuffed with honey-covered biscuit. He chewed as best he could, with that much biscuit in his mouth. Then he pointed to his empty mug.
“Right. I’ll get the hot chocolate.” Jack figured the boy wouldn’t mind the cocoa tasting a little bitter, as long as he had the treat.
Refusing to look at Elise, he entered the cabin and crossed to the kitchen, then pressed the button that would reheat the liquid in the hot chocolate maker.
“Jack.”
He hadn’t heard her follow him into the house, but he turned to find that she stood merely a few feet away. She wore a pale pink sweater, dark jeans and hiking boots, and she had her hair pulled up in one of those high ponytails that drew even more attention to the striking features of her face. “You can get the whipped cream out of the refrigerator if you want to help.” The words came out sharp, but he couldn’t help it. She shouldn’t have looked into his past. “Might want to grab the marshmallows out of the pantry too, in case he’d rather have those.”
Placing his hand on the side of the hot chocolate maker, he could still feel it stirring and heating the fluid. He’d known it wouldn’t be ready yet, but he had wanted to put his attention on something other than the disarming female in his kitchen.
“Jack, I’m sorry.” Her whispered words were delivered very near his left ear.
He refused to turn toward her and instead watched for the machine to stop.
Second Chance Father Page 12