Zane turned fully toward her. “No. He was drinking long before you were in our lives. He started when Mom left and hasn’t stopped. Personally, I think he’s afraid of what his life will be like without living in a stupor half the time.”
“I’m so sorry.” Her throat closed around the last syllable.
He took her face in his large hands, rubbing his thumbs over her cheeks. “I can’t thank you enough for bringing me here. Go home. I’ll be fine.”
She hesitated.
“Please. You’ve got to teach a classroom of students tomorrow bright and early.”
She nodded, still not trusting herself to say anything to him—not with her throat clogged with emotions she didn’t want to feel. She thought she had problems with her father, but Zane’s were much worse. She turned away and made it to her car, missing the feel of his palms against her cheeks.
* * *
An hour later, Zane paced a path from his couch to the kitchen and back. After having called Ian, all he could do now was wait for Ian to bring his dad home. But in what condition? That question plagued him as he made another trip to the kitchen. This time he went to the coffeepot and poured some of the strong brew into a mug. It was going to be a long night.
When he walked back into the living room, headlights spilled through the crack in the pulled drapes. He reached the front entrance as a car door slammed. Would Dad be sober or drunk? Tension twisted his gut.
He stepped outside and came to a halt when he saw Kim mount the steps to his porch. “You shouldn’t have come.”
“Is your dad home yet?”
“No.”
“Then I should be here. You need company until he comes home.”
“No, I—” The soft expression in her eyes whisked his denial away. “Come in. Shouldn’t you be home? You’ve got work tomorrow.”
“So do you, but I can afford to miss some sleep. I’ll make it up tomorrow night. I went home, grabbed something to eat and—” she lifted a sack “—brought you some since I figured you didn’t take the time to eat.”
“You figured right, but I don’t think I can eat.”
“If not, then you can put it in your refrigerator and have it later.”
He held the screen door open for her. “I have some coffee if you want some.”
She stepped into his entry hall. “That’s great. Extra strong?”
“Yup.”
“Just the way I like it.”
“Me, too.” Zane led the way to the kitchen.
While he poured her some coffee, Kim put the food she’d brought into the refrigerator. “There’s enough for you and your dad. When you’re ready, just zap it in the microwave and it’s good to go.”
Zane refilled his cup then waved her toward the living room. “Funny how some things go. I’ve been back for three years, and in the past three days, I’ve seen more of you than in those years.”
Seated on the couch, she cradled her mug between her hands and sipped. “I guess we got good at avoiding each other in Hope.”
“I’m glad we aren’t anymore. There were some misunderstandings that needed to be cleared up.” Zane sat across from Kim, not sure what was happening between them. He didn’t want to care about her.
“Besides the twenty thousand dollars you didn’t take from my dad, what else?”
“What happened when you talked with my father?”
“That wasn’t a misunderstanding. He made it clear how he felt about me. Still does.”
“If you feel that way, why are you here?”
“Because if you can forgive my father for what he did, then I can forgive yours. I don’t want to see anyone struggle with drinking and give into it again. I don’t want to be the reason he gave in to alcohol after being sober for months.”
“Is that what you’re thinking?”
She nodded, then lowered her head.
“Three months ago, right before the hurricane, I found Dad at that same bar, staring at a glass of whiskey. Six weeks before that Ian did because I was in New Orleans and he called Ian to come get him at another bar in town. Each time he hasn’t taken a drink—yet.”
“So he hadn’t had a drink tonight?”
“Not according to the bartender. Though after we left, he could have.”
“Because he was really upset about you working at my house.”
“Partially, but I think there’s more to it than that. Ever since the hurricane, my dad has needed to test himself. Right after the hurricane, he went days with little sleep trying to help people around here get back into their homes, find their possessions, clear their debris. I hadn’t seen my father like that in years—since before Mom left.”
“He had a purpose.”
“Yes, that’s it.”
“We all need a purpose.” She took a sip of her coffee then placed it on a coaster on the table next to the couch. “That may be what is happening with my father, too. He used to have a job. Somewhere to go and feel he was contributing. He’s only sixty. He has many good years still, but his illness has made him feel useless, especially since the hurricane.”
“So what do we do about it?”
“Find things they can do that will make them feel their self-worth. As a teacher, I know how important it is for a child to have good self-esteem. When a child doesn’t, it affects everything he does. That’s what is happening with my dad. I’ve been so busy with the mess created by the hurricane that I didn’t see what was going on with Dad.”
Zane rose, restlessness flowing through him. He began pacing again. “That’s why my father has been content these months since the hurricane until recently. Most people around here didn’t have as much damage as some parts of Hope. They are back in their homes. The mess has been cleared. Repairs made. A lot because of my father. Now he doesn’t have anything.”
“I think your dad liked how he felt when he was helping the neighbors.”
Stopping near Kim, Zane drew her to her feet. “Lately I was realizing my dad needed a job, something at least part-time, but I didn’t realize why. But everything you’ve said fits what’s happening with him. Thanks for helping me see that.”
“You’re welcome.”
“You’re a wise woman. No wonder the kids in your class love you.”
She blushed and tried to cover her reaction with her hands. “Okay, I’m thoroughly embarrassed now.”
“Why?”
She looked down. “I’ve never been comfortable with compliments.”
He placed his palms over her hands, gliding them away from her face. Then he tilted her chin up so she peered into his eyes. “That hasn’t changed. You weren’t when we dated. Just smile and thank me.”
She gave him a brilliant smile and said, “Thank you.”
Entwining his fingers through hers, he hauled her toward him until his mouth hovered over hers. “See, that wasn’t so hard.”
“I survived,” she said in a quavering rush.
“I’m glad.” He leaned down, their breaths tangling.
His heartbeat kicked up a notch, and his senses became alert to everything about Kim—her jasmine scent, the softness of her hands in his work-toughened ones, her petiteness next to him. He brushed his lips across hers and tasted the coffee on them. He released her hands and began to enfold her against him.
A sound coming from the direction of the entry hall halted his actions. He straightened and swung his attention toward the noise. As the front door opened, Kim stepped away. With her cheeks as red as before, she turned her back on his father and Ian entering the living room.
“I’ll take these into the kitchen.” Kim gathered up the mugs and hurried away.
His father frowned. “What is she doing here?”
Ian glanced from Zane to his dad. “I’m going to see if there’s any more of that coffee.”
When the police chief left, Zane faced his father. “Kim is here because she was concerned about you. What’s going on, Dad? How do I help you?”
The frown dissolved into a look of sorrow. “I don’t know. I—I’m confused.”
Zane closed the space between them. “About what?”
“I enjoyed working on the roof today. But the second I saw you and Kim together talking like fifteen years never happened, I got…” He dropped his gaze to the floor.
“Angry?”
“No, scared.”
“Scared about what?”
His father looked directly at him. “These past months we have started to form a—” he fluttered his hand in the air “—a bond. I wasn’t a good father to you when you were growing up. I thought finally I would get a second chance. If you two get together, where does that leave me? I don’t have anything really. I’ve made a mess of my life.”
A tightness gripped Zane’s throat. “You’re my dad. That will never change. You’ll always be in my life.”
“For twelve years you stayed away from Hope because of Kim. What if you two get together, have a fight and you leave again?”
“We’re not getting together. I’m helping someone in need. I’ve been doing that in Hope. Kim is just another person who needed help. My past is just that—my past. And Kim is part of that past.”
“But I’ve seen you with her. It’s like you never left.”
“No, we both are very aware that fifteen years have passed. We’re becoming friends. That’s all.” It couldn’t be anything besides that. Their relationship and what happened because of it affected so many people adversely. He wouldn’t risk that again. “Are you hungry? Maggie fixed some roast chicken tonight, and Kim brought us some.” He put his arm around his father and hugged him briefly.
When Zane and his dad went into the kitchen, Ian and Kim stood at the counter near the coffeepot talking. They stopped and rotated toward them.
“I was just telling Ian I needed to get home. Tomorrow is a school day. The kids will be raring to go after the long weekend.” Kim put her mug into the sink and smiled at his dad. “Mr. Davidson, I’m glad you’re all right. I appreciated your help today. Thanks.”
Kim strolled toward the door into the dining room. His father stepped into her path. Zane tensed.
“I’m sorry for my behavior earlier,” his father murmured, not quite meeting her eyes. “I shouldn’t have gotten mad.”
She reached out and clasped his arm, totally focused on his dad. “I understand. I hope you’ll help Zane tomorrow. The storm is moving in faster than they thought. We sure could use all the help we can get. The roof needs to be finished by tomorrow night.”
His dad moved out of the way. “We’ll see.”
“Good night, everyone.” Kim continued toward the front door.
“Kim, wait up. I’m right behind you,” Ian called out, took a last swallow of his coffee and set his mug in the sink. “Tom, call anytime day or night if you need to talk. I wish I could help tomorrow, but I’m on duty. I’ll let myself out.”
When the sound of the front door closing drifted to Zane, the silence of the house settled around him. He glanced at his dad. A thoughtful expression on his face made him pause. “Are you okay?”
“Actually, I am. I think I will help you tomorrow. It’s gonna take a lot of hard work to get that whole roof shingled in one day. You certainly can’t do it by yourself.”
“Nope, Dad. I could use you.”
“Great. I’m starved. Let’s see what Kim brought us for dinner.”
Zane spied the clock in the kitchen. Eleven. “A very late dinner.”
“Better late than never.” His dad’s laughter filled the kitchen.
It was a sound that Zane hadn’t thought he would hear this evening.
His dad went to the refrigerator to get the food. Tired but relieved, Zane scrubbed his hands down his face. He would eat with his father even if he wasn’t hungry. Something changed tonight between them—something that Kim started.
* * *
On Tuesday after school, Kim turned into the driveway of her house to find a crew of men working diligently at shingling the roof before the rain hit. She parked and climbed from her car, staring west at the darkening sky. The storm system had picked up even more speed and probably would dump rain on them within the hour. Anna and Brady were already cleaning up the debris the workers had scattered over the ground.
Kim went inside and quickly put her purse and book bag on the counter in the game room, then returned outside to see if there was anything she could do to help. Dressed in slacks, a shirt and comfortable flat shoes, she decided not to take the time to change clothes.
Kim backed up until she could see the top of the roof. Zane must have pulled six men from another project to do this. His father came to the side where the ladder was. Kim headed toward it as the older man put his foot on the top rung.
“Can I help? Do you need something?” Kim shouted up at Mr. Davidson.
He glanced down. “We’re running low on nails.”
“I’ll bring them up. Where are they?”
He gestured toward the back of Zane’s truck. Kim scurried to it and snatched up the box, then rushed back to the ladder. Climbing halfway up, she met Mr. Davidson and handed off the nails to him, and he proceeded up to the roof. Could she do anything up there to help? She started up the rungs and went another six. Then she made the mistake of looking down at the ground. A light-headedness took hold. She squeezed her eyes closed and clutched the ladder.
“Mom, what’s wrong?” Anna called from below.
“Nothing. I’ll be down in a sec.” But she didn’t open her eyes, and she didn’t move. She knew she didn’t like heights, but she was only maybe twenty feet off the ground. What was wrong with her? Still, she remained frozen, glued to the ladder.
“Mom!”
Anna’s shouts penetrated Kim’s mind. The ladder moved. She inched her eyes open and stared down. Seeing her daughter halfway up sent panic through her. “Don’t, Anna. Stay there.”
“But—”
“Get down. You could fall,” Kim yelled, a childhood memory swamping her with chills. She could remember climbing a ladder, a cousin shaking it and her tumbling down to the ground, followed by a visit to the emergency room. She’d suffered a broken ankle that still ached when it rained. It was aching right now.
When Anna reached the bottom, Kim inhaled a calming breath that only relieved her tension for a few seconds. She still needed to descend. She could do it. She had to. Otherwise, how would the men get down from the roof?
When a drop of rain fell on her head then another, she gripped the ladder tighter. She had to do something now. She looked up at the dark sky above her, clouds rolling across. Wind whipped her hair about her face. Some more raindrops splattered her.
Zane appeared at the top, peering down at her. “Do you need help?”
“No, no. I can get down. Are y’all finished?”
“Not quite. When it starts raining, I’ll have most of my men come down. But I should be able to finish up pretty fast.”
Wind, rain and an uncovered roof were not a good combination. “Everyone should come down. Including you.”
“Don’t worry about me. You climb down now. I’m not leaving here until I see you doing that.”
Looking at the worry in his expression fortified her. She was not going to fall, especially if she could move before the rungs got too wet. “I’m going.”
Her gaze fastened onto her right hand, she willed her fingers to loosen its grip one finger at a time. When her hand was free, she clenched the rung at her chest leve
l. Then she did the same with her left hand. After slipping one foot off, she fumbled for the slat below her, not wanting to peer down. When she found it, she slid her shoe firmly into place and moved the other foot. One rung then another, she slowly made her way to the ground, feeling Zane’s continual perusal. Strangely it gave her comfort instead of making her nervous.
When she planted both feet on the ground, she hugged the ladder for a moment as the rain increased to a light drizzle. Her hair still dancing about her head, she finally stepped away and stared up at Zane.
He gave her a nod and disappeared, but shortly his men began to descend the ladder, hauling tools down.
“Anna. Brady. Get inside.” Kim didn’t move although her clothes were becoming drenched.
A rumble of thunder sounded in the distance, but she didn’t see a flash of lightning. The force of the wind increased. She bridged the distance between her and the ladder and held it steady as the first man was only a few feet above the ground.
“Mom, how about you?” Anna asked as she walked toward the back steps up to the second-story gallery.
“I’ll be there in a little bit.” She stepped behind the ladder to clutch both sides of it.
Finally the last worker descended, leaving Zane and his dad up on the roof. The rain came down steadily at a forty-degree angle, but she wouldn’t go inside—not until Zane and his dad were safely on the ground.
Chapter Seven
“Son, we need to leave,” Zane’s father said over the noise of the rain hitting the roof.
“Only this one section and it will be done. Go on down. I won’t be long.” Zane lined up the shingle, and using the nail gun, he fastened it to the roof.
“I’m not leaving, either, then.” His dad got the next shingle for Zane to nail to the roof. “It’s getting slippery up here.”
Still they worked. Ten minutes later as the rain slashed at them, Zane finished and quickly gathered his nail gun. “Go, Dad. It’s really picking up.”
His father carefully scaled his way toward the ladder. When he approached it and picked up his foot to swing down onto the first rung, his other one slipped out from under him. He fell onto the newly installed shingles and kept sliding toward the edge. He fought to get a grip, the supplies in his hand tumbling toward the ground.
A Love Rekindled Page 8