Stand-In Father (Intimate Moments)

by Warren, Pat

  Megan gritted her teeth. “I can manage.” And he thought she was stubborn.

  “Okay, but I’ll be right outside.”

  “You needn’t wait,” she told him through the closed door. “I’m fine now.” She listened for his footsteps leaving, but she couldn’t tell if he had. Carefully, she stood and unwrapped herself, then slowly got dressed, wondering just what Alex had been thinking while he’d picked out her clothes.

  Gripping the sink, she stood up and wiped the steam from the medicine-cabinet mirror, then brushed her teeth. Only a bit unsteady now, at least she felt almost human again. Cautiously, she opened the door a crack and didn’t see him. Maybe he’d listened to her for a change and left. Drawing in a grateful breath, she held on to the door and then the wall as she made her way to the bed.

  “Better now?” his deep voice asked from across the room.

  Startled, Megan quickly sat down in the rocker, grimacing as a pain shot up her right leg.

  “Are you all right?” Alex was all concern.

  Ignoring the ache, she tried a smile. “Yes. It appears you’ve rescued me again. Thank you.”

  He walked over and sat on the edge of the bed. “You should have waited.”

  “I know, but I felt so clammy.” She had been frightened there for a minute in the shower when her vision had started blurring, but she felt a lot better now. “I haven’t been confined to my room like this since I was a teenager with a bad case of flu. I’d forgotten how helpless it makes you feel.”

  Alex seized the opening to talk about her background. “I’ll bet you were a beautiful teenager.”

  Threading her fingers through her hair to dry it, she made a face. “Beautiful? No, quite ordinary-looking, actually, compared to my sisters. Karen’s got gorgeous blond hair and she’s tall and sooo thin.”

  Alex had caught a long glimpse of Megan’s shape last night beneath the thin material of the gown she’d had on. Curves in all the right places, enough to make his palms sweat. “What’s so great about thin? I like a woman to have a few hills and valleys.”

  Megan ignored that, knowing a man wouldn’t understand. “But my youngest sister, Jeannie, is the real beauty in the family. She should be a model. Even when we were young, my dad used to say that Karen and Jeannie got the looks and I got the brains.”

  What a warm and loving thing for a father to tell his daughter, Alex thought. Megan had to be better off with that jerk out of her life. Surely she hadn’t believed that crap?

  Alex leaned forward, intent on making her see herself the way he saw her. “Your dad was mistaken. I haven’t seen your sisters, but they’d have to be dynamite to top you. You’ve got the kind of hair that makes a man’s hands itch to reach out and touch it. Your skin is so soft, absolutely incredible. And your eyes, the bluest eyes I’ve ever seen, like the ocean on a perfect summer day. As for your body, from what I’ve seen, you could make strong men beg if you wanted to. Instead, you wear clothes several sizes larger than necessary, pull your fantastic hair back with a rubber band and probably haven’t worn anything other than lipstick since your high school prom.”

  Stunned, Megan answered with the first thing that came into her befuddled mind. “I didn’t go to my high school prom. That’s when I had the flu.” And Neal had taken someone else because he’d already bought the tickets and rented his tux.

  Alex wasn’t so easily sidetracked. “Why do you downplay your looks, Megan?” He’d been wondering that ever since he’d first seen her.

  “I don’t, really. I’m not a great beauty, despite what you’ve just said, so I don’t see much point in pretending. I know what I am. I’m a small-town innkeeper, a mother, a Cub Scout leader, a daughter, a—”

  “A woman,” Alex interrupted softly. “First and foremost, you’re a woman. Have you forgotten?”

  Blinking rapidly, Megan bit down on her lower lip. Yes, she had, and she fervently wished he hadn’t come along to reawaken all those useless urges. “That’s irrelevant. I—”

  “No. It’s all that is relevant.” It was getting late in the day and Alex had an important errand in mind. He rose and picked up his jacket where he’d tossed it onto a stool, needing something to do with his hands that wanted nothing more than to reach out and pull her into his arms, to show her without words what he meant. “You’re a very lovely woman, Megan. Don’t ever forget that.”

  For the second time in the same day, Megan watched him walk away, left with his cryptic comments to consider.

  Obviously surprised to see Alex again so soon, Lawrence Williams nonetheless was pleased. As chief loan officer for First National, it would be a real feather in his cap to be instrumental in funding a development project for Shephard Construction. Since Alex’s first visit, Williams had had the San Diego firm checked out thoroughly and found their rating to be A-1. Hopefully, this alliance would be the first of many.

  Smiling, Williams waved Alex to a chair across from his desk as he sat down. “I assume your feasibility study came back favorable and you’re ready to proceed.”

  Sitting back, Alex crossed his legs. “Actually, the report’s not back yet. I’m here about another matter.”

  “Of course. How may I help you?” Running through the possibilities mentally, Williams hoped that Shephard Construction wanted to switch their business account to his bank.

  Alex had thought long and hard about this situation and had made up his mind after his last conversation with Grace. When he’d asked her if Megan was in financial difficulties, Grace had been vague and suddenly testy, unwilling to meet his eyes. Her body language and defensive comments had led him to believe he’d guessed right.

  That’s when his conscience had kicked in. Because of him, Megan’s husband was gone, cutting the family income at least in half. Whatever Megan had done with the insurance money, it had undoubtedly gone to pay bills. And she still owed more. Because of him.

  If she found out what he was about to do, she’d undoubtedly be angry. Alex intended to see to it that she never found out. She might wonder about the identity of her benefactor, but she wouldn’t know for sure. And his conscience would be assuaged, at least a little.

  Alex cleared his throat. “Last week, you alluded to the fact that the mortgage payments on the Delaney property might be in arrears. As a family friend, I’m interested in helping Megan Delaney during this rough time. To accomplish that, I need to know the outstanding amount so that I can bring her account up to date.”

  Williams raised one shaggy brow. “How very kind of you.” It was none of his business who paid, as long as someone did. “I’ll be right back.” He left the room.

  Alex removed his checkbook from his inside jacket pocket and set it on the banker’s desk. Money had never been a problem for him, but lately, staying at Delaney’s, he’d seen firsthand as he never quite had before how difficult not having enough could be. Megan was obviously struggling, working long hours, trying her best. He had to do something to ease her burdens.

  Aside from his generous salary and yearly bonuses from Shephard Construction, Alex had inherited a sizable amount when his mother had died, which his father had invested for him until he’d come of age and taken over his own portfolio. Despite large expenditures for his luxury condo, his sailboat, his car, Alex had plenty of money and need never work another day, if that was what he wanted.

  But he enjoyed his work, the challenges, watching homes or commercial buildings go up, seeing something solid where before there’d been only vacant land. One day, he’d take over from his father as sole heir.

  No, money wasn’t a problem. But being generous with it might be, if Megan got wind of his plans. If she wouldn’t easily accept help to repair a doorknob, he could only imagine how she’d feel about receiving this sort of assistance. Hopefully, he could keep his name out of the transaction. Aside from the mortgages, Alex had decided he’d have to set up something for Ryan’s education. Since he’d robbed the boy of his father, the least he could do would be to fund his
schooling.

  Maybe then he could put the matter to rest.

  Carrying a manila folder, Williams walked back in and closed the door before handing a piece of paper to Alex, then wordlessly resuming his seat.

  Alex studied the figure. “This is the equivalent of what, two or three missed payments on the first mortgage?”

  “Three, yes.”

  “What about the second mortgage?”

  “That’s up-to-date.” He referred to his notes in the file. “The payments are much smaller, only $310 a month on the second.”

  “And what is the balance on the second mortgage?” If she had that amount extra each month, perhaps she could hire a handyman.

  Williams found the figure in his folder and told Alex, then sat back, waiting.

  Alex did some quick calculating on the slip of paper, then opened his checkbook. In short order, he finished writing the check, but before handing it over, he looked at the middle-aged banker, hoping he could trust him. “This will bring the first mortgage up to date and satisfy the second. There is only one stipulation I ask of you. This whole transaction must be completely confidential.”

  Williams sat forward, folding his hands over the Delaney file. “And what are we to say to Mrs. Delaney when she asks who paid off the entire second mortgage and brought her first one up-to-date?”

  “That’s up to you. I’m sure you can come up with something, just as I’m equally sure this isn’t the first time someone not on the original note has made payments. Parents often do it to help out their children. Some employers have been known to assist a valuable employee who’s in a bind.” Alex handed over the check, pocketed his checkbook and rose. “Whatever you tell Mrs. Delaney, my name must not be mentioned, nor do I want it to appear on any of the paperwork. Agreed?”

  “Yes, certainly. Would you like a receipt?”

  “My canceled check will do.” He reached out to shake the banker’s hand. “I’ll call you when that other report’s in.” Leaving the First National Bank building, Alex felt as if a portion of the guilty burden he’d been carrying around ever since he’d learned of his father’s clandestine maneuverings regarding his transplant had lightened.

  As to Ryan, the boy was only eight. There was plenty of time to set up an educational endowment for him. He’d take care of that when he got back to San Diego.

  San Diego, Alex thought, walking back to his car. Home. He’d been gone over a week and his father had made grumbling noises when he’d called the office this morning. When are you coming back? Why are you staying there so long? He had no answers that would satisfy Ron Shephard or even himself.

  Because the real reason he’d come to Twin Oaks—to make sure Neal Delaney’s widow and child were at least financially in good shape—hadn’t quite been satisfied yet. Did she owe even more? And, if so, to whom? How solid was the inn, the roof, the furnace? How could he walk away right now with Megan laid up and even more vulnerable? If nothing else, he had to see her through this injury. Grace couldn’t run the place all alone, take care of Megan and watch Ryan, as well.

  Besides, Ryan had a game tomorrow night. He’d promised to take him.

  As he reached his Porsche where he’d parked it on the street, Alex happened to glance into the window of a shop he’d visited once before. Several model cars were displayed, including a sharp Austin Healy convertible. He stood staring at the box for several seconds, then made up his mind and went inside.

  Ryan would love it.

  The three of them were having a serious discussion at the dinner table in the kitchen. Ryan had the floor. “I don’t know why I can’t have a kitten. I’d take care of it and make sure it didn’t bother anybody. Kids should have pets, don’t you think?” he asked, sending a plea in Alex’s direction.

  Alex gathered from the long-suffering look on Grace’s face that this was an old argument. “Whenever possible, sure. I always wanted a dog, but I couldn’t have one, either.”

  “You grew up in a house that had guests all the time, too?” Ryan wanted to know.

  “No, but remember I told you I had asthma? And also, my mother was allergic to animals. Being around them made it hard for her to breathe.” Then after his mother died and Maddy came to live with them, she had only one irreversible rule: She wouldn’t take care of any house pets, even if Alex could have tolerated one by then. Alex remembered how crushed he and Patrick had been. “I know it’s hard, Ryan, but maybe one day, things will change.”

  The boy set down his chicken leg, looking woebegone. “Yeah, that’s what Mom says. But I want one now. Bobby’s family has two pets. A dog and a cat.”

  “Yes, but does Bobby’s mom bake fresh cookies every day?” Grace wanted to know as she cleared away his plate, then set the cookie jar on the table.

  “I guess not,” Ryan conceded, taking a chocolaty bite.

  “And,” Alex joined in, “does Bobby get a present even when it’s not his birthday just because he’s a terrific kid?” He reached for the paper bag he’d set under his chair earlier and placed it in front of Ryan. Some would say he was spoiling the boy. But not Alex. The kid had no father, a mother temporarily out of commission and he lived with a houseful of strangers. He deserved a treat now and then.

  “Wow, for me?” The kittens and dogs forgotten, Ryan scrambled up on his knees.

  “Well, I don’t think it’s for me,” Grace said, sitting back down after clearing. Instead of watching Ryan, she kept her eyes on Alex as the child ripped open the package. The man was as excited as the boy, she decided.

  “Hey, look! A convertible almost like yours, Alex.”

  “Not quite. It’s a ’65 Austin Healy. Think you can put it together?”

  “You bet.” He jumped down from the chair and leaned into Alex, giving him a spontaneous hug.

  The small body smelling of chocolate nestled against him evoked a response in Alex he hadn’t been expecting. Mitch’s kids had been taught to shake hands, not embrace. The open, unrehearsed sincerity of the boy jolted him. He was thoroughly unprepared to like much less honestly enjoy the hug. Yet there it was.

  Not realizing something momentous had happened, Ryan chewed his cookie while he studied the model car’s box. “Maybe we could start it tonight.”

  Grace glanced up at the kitchen clock. “Not tonight. It’s time for your shower. Oh, wait. What about your homework?” She’d been so busy with the baking that she’d wanted to finish early plus making dinner that she’d forgotten his schoolwork.

  “It’s all done. Alex helped me.” He started for the stairs. “Can I show Mom my car?”

  “Sure.” Grace had taken Megan’s dinner tray up earlier and found her reading a novel after having finished the entire basket of mending. Her unexpected injury had a couple of benefits, Grace decided. Megan was getting rested and the mending was finished. Another was that she had an opportunity to probe a little into the mystery that was Alex Shephard.

  “Okay.” Footsteps pounding, he trudged up.

  Grace seized her chance. “You’re good with the boy, Alex, but you’re spoiling him something terrible.” She had to tell it like she saw it. “How are we going to handle him after you leave?”

  After you leave. Funny, Alex didn’t want to think about that just now. The land deal wasn’t firmed up yet and he still had things to resolve about the Delaneys. Perhaps Grace could supply a few answers.

  “Kids should be spoiled. They’re not kids very long. Besides, I’m going to be around for a while yet.” He carried glasses to the dishwasher and began loading them, wondering how best to get some information from Megan’s closest friend. Finally, he decided just to come out with it. “Grace,” he began, turning to her, “I’m curious about something. Didn’t Neal Delaney carry any life insurance?” He already knew the answer to that one, but he wanted to hear what she had to say. No one was closer to Megan than Grace.

  Shoving a hairpin into her thick hair, Grace snorted. “Oh, yeah, he sure did. Over a quarter of a million bucks.”
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  So far, so good. “If that’s so, where’d the money go? I mean with that much in hand, why would Megan be in financial difficulties not even a year later?”

  “Good question.” Grace ran hot water into the frying pan, her movements choppy, angry. “If only Neal were here, we could ask him.”

  Alex wrinkled his brow. “What do you mean?”

  Wiping her hands on a dish towel, she swung about. Bitterness oozed from every word. “I mean the creep had borrowed on every policy to the max, even the one his parents had bought and paid for when he was just a child. There was only enough money to pay off the loan shark.”

  Alex’s face registered shocked surprise. “Loan shark?”

  “You heard right. A slimeball from L.A. that Neal borrowed from to finance his high living. Scared Megan half to death when she found out. She was terrified that the man would somehow harm Ryan. Oh, you don’t want to get me going on all the things that that man did. The list is longer than a dead snake.”

  Perhaps Megan wouldn’t like Alex knowing such personal stuff, Grace thought, but why not? If it was up to Grace, she’d take out a billboard and let the world know what a heel Neal Delaney had been. Megan wanted to shield Ryan, so the boy wouldn’t know the truth about his father. Grace didn’t agree. The truth had an uncanny way of getting out, and Ryan had already asked some sticky questions. It was a shame to shatter the illusions of childhood, but wasn’t it worse to fill his head full of lies?

  So that was it, Alex thought. He’d begun to suspect that Neal had been the spendthrift, but he hadn’t been certain. Still, could he have spent that much? “A quarter of a million is a lot of money.”

  “Well, the amount of the cash value of the policies wasn’t as much as Megan would have received if Neal hadn’t borrowed against them before he died, naturally. He got maybe half the total face value. Still a good chunk, probably a hundred twenty or thirty thousand. What did he do with all that money? Spent it on crazy things he had no business buying. A fancy boat, a spiffy sports car. Ran with a fast crowd—gamblers, drinkers, hangers-on. Everyone loves a guy who always picks up the check. And all the while, Megan’s here trying to make ends meet and trying to keep Ryan from knowing what his father was really like.”