She was so conflicted. It seemed wrong to feel any sort of attraction or desire for a man grieving his late wife and child.
She had worked hard so far to keep a polite distance, but the truth was the damage had already been done.
* * *
LEON ACCEPTED THE cup of coffee from Trey. “Thanks, man. You don’t know how much I need this.” He wasn’t really a coffee drinker, but after a night with no sleep, he needed the caffeine.
“Actually, I do. I heard you moving around in your room. I knew you had trouble sleeping.”
“I suffer from a little insomnia,” Leon said. “Since Vee died. I thought changing the bedcovers and stuff would help, but it didn’t.”
“Maybe you need to say goodbye,” Trey suggested. “A real goodbye.”
Leon looked at his brother. “I know.”
“You can’t move forward until you stop being Vee’s husband. She’s gone and she’s not coming back.”
Leon didn’t respond.
“I made breakfast,” Trey announced. “Nothing special. Just scrambled eggs, bacon and toast.”
“That’s probably all you can cook,” Leon said with a chuckle.
“Neither one of us inherited Aunt Eleanor’s cooking skills.” Trey handed a plate to his brother.
“You’re right about that.”
They sat down to eat.
“Thanks for this,” Leon said. “I appreciate it.”
After they finished eating, Leon cleaned the kitchen before heading out to work.
Leon’s day at the firehouse started with an exchange of information from the previous day. When the meeting ended, he spent the latter half of the morning checking his fire apparatus and protective gear.
He helped his team clean up around the property before leaving to do fire hydrant maintenance.
The tasks complete, Leon returned to the station house. It was his turn to make dinner for the crew.
Leon made spaghetti for the evening meal while Charles prepared a large bowl of salad to go with the entrée.
An image of Misty formed in his mind as he stirred the pasta in the hot boiling water. There was a part of him that wanted to be with her and Talei. In fact, it took everything in him to not pick up the phone and call her.
The timer on the oven went off.
With a sigh, Leon tried to forget the woman who stayed on his mind night and day.
CHAPTER TEN
MISTY WAS LOOKING forward to spending the holiday with Eleanor and Leon. Otherwise, she and Talei would’ve spent it on the beach or at home. Her mother had gone to visit her sister in Florida, and her friend Brittany was vacationing with her fiancé.
“Happy Fourth of July,” Trey greeted when he opened the front door. “Leon’s out back with Aunt Eleanor.”
Bending down, he said, “This pretty girl must be Talei. Hey, cutie.”
“Oseeyo,” she said, grinning.
“My name is Trey. Leon is my brother.”
“Trey,” she repeated, then peeked around him. “Where Eon?”
“He’s back here.” Trey led Talei and Misty to the patio.
“Eon... Oseeyo.” Talei ran up to him. “Gawfather.”
Trey looked at Leon. “Did she just call you godfather?”
He nodded.
“Cool.”
Trey moved on to greet other guests.
Leon sat down beside Misty. “I know we told you to bring cake, but I heard about your shrimp and crab deviled eggs from Eleanor and hope you brought some.”
“I did,” she confirmed. Lowering her voice, she whispered, “And I bought an extra tray just for you.”
“And a cake?”
Smiling, she nodded. “Yes, I brought cake, too.”
Leon broke into a grin. “You know you just made my day, right?”
Misty laughed.
There was something in Leon’s manner that soothed her, making her feel safe and secure.
Misty wasn’t able to shut out any awareness of him, so she embraced it instead. He wasn’t like the other men she’d dated, and he had no hidden motives. She could call him friend and it was true by any definition of the word. Misty had never believed in the label “perfect gentleman,” but that’s exactly what Leon was—a perfect gentleman.
* * *
THE FOURTH OF JULY cookout was in full swing.
Misty heard a giggle near the rosebushes in the backyard. She crept through the grass to find Talei hiding near them.
“What are you doing, sweetie? Remember, don’t touch Miss Eleanor’s roses.”
“I hiding from Trey. He tickle monster. He wanna get me.”
She felt the presence of someone behind her and glanced over her shoulder.
“Where is the little princess?” Trey questioned. “When I find her, I’m gonna tickle her.”
Talei burst into giggles, leading him straight to her hiding place.
Trey swooped past Misty to pick up Talei.
“Who’s gonna save the princess now?” he asked.
“Eon,” Talei called out.
“I’m coming to the rescue, little one,” Leon responded.
Eleanor was standing beside Misty. “Both my boys are gwine make great daddies.”
Misty nodded. “I believe you’re right.”
Talei was a bubble of pure joy being the center of attention. When she wasn’t following behind Leon, she was with Trey. However, when other children began arriving, Talei abandoned them both. It didn’t last long. One of the boys found a worm, which sent her running back to Leon.
Misty and Eleanor shared a look of amusement.
“She’s definitely my daughter. I hate bugs and worms—all forms of insects.”
“I’d better go tell them kids to stop scaring her,” Eleanor said.
Misty coaxed Talei into playing with another little girl who was about the same age.
“I need to finish the pasta salad,” she told Leon. “Do you mind keeping an eye on her? I shouldn’t be gone long.”
“Take your time,” he responded. “She’ll be fine.”
Fifteen minutes later, the food was ready to be served.
Misty and Eleanor made plates for the children first.
She was one of the last people to eat. Misty sat down beside Leon, who seemed to be enjoying his burger.
“Thanks for fixing a plate for me,” she said.
He responded, “You were so busy looking out for everybody else. I didn’t want you to miss out.” Lowering his voice to a whisper, he added, “Aunt Eleanor’s friend Rusty is nice, but his relatives like to pack up food to take home.”
“Oh, I see.”
Misty loved the way Leon’s lips parted when he laughed that deep, throaty laugh. Being this close to him made her very aware that it had been a long time since a man had made her feel special. She was not a woman who needed a man in her life, but that didn’t mean she wanted to be alone either. She had always wanted to share her life with someone—a man who was family-oriented, had a strong work ethic, great sense of humor—a man who would love her and value her with his whole heart.
Misty just wasn’t sure a man like that existed.
After they finished eating, Trey hooked up a speaker to his iPhone to play an old-school music playlist.
She swayed to the music. Talei ran up to her and began dancing with her.
“That’s right, baby, I like your moves,” Misty told her daughter.
Trey swooped in, picking up Talei and swinging her around. “Dance with me, Princess.”
“Having fun?” Leon asked when she joined him by the chest containing the drinks. He handed a soda to her.
“I am,” Misty said. “I’m going to have to run ten miles to lose the extra pounds I gained from eating all this food. Everything was delicious. In
fact, I might have to have one more hamburger.”
“I’ve never seen you eat this much,” Leon said. “You normally eat like a bird.”
“Really? That’s what you think?”
“Maybe I shouldn’t have said it like that. All I’m saying is that I’ve never seen you finish a meal—you normally take half of it home.”
Misty smiled. “That’s intentional, Leon. A girl has to watch her figure.”
A group of people started a line dance.
She grabbed Leon by the hand and led him to join in.
“I’m not good with this,” he said.
“Just follow me,” Misty encouraged. She was having the time of her life.
At six thirty, everyone walked down to the park to watch the fireworks.
Misty noted the set of earphones in Leon’s hand. “Who are those for?”
“For Talei,” he responded. “Some children don’t like the noise. It scares them.”
She gave him a gentle nudge. “You’re so sweet and thoughtful.”
When it was time for the fireworks to begin, Leon found a great area for them to sit to watch the display.
The fiery sparks burst through the night like brilliant colors on a canvas of stars. The explosive sounds startled Talei, but she was fine once he placed the headphones over her ears.
Misty thought the soaring golden yellow, red, green and blue flares resembled flowers exploding in the air.
“Pretty...” Talei murmured, pointing upward. “Look, Mommy.”
Leon reached over and took Misty’s hand in his own.
Misty felt the electricity of his touch. It made her feel good, and she was glad to be with him.
* * *
IN SPITE OF the dreary weather, and Trey’s leaving to return to Camp Pendleton, Leon was in a great mood as he drove his brother to the airport. He had thoroughly enjoyed their time together.
Leon was sad to see Trey go but grateful for the time they’d had. This brief visit was exactly what he’d needed—to reconnect with his brother.
“I hope you’re finally gonna go after Misty,” Trey said. “You’re good together.”
He stole a glance at his brother. “You really think so?”
“Yeah,” Trey responded. “So does Aunt Eleanor and probably the whole town.”
Leon burst into laughter.
Trey pointed to the console. “I’ve been meaning to ask... You have this state-of-the-art satellite-navigation system in your truck. Have you ever used it? Do you even leave the island?”
“I’m not a hermit, Trey. I get out,” he said as they drove across the bridge to Charleston. “In fact, I plan on getting out a lot more.”
“I’m happy to hear this. Hopefully you’ll be taking Misty with you. It’s time for you to jump back into the dating pool. You deserve to have that family you always wanted.”
Leon grinned. “I hear you, little brother, and I’ll consider your advice.”
He pulled curbside to the airport. “Here we are...”
Trey nodded. “Back to California. Next time, you gotta come out to see me. You’d love Oceanside.”
“I’ll do that.”
Leon got out to embrace his brother. “Stay safe and thank you for your service.”
CHAPTER ELEVEN
“SO, I MET TREY,” Misty told Brittany when they got together for dinner and a movie. “He’s such a sweetheart.”
“Yeah...he is... I had fun with him when we dated. I hate I missed seeing him while he was in town.”
“Well, you were vacationing with your bae,” Misty said. “Did you have a good time?”
Brittany held up her left hand to display an engagement ring. “I had a wonderful time.”
Misty gasped. “Congratulations, Britt. Oh, my goodness! You’re getting married.”
“Girl, it’s about time,” Brittany uttered. “Rick and I have been together for five years. We’ve been talking about marriage forever. Even though I was already saying he was my fiance...it’s official now.”
“You spoke it into existence.”
“I sure did.”
Misty laughed. “I’m happy for you, Britt.”
The waitress arrived with their meals.
“How are things between you and Leon?” Brittany inquired while they ate.
Misty wiped her mouth on a napkin. “What do you mean? There’s nothing going on with us.”
Brittany picked up her wineglass. “Girl, pleeze...”
“You’re wrong about this. Leon is a nice guy but it’s obvious that he’s still grieving the loss of his wife.”
“I saw you two at the barbecue. Y’all are good together. I think you’re just what Leon needs to move on with living. You and Talei.”
“My daughter loves him, Britt. She lights up every time she sees Leon. He’s her godfather so I don’t want to mess things up between us. But...I can’t stop thinking about him.”
“Take it one day at a time,” Brittany advised. “And enjoy the journey.”
They finished dinner, paid the bill and walked across the street to the movie theater.
Two and a half hours later, they exited through the glass doors and headed to their cars.
“I was hesitant initially about taking Talei to meet my dad’s mother,” Misty announced, “but after seeing this movie, I’m going to do it.”
“Really? You talked to her?”
Misty nodded. “We’ve had a couple of conversations and they’ve been very positive. I’m looking forward to seeing her again. It’s been a long time.”
“What about your father?”
“I’ve made it clear that I’m not ready to see him. He’s moved on with his new family—that doesn’t have to change.”
The two women embraced.
“I’m really happy for you,” Brittany said before getting into her car.
Misty climbed into her vehicle and locked the door. She followed her friend out of the parking lot and then turned in the opposite direction. She had to pick up Talei from Eleanor’s house.
* * *
“GOOD MORNING, MISS ELEANOR,” Misty greeted. “Thanks again for watching Talei for me.”
“Great morning to you. It was my pleasure.” Eleanor slipped on an apron. “What are you working on?”
“Pastries and doughnuts,” Misty replied. “We had a pretty busy morning. The raspberry cream cheese muffins sold out quick.”
“Really? I think we should add them to the regular menu.”
Eleanor washed her hands, then began working across the table from Misty. “I need to make some more grits.” She placed a towel next to the burner as she talked. “How are you feeling now that things are settling down?”
“I hate that John’s gone...that he won’t get to see Talei grow up. Our marriage ended before it really began. His father had a lot to do with that.”
“That Elroy is a piece of work.”
“That he is,” Misty responded as she kneaded the dough. “When I put these in the oven, I’ll change the daily specials on the sign outside.”
“Okay. Josh just left to pick up some napkins and other stuff. I’m going to get everything ready for lunchtime.”
Misty grabbed the signs once the pastries were baking and headed outside.
Humming softly, Eleanor moved about the kitchen retrieving ingredients for items on the lunch menu. Next, she seized the broom and walked out of the shop.
“Hello, Eleanor,” someone greeted.
“Mamie, I haven’t seen you in a while.”
“I was in Philadelphia taking care of my mother. I’m so glad to be back here on the island. I’ve missed my morning ritual of your fresh-baked muffins.”
“This is Misty Brightwater,” Eleanor said. “She’s the new baker. Wait until you taste her baked goods.”
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They stood there with Mamie in deep conversation for the next twenty minutes.
“Eleanor, I think there’s a fire in your kitchen,” Mamie cried suddenly.
They rushed inside the shop to see timbers charring and blackening, a smoke haze coating the room and paint bubbling as the full blaze threatened to get out of hand quickly.
Misty tried but couldn’t get to the fire extinguisher through the billowing flames.
Eleanor called the fire department.
The cackle of the fire had Misty’s attention, but it was the woof and hissing sounds that concerned her. “We need to get out of here,” Misty said. “C’mon, Miss Eleanor.”
Outside a crowd was gathering.
Josh ran over to them. “I was worried when I didn’t see y’all. What happened?”
“I think I left my towel on the stove,” Eleanor said and shuddered.
Misty embraced her. “Here comes the fire truck.”
Eleanor’s eyes teared up and she started to cough from the thick smoke and ash.
Leon rushed to her side. “Auntie, are you okay?”
“I’m fine. We all got out. The s-shop...”
“I need to get in there.”
Eleanor wiped away her tears. “Be careful, Leon.”
“Don’t worry. They’re going to do what they can to save the shop,” Misty said. “Looks like most of the damage will be in the kitchen.”
Rusty walked up. “I heard about the fire and wanted to make sure everyone was safe.”
“We’re fine,” Eleanor said. “Devastated and heartbroken, but fine.”
* * *
LEON AND THE other firefighters worked furiously as the blaze moved quickly, leaving behind a trail of damage. They were able to contain it there, but the rest of the shop couldn’t escape the flood of water that was everywhere.
Eleanor placed a call to her insurance company. “I need to file a claim for fire and water damage.” She gave them the policy number.
“Mrs. Pittman, I’m afraid that policy lapsed a month ago for nonpayment.”
“That can’t be right,” Eleanor said indignantly. “I paid the premium and y’all gwine do your part. I’ma check my records and give you a call back with the proof.”
Harlequin Heartwarming June 2021 Box Set Page 56