Mike’s point hit home. Aidan could be a part of all of this, and yet, he couldn’t. But how could he tear Danny away from Natalie and the home she’d created for him over the past three months, even if he had the best of intentions? If he took Danny with him, ripples of his actions would impact more than his nephew.
Aidan took another look at Natalie, her beauty a true breath of summer. Taking Danny away would hurt her. And it would also hurt the Harrison family, who all seemed to genuinely care for Danny.
Shaking his head, he wandered inside and drank a glass of water. In the kitchen corner, he spotted Danny’s bright blue backpack with sharks. Where did that come from? Danny hadn’t brought anything with him. Aidan grabbed it and headed outside to the front porch. The cool mountain air was fresh and it was relatively quiet. Being alone felt good, and he pulled Danny’s backpack onto his lap.
Less than a minute later, Natalie, as lovely as a sunflower, came around the corner of the Harrison house.
Suddenly, being with Natalie, while not being alone, didn’t feel so bad. Nearly perfect, in fact. “I wanted to find you and make sure you’re okay. I saw Mike talking to you, and you turned ashen. I’ll let you in on a little secret. Mike’s really a teddy bear when you get to know him. That’s our secret, since it wouldn’t do for the town to know that about our sheriff.”
Aidan gripped the straps of Danny’s backpack. “More of a grizzly bear, really.”
“Danny’s playing with the twins, and Lucie won’t let them out of her sight. All of this must be pretty overwhelming, huh? Wait until the dancing starts in a little while.” She joined him on the swing.
“There are worse things.” His future stretched out before him, and he liked it. More family barbecues like this. Time with Danny. Maybe even a date with the attractive redhead. Dancing sounded really good.
Plans could change. It might be time to write some of his plans in pencil instead of indelible ink. Take himself for example. He thought he’d serve his full twenty years and retire, yet he was considering the position in DC.
Then he reached for the metal chain attached to the porch swing and spotted his scar. For years, he’d followed his orders, knew what was expected of him. He also knew his responsibilities and that meant looking after Danny day in and day out. He preferred that more regimented approach while Natalie loved going with the flow. In fact, she deserved someone who was spontaneous like she was and fit in with her family. While opposites, especially his father and Cathy, did attract, wouldn’t Natalie be happier with someone who looked at things the same way she did?
“Is this barbecue on your list of worse things ever? Or is it something positive?”
“Danny’s having fun.”
“I didn’t ask about Danny. I asked about you.”
He fingered each link, the metal warm to the touch. “I’ve had some interesting conversations. The day’s been rather unusual.”
“It’s okay to like something. In Hollydale, it’s encouraged.”
“I’m fond of Danny.” And you.
She started swinging, and they fell into a comfortable rhythm. She turned toward him, and her leg brushed his. “He’s blossoming so much. After Shelby’s death, he closed up, and today when he won…”
“Why’d you lose the horseshoes match on purpose?” The question had been bothering him since she didn’t sink two of her throws, one not even coming close to the target. It was the only time since he’d known her that she hadn’t given something her all.
She laughed and massaged her arm. “If you’d been on target and hooked sinkers every time before the finals, your arm would be sore and you wouldn’t see the need to ask that question.”
He scooted away from the strawberry scent of her hair and repeated himself. This time, he sent her another glare his drill sergeant would be proud to replicate.
Same as last time, however, a peek of a smile lifted the corners of her lips. “You have to try harder than that to intimidate me.”
“You threw the game.”
“Nice pun. I’ll have to remember that one.” She glanced around as if making sure no one overheard her. “If I did, and I’m not admitting anything, Danny needed it more than me. He’ll remember winning with his uncle. That’s an important memory for him to have.”
Speechless, he leaned back and let the rhythmic motion lull him into relaxing a bit. She picked up Danny’s bag and bumped her free hand against her head. “My mom came over to borrow my corkscrew and other things for the party. I’d packed a snack for Danny thinking he’d be over there yesterday afternoon. I’d best throw it away. Excuse me.”
She reached in and gasped.
“Food can’t go bad that quickly.”
He leaned over for a closer look, while she placed the backpack next to the glider and pulled out the lunchbox. Tangled in the zipper was Natalie’s necklace. Her fingers shook, and she extended the lunchbox to him. “I’d love some help.”
Without another word, he carefully freed the gold chain and pendant from its zippered snare. She turned around and upswept her red locks. “My hands are still shaking. Will you clasp it for me?”
Now he had to work hard to keep his hands from shaking as he hooked the necklace in place.
She faced him, her eyes shining in appreciation. “Thanks.”
For what? He hadn’t done anything someone else wouldn’t have done. He grunted his reply and scooted back to his place. From where he sat, envy spread over him like sticky tar. Her town held her in the palm of its hand. Natalie’s brother had gone out of his way to show his protective nature toward her. His nephew loved the woman he called his aunt.
No wonder, with her vivacity and her love of life blooming like a cactus rose.
“You have the funniest expression.” She reached over and patted his hand, her imprint searing hot. “You didn’t eat Mrs. Norman’s fruit salad, did you?”
At last, Natalie had hit upon something wrong with the town.
Then again, the real reason behind his discomfort had nothing to do with Hollydale and everything to do with that necklace around her neck. Her feelings for Francisco still ran deep. What would it be like to know she cared that deeply for him?
“I’m good.” He tried to rise but found himself rooted to the glider, wanting to soak up a few more minutes of her rays before he moved on.
“Hold on. You have something on your cheek.”
Sitting here, he soaked in the apple pie moment. He wanted to remember everything, from the crickets chirping to the breeze cooling off the night air. She tapped her left cheek near her mouth and scooted closer. “Looks like banana pudding landed in that dimple of yours. My brother beat me to the last of it.”
He wiped his cheek and turned so his lower back touched the frame of the glider. “Wouldn’t do for a soldier to walk around with banana pudding on his face.”
She laughed and pointed again. “Still have a little left.”
Her gaze met his, and the laughter faded away from her crystal-blue eyes. Time stood still, and everything happy seemed inches away, his for the asking. In the golden glow of the early evening, she radiated warmth and beauty and kindness. The bronze streaks in her hair were unforgettable, her pink lips too kissable. They moved nearer, and his heart raced until he glimpsed the gold chain and symbol hanging around her neck. As much as Natalie lived in the moment, her heart was stuck in the past.
He shifted away and rubbed his cheek with the back of his hand. “There. I’m sure it’s all gone.”
He jumped up, and the magic of the evening faded.
She rose, and hurt flashed in her eyes. “I’m happy you were able to enjoy it while it lasted.”
She walked away, the slight swish of her hips most beguiling. As much as he longed to run to her and throw caution to the wind and kiss her, he stayed where he was. She stopped at the bottom of the steps and glanced back a
s if she was about to say something.
Hesitation warred on her face, and Aidan moved to the top of the stairs. “Yes?”
“I forgot to tell you I rescheduled Danny’s therapy for Wednesday morning since we’re meeting with the attorney Penelope Romano on Tuesday.”
Another reason to keep things cool between them. Danny’s world was shaky enough without him getting involved with Natalie. Good thing his meeting with Mike and the city manager, Woodley, was scheduled for Wednesday afternoon. “I’ll be at both.”
Laughter came closer, and Mike and his wife and daughter emerged from around the corner.
Mike waved. “We’ll be at the park next Saturday, and we’re making brisket in the smoker on Friday.”
Rachel bounced up and down. “Daddy said I’m not to let our dog, Beau, near the meat. Beau’s marching in the parade! I can’t wait.”
“If he doesn’t stop and sniff and steal every hot dog along the way.” Georgie laughed and reached for Mike’s hand. The simple display of affection hit Aidan hard.
When was the last time he was involved with anyone to the extent mere hand-holding lit up the other person’s face, like Mike reacted to Georgie?
When was the last time he was involved period?
The family walked away, and Natalie returned her attention to Aidan. “If Rachel still has that much energy, I’d better rescue Lucie and take Danny home.”
“How about we meet tomorrow at The Busy Bean?” Aidan remained at the top of the stairs. He didn’t trust himself if he were near her. “I’d like some strong coffee before I tackle Shelby’s. Ginny’s brew is great, but Deb’s is more potent. Then I could take Danny to that grocery store I saw downtown. Pick out some snacks and food for him to have at Shelby’s for his visits.”
“I hadn’t thought about that.” Natalie ran her hand down the white bannister. “Wait a second. That won’t work. Caleb is taking Danny and the twins to the Timber River Park Center tomorrow for a morning of camp activities.”
“Then Danny and I will go to the store in the afternoon. Do you want to meet me at The Busy Bean in the morning, then?”
“Without Danny?”
“Yes. How does nine sound?”
“Ten would work better since I drop Danny off at nine.”
“Ten it is.”
Country music started playing over speakers in the backyard.
She tapped her foot. “Want to dance?”
She was a bright ray of summer sunshine, while he’d seen the darker side of life.
He didn’t want to cast a shadow over that ray. “I haven’t danced in years.”
“If you can play basketball that well after not playing for a while, you’ll remember how to dance.”
She held out one arm, and the porch light activated, shining a spotlight on her necklace. Her reaction to finding that necklace gave him pause. He wasn’t sure there was room for someone else in her heart.
“Danny’s probably ready for bed. I don’t want him to think we deserted him.” Those excuses sounded weak even to his ears.
The way she arched her eyebrows showed she wasn’t buying them either. “One dance isn’t a lifetime commitment, Aidan. Good night.”
CHAPTER TWELVE
NATALIE PARKED THE car in the farthest spot from The Busy Bean, preferring to leave the closer spaces for those who needed them. She’d just dropped Danny off at Lucie and Caleb’s house, and now she was exactly on time, which was nearly a miracle for her during the summer. Her phone pealed the ringtone for Becks, and she debated answering.
Then again, this might be important.
“What’s up, Becks?” She used her best upbeat voice.
“Everything, and nothing.” Becks hesitated, not sounding like her usual confident self. “Forget I called. Rough night with Pippa, that’s all.”
“Make sure Jack gets involved.” Natalie frowned, as she had never trusted her brother-in-law more than she could throw him. One of the few people she could say that about. After one conversation when Becks and Jack were engaged and Natalie had said something critical about him, Becks raised a haughty brow in her direction. From then on, Natalie focused on maintaining their relationship rather than signaling any disdain for Becks’s choice.
Sniffles came over the line, and Natalie was sure this was about more than staying up with Pippa. “Fireball?” She whispered her special name for her twin, one only she was allowed to use. “What’s wrong?”
A long pause came over the line, and Natalie shifted her weight, unsure of whether to break the silence. “Most likely postpartum depression. I miss our talks.”
Her intuition kicked up a notch at Becks’s winsome voice, which sounded nothing like her. “You’re making me nervous enough to drive to Asheville and book the first available flight to California.”
“You have enough going on.” Crisp authority came back. For a second, Becks almost sounded like Becks. “Tell me about the barbecue yesterday.”
The sudden switch in topic sent another wave of suspicion through Natalie. She’d play along, though. Maybe her proud sister would get to the point if Natalie prattled on for a few minutes about Aidan, Danny and the festivities. Usually a little bit of chitchat was all Becks could handle before spilling what was upsetting her.
“Why’d you throw the game?” Becks asked.
“I didn’t. Aidan and Danny won outright. My arm was sore.” Only Aidan and Becks had guessed. Asking for ice before the final start was a good enough ploy to throw everyone else off track.
“Why does your voice lighten up whenever you say Aidan’s name?”
Practical, proud and perceptive. That was her sister. “Does not.”
“Does so. It quivers and comes out breathless. Is there something going on between the two of you?”
Natalie reached up to tap her necklace before she remembered she’d placed it in the jewelry box her grandmother had bequeathed her, along with her amethyst ring. Mike had received Grandpa Ted’s vintage Thunderbird, Natalie had received the jewelry box and Becks had inherited their grandma’s silver tea service, which resided at their mom’s house as Becks claimed she had no room for it in California.
Part of her wanted to yell direct questions at Becks, but her twin would only reveal what was bothering her on her own time. “Believe it or not, he’s immune to my charms. We sat on a glider on Mom and Dad’s porch, and he didn’t kiss me.” Or dance with me either.
That was her cue to concentrate on what was important. Finishing the float, keeping Danny here and making him laugh. Not necessarily in that order. So, Aidan was immune to her? Big deal.
Except it was, for she was starting to care for him. No one else looked that appreciative when he was included in family activities, like the basketball outing or yesterday’s barbecue. For the most part, those who grew up in Hollydale and stayed here knew each other so well as to practically take them for granted. People knew Lucie cared for stray animals and would often leave them on her doorstep. Georgie restored machines and helped seniors around town with anything with a motor. Aidan fit right in, helping with the parade details and the float. Of course, Aidan had no intentions of staying, his military career and future position in Washington, DC, precluding any future in North Carolina.
More reasons to keep her distance.
“Be careful, Daffodil.” That was Becks’s pet name for her. “I don’t want Aidan leaving with Danny and your heart.”
“What did you say?” Hurt tightened her throat. “You think Aidan should take Danny with him. Aren’t you on my side? Shelby named me as guardian.”
Another minute of silence, and it was all Natalie could do to compose herself.
“Pippa’s taught me there are no sides when it comes to children, but Aidan is his uncle. That should count for something. You know better than most about bonds between family members. How many times have
you brought up our twin bond?”
Too many, and far more often than Becks.
“That twin bond is telling me something is wrong with you and Jack.”
“And it doesn’t take a twin bond for me to know you’re avoiding any serious discussion about Aidan.”
Faint wails came over the line.
“Pippa’s awake and due at day care soon.”
The line clicked off, and Natalie inhaled. The older twin by twenty minutes, Becks had often tried to shelter Natalie. Had Aidan distanced himself from Shelby in the past few years to keep her from experiencing some of the effects he’d endured on his tours?
She shook off the question and grabbed her purse, already late for a date that wasn’t a date.
* * *
AIDAN GLANCED OUT the window again, wondering why Natalie was still in her car rather than coming into The Busy Bean. She’d sat there for a good ten minutes. Not that he was spying on her or anything like that.
When she emerged from her SUV, he scanned the perimeter around her. Uh-oh. Hyacinth fastened her bicycle to the rack on Timber Road and reached into her basket. She followed inside on Natalie’s heels, while he folded the Hollydale Herald and placed it next to his breakfast, a vegetable frittata.
Natalie entered, pointed to the front counter and made a beeline for it. Before he could stop Natalie from ordering, Hyacinth headed straight for him.
Aidan inhaled and braced himself. “Good morning.”
“Isn’t it? You should know, though, as you went for an early run. I can’t jog every day like I used to. Athena wanted outside, and it’s getting harder for her to go through the doggy door, so I stopped my morning meditation and let her out. She’s a darling and, thanks to her, I saw the beautiful sunrise. Do you have any pets, Major M.?”
How did she manage to get all of that out in one breath? “No pets.” Although the thought of getting one had crossed his mind.
Harlequin Heartwarming March 21 Box Set Page 56