Kevin shrugged. “Looks normal to me.”
Sam couldn’t seem to stop the smile spreading across his face. “I know.”
Kevin gave him a slap on the back. “I’m no expert, but it looks to me as if you’re doing just fine.”
“Maybe you could mention that to your niece.”
Kevin gave him a sly look. “Does her approval matter to you?”
Sam laughed. “Not the way you mean. I just don’t want her reporting me to child protective services.”
Just then he heard a shocked gasp behind him and turned to see Carrie, her complexion suddenly pale.
“I would never report you and risk having Bobby sent into foster care,” she said. “Not unless you did something totally outrageous or dangerous. How could you say such a thing?”
“Well, it certainly doesn’t seem as if you’re very impressed with my parenting skills,” Sam said, already regretting a comment he’d meant mostly in jest.
“Maybe you two should work this out on the patio,” Kevin suggested, casting a pointed look toward the suddenly silent boys who’d turned to see why voices were raised. “I’ll tell Shanna she’ll have to hold dinner a few minutes.”
“But it’s ready now,” Carrie protested. “She sent me to tell you. Besides, I have nothing to say to him.”
Her uncle had the nerve to smile at her petulant tone. He was a braver man than Sam. Sam could feel the anger radiating from her.
“I disagree, and this conversation takes precedence,” Kevin insisted. “Go, settle this and get back in before dinner gets cold so my wife doesn’t lose patience with all of us.”
He turned to address the kids as he picked up the baby. “Hands washed and in the dining room. Davey, you show Bobby where to go. And make sure Johnny washes up, too.”
Shoulders stiff, Carrie led the way past Sam, opened a pair of French doors and walked onto a flagstone patio. Keeping her back to him, she folded her arms across her chest.
Taking a deep breath, Sam walked up beside her. “Which one of us should go first? Kevin didn’t mention that.”
“You started it,” she muttered.
She glanced his way and gave him a hurt look. To Sam’s dismay there were tears in her eyes.
“What would make you think I’d turn you in to child protective services?” she asked.
“Isn’t that what people are supposed to do when they think a parent’s being negligent?” Sam responded. “You’ve made it pretty clear that you think I’m inept. I can’t even argue with your perception. I’m floundering, no question about it.”
She flushed, then sighed heavily. “And I should be cutting you a whole lot of slack under the circumstances. It’s not as if I have tons of parental experience myself.”
“But you’re great with kids,” Sam said. “Everyone I’ve run across says so. You have no idea how I envy that. I never expected to be a dad.”
“You didn’t want children?” she said, looking genuinely shocked.
“I never thought much about it. My parents weren’t the best examples, so I figured I should avoid following in their footsteps. My sister always said she wasn’t cut out for motherhood for the same reason, but then Laurel met Robert and he was solid and steady and completely unflappable—perfect dad material. He convinced her they could be great parents, and together, they really were. Bobby’s a great kid, and I know it’s because they knew what they were doing, unlike me.”
“You can be a great dad, too,” Carrie said with feeling. “I’m so sorry if the things I said made you feel inadequate, or should I say more inadequate than you were already feeling. I tend to open my mouth without thinking, especially when a child is involved.”
“That’s my point,” Sam said. “You could tell right away that Bobby was in the hands of someone who didn’t know what they were doing. And you cared enough to say something.”
“But you did know more than I gave you credit for,” she corrected. “When you left him in the car, instinct told you to keep an eye on him. I just jumped to conclusions. Same with the jungle gym. You knew it was something he loved and let him go for it, rather than hovering too close and making him scared to try something. I think really good parents have to find a balance between letting kids grow and being overly protective.”
She met his gaze. “I’m sorry, Sam. I truly am. How about this? Next time I think you’re handling something wrong, I’ll mention it, but I won’t get all judgmental and crazy on you.”
He laughed. “Do you really think you can pull that off?”
She winced. “I can at least try.”
“Well, don’t try too hard. Despite not enjoying being the target of your indignation, I like that you were protective of a little boy you didn’t even know. I admire you for caring that much. And just to reassure you about Bobby, I may be inexperienced and the situation may be totally unexpected, but I’m going to be the best stand-in for his dad that I can possibly be.”
“I believe that,” she said, then studied him. “So, we’re good?”
He nodded. “We’re good.”
“Okay, then. I see Shanna at the kitchen window staring at us. I’m not sure if she’s just curious to see if we’re killing each other or ticked off about dinner getting ruined.”
“Let’s go inside, so she can check for injuries,” Sam suggested. “And, to tell the truth, I’ve been looking forward to a home-cooked meal ever since she invited Bobby and me over. I’d hate for it to be spoiled.”
Carrie fell into step beside him as they went back in. “Don’t you cook?”
“I’m a single guy. I grill and I order pizza. I am also a master of cold cereal.”
“Oh, dear,” she said, regarding him with alarm.
“I know,” he said, holding up a hand before she could say more. “As soon as Bobby and I have our own place, I will make sure he has healthy meals, even if I have to rely on somebody else to cook them. I’ll get Shanna to recommend a foolproof cookbook.”
She grinned. “An excellent plan. And knowing the single women in this town, I imagine you can count on casseroles and desserts turning up on a regular basis.”
“Will you be one of those women?”
“You never know,” she said lightly. “Of course, if I am, I’ll make sure Nell does the cooking. Or maybe Luke’s chef. My skill in the kitchen is only marginally better than you claim yours is.” Her expression brightened. “Or how about this? We could both take lessons from Nell. She’d love it, and you and Bobby definitely wouldn’t starve.”
Sam was startled by the suggestion. “What do you get out of it?”
“I become one of the few O’Briens who actually knows her way around the kitchen. Nell’s always been so good at cooking, we count on her for all the big family occasions. I wouldn’t mind having bragging rights as a worthy successor someday down the road. Up till now Kevin’s had them, but he doesn’t exercise them enough to count anymore.”
Sam laughed. “Ah, I finally see a chink in your armor of perfection. Sign me up, if Nell’s willing.”
Her face lit up. “Seriously? You’ll do it?”
He shrugged. “Why not? Bobby and I have to eat.”
And perhaps it would give him a chance to see Carrie in a setting in which she wasn’t quite so sure of herself. He liked knowing she didn’t excel at everything. And even with everything already on his plate and his determination to remain immune to the attraction, he had to admit that discovering more about Carrie Winters was an intriguing prospect.
7
She was crazy, Carrie thought as she walked to Nell’s cottage the morning after dinner at Shanna and Kevin’s. Why would she throw herself into the path of danger by spending even more time around Sam and Bobby? Just as Caitlyn had suggested during her last call, Carrie recognized that she was vulnerable right now and Sam—a floundering single dad—was exactly the sort of man she was likely to fall for when she was in such a vulnerable state. She could tell herself from now till doomsday that she was only inter
ested in Bobby’s well-being, but the little sizzle that ran through her when she was in close proximity to Sam said otherwise. Sizzles, as she knew all too well, could turn into dangerous fires.
When she tapped on her great-grandmother’s front door, it was Dillon who answered.
“Well, if it isn’t the prettiest great-granddaughter in the world,” he said with that wonderful Irish lilt in his voice.
“You do know that Caitlyn and I look exactly alike,” she responded.
Feigned surprise spread across his face. “Do you, now? There are two of you?”
Carrie laughed and kissed his cheek. “You know there are. Where’s Gram? She’s not still asleep, is she?”
He looked appalled by the very thought. “This late in the day? Not a chance. She’s on her knees in the garden, despite me telling her she has no business doing all the weeding herself. Since I can’t make her see reason, see if you can’t lure her inside for a cup of tea and a good long chat.”
“It’s such a lovely day, maybe I’ll make the tea and take it outside, instead,” Carrie suggested. “She’s much more likely to take a break if she can enjoy her precious garden at the same time.”
Dillon nodded approvingly. “And that’s why you’re the smartest great-granddaughter, as well as the prettiest.”
Carrie laughed. “I’m so glad you brought that blarney with you from Dublin, right along with your love for Gram.”
“No choice in the matter, my darling girl. No choice at all. There were far too many years when we were apart. I intend to spend whatever time we have left on this earth side by side, wherever that may be. Chesapeake Shores and her family are too much a part of my Nell to ask her to come to Ireland to be with me. And I’m blessed to have my own granddaughter Moira here now, too, with Luke.”
“Funny how things work out, isn’t it?” Carrie said, as she poured boiling water over the Irish Breakfast tea leaves her grandmother preferred. Bringing a tea bag into this house would be considered practically sacrilegious. Tea was to be made the old-fashioned way, or not at all. “There are always surprising twists and turns.”
“Life amazes me every day, to be sure,” Dillon agreed. “That’s how I know I’m living.”
“Do you need help carrying that outside?” he asked as she put two of Nell’s prettiest cups, the antique china teapot with its crackled finish, a matching sugar bowl and a few slices of lemon on a tray.
“I have it, but thanks,” she said.
“Enjoy your visit.” He reached for some wet wipes and a towel. “Take these along. Nell never wears gardening gloves the way she’s promised to. She’ll want to clean up before touching those precious cups of hers.”
Carrie smiled as she left the kitchen of the cozy little cottage overlooking the bay. Dillon truly was a treasure, and his long-held love for Nell had been a wonderful discovery on the family’s trip to Ireland several years ago. Reunited after years apart, they set an example for the whole family of how love could endure, despite nearly a lifetime with other people.
Carrie set the tea tray on a table beside two Adirondack chairs facing the bay, then crossed the lawn toward the gardens. She found her great-grandmother with her roses, humming an Irish tune that sounded familiar, though Carrie couldn’t come up with the words.
“Does music make the roses bloom better?” she teased.
Nell looked up, startled, then laughed. “Not mine, I suspect. But it makes me happy. What brings you by on this lovely summer morning?”
“I was hoping for a cup of tea and a chat with my favorite person.” She nodded in the direction of the chairs. “I’ve made it just the way you like it. Can you take a break?”
Nell frowned. “Did Dillon put you up to this? He’s been pestering me all morning about the dampness making the arthritis in my knees worse.”
“He worries about you.”
“Oh, I know that, and I love him for it, but I’ve been gardening for enough years to know that the pleasure outweighs a few aches and pains. But a cup of tea and a chance to catch up with you would be welcome.”
As she struggled to get to her feet, Carrie held out a hand, but as she’d expected, Nell ignored it and made it on her own. Carrie handed her the wipes and towel.
“I imagine these were Dillon’s doing, too,” she grumbled, though her blue eyes sparkled with affection.
“He says you forget to wear your gardening gloves.”
“I don’t forget a thing. Half the joy is getting a little dirty.”
Carrie put an arm around Nell’s waist. “Ornery old thing.”
“I am that,” Nell said with pride as they walked across the lawn. “How do you think I’ve lived so long?”
When they were seated and the tea had been poured, she turned a serious gaze on Carrie. “What’s on your mind? You aren’t letting Mick pressure you about what you’re going to do next, are you?”
“He has a point,” Carrie conceded. “I should make a decision of some kind.”
“Well, my advice is to take your time. There’s no rush. The right answer will come to you.”
“I wish I believed that,” Carrie said with a sigh, then shrugged off the way her indecision weighed on her. “That’s not why I’m here, though. I was wondering if you’d have a little time to teach me to cook. Me, and a friend, that is.”
Nell’s eyes sparkled with delight. “I’d love that,” she said enthusiastically. Her expression turned curious. “Tell me about this friend. It must be a man, since I can’t imagine you wanting to spend time in the kitchen if it weren’t.”
“Maybe I just think it’s time someone learns all your recipes,” Carrie responded.
“Luke’s chef knows a good many of them.”
“He’s not family.”
“And your uncle Kevin has picked up a few.”
“I want to know them all.”
“And this friend, what’s his motivation?”
Carrie explained about Sam and Bobby.
“Oh, the poor little thing,” Nell said at once.
“He has a weakness for chocolate-chip cookies,” Carrie reported. “I gave him a couple of yours at the pub the other night. I gather they were a hit.”
“Well, he can’t very well live on cookies and pizza and whatever Sam can take out of the freezer or pick up in town,” Nell said briskly, her expression thoughtful. “If Sam is working for Mack and trying to manage a child for the first time, I imagine he doesn’t have a lot of time. You find out when he has a couple of hours to spare, let me know and bring both of them by. Promise them there will be a good meal at the end of the lesson.”
“Thanks, Gram.”
“Now, tell me what this young man is like. Is he handsome?”
Carrie blushed. “I suppose.”
Nell leveled a direct look at her that had her squirming. “Is it him you’re drawn to or the boy?”
“Maybe both,” she admitted.
“Oh, my darling girl, be careful.”
“I will be, Gram. Nobody knows better than I do that I shouldn’t even be thinking about a relationship right now. I have enough decisions to make.”
“That’s not at all what I’m saying. Love comes along on its own timetable. I just want you to be sure that you’re spending time with this man for the right reasons. There’s a little boy who’s been through too much to be considered. When two adults try and fail, it’s one thing, but you don’t want to make a mistake that could hurt a child who’s already suffered a terrible loss.”
“It’s not as if Sam and I are dating,” Carrie protested. “We can barely call whatever’s going on a friendship. I just want to help.”
“And that’s a lovely gesture. Just think carefully before it goes any further.”
“Believe me, I will,” Carrie promised. “Now let me take the tea things back inside. Are you coming?”
“I still have my roses to tend to,” Nell said. “You can reassure Dillon that I’m not overdoing it and that if he’s all that worried, he can g
et out here and pull a few weeds himself. I won’t even tell him he’s doing it all wrong.”
Carrie laughed. “I’ll pass that along.” She hugged Nell. “I love you. I’ll be in touch about the cooking.”
“I’ll be looking forward to the lessons and to meeting your young man.”
“He’s not my young man,” Carrie reminded her, probably to no avail. No one in this family listened to such denials unless it suited their purposes. Romantics, the whole darn lot of them!
* * *
Determined not to dwell on Nell’s speculation about her relationship with Sam, Carrie decided she’d wait before calling him. She didn’t want to seem overly eager. And since she didn’t have Jackson today, maybe she could go shopping for a few things that didn’t practically scream designer when she put them on. She didn’t want to think about why she felt that was necessary. Not scaring Sam off should not be a consideration.
She was on her way back from the nearest mall way out on the main north-south highway, when she spotted a day-care center on a large fenced-in patch of lawn with a colorful swing set in the backyard. With Luke’s suggestion about a possible career still very much on her mind, she made a U-turn and went back, mostly out of curiosity. A look around wouldn’t hurt anything, and maybe it would even inspire her.
Inside, she could hear shouts of gleeful laughter coming from the back. That sound made her smile.
The girl at the reception desk, who looked to be barely out of her teens, hung up the phone and grinned at Carrie. “It’s snack time. It always gets noisier then. Can I help you?”
“I was wondering if I could speak to the owner or manager for a few minutes,” Carrie said.
“About? If you have a child you’d like to enroll, we’re not taking any new clients right now.”
“No, it’s not that. Actually, it’s a long story, but the short version is that I’m thinking of opening a day care over in Chesapeake Shores.” She smiled reassuringly. “No competition for this one. I could use some advice and I’d like to look around if she or he doesn’t mind.”
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