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Redeemed Hearts

Page 10

by Susan Mason


  He shoved his glasses back on. “Come on. I’ll help you look for him.”

  ****

  Aidan rammed the gearshift into drive and pulled away from the curb outside the Browns’ apartment. Everywhere they’d searched had turned up empty. Matt was nowhere to be found, and he wasn’t answering his phone. Please, Lord, don’t let him get in any more trouble. Watch over him and keep him safe. Aidan glanced at Chloe.

  She sat in the passenger seat, her head back, eyes closed.

  “Headache still bad?”

  She nodded and rubbed a hand across her forehead.

  “Matt will turn up. Don’t worry.” He reached over to squeeze her hand, but she flinched and pulled away. Aidan inhaled, shocked at how much that tiny gesture could hurt. His thoughts circled back to the reason he’d wanted to see her. “About earlier today—what you saw in my office wasn’t what it seemed.”

  She stiffened. “You don’t owe me any explanation.”

  Unexpected anger surfaced. He pulled the car into an empty lot to give her his full attention. “How can you say that after what we shared last night?” He regretted his harsh tone when hurt bloomed in her eyes. In a softer voice, he continued. “I’m not the kind of man who would kiss you one day and someone else the next. I hope you know that.”

  She didn’t answer, only clutched the locket around her neck.

  Aidan fought an insane urge to pull her into his arms and kiss her until all disbelief had evaporated. Instead he focused on the passing traffic. “Patricia is my ex-girlfriend. She was here for an interview and dropped by to say hello. I was showing her out when she ambushed me with that kiss.”

  Chloe seared him with a heated look. “Is it a coincidence she came all the way from Arizona to apply for a job here?”

  “No. She’s made it clear she wants me back.” He gripped the steering wheel. “But that’ll never happen.”

  “Why did you break up?”

  Maybe if he opened up to her about his failed relationship, she’d confide in him about her own painful past. “We worked at a private Christian school where every teacher was held to exacting standards of behavior. Dating among the teachers was discouraged, so Patricia and I kept our relationship quiet. After a while, she started hinting at an engagement ring. I was not ready for that, but she ignored my wishes and told everyone we were getting engaged. She hinted at…” He paused, fighting the rise of heat, “at an intimate relationship. Word got around to the principal. I’m not sure he ever believed it wasn’t true.”

  “She sounds desperate.”

  “When the incident with my student happened, the ugly rumors became too much for her, and she walked away. Not long after, the principal asked me to leave.” He shifted his gaze to the windshield, not daring to look at Chloe.

  “If she loved you, she would’ve stood by you.” Warm sympathy oozed from her voice.

  “That’s how I felt. Totally betrayed by the one person who should have been on my side.” He relaxed his grip on the steering wheel.

  “I’m sorry I jumped to the wrong conclusion and didn’t give you a chance to explain.”

  The boulder of tension rolled off his shoulders. “It must have looked really bad. I can imagine how I’d feel in the same position.”

  “How would you feel, Aidan?”

  Shivers went down his spine. It was much too soon to verbalize his feelings, as convoluted as they were. Yet the vulnerability on her face tore at him. “I care about you very much, Chloe. More than I ever expected—”

  Her cellphone went off. She gave an apologetic shrug. “It might be about Matt.” Seconds later, her expectant expression morphed into a frown. “What do you want, Richard?”

  Aidan’s shoulders stiffened.

  She listened intently. “I’m sorry. How’s Denise?” A variety of emotions flickered across her expressive face. “I’m sorry for your loss, but this doesn’t change anything. Please don’t call me again.” She disconnected and squeezed her eyes shut.

  “Is everything all right?”

  She opened her eyes and nodded.

  “What did he want?”

  “This isn’t the time to get into it.”

  Slivers of suspicion rippled under his skin. “I just told you the sordid details of my relationship. Now it’s your turn.” She needed to trust him enough to reveal her secrets.

  “I’m sorry. I—I can’t right now.”

  The thin thread holding his patience together evaporated. “Who is Denise, Chloe? And what does she have to do with Richard?”

  The color bled out of Chloe’s cheeks, leaving them ashen. “Denise is Richard’s wife.”

  17

  This was not the way Chloe had planned to tell Aidan about Richard’s marital status.

  “He’s married?”

  “Yes.”

  Aidan slammed a fist on the dashboard. “That low-life.” He shot her a hard look, his brows forming an ominous line. “What did you do when you found out?”

  She hesitated, totally unprepared for this conversation. Aidan would hate her if she told him the truth. Needing air, Chloe pushed out the door. She gulped in several deep breaths, trying to ease the pounding in her temples.

  Aidan’s tall frame blocked the sunlight. “Tell me you broke up with the jerk.”

  “I broke up with him.” She just didn’t mention when.

  “You must have been furious when you found out.”

  Horrid memories of that day swamped her. The anger, the crying, the shouting. She never wanted to experience that type of emotional turmoil again. “I was devastated.”

  “How did you handle it?”

  “Not well.” Panic inched across her nerve endings. Her cellphone rang, and she dug it out, not even caring if it was Richard again. Anything to avoid Aidan’s probing.

  “Chloe. It’s Nick.” His voice sounded grim. “We’re on the way to the hospital. Lily’s in labor.”

  ****

  Aidan frowned. Something had upset Chloe again. Her face had drained of color.

  “All right. I’ll meet you there.” She charged back toward the car, phone to her ear. “Tell Lily I love her.”

  “Chloe, what is it?”

  She yanked open the passenger door. “Can you take me to my car, please? Lily’s in labor. I need to get to the hospital.”

  He headed to the driver’s side. “I’ll take you.”

  “That’s not necessary.” She slammed the door shut.

  No way was he letting her drive in this emotional state. She’d be a car accident waiting to happen. “We’re closer to Kingsville here. If we go back for your car, you’ll add an extra half hour to the trip.”

  She seemed to wrestle with his logic, her hands shaking. “But it could be hours until the baby’s born.”

  He pulled out of the lot. “I can wait with you. I’ve got nothing on for tonight.”

  “What about Matt? Someone needs to make sure he’s not in trouble.”

  “I’ll have Mike look for him.”

  Chloe laid her head back. ”Fine. Let’s go.”

  The forty-mile drive to the Kingsville Hospital went by in a blur. Aidan called Mike, filled him in on Matt’s last whereabouts and the problem of his disappearance. Mike promised to look for the teen.

  Aidan’s mind reeled from the implications of Chloe’s confession. No wonder Chloe was leery of men. No wonder she’d turned tail and run at the sight of him kissing a strange woman in his office. A thousand questions swirled, but for now he put them on hold. When things settled down, Aidan planned to have a serious talk with her.

  They reached the hospital in record time and found the maternity ward on the second floor.

  Chloe inquired about Lily at the nursing station.

  “If you’ll wait here, I’ll check on the patient’s progress.” A stout, older woman, whose nametag said Matilda, pointed them to a waiting area across the way.

  Chloe remained in the hallway, arms folded, staring after the retreating woman.

&
nbsp; Aidan laid a hand on her shoulder. “Come on. Let’s sit down. She’ll be back soon.” He guided her into the room. “Are you hungry? I could get you something from the cafeteria.”

  “No, thanks. I couldn’t eat right now.”

  “A drink, then?”

  She shook her head.

  His own stomach rumbled, but he would wait. He led her to a bank of seats. “Lily’s in good hands. I’m sure the baby will be fine.”

  “I’m scared for her, Aidan. What if her blood pressure goes up during labor? It’s been better lately, but—”

  He took one of her hands. Her fingers were cold, rigid with tension. With slow strokes, he massaged them until he felt the blood returning, hoping his warmth would infuse her with calmness.

  She leaned her head against his shoulder and gave a light sigh. “Did you know Maxi and Jason delivered Annabelle at home?”

  He chuckled. “I’d forgotten about that. Maxi was pretty freaked out when she called me the next day.”

  “I’m just glad Lily’s in a hospital now.”

  Matilda poked her head in the room. “Miss North, you can see your sister now. I’ll show you to her room.”

  Chloe bolted up. “Thank you.” She turned back to Aidan. “Will you wait for me?”

  His heart turned over at the vulnerability shining in her wide eyes, and he nodded. “I’m not going anywhere.”

  ****

  Chloe peeked into the delivery room, nerves making her legs unsteady. The antiseptic smell of hospitals gave her the creeps. Attached to Lily’s bed, a bevy of machines hummed and beeped. That couldn’t be a good sign.

  “Chloe. Come on in.” Nick stood at the side of the bed where Lily lay with her eyes closed. “She’s resting for a bit. The contractions have been intense.”

  Chloe stepped into Nick’s arms for a hug. Haggard lines of worry etched his face. “What did the doctor say?”

  “They’re keeping a close watch on her blood pressure and if it gets too high, they may have to do an emergency Caesarean.”

  “Maybe that would be best.”

  “I think so too, but Lily doesn’t want a Caesarean.”

  Lily gave a slight moan and opened her eyes.

  Chloe stepped toward her, and Lily gripped her outstretched hand with the strength of three men.

  “Thanks for coming.” Her face crumpled in a grimace. “Sorry—another contraction.” She began breathing hard, almost panting.

  “That’s right, honey. You’re doing great,” Nick encouraged.

  Lily slumped back against the pillow. Sweat glued her hair to her damp face.

  Nick spooned some ice chips into her mouth.

  Chloe continued to stroke Lily’s arm, offering comfort.

  Another pain gripped Lily. She stiffened and clenched Chloe’s hand so hard that Chloe thought her fingers might crack. The breathing didn’t seem to work this time. A scream burst from Lily’s throat.

  Fear pooled in Chloe’s stomach, becoming a roll of nausea. “Help her.”

  Nick seemed just as fearful.

  The machines began to beep at an alarming rate.

  A doctor and two nurses rushed in. “Out of the way please.” They fussed around Lily’s bed, working quickly. The man in blue scrubs turned to them. “We’re taking her to the OR. You two will have to stay here. We’ll let you know when it’s over.”

  Nick gripped the metal rail of Lily’s bed. “I’m going with her.”

  The doctor’s voice softened somewhat. “I’m sorry, son. Not in this type of emergency situation.”

  Nick nodded, but tears moistened his eyes. He bent to kiss Lily’s forehead. “I’ll be right outside, honey, and I’ll be praying.”

  ****

  Aidan tried to read a magazine. He threw it aside, jumped up and paced back and forth until he’d memorized the pattern of the tiles. What if this was his baby? What would he be like then? The idea gave him pause. He’d never given serious thought to having children, yet now his mind conjured up Chloe as a mother. Where had that idea come from?

  He looked up to see Chloe rushing down the hall, a hand clutched to her mouth.

  Aidan’s stomach twisted with dread. Something must be wrong.

  When she saw him, she threw herself into his arms. “Oh, Aidan.”

  His heart jerked hard, but he waited until she calmed down.

  “They took Lily for an emergency Caesarean. The doctor looked worried.”

  “Let’s get Nick and go to the chapel,” he said gently.

  But Nick didn’t want to be too far away in case he missed the doctor.

  So the three sat in the waiting area and prayed for the safety of Lily and the baby. Nick and Chloe seemed considerably calmer when they’d finished. They sat in silence, hands joined, and waited.

  Aidan’s heart swelled with tenderness when Chloe’s head drooped once more against his shoulder. If Nick wasn’t there, he’d have pulled her closer.

  After an eternity of waiting, the doctor entered the room. “Congratulations, Mr. Logan. You have a son.”

  Nick shot to his feet. “Is my wife OK?”

  “She’s doing well. If you’d like to hold your son, they’re cleaning him up in the nursery.”

  Nick blinked, and then stared down the hall. “I don’t want to leave in case Lily needs me…” The indecision on his face was heart-wrenching.

  Chloe laid her hand on Nick’s arm, smiling through her tears. “Go on. If there’s any word, I’ll come and get you.”

  Nick hesitated a moment more, then gave Chloe a kiss, and hurried down the hall.

  Aidan pulled Chloe into a light hug.

  “I have a nephew.” She smiled. “Can we pray some more? I want to thank God for getting Lily through this and for blessing our family.”

  18

  Cocooned on the couch in her apartment, Chloe thanked God again for the safe arrival of little David Nicholas. Despite being early, the baby weighed six pounds and, according to Nick, possessed a well-developed set of lungs. By the time Chloe laid eyes on her new nephew, he’d been sound asleep, a tiny angel in his father’s arms.

  Although weak, Lily’s blood pressure had leveled off right after the delivery and she was recovering nicely. A relieved Nick wouldn’t budge from her side for a second. Aidan and Chloe had brought him some food and coffee, and then left the couple alone.

  By the time they got back to Rainbow Falls, Chloe had realized she was starving, and Aidan offered to do a food run.

  The door to Chloe’s apartment swung open.

  Aidan entered with takeout bags from the Chinese restaurant. “Hope you like fried rice and chicken balls.”

  “Perfect. Thanks for getting the food. My fridge is unusually bare these days.”

  Aidan grinned. “Mine’s not much better.” He set the food on the coffee table, handed her a soda, and took a seat beside her on the couch.

  She studied his handsome features as he opened the containers. He had steadied her tonight. She never would have made it through those scary few hours without his calming presence at her side, praying with her. Aidan North was a man she could count on in times of crisis. “Thank you for staying at the hospital with me.”

  “There’s nowhere else I would’ve been.”

  “Praying together was wonderful. I haven’t felt so close to God in a long time. Even though I have no right to—” She broke off, fearful she’d ruined the moment.

  Aidan’s chopsticks stilled. “Everyone has a right to talk to God, Chloe. No matter what.”

  “Do you think God forgives everything, Aidan? Even the worst sins?”

  “Yes, I do. There’s nothing so terrible that God won’t forgive. Most times we’re the ones who can’t forgive ourselves.”

  “You’re right. Every time I think about Richard’s wife and kids, I don’t think I can ever forgive myself.”

  A muscle in his jaw ticked. “It wasn’t your fault. The blame lies squarely with that jerk for misleading you.”

  Here wa
s the perfect opportunity to tell Aidan the complete truth—that she didn’t break up with Richard right away but continued their illicit liaison for months afterward. But Chloe couldn’t bring herself to risk breaking the close bond they had forged tonight.

  Aidan set his container aside and picked up his cellphone. “I’d better call Mike. He left a message earlier.”

  She exhaled, ashamed at the relief that swept over her.

  “Hey, Mike. Sorry to call so late. We just came from the hospital. Lily and Nick have a son.” He chuckled at Mike’s response. “I know. So any news on Matt?”

  Chloe straightened. If I can ask for one more favor, Lord, please let Matt be safe.

  “I see. Thanks. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”

  She finished her food while he put his phone away. “Well?”

  “Mike found Matt near the school. He’d been roughed up a bit, but he’s OK.”

  Chloe gasped. “How roughed up?”

  “A bloody nose and probably a black eye by tomorrow. But he’s fine. Wouldn’t tell Mike a thing though.”

  “Still protecting those gangsters.”

  Aidan’s eyes narrowed. “Gangsters?”

  “Dylan Moore told me one of them might be in a gang. The ones who vandalized my shop sure seemed like gang members.” She shivered at the memory of the masked men.

  “That would explain Matt’s odd behavior. It’ll be almost impossible to get him out of a gang if he’s been initiated.”

  “Have you ever spoken with Matt’s mother?”

  “No. She’s never returned my calls. Lindsay keeps running interference for her.”

  The niggling fear that had bothered Chloe for a while now resurfaced. “What if there’s no mother living there? Or she’s incapacitated in some way?”

  Aidan wiped his hands on a napkin. “I’d be forced to call County Social Services and report neglect. They’d probably put Matt into foster care. Maybe Lindsay, as well.”

  Chloe’s spirits sank. Having an absentee parent was less than ideal, yet it had to be better than the foster care system.

  “I was thinking,” Aidan said, “since Matt is almost finished at the youth center, maybe he could continue his community work at your shop.”

 

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