Redeemed Hearts

by Susan Mason

  “That’s a great idea.” She stuffed all the garbage into one bag.

  “When are you planning to open?”

  “I was hoping for the beginning of December, in time for the Christmas rush. Why?”

  “Mrs. Merriweather’s injury isn’t healing as well as the doctors hoped.” He raised his gaze to hers. “Which leads me to ask, how long can you continue assisting her?”

  “Once the bakery opens, I won’t have time for both. Can you find someone else by then?”

  “I guess I’ll have to. You’ve already stayed longer than anticipated.”

  “Well, I enjoy it. The kids are great.”

  “And all the boys have a crush on the teacher’s aide.” His eyes twinkled. “Can’t say I blame them.” Aidan slid closer on the couch.

  Heat from his body hit her in a wave. He raised a hand to brush a strand of hair off her face, creating tingles down her spine in anticipation of his kiss.

  But at the last minute, he pulled away and cleared his throat.

  Her body balked at the sudden absence of his warmth, adding to the disappointment that flooded her system.

  Aidan gave a soft chuckle. “You are much too tempting for your own good, Miss Martin.” He tipped her chin up with one finger. “I’m giving you fair warning that come December, when you’re no longer at the school, I’ll be pulling out the old North charm. You won’t be able to resist.”

  “We’ll see about that.” Chloe laughed.

  Yet deep down, she knew he was right. She didn’t stand a chance.

  ****

  At the end of class the next morning, Chloe caught Lindsay before she left the kitchen. “How is Matt? Is he badly hurt?”

  “He’ll be OK.” The girl didn’t look well herself. All the color had left her face, and dark circles made her eyes seem hollow.

  Chloe lowered her voice. ”Lindsay, I have to ask. Is Matt involved in a gang?”

  “I-I can’t talk now. I have to meet Dylan.” Lindsay avoided eye contact as she untied her apron.

  “Please know you can talk to me about anything. I mean it. I’ll do whatever I can to help.”

  Lindsay gave a quick nod, and then ran out the door.

  Chloe heaved a sigh. The girl was hiding something big. Chloe could feel it. She had to get Lindsay to open up. Maybe a private setting would help. With that in mind, Chloe waited for Lindsay in the school parking lot after the final bell.

  Lindsay and Dylan came out the main doors together, looking anything but happy. They seemed to be arguing as they made their way through the parked vehicles. Dylan’s face wore a dark scowl. Lindsay stood with her arms wrapped around her as if to shield herself.

  Chloe moved closer, prepared to jump in if necessary.

  Dylan stalked to a sporty-looking car, flung the door open, and jumped in. He started the engine and gunned out of the spot.

  Lindsay’s shoulders slumped as he sped away.

  Chloe waited a few seconds, and then approached cautiously. “Lindsay? Is everything OK?”

  The girl whirled around, tears streaking her pale face. Freckles stood out against the pallor, making her appear much younger than seventeen.

  “Did you and Dylan have a fight?”

  “Y—yes.”

  As much as Chloe had hoped that the two would break up, she hated the misery on Lindsay’s face. “Come on. I’ll drive you home.”

  The girl nodded and followed Chloe to her car.

  “Do you want to get a soda and talk?” Chloe asked as they pulled out of the lot.

  “No, thanks. I just want to go home.”

  “Care to tell me what’s wrong?”

  “No.” Lindsay stared out the window.

  Don’t push it, Chloe. Maybe she’s not ready to open up.

  Two blocks from her home, Lindsay stiffened. “Stop the car.” She clasped one hand over her mouth, the other over her stomach.

  Chloe pulled into a gas station. Before she could shift into park, Lindsay dashed out of the car. Seconds later, she retched on the grass by the sidewalk.

  Concern shot through Chloe. She fished a tissue out of her purse. Gently she held the girl’s hair until she had finished, and then wiped her face.

  “Thanks.”

  “You’re welcome. Go wait in the car and I’ll get some water.”

  When Chloe returned, a bit of color had come back into Lindsay’s cheeks. “Feeling better?” Chloe twisted the lid off the water bottle and handed it to her.

  “Yes, thanks.” Lindsay took a long swallow.

  “Are you sick, honey?” Chloe held her breath.

  Lindsay shook her head. Tears bloomed in her eyes.

  “Do you want to tell me what’s going on?” Chloe kept her voice gentle. If ever this girl needed someone, it was now.

  Moisture slid down her cheeks. “I think I might be pregnant.”

  19

  Aidan paced his living room in an attempt to expel his pent up frustration. He’d left school early today—in time to witness Chloe leaving the parking lot with Lindsay Brown.

  His repeated warnings about the risk of getting involved with her students seemed to fall on deaf ears. What could he do to get through to her?

  He snatched his phone and started to punch in a heated text message. The device rang in his hand before he could finish. “Chloe?”

  “No, it’s Nick.”

  “Oh, hey.” Aidan forced his mind in a different direction. “How are Lily and the baby?”

  “Lily’s tired and sore but doing well. And little Davey’s perfect.”

  “I’m glad. So what can I do for you?”

  “I’m home to have dinner with the girls and grab a shower. But I was wondering if you could come by before I head back to the hospital. Say around seven?”

  “I guess so.” Apprehension shot through Aidan at the unusual request.

  “Good. See you then.”

  ****

  Nick answered the door and ushered Aidan into the living room. The lines around Nick’s eyes told of his exhaustion.

  “First of all, thank you for bringing Chloe to the hospital last night. And thanks for staying. Having you guys there made all the difference.”

  “Glad I could help.”

  Nick leaned against the mantel. Light from the fireplace danced across his rugged features. “I’m curious though. Why were you and Chloe together when I called?”

  His casual tone didn’t fool Aidan. He’d heard it often enough. “We were looking for a missing student.”

  “I see.”

  Unease churned in Aidan’s stomach. “What’s this about, Nick?”

  Nick took a seat across from Aidan. “We’ve been friends long enough that I hope I can be frank.”

  “Of course.”

  “You’ve been spending a lot of time with Chloe lately. I’ve seen the way you look at her, and I recognize that look, because I had the same one the moment I met Lily.”

  “I don’t—”

  Nick held up a hand. “Let me finish.”

  A bead of sweat snaked down Aidan’s spine.

  “Chloe’s in a vulnerable place right now,” Nick went on. “I don’t know if she’s told you about her recent breakup?”

  Aidan rose and stalked across the room. “She told me yesterday that her ex was married.”

  “Yeah.” Grim lines bracketed Nick’s mouth. “I may be a minister, but I’d like to get my hands around that guy’s throat for one second.”

  “You and me both.” Aidan shoved his clenched fists deep into his pockets.

  “My point is, I don’t think Chloe’s emotionally ready for another relationship right now. And I don’t want to see her hurt again.”

  Tension like a taut wire banded across Aidan’s shoulders. “Are you asking me to stay away from her?”

  Nick narrowed the gap between them. Blue intensity spilled from his eyes. “Yes. Give her some space to get over this…mess before she acts impulsively on the rebound. I’m thinking of your welfare h
ere too.”

  Aidan ran his hands over his jaw. A seesaw of emotions warred in his mind. Nick wasn’t saying anything Aidan hadn’t already told himself. “I’ll agree for now—while she’s working at the school. After that, I can’t make any promises.”

  Nick’s scowl deepened. “Not good enough.”

  Aidan understood Nick’s objection wasn’t personal, only a misguided attempt at protection. “Did you listen when people warned you to stay away from Lily?”

  Nick jerked visibly, a nerve ticking in his jaw. “No.”

  “Then have a little faith. The last thing I would do is hurt Chloe.”

  Nick finally nodded, looking far from satisfied.

  Aidan smiled. “Hey, you’re the minister. Why not trust God to handle this for you?”

  Nick gave a weary smile, lightening the tension between them. “Guess prayer is my only option for now. Short of locking Chloe in my attic for the next year.”

  “Good luck with that, my friend. Not even an attic would stop Hurricane Chloe.”

  ****

  Chloe handed the newly-purchased pregnancy test to Lindsay in the teen’s messy bedroom. “Here you go. I’ll be in the kitchen if you need me.”

  Chloe headed back through the living room. She surveyed the cluttered area and itched to scrub the place down. In the kitchen, she found a garbage bag, and began to clear away empty pizza boxes and soda cans, trying not to cringe at the evidence of mice droppings. She stacked dirty dishes on the counter and washed the small table. Anything to keep her hands busy so she didn’t chew her nails.

  Five minutes turned to ten.

  Unable to contain her impatience, Chloe knocked on the bathroom door. “Lindsay? You OK?”

  No response.

  “Do you need more time?”

  Inside the toilet flushed.

  Chloe’s dormant headache throbbed to life again.

  The door clicked open. Lindsay stepped outside, tears streaming down her cheeks. She passed the stick to Chloe. A bright blue plus sign blinked at her.

  Chloe’s stomach fell like an elevator on freefall. “Oh, no.” She took one look at Lindsay’s face and pulled her into a tight hug.

  The girl’s slim shoulders shook. “What am I going to do?”

  “I don’t know. But I’m here to help you through this. You’re not alone. Come and sit down.” She led the girl to the couch. “You’ll have to tell your mom so she can take you to the doctor.”

  Lindsay twisted a tissue until it shredded.

  A sick feeling of dread flowed through Chloe’s stomach. “Lindsay, look at me and tell me the truth. Where is your mother?”

  Lindsay bit her bottom lip. “She—she’s in Kingsville for a while.”

  Chloe’s stomach dropped again. “Working? Or living there?”

  Lindsay’s brown hair shielded her face. “Both.”

  “How long has she been gone?”

  Lindsay hiccupped through her tears. “I don’t know. She got a second job at a night club. At first, she’d just stay overnight with a friend. But then I found out she has a boyfriend.”

  “Does she come home at all?”

  “She comes back every few weeks, but mostly she’s gone.”

  “And you’ve been trying to keep everything going here by yourself?”

  She nodded again.

  Chloe’s heart ached. No wonder Matt was so angry all the time. And no wonder Lindsay was always skittish and sad, keeping such an enormous secret while trying to look after herself and her brother. She’d been easy prey for any boy who would pay attention and pretend to care.

  And now she was expecting a baby.

  An uncommon anger burned through Chloe’s system. These kids needed her help. She would not let Lindsay face this crisis alone.

  Lindsay clutched Chloe’s arm. “You can’t tell anyone about my mom. They’ll put Matt in foster care or a group home. He’d never survive that.”

  Aidan’s words rang in Chloe’s ears. “I’d have to call County Social Services.”

  What were her obligations? Could she keep a secret this huge from Aidan? Especially after he’d repeatedly warned her about getting too involved with the kids?

  “Please, Miss Martin.” Huge tears hovered on Lindsay’s lower lashes.

  Yet how could Chloe knowingly force Matt into foster care, almost guaranteeing that he would end up in a gang? “I’ll keep quiet—for now. But I’ll have to contact your mother.”

  Lindsay gulped. “OK.”

  “We’ll get you through this. I promise.” Chloe held the girl’s shaking frame. Somehow she’d have to find a way to keep that promise.

  20

  Secrets, lies, and deceptions. Aidan hated them.

  And Matt Brown was embroiled up to his shaggy brown hair in exactly that.

  A phone call from Mike Hillier confirmed Matt was involved with a gang. One of the reasons Aidan wanted to open the youth center was to give kids alternatives. Was it too late for Matt?

  Principal Jenkins knocked and entered Aidan’s office. “Do you have a minute?” The large man stood inside the door.

  “Of course. Sit down.” Aidan’s senses went on alert.

  When Larry had something to say, he’d normally call Aidan to his office.

  “No, thanks. I just wanted to give you fair warning that I’ve offered Miss Peters a temporary position for the remainder of the school year. She’ll be starting next week, taking over for Mrs. Winters in the English department.”

  “I see.” Dread filled his lungs, clogging his breath.

  “I’m sympathetic to your concerns, but this will give us six months to see how things work out. By then, if you still have serious issues, we’ll reevaluate for the next school year.”

  His throat too dry to speak, Aidan could only nod.

  Larry peered over his bifocals. ”I expect your full cooperation with Miss Peters. You don’t have to like her to work with her.”

  Larry had hired him when most other schools wouldn’t even grant him an interview, so Aidan didn’t challenge the decision. “I understand, sir.”

  “Good.” Larry gave a brief nod and left the office.

  Aidan slumped in his chair. He thought he’d left his problems in Arizona. Now they were coming back to haunt him. Lord, please help me deal with Patricia in a fair manner. And please don’t let her create any more havoc in my life.

  The intercom buzzed, jangling his taut nerves. “Yes, Mrs. Grebbins.”

  “Your sister is here.”

  “Send her in.” He came around the desk to meet Maxi as she strolled in the door. “Hey, sis.” He kissed her cheek, ignoring her slight scowl. “Where’s Ben?”

  “Spending some quality time with his daddy.”

  “So how are you?”

  Maxi hefted the enormous bag off her shoulder and sat down. “If you’d bother to call once in a while, you’d know.”

  He suppressed the urge to roll his eyes. “Sorry, I’ve been tied up lately.”

  “By a gorgeous brunette named Chloe?”

  “Of course not.” Immediately he regretted his sharp tone. “Sorry. I’ve got a lot on my mind.”

  “What’s wrong? You don’t look so hot.”

  “I just found out Patricia’s taken a job here for the rest of the year.”

  Maxi’s eyes widened. “You’re kidding. Why would she leave a good job in Arizona for a position here? Unless she’s trying to win you back.”

  “Yeah, well, I’ve made it clear I’m not interested. I just don’t need the headache of having her around all the time.”

  “Talk about uncomfortable.” Maxi crossed her arms and leaned back in the chair. “Well, if she gives you any grief, I can always unleash some sisterly fierceness on her.”

  Aidan chuckled. “I may take you up on that. Now what did you come by for? Not to hear my problems, I’m sure.”

  “I was going to give you an earful about neglecting Mama again, but now that I’ve heard your side, I’m prepared to cut y
ou some slack.”

  Guilt sliced through him. Other than a few random phone calls, he had neglected his mother. During the summer, he’d seen her every week, but since school started, he’d put work ahead of everything. He scrubbed a hand over his face. “Did Mom say something to you?”

  “You know she would never complain. But she did mention she hadn’t seen you in a while.” Maxi paused. “She’s coming for lunch after church on Sunday. Why don’t you come, too, and visit with all of us at once?”

  “Count me in. Thanks, Max.”

  “You’re welcome.” She picked up her bag and rose. “But before I let you off the hook completely, I heard you were with Chloe at the hospital when Lily had the baby.”

  “That’s right.”

  “Chloe’s getting to you, isn’t she?”

  “Maxi—”

  “Of course she is. She’s gorgeous and sweet with a huge heart.”

  “We’re just friends.” Why did that statement feel like a lie? Because he’d never kissed his friends the way he’d kissed Chloe. He yanked open the door to his office.

  “If you say so. But you’re missing out on a great woman, and not just because she’s my friend. You know…” she wiggled her brows, “… you could use her to get Patricia off your back.”

  Aidan seared her with his stern principal look. “I’m not getting involved with anyone, so you can stop scheming.”

  “OK, big brother. I get it. See you on Sunday.” She patted his cheek as she swept out the door.

  Aidan knew better than to trust that syrupy, sweet response. His sister was up to something. And from past experience, he probably wouldn’t like it.

  ****

  Chloe entered the Good Shepherd Church in a better frame of mind on Sunday. The guilt, however, still inched its way through her system. Would she ever be able to forget the past and start with a clean slate?

  When Richard called, he’d told her Denise had miscarried. The baby conceived while Richard was supposedly estranged from his wife. According to him, he’d stayed with Denise for the sake of his three-year-old son and five-year-old daughter. Obviously he was far more involved than he let on. And now the child that had bound Richard more firmly to his wife was gone.

  Chloe felt sorry for Denise. The woman did not deserve the grief of losing a child on top of the knowledge that her husband had been unfaithful. Chloe twisted her hands in her lap, rubbing the scar from her burn. She needed that very tangible reminder of her role in the destruction of this once intact family. No matter her innocence at the outset, she’d stayed when she ought to have left with what remained of her integrity.