Redeemed Hearts

by Susan Mason

  “She’s not really sick. I promised I wouldn’t say anything, but I’m scared.” Moisture created a sheen in Lindsay’s eyes.

  The headache that had brewed at his temples all morning now banged to life. He rubbed a hand across his forehead. “Why are you scared?”

  She plucked a loose thread on her jeans. “Miss Martin’s old boyfriend came to see her at the bakery yesterday.” She paused, rocking slightly in her chair. “They argued and he…he hit her. Knocked her across the floor. It was awful.” A tear spilled over and trailed down to her chin.

  The words struck like an arrow to Aidan’s heart. It took all his willpower to remain in his seat. He pushed a box of tissues across the desk. “I thought the man had left town.”

  Lindsay dabbed her eyes. “Well, he was there yesterday. Matt grabbed a knife from the kitchen and made him leave. I watched from the back, but I didn’t do anything to help her.” She sobbed into the tissue, her shoulders heaving.

  “It’s normal to be scared, Lindsay. Especially faced with such violent anger.”

  She hiccupped and blew her nose.

  “Did anyone call the police?”

  “No, Miss Martin wouldn’t let us.” The tissue became a wadded ball in her hand. “I thought maybe you could check on her and make sure she’s OK—in case he comes back again.”

  Raw emotion filled him, but he refused to allow it to surface. He wouldn’t upset the girl any further. “Thank you for telling me, Lindsay. I’ll take care of it.”

  ****

  Chloe stirred a bowl of batter in her galley kitchen, venting her frustrations with the whip of her arm. She’d had to call in sick to work. She couldn’t face the kids—or Aidan—with bruises makeup couldn’t conceal. She hoped she’d be able to go back to work tomorrow. The cold packs had already reduced the swelling in her lip and nose.

  Alone and restless, Chloe had turned to baking—the one activity which always brought her solace. She’d make some recipes to use for the fundraiser the kids told her would be happening next week.

  The stomp of heavy footsteps on the landing made her heart rate gallop. Had Richard come back? But no, he couldn’t have gotten in the front door. A shaky breath escaped her. It had to be Aidan—or Nick. The only other people with a key.

  Loud knocks hammered her door. “Chloe, open up. I know you’re not sick.”

  Aidan. Maybe if she ignored him, he’d think she was asleep and leave her in peace.

  The banging resumed.

  “I—I’m not feeling well, Aidan,” she called. “Can’t it wait until tomorrow?”

  “No. And you can cut the act. Lindsay told me the whole story.”

  The wooden spoon slipped from her hand and landed with a plop on the floor. “Just a minute.” Her hands shook as she wiped the floor. Her mind whirled, searching for a way out. She dried her hands on her apron, and then released her hair clip, arranging it to hide her cheek. She crossed to the door, unlocked the bolt, and opened it with the chain still on. “What are you doing here?”

  “I came to see what kind of damage that jerk did.”

  “There’s nothing to see.”

  She pushed the door closed, but he jammed his foot in the opening.

  “Let me in. Or would you rather I get Nick to come over?”

  “No.” Bracing for the inevitable, she unhooked the chain, and opened the door. She stood back, saying nothing as Aidan entered.

  His dark brows drew together in a scowl. “Let me see.” He brushed the hair away from her cheek.

  The warmth of his hand on her face and the familiar scent of his aftershave made her long to bury her face into his shoulder.

  “That scum did this to you?”

  She stepped out of his grip. “Yes.”

  His eyes blazed. “I thought he was gone, or did you lie about that too?”

  She absorbed the pain of his sarcasm without flinching. “As far as I know, he did leave. But he came back. With a ring.” She escaped into the sanctuary of her kitchen.

  “He proposed? Then assaulted you?” Aidan hovered in the kitchen doorway, his fists clenched.

  “He wasn’t too happy when I refused his offer.” She rinsed off the wooden spoon and resumed her stirring.

  He crossed his arms over his chest. “Why did you turn him down? Isn’t that what you wanted all along?”

  His harsh tone tore at her vulnerable heart. “Not anymore. I don’t want the same things I used to.”

  Aidan filled the small space with this formidable presence. “What do you want, Chloe?”

  His husky voice brought goose bumps out on her arms.

  I want you. She couldn’t very well blurt that out. Instead she offered him her new truth. “I want to live a life in keeping with God’s will. I want a partner who treats me with respect. And I want to make a positive contribution to the community. Live a life that would make my parents proud.” When she risked a glance at Aidan, his expression gave nothing away. She bent to pull baking tins from the cupboard under the sink.

  “Why didn’t you charge him with assault?” His tone was accusing, almost callous.

  “Because I wanted him to go away. Lindsay and Matt were there, and I was concerned for their safety.”

  The stiffness of his shoulders relaxed. “You’re right, the kids didn’t need to be mixed up in that.”

  All the shame and guilt rose up. She’d let the depravity of her past taint her life here in her hometown. “I’ll spend the rest of my life trying to make up for the suffering I’ve caused.” Tears blurred her vision as she fought hard to regain her composure.

  Aidan came up behind her. Warm hands turned her around, pulling her into his chest. “You made a mistake—granted a big one—but you shouldn’t have to pay for it your whole life.”

  Chloe buried her face in the fabric of his jacket, and wept. Encircled in the warmth of his arms, his heart beating a steady rhythm beneath her cheek, she wished she could stay in this haven forever. When the storm of tears subsided, she pulled away from his shoulder.

  He handed her a tissue to wipe her face.

  “Do you think you might be able to forgive me…one day?” She stared at the floor, not brave enough to see the answer on his face.

  A finger touched her chin, forcing her to look up.

  Heated emotions swirled in his eyes. “I forgive you, Chloe. I’m just not sure I can ever trust you.”

  25

  Back in his office, Aidan slumped into his chair. Once again, he’d allowed his emotions to override his common sense. What had he been thinking charging over to Chloe’s apartment?

  He’d wanted—no needed—to see that she was all right. The sight of her battered face had blown away his defenses, bringing the feelings he thought he’d finally managed to subdue back to the surface.

  He groaned and ran his hands through his hair. Why did his good judgment vanish every time he was with her? Being in love made him weak, made him ignore his logic. Chloe turned those big brown eyes on him, and he’d melted.

  Aidan stared out his office window. For now, he would give her the benefit of the doubt. But somehow he needed to guard his heart. She would have to prove her sincerity before he’d let his walls down again.

  A knock forced his thoughts back to the present. “Come in.”

  Patricia strolled in. “Hello, Aidan. Are you busy?”

  His stomach clenched at the sight of her perfect hair and make-up, reinforcing his perception that he had terrible judgment in women. Of course, he’d dated Patricia at a time when his faith meant little, tucked away to be taken out when convenient. Now, he wouldn’t even consider a relationship with a woman unless she shared his spirituality. “I have a few minutes to spare. How are you settling in?”

  “Very well. I love the small town feel here.”

  “That’s good since it looks like you’ll be here for a while.” He tried not to grimace. “So, what can I do for you?”

  “I came by to invite you to dinner on Friday. I’d love to s
how you my new apartment.”

  Surely Larry had explained his views on employee relationships, especially since he knew their history. “I’m sorry, Patricia, but our affiliation has to remain strictly professional.”

  She pouted. “Can’t two old friends share a meal and catch up?”

  “That’s not a good idea.”

  An uncomfortable silence filled the room.

  Her blue eyes glittered with a sudden hardness. “Word has it you’ve been spending a lot of time with Miss Martin. Is that the reason you have no use for me?”

  The coffee in his stomach soured. Patricia had only been here a few days and already she’d stirred up rumors. “Miss Martin and I have been working together to open a youth center. She and the kids are helping me renovate the building.”

  Patricia leaned back and crossed her legs. “So, you’re not dating her?”

  “No.” He stacked some papers into a pile. “Is there anything else? I have a phone call to make.”

  Despite his dismissive tone, her expression softened. “Are you seeing anyone else right now?”

  “No.”

  She smiled, not bothering to hide the predatory gleam. “Then nothing’s stopping us from spending quality time together on school projects. Starting with this bake sale coming up. I’m adding my name to the volunteer list right now.” Her skirt swished as she rose and sashayed toward the door. “See you around, Mr. North.”

  ****

  Chloe pulled into the parking lot of the Lucky Times Tavern, her stomach sinking at the sight of the run-down brick building sprayed with graffiti. The dread that had been crawling up her spine on the drive in to Kingsville now intensified.

  At this time of day, Mrs. Brown’s place of employment should be relatively empty. Chloe didn’t want an audience for this conversation.

  She took a quick look in the rearview mirror. Her bruises, though faded, still gave her face a sickly, yellow glow. She sighed and hoped that the lighting inside would be dim enough to hide it.

  With her heart pumping as loud as the music pouring out of the rickety wooden door, Chloe stepped inside and squinted in the smoke-filled interior. Several burly men sat at the bar, while only a couple of people dotted the tables.

  The man behind the bar pinned Chloe with a suspicious stare. “Can I help you, miss?”

  Chloe crossed the room. “I’d like to speak with Dorothy Brown. Is she here?”

  “You a police officer?” The man wiped his hand on his already stained apron.

  “No. I’m here on behalf of her kids.”

  He turned to yell over his shoulder. “Hey, Dot. Someone out here to see you.”

  Chloe squirmed. The eyes of every patron focused on her. She tightened her grip on the strap of her purse.

  A few seconds went by. The doors from the kitchen to the bar swung open. A tall, thin woman scanned the area until she spotted Chloe.

  “Mrs. Brown?”

  The woman’s eyes narrowed. “Who wants to know?”

  Chloe smiled, hoping to put her at ease. “I’m Chloe Martin. We spoke on the phone the other day.”

  Mrs. Brown came out from behind the bar, her low-cut T-shirt clinging to her slight frame, her straight brown hair pulled back in a hair net. “I thought I made myself clear. My kids are none of your business.”

  The men at the bar leaned toward them, clearly interested in what might become a cat fight.

  “Unfortunately that’s not true, Mrs. Brown. If the children have been abandoned, I have a duty to inform social services.” Chloe willed her gaze to stay even, hoping for some leverage in this conversation.

  “I haven’t abandoned anyone. I’m working hard to keep a roof over those kids’ heads.” Mrs. Brown crossed her arms in a combative stance.

  “Is there somewhere more private we could talk?”

  Mrs. Brown jerked her head toward the back. She turned to the bartender. “I’m taking five, Al,” she called, and then marched across the room.

  Chloe followed her to a corner booth and slid across the ripped vinyl seat, the odor of stale beer assaulting her.

  Mrs. Brown pulled a package of cigarettes and a lighter out of her apron pocket. “Do you mind?”

  “No.” If it would keep the woman here for a few minutes, it was worth the second-hand smoke. Chloe folded her hands on top of the sticky table. “I thought you should know that Matt and Lindsay are in some trouble.”

  “What kind of trouble?” Mrs. Brown blew out a stream of smoke.

  Chloe quickly filled her in.

  “My baby’s pregnant?” The woman’s eyes rounded in horror.

  “I’m afraid so.” Chloe leaned forward. “She needs her mother.”

  “What am I supposed to do? Both my jobs are here in Kingsville. I tried to get the kids to come with me, but they refused to move. I’ve been staying with a…friend, and trying to go home when I can. It’s not often I have the same days off from each job.” Mrs. Brown’s face crumpled.

  “I see you’re trying your best. But the apartment is filthy, and the rent is overdue. Lindsay really doesn’t need all this added stress.”

  “I don’t know what to do.” Mrs. Brown’s voice wobbled and moisture rimmed her eyes. “If I take time off, I won’t get paid, and I could lose both jobs.” Her hands shook as she took a long draw on her cigarette.

  “Are there any other relatives who could help out?”

  “My parents are in Oregon. But they’re both in their eighties and not in good health.”

  “What about the kids’ father?”

  Mrs. Brown’s lips formed a grim line. “I have no idea where he is. Haven’t heard from him since he took off ten years ago. And before you ask, his parents are both dead.”

  Lindsay hadn’t exaggerated when she said they had no family.

  Chloe took a deep breath for courage. “Mrs. Brown, what if Matt and Lindsay stay with me for a while?”

  Her eyes narrowed. “Why would you do that? You barely know my kids.”

  “I see a lot of myself in Lindsay, and I don’t want Matt to get in any more trouble or possibly end up in jail.”

  Mrs. Brown’s chin quivered. “I don’t want that either.”

  “If you could come into town long enough to pay the rent and take Lindsay to the doctor, I’ll take care of the rest. I’ll pay to get the apartment into livable condition and the kids can stay with me until then.”

  Mrs. Brown snuffed out her cigarette in an ashtray on the table. “I guess I can get a few hours off on Sunday. I’ll come then.” She looked Chloe in the eye for the first time without animosity. “Thank you, Miss Martin. I’ll do whatever I can to make things right for my kids.”

  ****

  Aidan pushed through the door of the Cut ‘N Curl salon after school on Wednesday, taking note of the happy orange walls and the starburst clock on the wall. A loud Frank Sinatra tune blared from the speakers in each corner of the shop.

  His mother looked up from the reception desk with a wide smile. “Aidan. What a nice surprise.”

  “Hi, Mom.” He bent to kiss her cheek and dropped a paper bag on the desk top. “I brought you a treat from Ruby’s.”

  “Jelly-filled donuts?”

  “Of course.” He grinned.

  “You’ll spoil my dinner, but it will be worth it.”

  Aidan slid a chair over and straddled it. “I came to tell you that my youth center is going to open soon.”

  “That’s wonderful, dear. Do you think a lot of boys and girls will use it?”

  “I hope so. We’re planning a big opening night to get the kids out. It’s next Friday. You and Peg are welcome to drop by if you’d like.”

  “Sounds like fun. Will Chloe Martin be there?”

  A blast of heat hit Aidan’s neck. Where had that come from? “Sure,” he answered, careful to keep his tone even. “She’s a big part of why this center is opening so soon.”

  “She’s a lovely young woman, don’t you think?” The twinkle of mischief in her eyes
made Aidan squirm.

  “Yes, Mom. She’s a good friend.”

  “A friend. Well, that’s a start.” She pulled a donut from the bag.

  “Has Maxi been filling your head with nonsense?” He scanned the shop but didn’t see his sister.

  “Maxine has been keeping me up to date. I believe your ex-girlfriend is working at your school.”

  “Unfortunately, yes.”

  “Please don’t tell me you’re getting back with her.”

  “No, Mom. I won’t repeat that mistake.”

  Her whole demeanor brightened. “Thank heavens. Maybe Maxine is right, and you and Chloe will end up together.”

  “I think I may have to kill my sister.”

  “Promise me something, Aidan.” She took his hand in hers.

  “What is it?”

  “Promise you won’t harden your heart to the possibility of love. I’m certain God has someone special in mind for you, if you’ll only stay open to His will.”

  Why was letting go and allowing God to take over so difficult? “I’ll try, Mom.”

  She gave a serene smile. “That’s a start and that’s all God needs. I’ll pray for the rest to follow.”

  ****

  “Our cupcakes are a hit, Miss Martin.” Lindsay’s flushed face beamed.

  “Thanks to your secret ingredient, I think. The chocolate chip ones are in big demand.”

  The cafeteria filled with a steady stream of hungry teens eager for sweets. Standing behind the table, Chloe enjoyed the satisfaction of a job well done.

  “I’ve learned chocolate makes almost anything irresistible.” Lindsay laughed.

  “You’re right.” Chloe grinned as she deposited some bills into the cash box.

  Aidan came through the cafeteria doors. His gaze flew to hers before he turned away.

  Chloe’s stomach twisted. Would she ever regain his trust and respect?

  “Hey, Miss Martin,” Tommy called. “You have change for a twenty?”

  “Sure, Tommy. Bring it over.” She pulled some smaller bills from the box.

  When she looked up, the blonde woman who’d kissed Aidan stood in front of her.

  “You must be the infamous Miss Martin.”