“Wrong. You’re her mother now.” Shelley grinned. “So how did you get out of the corner?”
“Oh. I was rescued by my handyman.”
“You have a handyman now?”
“I hope so. Floyd fired me.” She hastened to explain. “There’s always something around the place that needs to be fixed or repaired, and I’ve been calling Floyd to send someone over. But he can’t keep pulling guys off other jobs, and he’s going to start charging me for each call, so he suggested a guy who could work part-time and be on call for all my repairs.”
“Can you afford it?”
“No, but I don’t have a choice. If I’m going to have the bed-and-breakfast open for Thanksgiving week, I have to get all these repairs taken care of. Having someone on call would be a huge help. I already have four guests lined up. Everything has to be ready.”
A little body pushed past Shelley and lunged at Tori.
“Aunt Tori.”
A rush of softness coursed through Tori’s body as she bent down to hug her little girl. “Did you have a fun day?”
The dark curls shimmered as she nodded enthusiastically. “We made paper flowers. But we can’t show you yet. It’s for a surprise.”
“That sounds like fun. I can’t wait.”
Lily looked up at her teacher. “Can Emily come to our house and play when we get home?”
Shelley touched Lily’s head lightly. “Sorry, kiddo. Emily has a dentist appointment today, but she can come over for a while later.”
Lily pouted. “But I’ll miss her.”
Tori hugged the girl. “You got a new book in the mail today. You can read it until Emily gets home.”
“Yay! A book.”
“We’d better go. I want to see how the handyman did, and maybe I can get him to take a look at the pocket door that’s jammed.”
“So about this handyman,” Shelley prompted. “Old, young?”
“Oh, he’s thirtyish, tall, dark, serious. I’ll let you know more if he works out.”
“Are you working on the flood committee this weekend?”
Tori nodded. “You?” Torrential rains last week had caused the Pearl River to overflow its banks, leaving serious damage to the west side of town. It had flooded several homes in an upscale neighborhood with four feet of water, but it was the homes farther downriver that had borne the brunt of destruction. The residents there had no insurance, no means of repairing or replacing their homes. Peace Community Church, along with other organizations in town, had formed committees to help pull out damaged walls and floors and rebuild the homes. Sadly, there were enough homes in need on that side of town to keep everyone busy for many weeks. Some had turned their attention to collecting furniture, clothing and household goods for them, as well.
“I did, but I’m not sure how much help I’ll be. I’ve never cleaned out a flooded home before.”
“Me neither, but my brother Linc said be sure and wear a mask because the stench is awful.”
Shelley grimaced. “I suppose it is nasty work. But I can help.”
“Are you sure?” Tori smiled as an image of the fastidious Shelley covered in grime formed in her mind. “I can’t wait to see that—Miss Spotless guts a house. I hope you have an appropriate outfit.”
Her friend feigned insult. “I’ve got game. You wait and see.”
Tori chuckled. “I’m going to take pictures. I know several people who won’t believe it without proof.”
They said goodbye and Tori took Lily’s hand as they left the building, her thoughts still with the victims of the flood. She counted her blessings each time she thought about the people who had been forced from their homes. It put her problems into perspective. She faced a multitude of obstacles in getting her new B and B up and running, but it was nothing compared to losing everything.
On the ride home Lily regaled Tori with stories from school, funny things she and Emily had done, and speculated on the book waiting for her at home.
Tori was relieved to see that Reid’s dark blue truck was still parked at the curb when she pulled into the drive. The thought did cross her mind that she’d left a stranger in her house without a second thought. Then again, Floyd had sent him, so he must be trustworthy and qualified.
Lily scurried ahead through the gate in the picket fence into the backyard. “Where’s my book?”
Tori stopped on the walk when she saw the handyman sitting on the porch steps. He looked relaxed and at home. She started to smile, but his gaze latched onto hers and she caught her breath. He was studying her, sizing her up. She could sense his probing intellect reading her.
She sucked in a breath and shook off the sensation. She was being silly. The man had a commanding presence to go along with his chiseled features. His jaw had been cut with a straight edge, his nose even and strong over a generous mouth. The air of intensity and mystery about him was both intriguing and unsettling.
She stopped at the steps. Lily was already there staring. “Lily, this is Mr. Reid. He’s going to be helping around here for a while.”
“Are you going to fix things? ’Cause we have lots of things that are broken.”
Reid glanced at Tori, and the look in his eyes startled her. His mouth softened; his dark probing eyes warmed as he looked at her little girl. “Then I’ll do my best to fix them all.”
Lily flashed her brightest smile. “Good, ’cause we have bee bees to get ready for.”
Tori smiled and rested her hands on her daughter’s shoulders. “She means bed-and-breakfast guests. B and B. I want to have the house ready by the middle of next month. Will you be available during that time?”
He looked at Lily. “I think I can work it out.”
“Aunt Tori, where’s my new book?”
“On the kitchen table.”
The girl bounded up the stairs and hurried inside.
Reid met her gaze with raised brows. “Aunt Tori?”
His tone and gaze suggested there was more behind his question than mere curiosity.
“Lily is my ward. I became her guardian when her mother died. Aunt Tori just sort of happened.” She faced her handyman and sensed his probing gaze again. He was gauging, trying to figure her out and making a mental list of her good and bad points. She looked away, flushed and uncomfortable. When she glanced back, the probing look was gone and his gaze was unreadable.
Or was she merely being overly sensitive? It was happening more and more since she’d brought Lily back to her hometown. She questioned her decisions, second-guessed every move and read something negative in others’ comments and expressions too often.
He stood. “I finished attaching the hardware. Is there anything else?”
She had a long list, but for some reason she wasn’t ready to hand him another project. She took her phone from her purse. “If you’ll give me your number I’ll call you when I need you.”
He took the phone from her hand and their fingers brushed, drawing their gazes together. Had he done that on purpose? He punched in his number. “Call anytime.”
“We haven’t discussed your pay.”
“There’ll be time for that later.”
“Where are you staying?”
“The Dixiana Motor Lodge. Not far.”
Reid nodded and stepped past her, leaving a waft of his tantalizing aftershave in the air. She watched him as he walked away, his slow, easy gait in keeping with his controlled demeanor and his economy of words. She’d never met anyone who stirred so many questions. Nor someone who had caused her nervous system to quake so unexpectedly. A sudden shiver chased up her spine. Had she done the right thing in hiring him?
In the kitchen of the main house, Tori saw the gleaming new cabinet hardware Reid had installed. He’d even placed the old handles in a small box. At least he was considerate.
Picking up the box, she started to
ward the table where she’d been collecting items to take to the attic later. She glanced at the sunroom and blinked. The unfinished patch in the corner was painted. The evidence of her faux pas was gone. Had the handyman done that? How had he managed? More important, how thoughtful of him to have finished it. She’d have to thank him. His credentials shifted her opinion up a notch. He’d completed the task she’d requested neatly and had even gone the extra mile on the floor. Maybe she’d found the right man after all. She needed someone she could depend on if the house was going to open on time.
Floyd had come through again. He’d sent her a skilled worker to take on all the minor repairs. It was an added bonus that he was easy on the eyes. Which didn’t matter a wit. Handsome men were a dime a dozen. All she was interested in were his skills.
Despite that, she still wondered about the odd sense of connection that had passed through them earlier. Her imagination. That’s all it was. She’d merely been reacting to being rescued like a damsel in distress.
She was no damsel, and she didn’t need to be rescued. But she did need a man who could fix things.
Chapter Two
Reid strode along the tastefully decorated hallway of the Hamilton Haven Nursing Facility in Hammond, Louisiana. It reflected the high level of care they provided and reassured him he’d selected the perfect place for his brother, and it was located only an hour from Dover, which made visiting easy.
Stopping at room 107, he tapped on the door before stepping into his brother’s room. The early-morning sunlight streamed through the window, and the scent of fresh linens brought into contrast the difference in Eddie’s living conditions since they’d reunited. Reid had tracked him to a small charity hospital in Baton Rouge. He was receiving adequate care for his conditions, but the room was dark and depressing and did little to ease his brother’s pain. Eddie had tried to talk him out of spending the money, but Reid insisted. He’d failed his brother in so many ways. The least he could do was make his final days as comfortable as possible. But nothing could make up for his neglect over the years. If he’d been a better, more understanding brother, Eddie might not be dying.
As Reid came in, Eddie greeted him with a feeble smile and raised his hand in greeting. Reid grasped it gently in his. “How’s it going, little brother?”
“Good. I have everything I need.” He shifted a little on the bed. “I didn’t expect to see you so soon. Everything all right?”
Reid had been heartsick when he’d found his brother suffering so. The doctors had told him Eddie had two, maybe three, months before his body gave out. That was six weeks ago, and time was running out. He had to make things right—give his brother the one thing he wanted more than anything else.
Reid took a seat in the recliner beside the bed, leaning forward with his arms on his knees. “I found her. I found your little girl.”
Eddie closed his eyes and nodded. “Thank you, Lord. Tell me about her.”
“Her name is Lily and she’s a little beauty. Long, dark brown hair and big brown eyes.”
“Like Mom’s?”
Reid paused. He’d never thought about that. “Yes, exactly like hers. And like us, I suppose.”
Eddie nodded thoughtfully. “Her mom had blue eyes. And what about the woman who has her? Is she unhinged like the neighbor said?”
Reid chose his words carefully. He didn’t want to upset his brother. “She’s energetic and a bit unfocused, but no, I don’t think she’s crazy.”
“Is she good to my girl?”
“As far as I can tell, but I’ve only seen them together for a few minutes.”
“Will she bring my girl to see me?”
“I haven’t asked her yet. It didn’t come up.”
“Why not?”
Reid stared at his hands a moment before responding. “I want to observe things for a while, get a handle on her and her relationship with Lily.”
“Why?”
Reid had never mentioned the possibility of gaining custody of Lily. “In case I need to step in and change things.”
“File for custody, you mean? Is Lily in danger?”
“No, but it wouldn’t hurt to know all the facts before I tell her about you. Besides, shouldn’t Lily be raised by a relative?”
“Maybe, but I won’t be around and you’re a single guy.”
Reid pressed his lips together. A single guy who’d spent most of his adult life with the dregs of humanity, which meant he was devoid of the nurturing abilities a child needed.
Eddie studied him a moment. “What aren’t you telling me?”
He’d forgotten how Eddie could see through him. He was beginning to wonder how he’d ever worked undercover if he was so transparent.
“There was a misunderstanding when I arrived.” He explained his unexpected rescue mission. “If she didn’t plan ahead for something like painting a floor, what if she fails to plan ahead for Lily?”
Eddie shrugged off the concern. “That could happen to anyone. So are you going to see her again?”
Reid nodded. “I’m going to be her handyman for the next few weeks.”
“And she agreed, knowing who you are?”
Reid sat down and clasped his hands together. “Not exactly.” He explained the rest of the mix-up.
“So you let her think you were the handyman her contractor sent?”
“For the time being. This way I can see how they actually interact together and make sure she’s taking good care of Lily. Once I’m confident she is, I’ll explain and she’ll be more likely to agree to let me bring Lily to see you.”
A deep frown creased Eddie’s frail features. “Reid, for a smart guy, you’re being really stupid. You’ve been undercover too long. You see everything as a mission to take down the bad guys. It’s never right to deceive people. It’s one of the first things the Lord taught me when He saved me. Mark my words—your deception will only backfire.” He shook his head. “I want you to promise me you’ll set things straight. Quickly. I don’t have much time left.”
Reid nodded. “Don’t worry, I’ll handle it.” Eddie might have a point, but the only thing that mattered was making sure Lily was cared for, and if the Montgomery woman wasn’t suitable, then he’d have to step in, which meant he had to have evidence and ammunition. But he’d honor his brother’s request. He’d come clean soon. All he needed was a few days.
* * *
Tori lifted her coffee cup and took a sip, grimacing at the tepid liquid. That was the second cup she’d let get cold this morning. Leaning back in her desk chair, she raked her hair away from her face with a soft groan. She’d been going over the numbers for an hour, and the result was still the same. Her finances were stretched to the max. Every penny had to be accounted for if she was going to open on time.
She’d foolishly assumed her savings and the profit from the sale of her property would be enough to get the B and B up and running. But even with all her calculations, she’d been hit hard by unexpected costs. The plumbing, electric and roof had all needed to be replaced. The discovery and remediation of asbestos and lead paint had further slowed the construction. The remodel of the kitchen in the main house had taken longer than normal because of restoration requirements connected to a historic home. Her contractor had explained that a historic home required special materials at every turn. She couldn’t run to the store and buy new molding. It had to be replicated to match what was there.
The funds she applied for would ease her situation considerably. Unfortunately, she still had to wait for the on-site inspection, which wouldn’t happen for a few weeks yet, and then she’d have to wait several more weeks for the funds to be applied. The only thing keeping her afloat at the moment was her online jewelry-design business, but that covered only food and utilities for her and Lily.
She’d have to tighten her belt a while longer and concentrate on getting the in
side of the rooms decorated and arranged for future guests. She had invested everything in this venture. It was her future—and Lily’s. The business would not only provide a living, but would allow her to spend as much time with her little girl as possible. But at this rate, it would never happen, and she would be stuck with a half-done white elephant of a house and be forced to take an eight-to-five job, put Lily in after-school care and miss out on so much of her life. She’d promised Judy she would be a good mother to Lily. The mother Judy would have been, and she intended to keep that promise, no matter what.
“Morning, Aunt Tori.”
Tori’s concerns melted into mist at the sound of the child’s greeting. She spun in her chair and opened her arms. “Good morning. How’s my little sweetie pie this morning?”
“Good.” She climbed into Tori’s lap for a hug and a snuggle. “I dreamed about a big flower that came to play with me in the yard.”
“You did?”
“It was blue and pink. Oh, and I dreamed about a little puppy with floppy ears.”
Tori stifled a giggle. Her little charge had been angling for a pet since they’d arrived in Dover four months ago. She suspected it had something to do with all her new cousins having dogs. “Maybe we can get you a puppy after we get our B and B open.”
“But that’s forever.”
“Not really. Are you ready for breakfast?” Mornings were Tori’s favorite part of the day. Lily generally woke up soft and sweet and cuddly, and they enjoyed breakfast together before leaving for school. But today her thoughts were focused on her bank account.
By the time she had dropped off Lily and returned home, the sorry state of her finances had given her a monster headache. One thing was clear: hiring a handyman now was out of the question. She’d have to learn to make minor repairs herself or rely on her family. Unfortunately, they all had busy lives of their own and weren’t able to drop everything and come running. Besides, she’d received enough help from them. She needed to provide for Lily on her own. Time was running out, and there was still so much to do.
Her Handyman Hero Page 2