When almost the entire choir turned in a simultaneous motion to look at her, Summer managed to smile weakly. “That was very kind of you.”
“I brought this.” Mary held up the carrier. “I thought we could put Danny right up front by you.”
When Mary brought Danny closer, he chortled as he recognized Summer. “Hey, there,” Summer greeted him softly, her smile tender.
“He’ll help Mom sing,” Mary explained. She leaned closer so only Summer could hear. “And keep her from getting too bored.”
Surprised, Summer smiled at the twinkle in Mary’s eye. But actually she was enjoying herself. While she wasn’t a musical wonder, she had always enjoyed singing. And somehow with Danny at her feet so she could gently rock his carrier and hear his happy laugh, it seemed even more enjoyable.
Summer’s mind wandered, and she imagined how it would be to sing little Danny to sleep each night, to know that every morning she would be greeted by that precious smile.
“Summer.” Ethel tugged at her sleeve.
“Oh, I’m sorry. My mind was wandering,” Summer apologized, wondering how long she’d been daydreaming.
“No problem,” Ethel said with a laugh. “When my children were little, I took every possible opportunity for a mental vacation. We’re taking a break, and I’m going to set up the coffee and doughnuts in the recreation hall. You want to come along?”
Mary and a few other women were crowding around, as well. Summer reached down and picked up Danny, giving him a cuddle.
“Don’t monopolize her,” Frances chided. “She’ll want to get to know everyone.”
Guiltily Summer looked at the circle of friendly, welcoming faces. She didn’t know if they would be in Caleb Corners for a day or a week, but she did know she wouldn’t be joining their community. And a bit of regret washed over her. To these women, she and Jack and Danny were the ideal young family. If they only knew.
“I’d be happy to help with the refreshments. Then Danny and I are going to beg off. It’s been a really long day.” The sleepless night was catching up to her in a big way.
“No need for you to help,” Mary intervened. “I don’t know what I was thinking. Of course you’ve had a long day. You and Danny go settle in for the night and I’ll bring over a pot of tea—unless you’d rather I take Danny,” she added hopefully.
Summer’s grip on Danny tightened, realizing she didn’t want to give him up again so soon. “Actually I’d like to have him close.”
Mary’s smile was understanding, if regretful. “Of course.”
“But you don’t have to bring us tea,” Summer added, not wanting to inconvenience her gracious host. “In fact, I can help with—”
“Shoo! Now, out with you,” Mary replied. “I’ll grab that tea and be over in a shot and then we’ll all leave you alone.”
“I’ll see you on Sunday,” Ethel told her. “We’ll give you the third degree then.” Summer’s eyes flew open in shock, but the older woman was giving Danny’s arm a friendly maternal pat. “I might complain about the days when my children were little, but I’d give anything to have that time back again.” Her voice tightened, and a trace of tears glinted suspiciously at the corners of her eyes. “But once it’s gone, it’s gone. So you enjoy.”
Her mind reeling with advice and welcoming words, Summer retreated to the tiny cottage. With Danny securely wedged at her hip, Summer glanced around, seeing the touches that spoke of Jack’s presence. With a start, she realized she had become accustomed to the masculine accessories—from the blue jean jacket tossed casually over the back of a chair to the razor and manly-smelling soap in the bathroom.
“Looks like Daddy’s been here.”
“Da,” Danny responded.
“He’ll probably be back soon.” Summer wondered if the butterflies in her stomach signaled anticipation or dread.
Danny’s plump fingers curled around her thumb. Once again, his utter trust sent a rush of warmth through her.
“But after your bath, we have plenty of time for a story....” She paused. “And a song, if you like.”
Within a short time, she had him bathed, powdered and dressed in his sleeper. Sweet-smelling, sweet-tempered, he was truly a joy.
Glancing around, Summer realized she hadn’t thought to prepare a nighttime bottle for him. Just then, the intercom buzzed.
It took her a moment to locate the panel on the wall. Hesitantly she pushed the button. “Yes?”
“Summer? I have your tea and a bottle for Danny. Are you ready for me to bring it over?” Mary asked.
“You’re too good to be true,” Summer exclaimed. “I was just thinking I’d forgotten about Danny’s bottle.”
“Jack brought over some formula this afternoon. I had him collect bottles so they could get a good wash through the dishwasher. But there is a tiny fridge and microwave in the cottage to use later. Is this a good time to come over?”
“Certainly,” Summer agreed, not really wanting to take Danny out in the night air right after his bath.
“I’ll be right there,” Mary replied.
“Your fairy godmother will be over momentarily with a bottle,” Summer told Danny. “We’re awfully lucky, you know.” The irony of those words struck her. The child and his father were running for their lives, hardly an ideal situation, yet the Steigers had given her a renewed sense of hope. Surely something good would come of this.
Within a few short minutes, Mary brought over the tea and Danny’s bottle. “I won’t stay,” she began. “You’re probably both beat. I know Jack must be, too, but men always act so stoic, don’t they?” Mary laughed as she headed toward the door. “But if you change your mind about needing some help with Danny, just buzz me on the intercom. I’ll be over in a flash.”
“You’ve been wonderful. Thank you so much.”
Mary hesitated, then turned back. “We think a lot of Jack. I don’t know as I ever met anyone in such pain. Not that he ever talked about it,” she hastened to add. “But you could tell. One look and you could see loneliness, despair—he was a walking raw wound.” Mary’s expression brightened. “But he’s completely different now. And I suspect you’re the cause.”
Startled, Summer gaped, unable to reply.
Mary only smiled. “You’re good for him, and we’re grateful to you for that. We’ve thought about Jack since he left. We’ve prayed for him...and hoped for him. It’s good to know our prayers have been answered.” With a smile, she left, closing the door quietly behind her.
Summer stared at the closed door. Only when Danny flailed his arms and struggled to get down did she move. Could the Steigers be imagining what they wanted to see? Or could there possibly be some truth to Mary’s observations?
“What do you think, little one?” she asked Danny, twining her fingers so that he wrapped his hands over them.
Spotting a rocking chair by the window that she didn’t remember seeing before, Summer shook her head in wonder. Mary Steiger was truly a kind and thoughtful woman. No doubt she’d had her husband bring the chair over while they had been otherwise occupied during choir practice. “Look, Danny. A special chair, one for just you and me.”
His huge eyes fastened on her, obviously enjoying the sound of her voice. Encouraged, Summer settled with him in the rocking chair, watching as the light breeze gently ruffled the curtains. “Well, punkin, what story shall it be? The Three Little Bears? Cinderella? The ‘Rugrats’ meet the kids from ‘South Park’ and set them straight?” She laughed softly. “Or how ’bout how silly Summer met Prince Charming and found out he was really Prince Nowhere?”
Danny gurgled as his hands curled around the bottle, clutching it firmly. He was strong for a little guy. She held his warm body close as she thought of her broken engagement, the man to whom she had devoted four years of her life. Tyson had stolen more than her heart; he’d pilfered her trust, as well, and it was one theft that couldn’t be replaced.
“I guess I wasn’t very smart,” Summer confided. “I thoug
ht all two people needed was love. I didn’t know that social contacts and networking were just as important.”
Danny cradled his head on her chest, and Summer stroked his silky hair. “But I guess they are ... to some people.” She thought again of the pain she had felt when without warning, Tyson broke off their engagement to marry another woman who possessed more social contacts—alliances that would further his career.
“For four years, he delayed the wedding and I built my life around him. When he decided to marry someone else, it knocked the props out from under me.”
Danny’s eyelids drooped.
Summer laughed humorlessly. “I know. It’s not the most exciting story. I guess I should have stuck to The Three Little Pigs.”
The bottle began to slide from Danny’s slack lips, and Summer gently retrieved it. “So, little one, how ’bout a song instead?” His head slumped to one side. Tenderly she stroked his soft skin as she adjusted him in her arms. In a soft, clear voice, she sang him a lullaby. Summer was surprised at how easily the words she remembered from her own childhood came back to her.
Reluctant to put him in the portable crib, she continued rocking, singing the songs of her childhood, allowing the soft moonbeams to illuminate the dimly lit room.
How was she going to walk away from this tiny person once Jack found Tom Matthews? Could she put her heart on hold again, pretend that the pain didn’t matter?
She thought of Jack, working into the night despite the harrowing events of the past forty-eight hours. So much strength and determination. Another, sharper doubt assailed her. How would she be able to walk away from him? Would these wounds be the ones she couldn’t put behind her? The ones that would change her forever?
Chapter 12
Jack stared across the church lawn, watching as Summer played with Danny. The Steigers had a baby seat on their ancient swing set, and Danny was loving being pushed in it.
A gentle breeze ruffled the elegant arms of the weeping willow as it shaded the verdant green lawn. Trees even older than the historic church building lent a permanence to the area. It was one of the things that had attracted him to the church. That and a need to be near something that might help him understand why his life had gone so crazily askew.
While the officials in the witness-protection program had chosen Caleb Corners because of its remoteness and population profile, Jack had found the job on his own. Initially Sedgewick, Jack’s contact in the program, hadn’t thought it would be a good idea for Jack to get a job. He felt that Jack’s concentration would be so poor that he would attract attention.
After three days of idleness, Jack had ignored his mentor’s advice and found this job on his own. And for some reason, he had never told Sedgewick about it. Part of it was a desire to have something in his life that was his own, something that hadn’t been examined beneath a microscope and then hung out for everyone to see. Later, when Jack had moved from his apartment to the Steigers’ guest room, he hadn’t informed Sedgewick. His mail had continued to be delivered to the post-office box. And Jack had always contacted Sedgewick since it hadn’t been considered safe for anyone in the program to call hidden witnesses.
Now Jack was immensely glad that he hadn’t shared that knowledge. Fisher and Wilcox could learn about Caleb Corners, along with all the other towns he had lived in, but they wouldn’t know just where to look. If he and Summer could keep a low profile, this could be a safe hideout.
He reached down for another handful of nails and frowned, remembering his discussion with Summer the previous day. Jack still wasn’t certain how long he could keep her with them. He hadn’t forgotten his promise to return her home safely. Despite her protests that she was with them because she wanted to be, his promise was losing credibility.
Jack thought, too, of what he had overheard the previous night. Trudging to the door of the cottage, tired to the bone, he had paused as he’d heard Summer’s voice floating through the open window. Surprised by her painful confessions, he wondered what else he didn’t know about her. He also wondered about the man she had been engaged to. Did she still love him? Was that why she had tried so fervently to hide her femininity?
Jack glanced at her again. To look at her now, it was hard to believe that he had once nearly mistaken her for a man.
“It’s shaping up just fine, son.”
Whirling around, Jack tried not to show that his heart had jumped into his throat from surprise. Relaxing his guard could prove lethal, and clearly he had done just that. “Thanks, Pastor. But it’s going to take more than a few nails to keep this together for long. We’ll need to replace this section of the fascia board.”
“If you say so. Wouldn’t want it to fall on our parishioners, not that some of the hardheads would feel it.”
Jack grinned. He had always loved Don Steiger’s slightly irreverent approach to life. “I’ll make a run to the lumberyard and get supplies.”
The pastor nodded his head. “Just put it on the account like you used to. You might have noticed that nothing much around here has changed.”
“That can be a good thing,” Jack replied, hammering in a nail.
“And change can be equally good. Look at you and your new family.”
Jack paused, his gaze following the pastor’s. Summer had Danny in her arms and was twirling him around and making him laugh. Sunlight danced over her blond hair, illuminating it into a golden sheen while the breeze stirred the full skirt of her casual sundress. Something in his gut knotted, then warmed.
“I’d say you hit the jackpot, son. Lovely wife, fine son. A man can’t ask for much more than that.”
“I guess not, Pastor.”
“She’s a fine woman,” the pastor continued. “Concerned more about the people around her than herself. I’ll tell you from experience that counts for an awful lot As the years pass, a lot of things fade, but compassion only grows.”
Jack continued to stare at Summer and Danny. It seemed the pastor had seen—really seen—Summer. Had his own vision been impossibly clouded?
“I’m not telling you anything you don’t know, Jack. After all, you’re the one who picked her.” He reached up and plucked a wayward piece of flaking paint. “Good thing you got here when you did. The place might have fallen to pieces.”
Jack tore his gaze from Summer. “I doubt that. You take good care of your own, Pastor.”
The older man nodded, his gaze again resting on Summer and Danny. “Apparently you do, too, son. I suspect you always have.”
Startled, Jack met the other man’s eyes but saw only compassion there. For an insane moment, he thought the pastor had somehow found out what had happened to Linda. As Don Steiger walked away, Jack turned his attention back to Summer, his gut knotted with conflicting emotions. Would he be able to take care of them this time? Or would history repeat itself?
Summer stood on the bottom step of the porch and listened to the night sounds: the bass quartet of bullfrogs from the nearby pond, the cicadas joining their harmony and the distant call of a roving owl. Undisturbed, a gentle breeze fluttered through the leaves of the towering oak trees. Summer smiled as she looked down the peaceful street, past rows of picket fences. Caleb Corners reminded her of home. Darkness blanketed the sky, and as people settled in for the evening it was as though all was right with the world.
Hearing footsteps creak on the wooden porch, Summer recognized them immediately. There was a cadence to a person’s footfalls, as individual as fingerprints, and she had no doubt these belonged to Jack.
Turning, she smiled.
To her relief, he smiled back.
“Things must be okay,” she guessed.
He nodded. “The Steigers are spoiling Danny rotten, but he’s loving it.”
“They’re good people,” Summer commented, watching Jack’s face as the night shadows played over his features. Once again, she was reminded of a pirate, ferociously courageous. powerfully virile. But she knew this pirate didn’t possess a black heart.
&n
bsp; “I haven’t asked, Summer, but what did your mother say when you called her after we docked the first night?” He paused. “Or that second call a few days later?”
“I told her we’d run into a few complications,” she admitted.
“Nicely phrased. But isn’t she worried about you?”
Summer shrugged. “I’d be lying if I said no. But she knows I’m a big girl, that I can take care of myself.”
He stepped closer so that only the light of a moonbeam separated them. “Not such a big girl.” His hand glided over to touch the hair that was tossed over her shoulder. “Standing down there, you look like a wee slight thing.”
“Your Irish is showing.”
Jack’s teeth flashed in the dark night. “I’m just cracking open the cover.”
“There’s more to come?” she questioned, enjoying this side of him, wishing they had more time like this, wishing they hadn’t met in such a bizarre fashion. But staring up at him, she realized they wouldn’t have met any other way. They were so very different. Nothing less than the danger they were facing could have brought them together.
“There’s always more to an Irishman than he lets on.” Lazily Jack leaned one lean hip against the porch railing and stretched his long legs, pulling the denim tight against muscled thighs.
Summer was struck by the sheer maleness of him. Swallowing, she silently admitted the wealth of her attraction. Even the tranquillity of the evening faded as a rumbling tension ignited the warm night air. As distinctive as thunder that rolled in with a storm, Jack had changed the currents, electrified them.
Knowing this, Summer knew she should make an excuse and escape, flee from the feelings. Yet she couldn’t move. Especially when he shifted slightly, moving a fraction closer, heating the air between them. Frantically she searched her mind for an excuse, but nothing surfaced.
“Nice evening, isn’t it?” Pastor Steiger’s voice broke the exquisite silence and Summer whirled around, stepping back from Jack.
“Yes,” Summer mumbled, not certain whether to be relieved or frustrated at the interruption.
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