Love Inspired March 2014 - Bundle 2 of 2: North Country FamilySmall-Town MidwifeProtecting the Widow's Heart

by Lois Richer

  “Sure.” Ty followed her into the kitchen. She called to EJ, and both boys jumped up and dashed to her side.

  “Do we have to leave? Kenny and I were going to play a game.”

  “Maybe next time. We need to get home...to the cabin, and get ready for tomorrow. Go find your jacket, and anything else you brought with you.”

  Ty stole a glance at Ginger. She’d called the cabin home. Did she think of it that way? He hoped so.

  “I like your boy.” Kenny tilted back his head and spoke bluntly to Ginger.

  “Thank you, Kenny. And he likes you. I’m glad you two are friends.”

  The boy thought about that a moment, then nodded. “Me, too.” He dashed off to sit with his grandpa on the sofa.

  They made their goodbyes and headed to the car. Ty found himself smiling as he herded his guests to the vehicle. It was almost like having his own family.

  Almost. But not really. The thought left a heavy sadness in his chest.

  * * *

  Falling asleep was impossible. Ty Durrant had taken up residence in her mind and refused to leave. He’d called her beautiful. The compliment had wrapped around her heart like a sweet embrace. She wanted to believe he meant it.

  Closing her eyes, she willed herself to lock thoughts of Ty to the back of her mind. Tugging up the covers, she settled deeper into the bed. She’d been acutely aware of him all day. At his parents’, he’d shed his suit coat and tie and rolled back the sleeves of his crisp, white shirt. He’d looked strong, handsome and compellingly male. It’s one reason she’d retreated to the piano. Too much Ty Durrant wasn’t good for a woman’s heart.

  Closing her eyes, she willed herself to sleep. When she woke again, the clock had barely moved. She started a mental list of all the reasons she shouldn’t care for him, but found herself thinking of all the things she found appealing. Like his smile that weakened her knees. His caring heart. His respect for his family and others. His tenderness toward EJ. The way he made her feel special every moment.

  She tossed off the covers and rose. At this rate she’d never get to sleep. Maybe a cup of hot chocolate would soothe her mind.

  * * *

  The sky was black as ink. If it weren’t for the security floodlight shining through the trees from the far corner of the property Ty would have been in complete darkness. An owl hooted in the distance, adding an eerie tone to the dark night. He closed his eyes, only to open them again when he heard acorns crunching behind him and caught the scent of a flowery perfume on the air. Ginger. He should tell her to go away, to let him think. But he didn’t want to.

  She stopped beside the empty chair next to him. “Are you all right?”

  The concern in her voice soothed his muddled thoughts. “As right as I can be.” He risked looking at her, knowing his heart would stop briefly, then kick into high gear. Ginger made him think about his future, about a family. But the call to stay in law enforcement was too strong. It went deep into his heart and soul. His gaze slid to her face, shadowed except for the faint rays of the floodlight that kissed her cheek. Huddled inside her bright aqua sweater, her hands were buried deep in the baggy pockets. She was worried. He liked that she worried about him.

  “I don’t want to intrude, but I wanted to make sure you were okay. It’s late and I was...worried.”

  He stretched out his hand. She hesitated a moment, then clasped it. Her fingers were still warm. “Sit down. I could use a friend right now.”

  She settled into the other chair. He kept her hand in his, rubbing his thumb over the soft skin. “I should have listened to you the night of the storm and stayed at the cabin.”

  “Why? What happened?”

  A short, bitter laugh escaped his throat. “I froze. Just like before.”

  Ginger leaned forward. “What do you mean?”

  He struggled to find the right words. “I told you my partner died that day. But I didn’t tell you it was my fault. We were making a routine follow-up on an investigation. A man appeared from nowhere with an assault rifle. I drew my weapon, but when I looked at the shooter, he was only a kid—no more than sixteen. I hesitated. Pete went down, and I took three rounds. Pete left a wife and child behind.” He ran a hand down the side of his neck. “If I hadn’t frozen, if I’d fired sooner, he’d be alive.”

  “You don’t know that.”

  Her voice was soft and sympathetic. “Yes, I do. I screwed up when I should have acted. I don’t think I can cut it anymore.”

  Ginger squeezed his fingers. “Have you talked to someone about this?”

  “Sure. The department shrink. It’s mandatory. He says until I deal with the real issue he won’t sign off on my return to duty. He suggested I come home to think things through. I have to decide by the end of the month if I’m going back on duty or finding another line of work.”

  “What else would you do?”

  He rubbed the side of his neck. “I have a masters in criminal justice. There are a lot of private security firms that would hire me. Or I could go to law school.”

  “Those might be safer professions.”

  “Yeah, but that’s just it.” He turned to look at her. “I never thought about the risk before. I knew I could handle it. Now I feel...”

  “Mortal?”

  He nodded. It sounded lame when she said it out loud. He rested his head on the back of the chair, taking comfort from the touch of her hand. “I never wanted to be anything but a cop. I always knew it was what I was meant to be. No second thoughts. Ever. But now...”

  “You have doubts.”

  “I question every thought. I’m like a truck stuck in the mud, just spinning my wheels and throwing dirt.”

  “We robbed you of your solitude. I’m sorry.”

  He looked into her eyes. They were filled with sadness, for him. Her mouth was pulled into a tiny frown that begged him to touch her lips. He squeezed her hand, so soft in his. “I’m glad you’re here. You and EJ take my mind off my problems. And I needed to talk to someone. Thanks for listening.”

  Ginger shivered. He stood and pulled her up with him. “Come on. You need to go inside. It’s too cold out here.” He wrapped an arm around her shoulders, wanting to keep her warm, but as they walked toward the cabin, the closeness gave birth to other ideas. Ones he couldn’t afford to explore. But she fit so perfectly against his side, and she smelled like flowers and night air. “I told you things I never told the shrink.”

  “Why didn’t you tell him?”

  “If certain things get into my files, it can affect future promotions, and it doesn’t sit well with the other guys if they know you’re weak.”

  She stopped and laid her hand on his chest, forcing him to look at her. “You’re not weak. You’re one of the strongest men I’ve ever met.”

  He looked into her eyes, his heart swelling at the admiration displayed there. He shook his head. “You shame me, Ginger. You’ve carried a huge burden all alone, and still managed to remain kind and sweet, and raise a great kid in the process.”

  Her eyes widened, and her lips parted. He stared at her mouth, wondering what she tasted like. How she would feel in his arms. His hands gripped her shoulders, pulling her closer. He gazed into her eyes and found no resistance in the green depths. Slowly, he lowered his head, his lips touching hers for a brief moment. She swayed toward him before opening her eyes. He inhaled a shaky breath and forced himself to step back. “Go to bed. You’re a working woman. You need your rest.”

  He watched her walk to the stairs and cross the deck before starting back to the boathouse. Something had shifted inside when he’d kissed her, leaving him confused and off balance. He had a feeling she’d felt it, too. One thing he knew for certain. One kiss from Ginger was not enough. It never would be.

  * * *

  The oven timer rang. Ginger inh
aled the aroma of fresh blueberry muffins. Pulling the tin from the oven, she set them to cool while she finished getting ready for work. She’d offered to provide food for the workers at the Stanton house today.

  “EJ. We’re leaving for school in fifteen minutes.” A muffled noise was the only response.

  Glancing out the large front window, her gaze came to rest on the gnarled oak tree where she’d seen Ty last night. He’d looked so alone, huddled in the Adirondack chair. Her heart had gone out to him. She understood the mental struggles after a life crisis. All she’d intended to do was listen, but as he’d shared his fears, she’d found herself wanting to encourage him to walk away from police work. She’d started to care for him, and the thought of him charging into danger every day filled her with fear.

  The kiss had further confused her thoughts. She’d replayed the moment dozens of times since last night. His strong hands on her shoulders pulling her toward him, the look of longing and curiosity in his blue eyes. She’d been unable to breathe anticipating his lips on hers. His kiss had been soft, tender, like a whisper of things to come. Ty Durrant was stirring feelings she’d never thought she’d experience again. Feelings she didn’t know what to do with.

  Chapter Eight

  Ty climbed down the ladder and headed to the garage for a cup of coffee. He was tired, sore and hungry. Mainly he was reliving that kiss. He was supposed to be thinking about his decision, but all he could think about was kissing Ginger again.

  He rubbed his forehead, inhaling the cool morning air and taking a quick glance at the Stanton house. The roof was on, ready for felt paper and shingles, and the exterior walls were being covered in insulation board. The weather had cooperated. Now the interior work could get underway, and they could work through the night, if necessary. Which was looking more and more like a distinct possibility.

  “Good morning.”

  Ty turned around, nearly bumping into Ginger, who stood just outside the garage door. The sight of her made him smile. “Hello. I didn’t expect to see you here.” She smiled back, turning his insides to warm syrup.

  “It’s my day to bring breakfast.” She held out a small tray with a variety of goodies. “I made the muffins and sausage balls. The homemade cinnamon rolls are Mrs. Ainsworth’s.”

  Ty took a blueberry muffin from the tray, peeled back the paper and took a big bite. He’d had Ginger’s muffins before, and he knew how delicious they were. “You should sell these.”

  “Do you think I could make enough to pay for my new transmission?”

  “Definitely.”

  She glanced toward the house. “How’s it going?

  “The roof is on, but we can always use more volunteers. We need help installing the windows and putting on the siding. Even folks willing to clean up would save time.”

  “I never imagined it would be so difficult to find volunteers. I’ve already been through the members list. I talked to Jim about it, and he suggested I call Hope Chapel. Mr. Stanton’s brother attends there, and they might be willing to help.”

  “Good idea. Be sure to remind them that we don’t always need skilled people, just extra hands.”

  “That’s good to know because many are worried they’re not capable with tools.” She smiled again and started to walk away.

  “Where you going?”

  “You’re not the only hungry man on this job.”

  He watched her stroll toward the house, offering the tray of goodies to the crew. To a man, they all smiled when they looked at her.

  After grabbing a large cup of coffee, Ty left the food table and headed across the yard. His gaze sought out Ginger, and he found her standing on the far side of the house talking to Shaw McKinney. Something in the way the carpenter was leaning toward her sent a finger of irritation down Ty’s spine. Ginger was smiling. Shaw laughed and bent toward her. Ty set his jaw. Ginger nodded, laughing out loud at something Shaw said. The sound of her laughter landed with a thud in his chest.

  Ginger waved at Shaw, then walked back toward him. Ty’s gaze darted between Shaw, who was watching her walk away, and Ginger, who had a silly smile on her face. She stopped in front of him and held out the tray. “There’s one more blueberry muffin if you’re interested.”

  “What did he say to you?”

  “Who?”

  “Shaw. Was he bothering you?”

  “No. We were just talking.”

  Ty glanced over at the man who had his hands on his hips and an amused grin on his face. Shaw raised a two-finger salute. “You need to stay away from him. He’s not the kind of guy you should encourage.”

  “Encourage?”

  Ty sent a glare in Shaw’s direction. “He’s got a reputation.”

  “I’m sure he can’t be that bad. I doubt your sister would hire someone who wasn’t trustworthy. He was very nice. I liked him.”

  “He’s not nice. He’s...” Words failed him. How could he make her see that the man wasn’t the type she should get involved with. “He’s not the kind to commit.”

  “Who said I was looking for commitment?”

  This wasn’t going the way he intended. Ginger was glaring at him, her green eyes dark and stormy. Didn’t she understand that he was just trying to protect her?

  “I’m trying to tell you...”

  “You’re trying to tell me who I can and can’t talk to?”

  “No, I just don’t want you to get hurt.”

  “Well, for your information, I liked Shaw. He was sweet. You’re my landlord, not my guardian. What I do and who I see are none of your business.”

  Ginger stomped off, leaving Ty standing alone and uncomfortably aware that his exchange with Ginger had called attention to himself. Landlord? Is that how she thought of him? After that kiss last night, he’d thought they were something more. Fine. If she wanted to get tangled up with a guy like Shaw, it was none of his concern.

  Turning on his heel, Ty strode back to the house. He filled his apron with roofing nails, hoisted a fifty-pound bundle of shingles onto his shoulder and started up the ladder. On the roof, he dropped the bundle and glanced down to the yard. Ginger was climbing into her car. He exhaled a tense breath, then went to work.

  * * *

  Ginger dropped her purse on her desk and sat down, still mad at Ty’s overbearing behavior. Did he think one kiss gave him the right to tell her what to do?

  April looked up from the other desk, eyebrows raised to her hairline. “What happened to you?”

  “Shaw McKinney.”

  A slow, dreamy smile softened April’s features. “Yeah. He happens to all of us.” She waved her hand in front of her face. “Gorgeous.”

  Ginger frowned. “I suppose, but that’s not what I meant. I was talking to him at the site this morning, and Ty got all weird, talking about Shaw not being a nice guy, and that I should stay away from him.” Ginger leaned back in her chair, arms over her chest. “Where does he get off telling me who I can talk to? Shaw was simply asking about the volunteers, and he complimented me on my muffins.”

  April laughed out loud. “Honey, don’t you get it? Ty was jealous.”

  “What?”

  “I’ve seen the way he looks at you, and I see your face when you talk about him. There’s something going on between you two.”

  Ginger tried to hide the blush that burned her cheeks. “There’s nothing going on.”

  “Uh-huh.” April crossed her arms over her chest. “Has he kissed you yet?”

  A small squeak escaped Ginger’s mouth. “That is really none of your business.”

  “I knew it. Good for him.” April leaned toward her, a smirk on her lips. “You can try and deny it, but I’m telling you, Ty was watching you smile at Shaw, and his blood started to boil. In his own twisted male way, he was trying to protect you.”


  Ginger thought that over. “He did say something about not wanting me to get hurt.”

  April nodded and pointed a finger at her. “If I was you, I’d be tickled to death that he was so upset. There’s something real sweet about a man wanting to protect the woman he cares about.”

  Ginger mulled that over the rest of the day. Was that what he’d been doing? The idea sent a bubble of lightness in her chest. She’d tried to dismiss it as just a friendly peck, even though she’d sensed something more. If he was jealous, then that meant he had feelings for her. Maybe this attraction she’d felt between them was more personal than she’d thought.

  * * *

  Ty trudged across the deck that evening, bone-tired. A twinge of anxiety made him pause with his hand on the doorknob. He’d avoided Ginger this afternoon, leaving as soon as she’d arrived from work, to return to the job site and get a few more hours of work done.

  But he couldn’t avoid her indefinitely. Might as well face the music. No doubt Ginger would have a few more choice words for him about his behavior this morning. He couldn’t blame her. He’d acted like an idiot. Opening the door, he stepped inside, a sharp pain in his left thigh wringing a soft gasp from his throat. So much for being in shape.

  “Are you all right?”

  He glanced over at Ginger, who stood near the sink. The concern in her gaze sent a warm sensation through his heart. “Yeah. I guess I overdid it today. I know one thing for sure. I don’t want a career in construction.”

  “Tyster.” EJ hurried forward and stopped in front of him, tilting his head back to smile up at him. “We’re having tacos tonight.”

  “My favorite.”

  EJ frowned. “That’s what you said about Mom’s chicken, too.”

  “Well, that’s because I like everything your mom makes.” He smiled at Ginger, hoping to score a few points. She didn’t smile back. Resigned, he started toward the sink to wash his hands, EJ sticking close at his side.

  “It’s all ready.”

  Ty took a seat at the small table in the eating area, stealing quick glances at Ginger, but he couldn’t gauge her mood from her expression. Thankfully, EJ dominated the conversation for most of the meal. When the boy went to his room to play, Ty helped clean up, then sat back down at the table, releasing a groan as his sore muscles complained. He rubbed his shoulder, rotating it a few times to loosen up.