The Way Back Home

by Barbara Freethy

  “I’m counting on it,” Cassie replied. “’Bye, Alicia.”

  “’Bye,” she muttered, shutting the door behind Cassie. “Well, it looks like you managed to charm someone after all.”

  Kelly was in the checkout line at the market when she heard about the fight at Mullaney’s. She hadn’t met Gabe Ryder when he’d come home with Rob one Christmas, but she’d certainly heard a lot about him, both from Rob and from Alicia. Gabe had broken her best friend’s heart. She’d never seen Alicia so destroyed. It had taken her months to get over him.

  Gabe must have been the guy with her in the hardware store. She’d been so shocked to see Alicia that she hadn’t paid him much attention until they’d walked out together and gotten into her car. They’d certainly looked friendly enough.

  This was the problem with coming home. She had only been back in town a few days, and she was already getting caught up in gossip.

  After paying for her groceries, she put them in the car, closed the door, and headed to Russ’s office. Russ had always had a short fuse, but he was a good guy at heart, and he was still struggling with Brian’s death. She needed to make sure he was all right.

  Opening the front door to his office, she saw no one in reception, so she walked down the hall. Russ sat in the chair behind his desk, holding an ice pack to his face. His brown hair was tangled, his right eye was swollen, and there was blood on his white shirt. He couldn’t have looked less like a successful real estate broker than he did right now.

  Jared Donovan, a longtime friend of the Farr brothers, sat in one of the chairs in front of the desk. He had sandy blond hair and hazel eyes and wore his usual worn jeans and a long-sleeved T-shirt. He’d tilted the chair back on two legs, his boots resting on the desk. He set it down with a clatter when he saw her, his eyes a bit wary.

  Seeing Jared only made her blood pressure rise. She’d known him since she was in kindergarten, and he always annoyed her.

  “What happened, Russ?” she asked, moving into the room. “I heard you got into a fight.”

  “Some friend of Alicia’s took a swing at me,” he ground out.

  “Why?”

  Russ shrugged. “I don’t know.”

  She looked to Jared for answers.

  “We had a few too many beers at lunch,” he said.

  “Yet you seem fine.” She turned back to Russell, not understanding his behavior. “You don’t drink when you’re at work.”

  “Well, I felt like it today. It wasn’t a big deal. It was over before it started.”

  “It shouldn’t have started at all. You run a business in this town, Russ. You can’t be getting into bar fights. Everyone is talking about you.”

  “He hit me first.”

  “For no reason?” she asked doubtfully.

  “I might have said something about Alicia staying off the river,” Russ grumbled.

  She let out a sigh and sat down on the edge of an empty chair. “This isn’t going to work, Russ. We have to find a way to move on.”

  “It’s easier for you,” he said. “You don’t live here anymore. I have to look at that damn river every day. And it’s not like I can move somewhere else. I have a girlfriend here and my parents, my grandparents.”

  “Fighting isn’t the answer.”

  “Actually, it felt pretty good to hit that guy.”

  “That guy was Rob Hayden’s best friend, and he’s a military veteran. He’s won all kinds of medals for bravery and honor.”

  “I held my own,” Russ said with annoyance. “He wasn’t so tough.”

  She could see she wasn’t going to get anywhere with Russ, so she got to her feet. “I’m going to head back to the inn. I’m glad you’re all right.”

  “I’ll walk out with you, Kelly,” Jared said, following her out of the office. As they reached the sidewalk, he asked, “Where is your car?”

  “At the market. I was buying some food when I heard about the fight.” She paused. “You have to talk to Russ, Jared. He’s out of control. The anger is coming off of him in huge black waves, and I’m afraid it’s going to eat him up inside. The Farrs already lost one son because of that accident; I don’t want them to lose another.”

  “There’s nothing I can say. Believe me, I’ve tried. Russ was better for a while, but with rafting season coming up, he’s been on edge again.”

  “I understand that, but I don’t want to get caught up in a fight between Russ and Alicia.”

  “Good luck avoiding that.”

  She frowned at his sarcasm. Jared had been a thorn in her side most of her life. “You have such a lazy-ass attitude,” she snapped.

  His eyes widened. “Me? What did I do?”

  “Nothing. That’s the problem. You never do anything. You don’t want to get in the middle, be involved, or say anything. You’re neutral. You’re Switzerland.”

  “What do you want me to say?”

  “Something,” she said in frustration. “You can’t always be uninvolved. Russ is your friend, and you let him get in a fight.”

  “He did that on his own. And I don’t want to take sides. I like Alicia, and I was close to Rob. But Brian was my friend, and Russ is, too. It’s just a bad situation,” he added, running his hand through his hair. “I’m sorry if I disappoint you.”

  “Well, that’s nothing new.”

  “Ouch. What part of our history are you referring to?”

  “Let’s see. There are so many situations to choose from.” She put her hands on her hips. “How about when Ricky Gaines put a frog down my shirt and you just laughed while I screamed?”

  “That was in fourth grade!”

  “Or when that slut you used to hook up with called me a bitch and you stood there and said nothing?”

  “You were being a bitch, Kelly. And we were fifteen years old.”

  She drew in a sharp breath. It was both shocking and refreshing to have someone talk to her without choosing their words carefully, worried that she was going to faint or cry. “I was not being a bitch. You guys were making out in front of my locker. I couldn’t get my books because you had your tongue down her throat.”

  “Yeah, and you were jealous,” he said with a grin.

  “In your dreams.” She started walking down the street, but he fell into step alongside her.

  “So what else did I do to piss you off?” he asked. “We might as well clear the air; you’re on quite the roll.”

  “I said before, it’s not what you do; it’s what you don’t do. You don’t stand up for people. Or even for yourself, for that matter. You want to fight fires, but what are you doing? You’re working in your dad’s auto shop.”

  “He named his company Donovan and Sons. What was I supposed to do, leave him without a son?”

  “That’s just an excuse.”

  He grabbed her arm, halting her progress. “I know you’re still grieving for Brian—”

  “This has nothing to do with Brian. You’ve always been a pain in the ass.”

  “And you’ve always thought you were too good for me. The little princess in the manor.”

  She was shocked at the accusation. “That’s not true. My family certainly isn’t rich.”

  “You acted like they were.”

  “Really? You think I’m a snob?”

  He stared down at her. “No, I don’t think that,” he said slowly. “We’re not going to do this, Kelly. There’s no point.”

  “See, you’re backing down again. Why don’t you just stay and fight for once?”

  “I don’t want to fight with you, even though you seem to be up for it. But we both know I’m not the one you’re really angry at.”

  “At the moment, you are the one I’m mad at,” she said, blowing out a breath. “Fine, whatever. I have to go.”

  “What’s on the menu at the inn tonight?”

  “Lamb. Why?” she asked, suspicious at the abrupt change in subject.

  “You owe me a meal.”

  She shook her head. “I don’t thi
nk so.”

  “You have a short memory. I built you that bookcase, remember? You said you’d make me a meal one night.”

  “That was almost a year ago.”

  “Is there a time limit on your promises?”

  “Well, it’s not going to happen tonight.”

  “Why not?”

  “Because you make me mad,” she said, her stomach churning with her words. “I don’t need any more trouble, and every time you’re around, trouble follows.”

  Six

  Alicia sat in her car outside Justin’s school, still thinking about Gabe’s fight with Russell. Deep down, she was flattered that he’d stood up for her. It had been a while since anyone had done that. But her practical side told her the fight would only make things worse.

  Pushing that thought aside, she smiled as Justin came out of school with his friends. He was doing well, better than expected. Rob had been a father figure to him in many ways, despite his absences. But kids were resilient, and Justin was bouncing back.

  He opened the car door, David on his heels. David seemed to grow an inch every time she saw him, stretching out his thin body, making him a little awkward. He was a good kid, a little more serious than Justin, with not as much of a mischievous glint in his eye. He was a great influence on her son, as was Keith. Their arrival in town had certainly changed one part of her life in a good way.

  “We need to catch some frogs, Mom,” Justin announced. “The annual frog-jumping contest is tomorrow afternoon, and David and I want to enter.”

  “Didn’t Keith say he’d take you tomorrow morning?”

  “He just found out he has to work,” David interjected. “He has to ref a soccer game for the school.”

  “Oh.” Maybe that’s why she had two missed calls from him. There were a dozen other things she needed to do right now, none of which involved catching frogs, but she didn’t want to disappoint Justin. And maybe an afternoon away from work and problems was just what she needed. “I guess we’re catching some frogs then.”

  “We need Uncle Rob’s lucky net,” Justin said.

  “Okay. We’ll get a snack at home, and then we’ll start looking for some jumpers.”

  Thirty minutes later, the boys had finished granola bars and apples and were eager to start their hunt. First stop was Rob’s cabin. Alicia drew in a deep breath as she mounted the stairs, something she seemed to need to do every time she was about to come face-to-face with Gabe.

  Instead of walking in, she decided to knock. Gabe opened the door a moment later. He must have just gotten out of the shower, because he was barefoot, his brown hair was damp, and there were beads of water lingering on his forehead. His eye was more swollen than before, and the skin around his cheekbone was bruised. She felt an irresistible, ridiculous pull of attraction. Knowing that he’d gotten those bruises defending her was incredibly hot, and she felt her cheeks warm under his gaze.

  “Sorry to bother you,” she said, trying to tear her gaze away from his broad chest and up to his face. “I need to get something out of Rob’s laundry room.”

  “Come on in.”

  “Wow, your eye is turning black,” Justin said, a note of awe in his voice. “Did you get in a fight?”

  “I had a disagreement with someone,” Gabe replied.

  “Did you beat him up?” Justin asked.

  Alicia sighed at the look of adoration in her son’s eyes. Justin seemed to be drawn to men who exhibited larger-than-life qualities. She didn’t want him to admire someone who used his fists to solve problems. She’d rather have him looking up to Keith, who used his intellect and his communication skills. “Fighting is not the way to solve your problems,” she said. “Talking is better.”

  Justin gave her a doubtful look and then turned to Gabe. “Who did you fight?”

  “No one important. And your mom is right; fighting should always be the last option. I made a mistake today. So, what brings you all here?”

  “We need Uncle Rob’s lucky net,” Justin answered. “David and I are in the frog-jumping contest tomorrow, and we need to catch some frogs.”

  Alicia smiled at the look of amazement that crossed Gabe’s face.

  “Seriously?” he asked.

  “Yes,” she said. “River Rock sometimes seems like it’s right out of a Mark Twain novel. It’s part of its charm. The annual frog-jumping contest is part of the spring festival, which starts tomorrow.”

  “I saw the signs in town,” Gabe said. “Where do you get the frogs?”

  “There are a couple of good ponds around town. I think the net is in Rob’s laundry room.”

  “Have at it.”

  As she left the room, she heard Gabe talking to Justin and David. Justin, as usual, had a million questions, and Gabe handled them well. That shouldn’t have surprised her. Rob had always told her that Gabe was a great leader.

  After retrieving the buckets and nets, she returned to the living room. She noted one of Rob’s favorite books open on the coffee table. “Were you reading?” she asked Gabe. “Rob loved that book. He was a Civil War buff.”

  “I know. He used to talk about it all the time.”

  “He read it to me, too,” Justin volunteered.

  “I guess you’re making yourself at home,” she said, not sure how she felt about that. She had yet to read Rob’s letter, but she didn’t really think it would deny Gabe’s story. It was just like Rob to send Gabe here. But she couldn’t let herself get used to depending on him, because he wouldn’t be here permanently. He’d already told her that he was only staying until they got back on their feet.

  “I haven’t touched much else,” Gabe said quietly, catching her eye. “But if you want help going through the clothes or whatever …”

  “I don’t want to talk about that now,” she said quickly. “We have frogs to catch.”

  “Can you come with us?” Justin asked eagerly.

  “I’m sure Gabe isn’t interested in catching frogs,” she said.

  He met her challenging gaze with a smile. “I’ve never done it before. Sounds like fun.”

  “It’s not. It’s wet, and it’s dirty.”

  He smiled. “I don’t mind wet or dirty.

  She frowned, seeing the sexy sparkle in his eyes. Acutely aware of the two ten-year-old boys in hearing distance, she said, “Suit yourself,” and handed him the buckets.

  They piled into her car and drove to a swampy area about a mile away. The low-lying land around the pond was undeveloped, since the area often flooded during storms. Large, thick trees hung over the pond, and the water flowed around hundreds of small, slippery rocks. The water was only a foot or two deep, perfect for wading.

  “Rob and I used to have a lot of luck here,” she said as they got out of the car.

  “So, this isn’t your first time?” Gabe asked.

  “Not by a long shot. I’ve been catching frogs since I was six years old. I even won the frog-jumping contest when I was eleven.”

  “You won, Mom?” Justin asked in surprise. “But you’re a girl.”

  “Girls can win contests.” Her father’s chauvinistic attitude was already rubbing off on her son. “Girls can do anything boys can do.”

  Gabe smiled. “I agree. Some of the finest marines I worked with were women.”

  “There are girl marines?” Justin asked, even more astonished by that thought.

  She tousled her son’s hair. “That’s right, kid.”

  “I’m going to be a marine when I get older,” Justin announced. “David is, too, aren’t you?”

  David didn’t look quite as convinced as Justin, but he backed up his friend with a nod.

  Alicia had no intention of letting Justin follow in her brother’s footsteps, but that was a discussion for another time. She walked over to the edge of the pond, kicked off her shoes, and rolled up her jeans to the knees while the others followed suit.

  “The frogs have to be four inches in length from head to toe,” she told Gabe.

  “Did you bri
ng a ruler?” he teased.

  “Just eyeball it.”

  The boys quickly stepped their way across the rocks as she looked into the grassy part of the pond nearer to shore. She could hear the sound of the frogs, but catching one wasn’t quite as easy as it looked. They were slippery little suckers and very quick.

  After several attempts, Gabe managed to grab one, turning to her with a triumphant smile. “Got a big one for you.”

  She laughed at his boyish pride. The boys and the frogs had brought out a playful side of him that she hadn’t expected.

  He tossed the frog into the bucket. She was just about to tell him to cover the bucket when the frog jumped out and back into the pond.

  He stared at the escapee in bewilderment. “What the hell?”

  She grinned. “You have to put the lid on.”

  “I’m going to get him back,” he said with determination.

  “You should try, because he’s obviously a good jumper.”

  Watching Gabe try to recapture his prey was very entertaining, especially when his foot slipped off a rock and he landed in a foot of murky water. The boys called out tips to Gabe, and all three males were suddenly zeroed in on one poor frog.

  After getting her own frog with a lot less drama, Alicia sat down on the bank. Justin and David had lost interest in Gabe’s efforts and now seemed just as entertained by skimming rocks off the surface of the water. But Gabe didn’t give up. He went after his escaped prey like the ruthless warrior he was, determination etched on every line of his face, and in the end, he caught him, landing him in the bucket and sealing it with a satisfied smile.

  He sat down next to her, a warm burn of sun on his cheeks, a light in his eyes. She couldn’t help smiling back at him. “You like to win, don’t you?”

  “Losing is not an option.”

  She considered that. “I used to think that way—never quit, never give up—but it’s exhausting sometimes.”

  “You just need to regroup, accept a little help. Stop being so stubbornly independent, and—”

  “I get it,” she said dryly, holding up a hand. “But I let you help this morning, and look what happened—you came back with a black eye.”

  “That was not my finest moment.”