The Lawman's Secret Son

by Lorraine Beatty

  “And now you’re saving Jack’s.”

  Seth shook his head and glanced at the little boy. “I don’t know about that. I’m just trying to get to the truth.” He looked at her and smiled. “And the truth is, I’m supposed to be your assistant for the big picnic, and yet you haven’t called me for help once.”

  She shrugged. “That’s because I’m still finalizing the details. Don’t worry. You’ll get plenty of calls from me in the coming weeks.”

  “Tell me about your idea. What do you have planned?”

  The topic was one she loved to talk about. “I want this to be like an old-fashioned event with sack races and croquet, and I was thinking about pony rides.”

  “No kidding? Then I’m your man. Amos Jefferson keeps ponies. He used to bring them to local fairs and other events. He had the whole getup—the sweep, the carousel with a striped canopy. He stopped a few years ago. I’m sure I could get him to come out of retirement for the picnic. Consider it done.”

  “Thanks. That was easy.”

  Seth spread his hands in an it’s-taken-care-of gesture. “You’re welcome. Now that I’ve helped you, maybe you can help me.”

  A small knot of anxiety formed in the center of her chest. What would he expect from her? “If I can.”

  “I start my assigned shift next week. I’ll be working from noon to eight for a few months, which means I won’t be able to pick Jack up from after-school care. I was hoping you’d bring him home with you, then I’ll pick him up when I get off.”

  She desperately wanted to say no, but the thought of taking care of Jack was too exciting to pass up. She couldn’t deny she’d lost her heart to the little boy. “I’d be happy to.”

  Seth’s blue eyes filled with amusement. “See, I told you we made a great team.”

  Carrie couldn’t look away from his twinkling blue gaze. When he looked at her like that, she felt a pull drawing her to him. He made her feel as if she was the only person in the world. It took great effort to shift her focus to more important matters. “You mentioned that you had news about Jack. Have you found his mother?”

  The warm light in Seth’s eyes faded into sadness. “No. All I’ve found is a long trail of addresses stretching across the West and ending in Missouri. Apparently, she moved whenever a new boyfriend showed up.”

  “That must have been hard on Jack.”

  “Yeah. I’m trying not to think about it. I’m searching for his birth certificate. From what I can figure out, Tiff had to have given birth in either California or Nevada according to the trail she left behind.”

  “Will that prove you’re his father?”

  “It would be a good start, but you can write anything on that certificate. That’s why I’m checking under both our last names.” He clasped his hands together. “I also had a DNA test taken when I took Jack to the doctor.”

  She grasped Seth’s forearm, her pulse racing. “Is he all right? Was he sick?”

  Seth laid his hand over hers, sending a warmth through her chest that made her want to smile.

  “He’s fine. Mom suggested I have him checked out just to make sure he was healthy. Given the way he looked the night he showed up on your porch, I thought it was a good idea. He’s fine. A little underweight and in need of some vitamins, but otherwise he’s in good health.”

  Carrie exhaled a sigh of relief. “I’m so glad. Now we can concentrate on keeping him happy.”

  Seth looked over at the little boy, who was stretched out on the floor with Carrie’s shih tzu. “I just want him to feel safe. Every night when I put him to bed, he asks if I’m going away. I have to reassure him that I’ll be there in the morning. I think he must have nightmares, and they send him running him to my room. He’s scared and shaking and he plasters himself to my side. Eventually he falls asleep.”

  “Poor Jack. Bedtime is hard for little ones. He feels safe with you. You make everyone feel safe.” Heat surged up her neck and into her cheeks. What made her say that? She tugged her hand from under his and lowered her eyes. “It’s probably why you’re a police officer.” She dared a look at Seth. He was studying her with an expression she couldn’t name. Had she said too much? Gotten too personal?

  A slow smile moved over his lips and his deep blue eyes softened. “Thank you. I think that’s the nicest compliment I’ve ever received.”

  Their gazes meshed and held. Seth broke the contact with a quick glance at his watch. “I’d better get our little man home and ready for bed. Tomorrow’s my last day as a ride-along. I’ll be on my own next week. Which makes this weekend my last free one for a while. I thought about taking Jack to the lake on Saturday. Would you like to join us?”

  “I’d love to.” She regretted her words the moment she blurted them out. Common sense told her to not get any closer to Seth or Jack, but she was eager to be there when Jack saw the lake for the first time.

  Seth gathered up Jack’s things and said goodbye, smiling as Jack gave her a big hug around her neck. She watched them from her porch as they walked home, her anticipation growing. She looked forward to going with them to the lake tomorrow and babysitting Jack. It was clear she would have to accept that her life was entangled with the Montgomery men. Maybe she was worrying for nothing. After all, Seth wouldn’t be interested in someone like her. He was one of Dover’s favorite sons, the member of a well-respected family. And a cop.

  Back inside her house, she walked to the window, smiling when she saw Jack’s little face peeking out, waving frantically. She waved back, then the child disappeared. She turned away, noticing how quiet and empty her little cottage felt. She’d always cherished her time alone, but her neighbors had changed that. Without Jack the energy level was drastically reduced. And Seth’s vibrant male presence never failed to leave a lingering sense of warmth.

  Leo whined and looked up at her. Was he missing the Montgomerys, too?

  “Come on, Leo, let’s turn in early.”

  * * *

  Carrie strained her neck to look into the backseat of Seth’s truck, smiling when her gaze landed on the little boy in the car seat. Jack had been asleep on his feet after a day at Shiloh Lake. Seth had carried him the last few yards to the truck and buckled him in. He looked so sweet and peaceful.

  The large cashew-shaped lake was situated five miles north of Dover. Fishing camps hugged the eastern shore and a residential area of cabins perched on the other side. In addition to hiking, boating, camping and a picnic area, there was a small area for swimming. She caught a glimpse of a large lodge nestled under tall trees. Seth had explained that at one time Pine Tree Lodge was an active vacation spot, complete with a restaurant and space for large events. The owner had become ill and closed it down several years ago.

  “I think we might have overdone it today. Maybe we should have split this adventure up into two trips.”

  Seth chuckled. “It wouldn’t have mattered. He would have thrown himself into the day no matter what. He’s five. It’s what little boys do.” He glanced over at her, holding her gaze a moment. “You’re really good with kids, Carrie. You have a very nurturing way about you. I’m guessing you plan on having a half-dozen kids someday don’t you?”

  Carrie had to clear her throat before speaking. “Why would you think that?”

  “I’ve never met anyone more suited for motherhood than you.”

  She knew he meant it to be a compliment, but he didn’t understand her history. “No, I don’t plan on getting married. I don’t think it’s in the cards for me.”

  “You’re wrong. You’d be a great mother. You’re wonderful with Jack.”

  “Thank you, but that’s why I plan on devoting myself to the children who really need me as a social worker. That doesn’t leave much time for a relationship.”

  “No, guess not.”

  Seth steered the truck into the nar
row alley behind their homes and pulled to a stop in his driveway. He glanced back at the still-sleeping boy. “I’ll have to carry him in. I think he’s out for the night.”

  “You get him and I’ll bring his treasures inside.” Jack didn’t flinch as he was released from the harness and positioned in Seth’s arms. Carrie grabbed his small jacket and the backpack Jack had filled with everything he’d found today. His treasures included rocks, leaves, twigs, a piece of snakeskin and several wilted flowers. She knew exactly how he felt. This adventure might be the only one he’d had and he wanted to hoard the mementos.

  Carrie found Seth and Jack in the master bedroom. “You’re not going to put him in his own bed?”

  He shook his head. “He’ll just end up here, anyway.”

  Seth’s cell blared a loud song, and he quickly slid it from his pocket. “I’ve got to take this. Would you mind finishing up?”

  “Sure.” Getting Jack undressed and into his pj’s was like dressing a wet noodle, but once he was snug under the covers, she stroked his silky hair and kissed his cheek. Seth was right—she would love to have kids of her own. But that wasn’t likely to happen. The thought gave birth to a deep and painful sadness.

  Seth stepped into the room. “Did he wake up?”

  “No, he’s worn-out.”

  Seth bent and kissed his son, then motioned for her to join him. They settled in the kitchen. “Can I fix you a cup of coffee? It’ll only take a minute. I have one of those pod things.”

  “It’s late.”

  “I want to tell you about that phone call. It concerns the picnic.”

  “Oh, okay.”

  “That was Amos. I’m going out to his place tomorrow afternoon to work out the details of the pony ride. He’s excited to be doing this again. He said he missed seeing the kid’s faces when they get on those ponies for the first time. And, before you ask, I already called Ralph and told him I needed his help, so he’s coming along, too.”

  Carrie smiled at his thoughtfulness and consideration. How was she supposed to resist a guy with such a big heart? “Thank you. I really appreciate this.”

  He hunched his shoulders and bent forward slightly. “I was hoping you’d come along, too. I’m sure you’ll have plenty of questions.”

  And there it was. Another chance to spend time with Seth, and another opportunity to be strong and steer clear. “I’d love to, but I need to study in the afternoon. I’m behind on my course work and I don’t want to fail this class.” Did she see disappointment in his dark blue eyes? Did that mean he wanted to spend time with her, or was he only looking for help with Jack?

  “I understand. I’ll let you know how it goes. That’s what an assistant does, right?”

  His smile was nearly her undoing. “Right. In fact we need to get together and go over my plan for the picnic. There’s a lot to coordinate and you might be able to take on a few other things to help out.”

  “Great. I’ll pick up another pizza.”

  “How about I cook this time?”

  “It’ll have to be a late supper. Remember I won’t get off until eight.”

  “No problem. I’ll feed Jack, then you and I can eat while we go over the picnic schedule.”

  “Sounds like a plan.”

  Carrie said goodbye and hurried across the lawn toward her house. Had she just arranged a date with Seth? She had a degree to earn, a job to manage and a huge project to complete. How had one little five-year-old boy shifted all her priorities? Or was it the boy’s father that had her so unsettled?

  Either way it was time to start growing that thicker skin. But how did she disengage her emotions? Seth already looked upon the child as his son, but all he had to go on was that scribbled note. If it proved to be a lie, Seth would be crushed. Even she wanted the pair to be related. However, there was nothing she could do to about that. All she could really do for them was to pray that Seth would find positive proof that Jack was his son. She didn’t want to think about the alternative.

  * * *

  Seth parked the cruiser near the Peace Community Church office Tuesday afternoon and killed the engine. He leaned back in the driver’s seat, staring straight ahead, wondering again why he’d come here. He could have gone to his mom’s or to see one of his brothers. For some reason the only person he wanted to talk to was Carrie. She was his partner when it came to Jack. She needed to know what he’d learned this morning.

  His feet felt like lead as he took the few steps up to the back door. Carrie’s office was the third one down the hall. As he passed the first doorway, a woman stepped out. Lorna Gathers, a longtime church member and his former high school English teacher, greeted him with a frown.

  “I hear you have a new family member.”

  Seth froze, striving to keep a neutral expression on his face. “Miss Gathers. How are you today?”

  She arched her eyebrows. “Interesting, isn’t it, how our past sins always catch up with us?” She pivoted and walked off, calling over her shoulder as she went. “I expected better from you, Seth Montgomery. Your mother must be crushed.”

  Seth’s insides burned. This was what he’d feared, the backlash from some of the so-called good people of Dover. Thankfully, most had been circumspect about Jack. But there were always those who felt it was their place to point out his failings.

  Carrie’s door was open and he stopped at the threshold, watching her work. The sight of her chased away the lingering irritation from Miss Gathers’s comment. His pretty neighbor was intent on her task, her sweet mouth pulled to one side as she concentrated. The light green top she wore brought out the pink in her cheeks. Her fingers absently tugged at her hair, making him smile. He could watch her all day. She was a fascinating woman, and adorable, too. A dangerous combination.

  He tapped on the door frame, and she glanced up as he stepped into the room. She smiled and his heart flipped. He knew he’d made the right decision to come here.

  “Hey.”

  “Seth. What are you doing here?” Her expression shifted to one of concern. “Everything okay?”

  He nodded. “Fine. I, uh, can you take a break for a few minutes? I need to talk to you.”

  A flash of alarm darted through her eyes, then quickly vanished. “Yes, of course. Why don’t we go to the prayer garden? We’ll have privacy there and it’s a nice day to be outside.”

  The small garden behind the sanctuary was bursting with flowering azaleas and fat blooms of lavender wisteria, filling the air with their sweet perfume. Carrie chose a wooden bench near the back corner behind the fountain, and Seth wasted no time in getting to the point.

  “I got this in the mail today.” He pulled an envelope from his shirt pocket and handed it to her. Her forehead creased as she read the return address.

  “What is this?”

  “Open it.” His heart pounded hard inside his rib cage. He wasn’t sure what he expected Carrie to do. He simply wanted her to know. And maybe offer some comfort and encouragement to him the way she always did for Jack.

  “It’s Jack’s birth certificate. This is good news, isn’t it? It proves he’s yours?”

  “Look at the line for parents’ names.”

  She read from the document, “‘Mother—Paula Ann Schulman. Father—Unknown.’ Oh, Seth. What does this mean?”

  “Paula was Tiff’s real name. She changed it to Tiffany Lane when she went to Vegas.” He ran a hand along the side of his neck. “It means either she really didn’t know who the father was or she was trying to keep the truth from me.”

  The look of sympathy in her blue eyes wrapped around him, chasing away the sharp edges of his disappointment. When she reached out and grasped his forearm with her small hand, the warmth of her touch spread through him like a warm summer breeze.

  “I’m sorry. I was hoping this would be the answer yo
u needed.”

  He took her hand in his, gently squeezing her fingers. Odd, how such a tiny hand could hold such soothing power. “Me, too. Now I’ll have to wait on the DNA results.”

  “When is that due?”

  “Not for a few more weeks. In the meantime I’ll keep trying to find Tiff.” He looked into her sky blue eyes and realized he didn’t want to break the contact. Carrie abruptly looked away and tugged her hand from his.

  “Any progress tracking her down?”

  He inhaled a deep breath and shifted his position slightly, though it did nothing to diminish his acute awareness of her softness or her beauty, which rivaled the flowering shrubs behind her. He rubbed his forehead. When had he become a romantic? “The last place she was seen was Branson, Missouri. No clue as to where she went after that.”

  “She moves around a lot. Does she have a job that requires a lot of travel?”

  Seth straightened. How would Carrie react to the truth about his former wife? “I think there’s something I should tell you about Tiff. When I met her, she was dancing in the chorus of a Vegas show. To a small-town guy like me, she was exotic, wild and very exciting. We married in haste. It didn’t take long to realize we’d made a mistake. Rather, she realized it. I’d been throwing money around. She thought I was rich and could provide her with material things. The relationship deteriorated after she lost her job and I couldn’t support us. She didn’t even wait for the divorce papers to be drawn up before she found someone else.”

  It was all so clear to him now, but at the time he’d been captivated by her beauty and the attention she’d lavished on him—as long as the presents kept coming and the fun never ended. “She was always chasing the next rainbow, looking for the pot of gold.”

  “I’m sorry. I know how easy it is to be lured in by someone attractive and attentive.”

  He doubted that, but it was sweet of her to say so. “I’d like to think it was the only time, but it seems to be a habit of mine—picking unsuitable women. That’s not the worst of it. I found out she was working with a friend in an insurance-fraud scheme. She’d been arrested multiple times. I can really pick ’em, huh?”