Her Homecoming Wish

by Jo McNally

  He’d never wanted a woman the way he wanted Mack. With every fiber of his being. With a love so strong...

  Wait. What?

  She shifted in his arms, as if sensing his tension. He kissed her temple and whispered for her to go back to sleep. She did, but he couldn’t. Was he falling in love with her? Was it possible for that to happen so quickly? Mack let out a little sigh in her sleep, and his heart swelled.

  It felt very possible right now.

  * * *

  Mack barely woke when Dan whispered an apology and slipped out of bed, saying something about meeting someone named Sam. She brushed her hair up off her face and tried to remember what day it was. Wednesday? Thursday? He’d spent every night, or at least part of every night, at her place this week. They hadn’t had a chance to discuss what they’d do when Chloe was staying with him. Well, they’d had the chance, but they’d decided to use those chances for other things, like making love all night. Every night.

  She was so tired when Dan left that she’d just muttered something and rolled over. When her phone rang ten minutes later, she figured it was him, calling with something naughty to say. He did that a lot, but not usually this early.

  Her voice was still husky from sleep when she answered. “Hey, lover boy, did you decide you’d rather come back and have me for breakfast?”

  Her brother coughed on the other end of the call, choking on laughter. “Well, hot damn. I was going to ask how you were coping after the divorce, but it sounds like you’re handling it just fine, sis. Way to get back in the saddle again!”

  Mack groaned, sitting up and rubbing her eyes. “Jackass.” She glanced at the time. “Aren’t you three time zones away? Why are you calling so early?” She was suddenly fully alert. “Did something happen? Are you okay?”

  “Relax, Mother Hubbard, I’m fine. We’re working wacky shifts on this fire, and I don’t get a lot of downtime for family calls.” Ryan hesitated. “I talked to Dad yesterday, and he dumped a few surprises on me. Is he really shacking up with Cathy Meadows? And are you really taking over the store? Is that what you want?”

  “Why?” She pulled on her robe, wondering if she’d misread her brother’s plans. She worked her way past the hungry cat, who seemed more determined than usual to trip her up. “Do you want the store? You know I’d never do anything official without talking to you first. If you...”

  “Seriously, Mackie?” Ryan sounded as tired as she felt. “Gallant Lake and me is not happening. Been there. Done that. Know I’m not welcome. At least not by some people. And I get it. Mrs. Michaels doesn’t need to be bumping into me on the sidewalk.”

  Mack stopped so fast that Rory ended up two feet in front of her instead of between her feet. He looked back in annoyance, clearly frustrated that he couldn’t trip her from that far away. Ryan rarely talked about the accident that took the life of his friend and nearly his own. When she didn’t respond, Ryan filled in the silence.

  “I talked to her a couple months ago, you know.”

  “Mrs. Michaels? Why?” Both boys had been drunk that night, but the police report determined it was Braden Michaels who was behind the wheel, just as Ryan had said. Braden’s family refused to believe it at the time and took Ryan to court for wrongful death. Mom and Dad used up most of their savings defending him, but the case was eventually dismissed.

  “There are twelve steps, Mack. And I’d reached the atonement step. I was too chicken to face her, but I did call and tell her how sorry I was.”

  She drew in a sharp breath. “Was that wise? Apologizing? Doesn’t it make you sound responsible?” She pushed the button on the coffee maker and brushed her hair back again. She really needed to find a hairdresser.

  “It’s part of the program, sis. Had to do it. I wasn’t driving, and I told her that. But Braden and I stole that booze from Dad. And I hopped in the car with him, knowing how trashed he was. I was, too. Anyway...” He sighed. “I called. She listened. She couldn’t give me more than an ‘okay’ when I was done, but that’s probably more than I deserved.” There was a pause. Mack had no idea what to say. Ryan sighed again. “And that was a really long-winded way of saying I have no intention of returning to Gallant Lake. It wouldn’t be fair to them. And as far as the store is concerned, probably not the best idea for an alcoholic to be selling booze. The store’s all yours.”

  “Thanks, Ryan.” She grabbed the box of day-old doughnuts Dan had brought with him last night and opened it. Breakfast of champions. “I’ll be buying it from Dad, so I’m sure you’ll get a share, either now or later.” There was a rustling in the background on his end, and it sounded like he was settling onto a cot or sleeping bag. He’d been working on this fire for weeks, and he had to be exhausted. “To answer your other question—yes, Dad is shacking up with Cathy. And no, I couldn’t believe it, either. But they’re actually pretty cute together, which is weird. He seems...happy.”

  “Well, good for them, I guess. Mom’s been gone a long time, and he deserves to be happy again. And speaking of getting some...who the hell is ‘lover boy’?”

  Mack hesitated, not sure if Ryan would want to know she was sleeping with his onetime best friend. But she’d been mad at her father for keeping secrets, and she didn’t want to turn around and do the same thing.

  “It’s just casual. And very new.”

  “Considering you just got free of the other jerk a month ago, I would hope this is new. Anyone I know?”

  “Um...yeah, actually.” She took a steadying breath. “Dan Adams.”

  The silence stretched on for what seemed like hours. And then her brother started to laugh.

  “Are you kiddin’ me? Dan Adams?” He laughed some more, and someone there must have said something about the noise, because Ryan wasn’t speaking to her when he said, “Sorry, man, but my kid sister is screwing my best friend. Or former best friend. Like, she’s got a whole town to choose from, and she chooses that guy.” His voice got more clear as he started talking to her again. “So how is Danny? And I don’t mean how is he in the sack, ’cause I don’t need to know.”

  They talked for a few minutes about Dan, and Ryan seemed genuinely cool with it. He said he regretted the way their friendship had faded after the accident, but he understood it. After Braden’s death, Dan had found the righteous path of law and order, while Ryan had continued drowning his sorrows in a bottle for a decade or more.

  “I suppose I owe him some apologies, too. I gave him a lot of crap when he turned his life around. The truth was, I was jealous.” Ryan paused. “He made it look so easy. Just woke up one day as one of the good guys. And I never figured out how to do that.”

  “Yes, you did. You’re a good guy, Ryan. A hero firefighter.”

  “Don’t call me a hero, sis.” His voice hardened. “I never know what to say when people use that word. I’ve got a job and I do it. That’s it.”

  Dan had said something similar more than once. He was uncomfortable with the whole Sheriff Dan, Hero of Gallant Lake legend. Ryan ended the call after explaining that he had to get some sleep before his next shift. The good news was the fire was 70 percent contained. The bad news was it was still 30 percent uncontained. He promised to call again the next week.

  Mack finished her doughnut and gulped down some coffee before starting a load of laundry. Once in motion, she stayed there, vacuuming and picking up around the apartment. Dad had told her it would be hers. Did she want to live here, where she’d grown up? Or would she be better off buying a house and renting this out? Her divorce settlement had been generous enough that she could probably afford it. The settlement was too generous, according to Mason, but he’d wanted the marriage to be over with as badly as she had. She’d taken a lump sum instead of alimony, but she didn’t want to spend it all on buying the store. Her conversation with Ryan had made her realize she’d have to find a bank and get a loan.

  Bert was manning the sto
re until five, so she headed down a little before that to see how things were going. He was a funny guy—quiet and introverted, but knowledgeable about their inventory and happy to share his knowledge with customers. As Dad told her, Bert wouldn’t come close to hard selling anyone, but he managed to do well just because people liked and trusted the former schoolteacher in his cardigan sweaters and comb-over hair. If he recommended something, they didn’t hesitate to buy it. Dad called him an accidental salesperson. Bert didn’t seem to sell anything on purpose.

  She and Bert went over their stock orders for the next few weeks. There was a big charity event coming up at the resort that apparently brought a lot of high spenders to Gallant Lake, so they were planning for that with more upscale product than usual. After Bert headed home, Mack went through the wine section, dusting shelves and bottles while taking inventory. The bell over the door tinkled, and she turned to see one very familiar young face and an adult one she didn’t recognize right away. But she had a hunch who it was.

  “Mackie!” Chloe released the hand of the woman and ran over to Mack. “We were just looking at websites with Mel to pick out a dress for me. I’m gonna be a model, remember?”

  Mack smiled and walked toward the front of the store with her. “I remember. Did you find something pretty?” Mack looked up. “You must be Chloe’s mom. Susanne, right? I think I remember you from school. I’m Mackenzie Wallace.”

  Susanne Adams gave her an appraising look. It didn’t feel adversarial. Yet. She was petite and trim, with shoulder-length brown hair and a very put-together look. An expensive look. Dan had mentioned his ex was dating a doctor now.

  “Yes, I think I remember you, too. And of course, I know your dad. How is Carl?”

  “He’s recuperating well, but not quickly enough to suit him.”

  They were being oh so polite. This was brand-new territory for Mack, and probably for Susanne, too. Dan said he hadn’t been in any relationships to speak of since the divorce. Dan had also said he hadn’t told her yet, but Mack definitely got the vibe that she knew. Chloe was checking out the mini bottles on the counter, straightening them on the little display shelves.

  “Be careful with those, honey,” Susanne said. “Don’t drop any.”

  Mack waved her hand. “Most of those are plastic these days. She’s fine. Are you looking for anything in particular?”

  Susanne didn’t answer right away, studying Mack. Finally, she tilted her head toward the back of the store, where the wines were. Oh yeah—she knew. Mack followed. When they were far enough from Chloe, Susanne turned and got right to business.

  “I hear you’re dating my ex.”

  Great.

  “Yes, I guess I am.” Although this week they’d spent more time in her bedroom than out on any dates. But his ex probably didn’t want to hear that detail any more than her brother did. She wondered who’d been talking.

  “I wasn’t sure how I felt about it, but we had a teacher’s conference yesterday, and Dan was more...relaxed...than usual. Happier. It was nice.” She pursed her lips, lost in thought, before looking up with a soft smile. “It’s a small town, Mack. People talk. And everyone knows Dan, so they’re even quicker to talk. And everyone knows Carl, so you’re on their radar, too. And not always in a good way—you were a bit of a brat in school.”

  Susanne shrugged as she continued. “I just wanted you to know the word’s out there. Chloe told me Daddy had a new friend. She told me you three went bike riding together. And I’m totally fine with it. I mean, obviously.” She held up her left hand and flashed an enormous diamond. “I’m remarrying, so there’s no jealousy between Dan and me.” She glanced toward Chloe. “But the simple truth is, he and I will be connected for the rest of our lives because of our daughter. And anyone coming into our lives needs to know that.” She leveled her gaze at Mack. “I guess you could say we’re a package deal.”

  Was this a warning or a welcome? Mack couldn’t tell. Susanne was being nice enough but still guarded. Mack gave her a bright smile. “I totally get that. But just so you know, Dan and I are...new. Casual. That being said, I adore Chloe and I’d never want to upset her. If people are talking, Dan should probably...”

  “Exactly. I’d rather Chloe heard it from her father than some kid at school joking about Sheriff Dan’s new girlfriend.” Mack cringed. She appreciated how cool Susanne was being about all of this, but that didn’t make it any less awkward. Susanne picked up a bottle of Finger Lakes chardonnay. “Do you want to talk to Dan about it or should I? I’m assuming you’ll see him before I will.”

  Without thinking, Mack glanced at her watch, and Susanne laughed.

  “I’ll take that as a yes.” Chloe was just finishing up the last shelf of tiny bottles. Susanne pulled a folded piece of paper from her pocket. “Here’s my contact information. Cell phone. Work phone. Chloe likes spending time with you, and you should probably know how to reach me if Dan has to leave and Chloe needs anything. He’s basically on call all the time, you know.”

  Mack took the card, then shook her head with a grin. She remembered the call he got when they were making out on his stairs a week ago. “Yeah, I know. You’re making this feel very...normal.”

  “Dan’s a good guy and a great father. We were lucky enough to part as friends, which will make the rest of Chloe’s life a lot easier.” She smiled at her daughter, who’d just walked over to join them. “We’re a team, and that includes the people we...well...” She rolled her eyes in Chloe’s direction. “The team includes our new friends. That’s why I thought we should meet.”

  “I’m glad we did.” Mack slid the bottle of chardonnay into a paper bag. “Take this home with you. On the house.”

  Susanne’s eyes brightened. “Really? I used to tell Dan he had good taste in women. I guess I was right. Thanks.”

  Mack watched Chloe and her mom head out the door. She’d worried a little about the whole family dynamics issue of getting involved with a single dad, but it seemed that was one thing she didn’t have to worry about. Now she just had to figure out what she and Dan were really doing, and how far it was going to go. The one thing she did know for sure was that she couldn’t wait to see him again tonight.

  Chapter Fourteen

  “Just hold my hand and step in, Mack. It’s a lot more stable than a kayak, I promise.”

  Dan tried not to laugh at the doubt and fear in Mack’s eyes. She’d told him about her experience trying the kayak with Nate and how she’d freaked out when she couldn’t get out of the thing. That wasn’t going to be a problem in his aluminum fishing boat. Sixteen feet long, with three bench seats and a reliable outboard motor on back, it was his getaway from the real world. At least, it had been. For the past week or so, Mack was his getaway. When he was with her, some of the pressure always simmering under his skin seemed to ease. He could laugh with her. Or laugh at her, which he was about to do if she didn’t get in the boat.

  “Mackie, trust me.”

  At that, she reached out from the dock at the public boat launch and took his hand. She was shaking, but she managed to get into the boat and quickly plunk down on one of the bench seats. When she realized the sturdy old boat was barely swaying from her entry, she grinned up at him.

  “That wasn’t so bad.”

  “Told you so. Now hang on—I’ll get us over to Muskrat Bay and drop anchor, and we’ll see if we can find any fish.”

  Gallant Lake was a little choppy that afternoon, but the rainstorms had let up and the afternoon sun was warming things up in a hurry. Summer was definitely on its way, and there was already a touch of humidity in the air. The bay was protected from the breeze, so the water was quieter there. Dan got the anchor set and handed a fishing pole to Mack. She looked at the pole with the same amount of suspicion she’d had for the boat.

  “I know I grew up here,” she said, “but Dad was never big on fishing, and I certainly wouldn’t be cau
ght dead touching a worm back then. So I have no idea what to do here.”

  Dan opened the container of worms he’d picked up from the bait shop near the park and put one on Mack’s hook. She didn’t squeal in fear or anything when he handed the pole back to her, just inspected what he’d done in fascination, then watched as he put a jointed lure on his fishing rod.

  “Why aren’t you using a worm?”

  “I probably will later, but as long as you’re using worms, I’ll use the lure and we’ll see what works.”

  An hour later, they were both using worms. And they had a basket hanging off the side of the boat that was quickly filling with lake perch. It was fun when you found a school of perch like that, and Mack was having a blast. She’d start laughing the minute she got a nibble, and Dan couldn’t help joining her. She was putting her own worms on the hook now, even if she made a lot of faces while doing it. But Dan took the fish off the hook for her. She had no interest in touching the fish while they were still wiggling, and he didn’t want her stabbing herself.

  Eventually, the perch moved on and things slowed down.

  “This is perfect fishing,” he told her with a smile. “We had our fun. The basket’s full. And now we can just relax.”

  Mack frowned. “You don’t want to move the boat to find more fish or something?”

  “Sometimes the best thing about fishing is the peace and quiet. No one around. No demands. No complaints.” He nodded toward the village in the distance. “It’s nice to see the town from this perspective. Close enough to enjoy it, far enough away to not have to...react...to anything.”

  She nodded. “It’s like that thirty-thousand-foot view they talk about—far enough removed to see the big picture, but not the details.”

  “Something like that.”

  She dropped her hook back in the water, letting the line out a few more feet. She was up in the bow of the boat, and she leaned back and stared up at the sky, which was beginning to darken again.