The Single Dad's Redemption (6 page)

“No need.” He thought for a moment. “I also need to look up Michigan’s child custody laws and try to find a lawyer. If I wait until I get there, I may run out of time.”

“And in the midst of this, your truck broke down and you got stranded here. Is there someone you can call for a loan? A different car?”

“Not really. What family I have left is in Texas and, as I’ve mentioned, we aren’t close. I’ve lost touch with everyone else.”

“It all seems so sad,” she said slowly.

“In all fairness, once I got a life sentence I made no effort to keep in touch with anyone, except Marsha and Josh. What was the point?”

“Maybe you could go to a bank and...”

He held back a bitter laugh. “Yes, indeed, with my current employment record, my valuable collateral and my most recent address in Montana, I’m sure I sound like a
good
risk to a banker.”

She gave his hand a squeeze, her lovely face etched with regret and other emotions he couldn’t read in the darkness. “I wish I could help, honest. But things here are a bit shaky for me right now. I’ve been having trouble just trying to stay afloat.”

“I couldn’t ask you for money anyway. I don’t want to drag anyone else into this mess.”

“I’m just so
sorry
to hear about what you’ve been going through.”

“I’m grateful for the temporary job. Working any hours I can get will help with truck repairs and give me more to work with when I get to Detroit.” He opened the passenger-side door to step out into the unseasonably sultry night, then turned back to her. “If I can find a reasonable lawyer, every last penny for legal fees is going to matter when I try to get my son back.”

“Your son is a very lucky boy to have a father like you.” She turned the key in the ignition and then met his gaze once more. “And I promise, I’ll be keeping you both in my prayers.”

Long after she drove away, Connor stared after her.

If not for this entire, difficult situation, they never would have met. But what would his life be like now if he’d known someone like her years ago?

Gentle and thoughtful, with a caring heart, Keeley wouldn’t have fallen for a bronc rider from Texas back then, any more than she would now. He was hardly the right fit for her world. He had to leave, to go after his son and then find a job in the world he knew best—cattle ranching or horses out West.

And he knew she couldn’t leave.

Her roots went deep in this pretty little town—her father was failing, and the business she was trying to save would keep her here, while there was no way he could stay. Even if he got custody of his son and wanted to come back, he’d be as well suited to a tourist town as a bull in a ballet.

But he would help Keeley as best he could before leaving Aspen Creek, and build some memories to savor after he was gone, because he already knew he would never forget her.

And those memories would have to be enough.

Chapter Seven

K
eeley stepped out of the Aspen Creek Community Church and shaded her eyes against the bright morning sun.

“How are you all?” she said, grinning to the slender, auburn-haired woman and her son, who were waiting at the bottom of the steps.

Sophie Alexander-McLaren rested a hand on her son Eli’s shoulder and nodded toward her new husband, who was talking to another parishioner. “Doing well. He’s busier than ever at his clinic and hopes to hire another doctor this fall. I’m still working just three days a week, but that’s all we want, really. I’m needed at home, too.”

“We’ve missed you at the book club,” Keeley teased. “Monday mornings aren’t the same without you.”

Sophie whispered something to her son and he ran to join his father. “We’ve just finished six weeks with a new therapist,” she said in a lowered voice. “She gave us all some great ideas for working with him and encouraged us to sign him up for a new autism spectrum disorder program through the university.”

“I’m so glad. He’s such a sweet boy.”

“He’s still obsessed with motorcycles and dinosaurs, of course, but she also introduced us to some new programs for his iPad.” She laughed. “He thinks they’re games, but they’re supposed to help him a lot.”

Keeley gave her a quick hug. “Wonderful news, all around.”

“That it is.” Sophie cocked an eyebrow. “And what’s this I hear about you?”

Keeley felt a faint blush warm her cheeks. “Nothing much—except for Edna retiring Thursday. I miss her already.”

“Ah, but I hear there’s someone new in your life—a tall, dark and yummy cowboy from out West?” Sophie winked at her. “He ought to be luring lots of the local ladies into the store.”

“That wasn’t the plan,” Keeley said dryly. “He was on his way east and his truck bit the dust. He’ll only be in town for three weeks at the most—maybe less. He’s just putting in some hours at the store while he waits for repairs.”

Sophie chuckled. “That isn’t how I heard it down at the coffee shop this morning. Lucy was telling everyone how this good-looking cowboy came to your rescue like some medieval knight when you were stranded on the roof of your store. Very romantic, according to her. Well, except the part about your dad. Oops.”

Keeley groaned. “Lucy wasn’t even there. It was Millie from the knitting shop. But between the two of them, I wouldn’t be surprised to see the story hit
USA TODAY
—though why anyone would care is beyond me.”

“They all sure do at the coffee shop when Lucy starts spinning her tales. She’s quite the storyteller.”

“So...she said something about my dad?”

“Something about him ‘driving like a crazy old coot and knocking down your ladder...and it’s a wonder you weren’t killed.’” Sophie bit her lower lip. “I suppose he isn’t going to be too happy when he learns about the gossip.”

“
Livid
would just about sum it up. And he’ll probably imagine the incident
and
the gossip was my fault.”

“I’m so sorry, sweetie. I know it isn’t easy watching over him these days. Any luck talking him into health-care aide visits? Or a housekeeper who could also watch over him?”

Keeley rolled her eyes. “The last time I brought that up he nearly threw me out of his house. Even finding a renter or two for the little cottages out back could add some subtle supervision, but he isn’t interested in that, either. Nope, it’s still just me—and that’s only when he’s in a good mood.”

“You do know that my husband will write medical recommendations and do whatever he can to help you get your dad into a facility when the time comes. Not,” Sophie added quickly, “that Paul’s at that point yet. But still...”

“Good Lord willing, it will be a long time off, because he will fight that idea until he’s absolutely unable to care for himself. He knows his legal rights and isn’t about to give up.”

Sophie’s husband beckoned to her and she waved back, then gave Keeley another hug. “I promise I’ll try to make it to Beth’s Bookstore tomorrow for coffee with you all. But if you ever need help of any kind, just let me know.”

Keeley watched Sophie and her family walk toward the parking lot and sighed. Sophie was an excellent physical therapist, but no one really knew just how challenging Paul North could be—or how stubborn.

* * *

Despite the bright sunshine and perfect, seventy-degree weather, business was slow for a Sunday afternoon. Keeley drove out to the hardware store for supplies then asked Connor to replace the wobbly, dripping faucet in the customer bathroom and install new dead bolts on the front and back doors.

While he was working on that, she settled at the front counter with a cup of hot strawberry tea and hit the speed-dial number for her sister.

Liza answered on the second ring, sounding harried. From the commotion in the background, apparently neither toddler was taking an afternoon nap.

“Is this a bad time? Should I call back later?”

Liza groaned. “Wouldn’t make much difference. The twins were up early this morning, show no signs of slowing down, and the one who desperately needs a nap is me.”

“Maybe Owen can take over for a while so you can.”

“Great idea—but he’s already on his way to Boston for a meeting tomorrow morning.”

“Bad timing.”

Liza laughed. “Your time will come, Keel. Did you know adults can survive on almost no sleep for days?”

Keeley shuddered. “Really?”

“Nope. You are talking to a complete zom— Annie, put that
down
. You cannot hit your sister!”

Keeley heard the sound of footsteps then the squeal of a freezer door being pulled open. “Um, everything all right?”

“I just gave the wild bunch orange Popsicles. That ought to keep them busy for two minutes. By the way, I got a phone call from your old boyfriend Todd yesterday. I’m sure our brother got a call, too.”

Keeley’s heart sank. “He was never a boyfriend and you know it. He had absolutely no business calling you.”

“That’s what I thought. Still, I’ve been meaning to email you. What’s this about some murderer working in your store? That just can’t be true.” There was a long pause. “Can it?”

“Connor was exonerated—I hope Todd told you that. But, well...he is the reason I’m calling you.”

Liza gasped. “Keeley!”

“He’s a really nice guy and he needs your help.” She quickly explained Connor’s background and why she’d hired him. “The thing is, he’ll soon be on his way to Michigan to see his son, and he’s worried about the boy’s welfare. He’s hoping to regain at least partial custody.”

“That won’t be easy.” Liza fell silent for a moment. “You do know I’m a tax attorney, not an expert in family law.”

“Of course I do. But would you have any advice for him? I know he’s really short of money right now, after being incarcerated for so long. I don’t know how much legal representation he can afford.”

“Honestly, I’m swamped right now and he needs a different kind of lawyer. I don’t know what help I can give him.”

“Please—can you do a little research? Or talk to someone who would know? I’ll...” Keeley took a deep breath. “I’ll come up to Minneapolis and help you with the twins for a whole weekend.”

“Whoa.
Really?
”

“Promise. It has to be around the end of August, though. There’s a bit of a lull in tourism then, before the fall and holiday seasons start.”

“Deal. Have him call me this afternoon sometime after three, okay? With a lot of prayer, the girls might be sleeping then. And, Keel? You really do think you’re doing the right thing, having this guy working at the store? Do you honestly trust him?”

“I saw the newspaper clipping about his release. Better than that, Lorraine at the sheriff’s office verified his story.” Keeley smiled to herself, imagining her younger sister in warrior mode, ready to protect anyone in the family at a moment’s notice. “And, yes, I think he’s a good man. And I like him. A lot.”

Liz fell silent for a moment. “Oh, sweetie. You
like
him. As in, getting involved?”

“Honestly, I wish I could. But don’t worry. He’s only focused on his son and how soon he can fight for custody—and after that, I think he’ll be heading for Texas or Montana. End of story.” Keeley gave a short, deprecating laugh. “Anyway, you know my track record. Relationships never last and I’ve almost given up. They just aren’t worth the heartbreak.”

* * *

The bells over the front door of the shop jangled and Millie Ferguson held the front door open as she peered warily into the store. She stepped inside when she saw Keeley at the front counter.

Keeley set aside the stack of invoices in front of her and smiled. “How are you today, Millie?”

Millie craned her wattled neck, searching out the corners of the store before coming all the way in. “Is that...that cowboy working here?”

Keeley rolled her eyes. “As of yesterday morning, yes. He’ll be here for just a few weeks. Can I help you?”

Millie leaned across the counter and lowered her voice. “Do you think that’s a good idea, dear? I mean, what do you know about a stranger like that?”

“Enough. Is there something worrying you?”

“Well, I...I...” She lifted her chin, determination glinting in her faded blue eyes. “I was down at the coffee shop this morning, and Deputy Hansmann was there having breakfast. I overheard him telling another deputy that this new employee of yours is a troublemaker. I just wanted to make sure you knew about it. You can’t trust anyone these days. Especially some stranger who just waltzes into town all sneaky-like, ready to take advantage of some gullib—uh...innocent woman.”

A sneaky
waltzer
? The words conjured up a strange image and Keeley bit back a laugh. The woman could say more without taking a breath than anyone she’d ever met, but she didn’t always make sense.

“I checked out Connor thoroughly and I believe he’s a good, honest man. There may be a little gossip in town, but I’m just thankful that you’d never be a part of that, right?”

Flustered now, the older woman bobbed her head and backed away from the counter. “Oh, no. Of course not.”

Keeley nodded her approval. “I’m so glad people like you still have class. So, are you all set for the Antique Walk next weekend?”

“Um...yes. I hope so.”

“I’m sure you’ll draw a lot of business. You’ve done a wonderful job with your window display—very colorful.” Keeley smiled. “Looking at all of those beautiful yarns makes me wish I knew how to knit.”

“Thank you.” Millie darted another uneasy glance around the shop, her brow furrowed, as if expecting to see Hannibal Lecter ready to pounce. “I— Well, I’d better be on my way.”

Millie hurried out the door and crossed Main diagonally toward her own store. Keeley watched her unlock the front door and slip inside, then turned to fetch more millefiori paperweights from the storeroom for her own front window display.

She nearly ran into Connor, who stood in the storeroom doorway with a tool belt slung across his hips and a Schlage lock-set box in his hands.

“I’ve got the back door done,” he said quietly.

“I suppose you overheard our local busybody,” Keeley said with a sigh. “I’m really sorry about that.”

“It’s no more than I expected. I’m just surprised she didn’t mention the ex-con part.”

“Actually, I’m surprised, too. But maybe she didn’t quite dare. She seemed edgy, probably thinking you were going to appear. Deputy Todd sure didn’t hesitate to share that detail with my sister, Liza—who’s clear off in Minneapolis. The stinker.”

“He called your
sister
?”

“We all grew up together, same schools since kindergarten. He had a crush on her in third grade, and I suppose he still thinks he’ll get brownie points from her if he tattles.” Keeley snorted. “A sad commentary on him, to say the least. He’s like Aspen Creek’s version of Barney Fife.”

Connor shook his head as he headed for the front door. “I don’t care who knows the truth. I just don’t want it to hurt you or your business. For the short amount of time I’ll be here, there’s no way I want to cause collateral damage.”

She knew he meant it and his concern warmed her heart. “When you get the front lock done, take the rest of the afternoon to use my laptop and the internet.”

He gave her a startled glance. “I should do it after work. You sure aren’t paying me to sit at a desk.”

She waved a hand dismissively. “Start now. The more prepared you are, the better chance you have. It might take a lot longer than you think just wading through Michigan’s custody laws. And be sure to print off anything you need.”

He hesitated for a long moment then finally nodded. “Okay, but I’ll pay you back.”

“No need. Oh—and be sure to call Liza at three sharp.”

He looked up from unscrewing the old dead bolt and gave her a blank look. “Your sister?”

“She’s an attorney. Not in family law, and she’s not in the right state, but maybe she can give you some advice.”

He sighed heavily. “I know I need all the advice I can get, but I just don’t have the extra money. I’ll have to pay for a lawyer in Michigan.”

“You don’t need to pay Liza a cent. She’s doing this for me...and believe me, she’s actually grateful for the opportunity.”

“I...I just can’t take advantage of her like that. Or you,” he added wearily. “You’ve already done too much.”

Keeley laughed. “I’m watching her little hooligans for a weekend in exchange for this, so don’t worry about taking
plenty
of time on the phone. Hours. If I survive that weekend, she’ll still owe me no matter how long you two talk.”