A Father's Second Chance

“I don’t know when I would have opened it. It’s been a while since I’ve even been in there.”

“Maybe it wasn’t latched properly. The wind probably blew it open.”

“That doesn’t negate the fact that there’s a bear in my garage!”

He leaned forward, rested his forearms on his thighs. “Do you have an electric garage door opener?”

“Yes.”

“How do you open it?”

“The remote’s in my car. There’s also a keypad by the garage.”

“That’s just what I was hoping.” He pushed to his feet, wearing a satisfied smile. “All you have to do is open the garage door. The bear will leave, and we can all get a good night’s sleep.”

She practically had to pick her jaw up off the floor. “What are you? Some kind of nut?”

One dark brow lifted.

“What if the bear comes after me once he leaves the garage?”

“He won’t, because you’ll be waiting inside the house. Once the bear’s gone, you shut everything down.”

She rubbed her arms, barely believing what she’d just heard. She couldn’t go back over there. Not with that monster on the loose.

Gage raked his fingers through his short hair and let go a sigh. “What’s the code?”

“Code?”

“For the keypad.”

“You mean you’ll—”

“Just as soon as you give me the code.”

She chewed her bottom lip. “Um...”

“Great. You don’t know it, do you?”

“I do. I just have to remember what it is.” She focused on the rustic coffee table littered with cups, papers and crayons.

“Well, if you want that bear out of your house, I suggest you remember.”

“I will.” She tugged Emma closer, rubbing the soft sleeve of the child’s flannel nightgown. “But, in case you haven’t noticed, I’m a little freaked out.” A feeling she definitely wasn’t used to.

He shoved his bare feet into a pair of boots that were next to the door. “By the way, girls, this is Celeste. Celeste, Cassidy—” he motioned to the oldest girl, who sat in the second chair “—and you remember Emma.”

The child beside her grinned.

“I like your princess pajamas.” Cassidy sent her a shy smile.

Celeste’s head dropped in dismay as she surveyed her attire. Being caught in her pajamas was bad enough, but to have Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella and Snow White emblazoned on the front was downright humiliating. Not to mention the pink and blue hearts all over the fleece bottoms.

“5-9-2-7.” She jerked her head up.

Gage took a step closer. “Come again?”

She repeated the numbers, slower this time.

“Is your front door open?”

“Yes. But...what if he doesn’t leave?”

“He’ll leave. I guarantee you startled him every bit as much as he startled you.”

“I doubt it,” she said under her breath.

He reached for the door. “Girls, you need to get back in bed.”

Only then did Celeste realize that her theatrics had probably woken them.

Emma followed him. “But, Daddy, we wanna see the bear.”

As much as Celeste wanted to see the bear, too, if only to reassure herself that he was indeed gone, she knew she’d upset their routine. And since tomorrow was a school day...

“Sorry, Emma.” Celeste stood. “It’s late and you have school in the morning.” She laid a hand on the child’s shoulder. “You need to do what your Daddy says.”

The frowns on their faces nearly ripped her heart out. How did Gage ever discipline them?

“How about I read you a story?”

That seemed to turn their frowns upside down.

“Night, Daddy.” Cassidy hugged him first, quickly followed by Emma.

As the two girls started down the hallway off the living room, Gage opened the door.

“I’ll try to have them settled before you get back,” Celeste said.

He nodded. “Good.” Then closed the door behind him.

* * *

Gage tromped across the street to the condo he hadn’t seen anybody go into or out of in recent months. Ouray was a small town. But what were the odds that Celeste would live right across the street from him?

Roughing a hand over his face, he glimpsed the starry sky. He was never going to get the girls to sleep. They were beyond wired tonight, probably from the cookies Celeste gave them. Which meant he could forget about finishing that quote. Or the laundry. Or anything else, for that matter. And he didn’t even want to think about the challenges he’d have waking them up tomorrow morning.

He frowned as he approached the well-maintained condo. If he accepted this project with Celeste, would she bang on his door at all hours of the night, telling him how to do his job?

Surely she wouldn’t.

Would she?

Not unless she found another bear in her garage.

He’d never forget the sight of her standing on his front porch, her long blond hair piled precariously on top of her head, eyes big as saucers...right before she passed out.

Not quite the tough facade he’d seen this afternoon. When he carried her inside, she’d looked so...small. Fragile. And smelled of vanilla.

Chucking the annoying thought, he lifted the lid on the remote keypad and punched in the numbers Celeste had given him. He should be at home, making sure Emma and Cassidy were in bed. Not catering to some city girl. He’d done enough of that with Tracy.

Light spilled from the garage as the door began its ascent. Gage stepped inside the front door, only to discover the window was frosted.

He peered down the narrow hall, then up the stairwell. Only one way to get the view he needed.

He climbed the first set of steps and paused at the landing to check the view out of the small rectangular window. Perfect. But what was that loud whistling noise?

With no sign of the bear, he took the second set of stairs two at a time. The beautifully decorated living room stopped him in his tracks, though. Looking at the brown leather furniture with its perfectly placed throw pillows, he felt as though he were invading Celeste’s privacy. Like he shouldn’t be here.

Probably because he shouldn’t. He should be with his daughters. Not leaving them alone with a stranger. And for all practical purposes, Celeste was a stranger. Aside from the fact that she was a good cook, bossy and had an appreciation for historic architecture, what did he really know about her?

Training his ear on that incessant whistling, he whisked past the pristine dining area and rounded into the kitchen. On the stove, steam spewed from the spout of a kettle. He quickly turned it off and moved the kettle to another burner before marching back down to the window without so much as another glance at Celeste’s inner sanctum.

He resumed his post just as the bear wandered into the driveway. It was a young one. Not a cub, by any means, but not an adult either. With the whistling silenced, Gage could hear the animal’s unhappy grunts, as well as a few of his own.

The bear continued down the street, but Gage watched until it was out of sight before returning to the first level. He hurried past the bathroom and bedroom that were off the foyer then entered the garage via the interior door.

Oh, man. He admired the black ragtop Mustang parked inside. “Talk about a sweet ride.” He slowly circled the vehicle, looking for signs of damage. A couple of scratches on the rear bumper but, lucky for Celeste, the canvas was untouched.

Scanning the rest of the single-car space, he shook his head. That bear must have had a good ol’ time. And based on what little he saw of Celeste’s immaculate house, she was not going to like this. What a mess.

As he suspected, the back door was open. He closed it and twisted the dead bolt, making sure it was secure, then grabbed a lawn and leaf bag from the box on the shelf and started collecting the trash that had been scattered.

Why are you doing this?

He thought about the look on Celeste’s face when he explained how to get rid of the bear. Not to mention the way she backed him up when he told the girls to go to bed. Actually, he was kind of surprised she did that. It had been a long time since somebody had his back.

After gathering the trash, he tied the bag and tossed it in the receptacle, making sure to secure the lid. Then he turned out the light and used the keypad to close the garage door before returning to his house.

All was quiet when he stepped inside, so he continued down the hall to check on the girls. Amidst the warm glow of their pink butterfly lamp, he could see that both were asleep. And so was Celeste.

She was leaning against Emma’s white headboard, head drooped to one side, with a book in her lap. One hand lay atop Emma’s back as the child snuggled beside her.

Something shifted inside him. He longed for his girls to have a mother’s nurturing. Someone who did those little things that said, “I love you.” Things like reading books, painting their nails and doing their hair. Someone who understood tea parties and Barbie dolls. Someone who was a helpmate to him.

Looking away, he ran a hand through his hair. He wasn’t cut out for marriage, though. Even if he was, it certainly wouldn’t be with someone like Celeste. She was too much like his ex. Confident, independent, driven...All things that had drawn him to Tracy.

Unfortunately, Tracy had had no interest in motherhood.

Time to get Celeste out of here. He never should have left her with Emma and Cassidy in the first place.

Making his way between the two twin beds, he laid a hand on Celeste’s arm.

She didn’t move.

He leaned over until his mouth was inches from her ear. “Celeste?” He caught a whiff of vanilla.

A strand of her hair tickled his cheek, causing him to jump.

Celeste did, too. “What are you doing?” Though her words were whispered, they were undeniably sharp.

“Trying to wake you up.” He stormed out of the room and busied himself by straightening the living room until Celeste appeared.

“You’ve got a couple of great kids there.” She crossed her arms. “Not one argument. They settled right in and were asleep before I even finished the story.”

“I’m glad they didn’t give you any trouble.” He set the girls’ backpacks beside the front door. “You’ll be happy to know that your house is bear-free.”

“Thank you. You saved my life tonight.”

“I doubt that.” He darted into the kitchen to dump a handful of string cheese wrappers. “He was just a little guy.”

“Little? Not when he was standing on his hind legs, looking me straight in the eye.”

He rejoined her. “If he would have been full grown, he’d have been looking down at you.” Much like he was right now. When did she get so short?

“I guess I’d better go.” She moved to the door. “I really do appreciate you helping me out, though.”

He nodded, holding the door open. “Doesn’t look like I’ll have that quote by tomorrow.”

“I understand.” She stepped onto the porch and stared across the street. Judging by the way her fingers dug into her arms, she was scared.

He knew he should walk her home. Set her at ease.

But he couldn’t. Not while his heart was longing for things that would never be.

He peered up at the darkened sky. “I’ll keep watch. Make sure you get home safely.”

Her smile lacked its usual confidence. “Okay.” She started down the stairs. “Thanks again, Gage. I owe you.”

She moved quickly across the street and up her front walk. At the door, she paused and waved before disappearing inside.

He felt like a jerk.

No, he felt like a fool for entertaining such crazy thoughts.

He went back into his house and dropped onto the sofa. He must be tired. But there was no way he’d be able to sleep. He needed to focus on something else.

Standing, he moved to the dining table and opened his laptop. May as well work on a quote. With nothing else in the pipeline, he’d need the work. And, if God didn’t want him to have the job, Celeste would turn him down anyway.

But what if He does want you to have this job?

Gage sighed. Then he’d just have to get through it as quickly as possible.

Chapter Four

Gage dropped the girls off at school without a minute to spare. After staying up late to work on Celeste’s quote, sleep held him captive with unwanted yet all-too-appealing visions of Celeste with his daughters.

Two cups of coffee and a quick shower later, he was still dragging. He could only hope the breakfast rush went long at Granny’s Kitchen. The busier Celeste was, the quicker the process would be. He’d simply drop off the estimate and she could get back to him later. Because after seeing her in his dreams, the last thing he wanted was to spend time in her presence this morning.

A half a dozen cars parked near the corner restaurant encouraged him. He snagged a spot, turned off the ignition and hopped out of his truck.

Despite a clear blue sky overhead, Main Street lay bathed in shadows, waiting for the sun to top the gray, volcanic peaks of the Amphitheater, the curved formation at the town’s eastern edge. Frost dappled windshields and rooftops, while the brisk morning air jolted his sleep-deprived senses. A reminder that winter wasn’t too far around the corner.

Inside the restaurant, smiling faces and the aromas of bacon, fresh-brewed coffee and cinnamon transported him to another time. Back when life was simpler and dreams were bigger. When the future was his for the taking. Before reality dealt a heartbreaking blow that would forever change him.

Celeste emerged from the kitchen, carrying three plates. One with eggs, bacon and hash browns, another with what appeared to be breakfast burritos, and the last held a cinnamon roll that looked exactly like the ones her grandmother used to make.

Spotting him, she did a double take. “Be with you in a second.”

His insides tensed. While his head told him to drop the file on the counter and run, his stomach begged him to pull up a chair and enjoy a hearty breakfast. Maybe food would help take his mind off last night. If nothing else, it would silence the rumbling in his gut.

He slid onto a bar stool as Celeste moved behind the oak-topped counter.

She paused long enough to grab a coffeepot and a white mug. “You look as though you could use this.” She set the cup in front of him and poured.

“That bad, huh?”

She puffed out a gentle laugh. “That bear—or at least thoughts of him—kept me awake half the night, too.”

Bear? He palmed the cup, the warmth seeping into his fingers. He should be so lucky.

“Cream or sugar?”

“No, thanks.” He took a sip, trying not to make eye contact. Celeste’s long blond hair was pulled back yet again, her attire more business than casual, and she’d grown at least two inches since last night.

“Excuse me for a minute.” She replaced the coffeepot on the warmer before continuing into the kitchen.

Gage couldn’t help wondering what had happened to the overbearing, dictatorial Celeste he met with yesterday afternoon. The one who had been a burr under his saddle. That Celeste he could deal with. The sweet, nurturing Celeste who showed up uninvited in his dreams? Not so much.

A few minutes later, she returned, carrying a foil pan encased in a plastic bag. She set it beside him. “My way of saying thank you for your help last night.”

The sight of six homemade cinnamon rolls covered in rich, gooey icing wiped every thought from his brain as his stomach broke into a Snoopy dance. “Where’s a fork?”

“Not so fast. Those are for later.”

“What?”

“Order up.”

Celeste reached toward the stainless steel pass-through to the kitchen and retrieved a plate. “This one is for now.” Frosting dripped from the steaming, oversize confection she placed in front of him. She handed him a fork and a short stack of napkins. “That is, unless you’ve already had breakfast.”

“I haven’t.” Filled with more anticipation than a grown man ought to have, he grabbed the fork. “And even if I had...” The warm pastry melted in his mouth while an explosion of cinnamon and creamy sweetness chased his cares away. “This is even better than I remembered.”

“I’m glad you approve.”

“Oh, I almost forgot.” He positioned his fork on the edge of the plate and picked up the file. “I finished your quote.”

Her brown eyes went wide. “Are you kidding?” She accepted the folder. “How did you manage that?”

No way was he going to let on how the sight of her with Cassidy and Emma had affected him. “Guess that bear riled us both.”

“Order up.”

“Drat!” Celeste tucked the file folder on the opposite work counter, alongside rows of ketchup, mustard and hot sauce bottles. “Duty calls.” She retrieved two more plates from the pass-through and was on her way.

Gage savored the first decent cinnamon roll he’d had in twenty years, washing down his last bite with a swig of coffee. Mission accomplished. The quote had been delivered and even though he’d been here longer than planned, the cinnamon roll more than made up for it. Now all he had to do was finish up some last-minute details at the Schmidts’ and he’d have the rest of the day to himself.

Standing, he reached for the care package Celeste had given him.

“This is starting to become a habit.” Blakely squeezed between him and the next stool, not looking anywhere near as chipper as she’d been yesterday.

He helped her onto the chair. “You feeling okay?”

“Yeah. I just got some disturbing news, that’s all.” She pointed to the pan of rolls. “Hard to resist, aren’t they?”

“Morning, Blakely.” Celeste whisked along the other side of the counter.

“Hey there, Gage. Blakely.” Kaleb Palmer, Gage’s old classmate and the town’s most decorated veteran, waited in front of the register.

“I’ve been hearing some rumors about you, Kaleb.” Crossing her arms, Blakely leaned her elbows against the counter and looked past Gage. “And I sure hope they’re true.”

“Well, that depends.” The former soldier who’d lost a leg in Afghanistan grinned and handed Celeste a ten. “What kind of rumors?”

Blakely’s brow lifted. “That you’re looking to buy Mountain View Tours from Ross Chapman.”

Their good-natured friend accepted his change and turned to face them. “Then that would be correct.”

“Yes!” Blakely squirmed out of her chair and thrust her arms around Kaleb’s waist. “Praise the Lord and hallelujah.”

It was no secret that Ross Chapman, Mountain View Tours’ current owner, had been a thorn in Blakely’s side. Not to mention a poor businessman, nearly running the once well-established business into the ground.

Kaleb squeezed Blakely’s shoulder. “I just hope we can be allies instead of competitors.”

“Without a doubt. Trent and I will be happy to help you any way we can.”

“Good deal.” Kaleb started for the door, the hitch of his prosthetic leg virtually unnoticeable. “Now I’ve just got to get things hashed out with Chapman.”

Blakely grimaced. “Don’t bring up my name, then. However, I’ll definitely be praying for things to work out.”

“You can count me in on those prayers,” said Celeste.

“Me, too.” Gage admired Kaleb’s determination and positive outlook. He had every confidence his friend could do wonders for both Mountain View Tours and Ouray’s tourism industry.

“’Preciate that, guys.” Kaleb waved as he pushed the door open. “Catch ya later.”

Celeste grabbed a couple of menus as another couple entered the restaurant. “I’ll be right back, y’all.”

Gage helped Blakely back into her seat. “That news ought to help shore up whatever was bothering you earlier.”

“I wish.” She ran her fingers through her strawberry blond hair. “You know the fall festival?”

“Sure. The girls were just talking about it the other day.”

“Linda Barrow was supposed to be in charge. I found out this morning that she completely dropped the ball.”

He eased back into his own chair, studying Blakely’s pinched expression. “What do you mean?”

“You know her mom’s been sick.”

He nodded.

“Apparently time got away from her. Not one thing has been done for the festival.”

“What festival?” Celeste peeled a sheet from her order pad and clipped it to the wheel on the pass-through before giving it a spin.

“The fall festival,” said Blakely. “All the churches in town come together to put on a carnival for the kids,” Gage explained.

“Sounds like fun.”

“It is.” Blakely folded her hands atop the counter. “Especially for the kids.”

“But it doesn’t look like it’s going to happen this year.” Gage shook his head. “Which is a shame. A lot of kids are going to be disappointed. Mine included.”

“No. They’re not.”

Both Celeste and Gage stared at Blakely.

“Austin has always loved the festival.” She absently rubbed her belly, as though considering the child growing inside her, too. “I couldn’t bear the thought of losing such a wonderful tradition. So...I said I’d take over.”

Gage narrowed his gaze. “At the risk of sounding like Captain Obvious, you do realize you’re about to have a baby, don’t you?”

Blakely laughed. “Not for another month. The festival will be over long before my due date.”

“Still, you can’t take this all on by yourself, Blakely. How can I help? Besides sustaining you with cookies and cinnamon rolls.”

Their friend grinned. “Well, I wasn’t exactly planning on doing the whole thing by myself. Just the organizing. I’ve got to come up with some people willing to solicit donations of food and prizes, create and set up games, recruit volunteers to work the festival...”

“I can do the recruiting and solicitation.” Celeste’s expression turned serious.

“You need a bounce house?” Gage downed the rest of his now lukewarm coffee.

“I almost forgot about that. Yes.”

“I know a guy in Montrose. I’ll give him a call. What else can I do?”

Blakely took a deep breath and smiled, her blue eyes glistening with unshed tears. Probably just hormones, though it still made him uncomfortable. “You guys are amazing. Honestly, I was only coming in here for a cinnamon roll. But you’ve encouraged me so much.” She wiped at a tear. “With the three of us working together, I know we can make this the best fall festival yet.”

Together? Gage had no problem with Blakely. But Celeste?

Working on the space above the restaurant, he could do. After all, with Celeste running the restaurant, how involved could she really be in the day-to-day grunt work? But working alongside her on the festival when they butted heads like a couple of bighorn sheep?

What had he gotten himself into?

* * *

Gage was the last person Celeste wanted to see this morning. While she was more than grateful for his help last night, she was also embarrassed. What must he think of her, passing out on his porch in her pajamas—princess pajamas, no less—behaving like a crazed drama queen and then falling asleep on his daughter’s bed? He probably believed she was downright loony.

And now they’d be working together on a festival? God, You definitely have a sense of humor.

“I still have to wrap my brain around all that needs to be done, then I’ll lay out a plan of action.” Blakely’s blue eyes moved from Gage to Celeste. “Think we could meet in a day or two?”

“Should be fine.” Gage seemed less than enthused about the prospect.

“Sure.” Celeste scanned the restaurant, all too aware that she needed to see to her customers. “Now, about that cinnamon roll?”

“That would make my day, Celeste.”

She turned in the order before returning her attention to Gage. “How about you? Another roll? Some protein, maybe? Eggs?”

“No, I’m good. I need to get a move on.” He grabbed the pan of rolls and shoved out of his chair. “How much do I owe you?”

“Not a thing. I’m indebted to you for putting up with me last night.”

“I guess we’re even then.” He turned, then stopped. “My contact info is in the file. Just let me know what you decide.”