The Lawman's Secret Son

“I can and I am. This is not my problem. I brought him safely to you. Now I’m going home.”

“Carrie.”

Jack ran out of the kitchen, traces of banana on his mouth. “Don’t go.”

She stooped down and hugged him. “It’s okay, Jack. I’ll be right next door if you need me. You can see my house from that window. I’ll wave to you when I get home, okay?” She shot a warning glare in Seth’s direction.

Jack’s mouth puckered up and he nodded. “Leo?”

She led him to the window. “He’ll wave, too. Now you stand right here, and as soon as I get inside I’ll wave at you.”

The thought of being alone with the little boy suddenly filled him with terror. “Carrie, are you sure you can’t stay awhile? I could really use your help.”

“I’m positive.” She opened the door. “And, Seth, be gentle with him, okay? He needs to feel safe and loved whether he’s yours or not.”

Her warning triggered his curiosity. Why was she so protective of a child she didn’t know? She seemed very knowledgeable about how Jack felt and what he needed. He had a feeling she was coming from a place of experience. Assessing people was part of his job and one of his gifts. He wanted to know more about the intriguing Carrie Fletcher.

She stopped at the threshold and glanced over her shoulder. “Oh, and, Seth, he needs a bath before you put him to bed.”

Her stern expression reminded him of the disapproving looks he’d gotten from his teachers when he’d misbehaved. He watched her start across the lawn, then realized his major mistake. “Carrie. Thanks for taking care of Jack.” She looked over her shoulder, her blond hair catching the light from the streetlamp.

“Make sure you take care of him or I will call the cops.” If he hadn’t been so shell-shocked he would have laughed at her threat. But she had a point. He needed to get to the bottom of this and find out the truth about the little boy. A father. The possibility was both scary and intriguing.

He started formulating a plan as he went back inside. He needed the truth and he needed it fast, before everything in his life started to unravel.

* * *

Safely inside her cottage again, Carrie scooped up Leo, went to the window facing Seth’s house and raised the fabric shade. She could see Jack’s little face pressed against the glass and his hand waving frantically. Behind him a shadow moved. Seth? She waved until the boy disappeared from view, her heart pinching. Had she done the right thing in leaving him there?

Had there been another option? The rest was up to Seth to figure out. In the kitchen she put away the groceries, filled a bowl with leftover casserole and set it to heat in the microwave. Leo followed her to the bedroom, where she changed into a pair of sweatpants and a loose T-shirt. Friday night was movie night and she had every intention of keeping to her routine.

But her thoughts kept replaying the expression on Seth’s face. She’d been furious with the man, but not so upset that she hadn’t seen the color drain from his face as he read the note.

She’d expected continued denial, even anger, but he’d been more stunned and confused than anything. He’d stared at Jack as if he were an alien creature. But he’d also spoken gently to him, and she’d seen a glint of compassion in his eyes. At least he hadn’t thrown her and Jack out.

Her instincts told her Seth had been telling the truth. He hadn’t known about Jack. He’d even shared about his less-than-noble life in Vegas. Yet he was doing the right thing in keeping Jack and at the same time trying not to bring shame on his family.

She wandered to the window and peeked over at Seth’s house again. The window was dark. Had they gone to bed? Had he tucked Jack in? Given him a bath? After grabbing the cord beside the window, she lowered the shade and turned away. Out of sight, out of mind. She had to let this go. Jack was Seth’s responsibility now.

Her cell phone rang and she picked it up, surprised to see Kathy Edwards’s name on the screen. What would she be calling for? The supervisor of the church preschool was a good friend and coworker. But with two small children and a husband, they rarely spoke outside of the office.

“Sorry to disturb your evening, Carrie, but I wanted to let you know I found a volunteer to take charge of the games the day of the picnic.”

“Wonderful. Who?”

“Earl Michaels. Turns out he used to work for his uncle’s carnival growing up and he says he knows all about managing several events at once.”

Carrie chuckled at the image forming in her mind of the dapper Mr. Michaels barking for a carnival. “That leaves only two more spots to fill.”

“Yep. However, I have to tell you, I ran into Ralph as I was leaving and he forgot to take the flyer to the printers today, and now we won’t have them to hand out at church on Sunday.”

Carrie sank down onto the sofa. “Great. I really wanted those available this weekend. What happened?”

“He claims we never gave the original to him. Carrie, I know Ralph has been the go-to guy for the church forever and he prides himself on being an unofficial assistant to every church event, but he’s getting older and forgetful and he doesn’t hear as well as he should.”

Carrie knew only too well. Ralph had pledged his help for the Chili Cook-Off last month, but she’d ended up doing everything herself, taking valuable time away from other projects because Ralph either didn’t show up or confused his instructions.

“I think we need to make an announcement for a new assistant.”

“And break Ralph’s heart? Not to mention humiliating him. I can’t do that.” Ralph had a heart as big as all outdoors and he loved his Lord and his church. He would never understand being replaced.

“Carrie, you need someone to help you. You’re stretched to the max now.”

“I know. We’ll have to pray that the Lord will provide the perfect solution.”

“I wish I had your faith. All I see is a worn-out friend who’s going to crumble into dust once this picnic is over.”

“Then I’ll count on you to bring me hot soup and chocolate cake.”

They discussed a few more issues with the picnic before hanging up. Carrie was continually amazed at how the Lord had worked through her life, bestowing blessings that she never dreamed possible. He’d taken the battered, confused and hurting person she’d been, restored her and made her whole again. Her life was finally moving in the right direction. She had a decent education, a job that paid a comfortable wage and a work environment that not only made her happy but fed her spiritually, as well.

Now she was free to save up for her house and finish her degree. One by one she was conquering the shadows of her childhood and sealing them up as securely as the record of her past.

Or was that really the truth? Seth’s past had revisited him tonight. Would hers do the same? Would it rise up like a dark fist and smash her new world to pieces again? She shook her head to dislodge the negative thoughts. Her past followed her around like Marley’s chain. She’d tried to forget it, to ignore it, but she couldn’t let it go even though she knew deep down she wasn’t that person anymore. She was a child of God—loved, worthy and valued. He’d set her on a new path, and looking back wouldn’t gain her anything. She had to trust that He would sort it all out. But it wouldn’t hurt to keep her guard up and her heart protected.

Chapter Two

Seth stared at the small boy playing with the battered yellow truck. He’d reread the note a dozen times, looking for something he’d missed, and had spent the last half hour making calls that had gotten him nowhere. There was no number listed in Vegas for his former wife, and the few contacts he still had proved to be dead ends. A quick search on the internet had been fruitless, too. He couldn’t take the note at face value, but something inside him knew that the words were true. He simply wasn’t ready to accept it without investigating. He needed a birth certificate, proof of some sort that Jack was his. He needed access to the police department files, but as a newbie on the Dover force he didn’t have many favors to call in. He’d have to wait until he reported to work on Monday and see what he could accomplish.

Right now he had a more pressing task to address—telling his mother about Jack. He needed to do that soon. It wouldn’t take but a moment for word to get out, and he didn’t want her to learn about his son from strangers or rumors. Telling his siblings was another thing he wasn’t looking forward to. He had to uncover the truth for everyone’s sake.

His attention returned to the little boy sitting in front of the hearth. Their gazes collided, sending a jolt of recognition along Seth’s nerves. Those big cobalt blue eyes were better than any birth certificate.

The boy looked uneasy, forcing Seth to realize that since Carrie had left he’d been preoccupied with phone calls and internet searches instead of paying attention to Jack. That was something he’d have to correct.

He leaned forward, opening his arms and offering his best smile. “Hey, Jack. Come over here. Let me see that cool truck of yours.” The boy hesitated only a moment before standing and coming to him. He stopped within the circle of Seth’s body, and he was struck again by how small and frail the child was. His throat tightened. Jack was a baby. Too young to be abandoned by the one who should love him most. Seth sent up a grateful prayer that Carrie had been the person to find him and that Jack was now safe with him.

“That’s a really sharp looking truck you have, buddy.”

“It’s a supertruck.”

Seth smiled at the sincere look in his blue eyes. It was the most Jack had said all evening. He hoped that meant he was feeling more comfortable. “Awesome. What does it do?”

Jack fingered the battered toy. “It can fly.” He angled the toy into the air. “It can go way faster than anything.”

“That’s cool.”

A frown tugged his little brows downward. “What’s your name?”

The simple question hit with the force of a sledgehammer to his solar plexus. That was the biggest question of his life. What did he tell the child? While his instincts said Jack was his son, if he was wrong it would be wise to keep some emotional distance for both their sakes. He searched for a compromise. “My name is Seth, but how about you call me Pop?”

Jack thought a moment, then smiled. “That’s a silly name.”

He picked Jack up and set him on his lap. “It’s what we used to call my dad. It’s sort of a special nickname.”

“Are you my dad?”

The longing in the little voice tore through him. He pulled the boy closer. “We’re going to figure that out together, okay?” The odor from his dirty clothing assaulted Seth’s nose.

Carrie had pointed out that he needed a bath. It was after eight o’clock. Time for Jack to be asleep. Reaching for the plastic sack, Seth pulled out what he hoped were clean clothes but proved to be little more than rags. His shoes had holes in the toes, the thin T-shirt was useless and there was no clean underwear at all. How could Tiff have treated the boy this way? She’d had her problems, but he’d never imagined her as an unfit mother. Who was he kidding? He didn’t know anything about his former wife. That was the problem.

His problem now was what to do with Jack. The clothes he wore would probably disintegrate in the washer. This was a bachelor household. He’d only been back in Dover a few weeks, and he’d been too busy getting settled into his house and his new role as a Dover police officer to think of much else.

He needed help. Seth rubbed his forehead. There was only one person he could turn to, and he dreaded asking. A glance at the clock pointed out how late it was. Jack needed to go to bed. He picked up his phone and dialed Carrie’s number. “Hey, Carrie.”

“Seth? Is Jack okay? What’s wrong?”

“Jack’s fine, but I need your help.” He could sense her resistance through the connection. He hoped she wouldn’t turn him down. “I went through the things in Jack’s bag. None of the clothes are wearable, and the ones he has on should be tossed. I want to give him a bath, but I don’t have anything for him to put on afterward. I thought maybe you had a small shirt or something.”

“No, nothing that tiny. I’ll be right over.”

She was at the door within moments, and clearly unhappy to be there. She’d changed from the simple skirt and top she’d worn earlier to dark sweatpants and a T-shirt with a faded logo on the front. She looked younger, more approachable. Jack ran and hugged her, a big smile lighting his face. Seth’s concern eased a bit. Carrie would know what to do. “Any suggestions?”

“You’ll have to go shopping.”

“Now? Where? It’s Friday night in Dover. Every place is closed.”

“Not all. The Dollar General is open. They’ll have everything you need. I’ll stay here and give Jack his bath.”

Seth ran a hand down the back of his neck. He didn’t know what he’d expected, but shopping hadn’t entered the picture. “I don’t know anything about what a kid needs.”

“He needs the same things you do, only in smaller sizes. For now we’ll guess at those. Probably size 4.” Carrie scribbled on a piece of paper and handed it to him. “He’ll need pj’s, jeans, T-shirts, shoes and socks, underwear and a jacket.”

“All that to go to bed?”

“He can’t wear pajamas all the time.”

She looked at him as if he was the dumbest man on the planet. And he was when it came to kids. “Right.” He scanned the list. It seemed simple enough, but he’d rather stay and give Jack his bath and let her go to the store. But he didn’t know anything about that, either.

“Okay. I’ll be back as soon as I can.” He grabbed his jacket and started for the door.

“Seth, add a toothbrush to your list. And maybe a stuffed animal.”

He wasn’t sure why the toy had been added, but he nodded and opened the door. He stopped, glancing over his shoulder. “Thanks, Carrie. I really appreciate your help.”

“I’m doing this for Jack.”

Her tone clearly showed her displeasure with him. Did she still have him pegged as a deadbeat dad? He didn’t like being seen that way. He’d have to change her mind and show her that he wasn’t that kind of man, though why her opinion should matter left him puzzled. She wasn’t even his type. He’d always been drawn to the tall, dark, sultry types, with long hair and even longer legs. Maybe that was his problem. Maybe he should be looking for someone real, with a gentle spirit and fierce love for kids.

Except he wasn’t looking for any kind of relationship. Not in the near future.

* * *

Carrie ran her fingers over Jack’s soft, freshly washed hair. After his bath she’d wrapped him in a towel, and together they’d snuggled on the sofa to wait for Seth. The child was tired and the warm bath had lulled him close to sleep, but for some reason he was fighting it. Every few moments he’d glance at the door. She realized he was waiting for Seth to return and probably wouldn’t sleep until he was home.

He’d already called four times with questions. What’s the difference between a size 4 and a 4T? Did little boys like red or blue pj’s? How did he buy shoes when he didn’t know the size? And would a dog or a bear be a better stuffed toy?

She had to give him credit. He was trying. He could have easily grabbed the first thing he’d seen and dashed home.

Pulling a magazine from the small stack on the end table, she flipped to a page and began to read softly, “‘When working with a lathe, it’s important to keep a steady pressure on the gouge to ensure the proper depth and angle of the design. This master kit of gouge tools includes everything you’ll need to create the perfect spindles, bowls and other—’”

“I never realized a woodworking catalog had bedtime-story appeal.”

Carrie started when she heard Seth’s voice behind her. She hadn’t heard him come in, so content was she with Jack cuddled in her arms. He was a sweet little boy, starved for affection, and her heart had already lost its battle to keep her emotional distance. She wanted to keep him close and make sure he never felt abandoned again.

“It’s not the words that lull them to sleep—it’s being close and hearing your voice that comforts children.”

“I’ll try to remember that.” He took a seat on the coffee table and began unloading his bounty.

Jack stirred and grinned at Seth. “Hi, Pop.”

“Hi, Jack.” Seth ruffled the boy’s hair affectionately. “I got you some new pajamas. Let’s get them on so you can go to bed.”

“Pop?” Carrie shot a glance at Seth as he handed her the package of superhero briefs.

“It’s what we used to call my dad. It’s too soon for anything else.”

Carrie pulled labels off the blue pajamas, slipping the shirt over Jack’s head. Too soon? Did that mean Seth was starting to believe Jack was his?

Dressed in his new pajamas and smelling like soap, Jack looked like a very different child. There was a warmth in his eyes that hadn’t been there before. She thanked the Lord for that and prayed Jack would always feel safe and loved.

“Seth, I’m going to help Jack brush his teeth. Why don’t you get the bed ready?”

“Right.” He disappeared down the hall.

A few moments later Carrie took Jack’s hand and walked him toward the master bedroom. Seth was seated on the edge of the bed, covers folded back and a smile on his face. A brown-and-white stuffed dog waited on the pillow. Jack let go of Carrie’s hand and hurried forward.

“Leo.” He took the stuffed toy and held it to his chest.

Seth frowned. Carrie hastened to explain. “It looks like my dog, Leo.”

“You mean that little fuzzy rodent I see in your yard?”

Carrie sent him a disapproving glare. “What are you going to name your dog, Jack?”

The child thought for a moment. “Barky.”

Seth nodded in approval as he tucked the covers around the small body and ran a gentle hand over the little head. “That’s a super name. Ready to say your prayers?” Jack shrugged his shoulders. “We’ll make this first one short.” He folded the boy’s hands together and a said a quick blessing.

The gesture caught Carrie off guard. She hadn’t expected Seth to be a man of faith. Something inside her shifted, leaving an odd, uncomfortable tightening in her chest.

“Amen. See you in the morning, Jack.”

“Pop? You won’t go away?”

Carrie’s throat constricted and she could see the tendons in Seth’s neck flex with emotion. “No, Jack. I’ll be right here when you wake up. Promise.”

Reassured, Jack was asleep before they stepped out of the room.

As if having the same thought, they turned at the door to watch the small boy in the big bed as he slept.

Seth rested a hand against the door frame. “He looks so small.”

“You should have seen him in the tub.” She wrapped her arms around her waist in a vain attempt to quell the sadness inside. “Without his clothes, he’s just skin and bones. It broke my heart.”

“I know. I can’t believe someone just dumped him on your porch and walked away.”

“It happens all too often.”

“You sound like you have experience in these matters.”

Carrie glanced at Seth and saw the curiosity in his eyes, along with a hint of concern that warmed her. “I’m studying toward my degree in social work. There are too many children who get lost in the system. They need an advocate.”

One corner of his mouth lifted, revealing a charming crease in his cheek. “Well, from what I’ve seen tonight, you’ll make an excellent one.”

His compliment brought a rush of heat to her face. She never knew how to respond when people said nice things to her, but the smile he’d given her had kicked her pulse rate up a few notches. One of the first things she’d noticed about him was his knock-you-to-your-knees smile. He had two deep creases, like elongated dimples, on either side of his mouth, and they flashed whenever he spoke. It was a fascinating face, one she could watch for hours.

She stopped her wayward thoughts and glanced back at the sleeping boy to collect herself. Seth shifted beside her, sending a whiff of tangy aftershave in her direction.

“Contrary to what you might think, I would never abandon a child of mine. If I’d known about Jack, I would have fought to be part of his life.”

She wanted to believe that. She wanted to believe that her first impression of him was the correct one. That he was a nice guy, a man of character. But how did she know for certain? Those kind of men had been absent in her life. It was easier and safer to lump them all into one negative category.

Seth must have read the doubt and confusion in her eyes. He touched her arm lightly, and the contact sent a rush of warmth along her skin, awakening another layer of awareness of the man beside her. At five feet five inches, she wasn’t short, but Seth’s six-foot height and solid build made her feel petite. The kindness in his eyes wrapped around her like a gentle hug.

“I’ll take good care of Jack. You don’t need to worry. We both care about the little guy and want what’s best for him. But it’s going to take some time to sort this out.”

His words eased some of her concern. “I know. I just don’t want him to feel alone.”

“He won’t. I’ll be with him until we get to the bottom of this. And he has you and Leo right next door.”

She wasn’t sure that was a good thing. In a few short hours she’d become entangled with the little boy and drawn into Seth’s life. She turned her attention back to the bed. They stood at the bedroom door watching Jack sleep, both reluctant to leave him alone. Carrie knew she should not get involved in this situation, but that resolve had already started to crumble.

“What if you can’t find her?” She hated to think of what kind of future the child might face if that happened.

Seth sighed. “Let’s not borrow trouble. For now let’s make our little guy happy while we look for answers.”

Our little guy. Their mutual affection for Jack and their desire to help him had bonded them whether she liked it or not. For the immediate future, they were his advocates. She looked into Seth’s eyes and thought she read the same strength and determination there that was inside her. It would be nice to have a partner, someone equally dedicated to the cause.

A small chamber of her heart clicked open, as if suddenly unlocked after years of neglect. She fought back the swell of attraction and the need for connection swirling inside. She couldn’t afford to depend on anyone, not even a man as handsome and kind as Seth. There was too much at stake in her life right now. The pressure in her chest increased, forcing her to take quick breaths. She had to get out of there. Away from Seth. She needed space and time to think.

“I’d better go.” She hurried to the living room, but stopped at the front door when Seth called her name.

“You want me to check with you in the morning and let you know how Jack slept?”

No. She wanted out of this situation. A memory of Jack scared and abandoned on her porch tapped into her deep need to help. How could she refuse now that she’d become attached to the little guy? “Yes. That would be nice.” With one last look at Seth, she forced herself to walk away, hurrying across the yard and not stopping until she was safely inside her home.

Curled up on her bed, she took a few deep breaths to calm her anxious mind. Leo hopped up and settled into her lap, and she buried her fingers in the soft, thick fur. Petting Leo always calmed her down. Too bad he couldn’t teach her to be stronger in her convictions.

When would she learn to listen to that warning voice inside when it spoke? She’d told herself not to get involved with Jack’s situation. She’d heard the warning bells before she’d stepped inside Seth’s home and again when he’d called and asked for her help. But she couldn’t turn away from the little boy’s needs.

Dealing with Seth was another matter. Her unexpected attraction to Seth was disturbing. She had closed the door on relationships long ago. She’d seen firsthand how letting your heart rule your head always led to disaster. Especially when you had a past that needed to stay buried.