Substitute Father

He shook his head, knowing he had a better chance of getting rid of his older sisters before they drove him crazy. And from the increasing noise level in the other room, that, too, would be damn near impossible.

CHAPTER TWO

KEALEY FITZPATRICK hitched up the strap of her shoulder bag. After rechecking her skirt, she made certain her jacket was straight, then smoothed her hair. It was ridiculous to be nervous, she knew. After all, this was just another case, another group of children who would probably be inducted into the foster care system. Then why had she been unable to sleep the previous night, caught up in thoughts of Luke Duncan?

In fact, when their supervisor had assigned her to the case, Kealey had immediately questioned Rachel. Although Rachel denied having anything to do with their supervisor’s decision, Kealey was skeptical. Rachel had always been disappointed that her matchmaking efforts between her brother and Kealey had failed. Somehow she had thought that complete opposites should attract.

But that only happened in the movies. Despite her nerves, Kealey smiled. That was her solitary, secret vice—beautiful, romantic movies, especially those from the black-and-white era. Funny. Color, much like real life, intruded into the fantasy.

Climbing the steps on Luke Duncan’s porch, Kealey adjusted her purse strap yet again and rang the bell. After considerable time had passed, she pushed the button again.

However, when the door was suddenly yanked open with more force than she expected, Kealey nearly toppled backward.

Luke Duncan stared for a moment. Then to her surprise, he rearranged his expression into a more pleasant one. “Morning, Kealey. Won’t you come in?”

Nodding, she stepped inside.

Since he still looked distracted, she managed a small smile. “Is everything all right?”

He shrugged. “Just a little debate about clothes.”

Kealey glanced at his casual jeans and T-shirt in question.

Luke’s expression grew a bit exasperated. Then his face cleared as he managed a faint chuckle. Stepping aside, he revealed Troy who was clad in a striped purple-and-green shirt paired with red-and-yellow plaid pants.

But Kealey didn’t respond as he expected. Instead, her face brightened as she walked up to the youngster. “Looking good, Troy.”

He grinned. “Thanks!”

She smiled as well. “Do you remember me from last night?”

He nodded. “Uh-huh. Are you Luke’s girlfriend?”

Taken aback, she cleared her throat. “I’m with the county Department of Social Services. We make sure children are well cared for.”

Troy shrugged skinny shoulders. “Luke’s taking care of us okay. We don’t need nobody else.”

Her gaze flew to meet Luke’s.

But he didn’t qualify Troy’s comment. “How about some coffee?”

“This is a professional call, not social.”

“Don’t professionals drink coffee?” Luke asked with ease, his lips curling upward.

Kealey felt herself tighten and wished she had the ability to relax, to take life as easily as most other people did. “Well yes, but—”

“Come on into the kitchen.” Luke took her elbow, eliminating her need for a response. “Coffee’s fresh and strong.”

“Did you have trouble getting the children to bed?” she asked, accepting the mug he offered, dragging her gaze from the appeal of his dark, sleep-tossed hair and handsome features.

“Nope. They were so tired they could have slept on rocks. Not that they had to,” he hastened to explain. “As you saw last night, my family brought over some beds.”

Kealey thought of Rachel’s fuzzy family stories, how she’d deliberately ignored them. “That was generous of them.”

“I asked for pajamas and got the complete setup for three. Beds, clothes, toys, you name it, they brought it over. Of course, along with the help comes the advice.” He pinned her with an even stare. “And I’m not really in the market for advice.”

Kealey stiffened. “Despite what you may think, I take my job very seriously—”

“I never doubted it.”

“And as such, I’m responsible for the children’s welfare. That means their care and how it’s administered.”

Luke met her eyes and for a moment she thought he would protest. Instead, he shrugged. “Then you’d better check out what they’re eating for breakfast.”

Momentarily distracted, she glanced around the tidy, if masculine kitchen. While the house didn’t resemble the sleek contemporary interiors of many bachelor pads, it was clear its resident was all male. No fussy curtains draped the large bay window or the long, tall glass panes over the aged copper sink.

Also evident were the clean lines of the mission table that dominated the center of the farm-style kitchen. It, too, was unsoftened by fabric covering. Nonetheless, the room was incredibly inviting. Perhaps it was all the bright sunshine or the spacious dimensions. She glanced away from Luke’s searching gaze. She supposed it might have something to do with the house’s owner.

Hearing the other two children approaching, she glanced toward the doorway. Brian held his younger sister’s hand. Even though it was apparent he took a protective role in regard to his younger siblings, she could see the fear disguised beneath a cultivated layer of bravado. And she was an expert at recognizing that particular fear.

“Hello,” she greeted them. “Do you remember me from last night?”

Brian nodded warily. “Yeah.”

“I’m here to see how you’re doing.”

Both children stared at her suspiciously. Then Luke turned away from the stove, his attention focused on her as well.

“I’m with the Department of Social Services,” she explained.

Dead silence greeted her words. The only betraying action was the flexing of Brian’s hand as he clutched Hannah’s more firmly.

Luke filled the gap. “We’re having scrambled eggs, guys. Everybody take a seat and we’ll start with some milk.”

Although Brian entered the room, his distrustful gaze remained on Kealey. Casually she glanced at the half glass Dutch door at the rear of the kitchen, wondering if the boy was calculating an escape plan. Also wondering how she was going to connect with this one.

“Brian, you take charge of the toast,” Luke told him. “Bread and butter’s on the counter. I’ve made six pieces, we’ll need four more. Hannah, see if you can find some jelly in the fridge.”

Reluctantly the children parted to obey him. Troy was distributing plates and silverware rather unevenly on the table. As he did, Luke handed him one more plate, then placed a platter of bacon in the center of the table, not commenting on the unorthodox place settings. She made a mental note, knowing most adults automatically corrected such oversights, unconsciously chipping away at the child’s self-esteem.

Absently counting the plates, she was surprised to see five. “Are you expecting company?”

“I wasn’t exactly expecting you,” Luke replied.

“Oh, but I’m not here to eat breakfast.”

“You’re here. It’s breakfast time. Don’t fight the inevitable.”

She curled her fingers a bit more tightly around the mug as her discomfort rose. Then she glanced at the children who had stopped what they were doing to stare at her.

Realizing they needed reassurance, she smiled warmly at them. “I usually only have coffee. This will be a treat.”

Luke met her gaze briefly, then turned his attention back to the eggs, spooning the fluffy yellow mounds into a bowl. A moment later he glanced up at Brian. “That toast coming along okay?”

Brian carefully buttered one last piece. “Uh-huh.”

“Then let’s eat.”

Kealey watched their interaction closely. Even for a single night’s stay she had to be certain what type of home the children were in.

It didn’t take long for the kids to assemble at the table. They ate rapidly as though afraid that the food might disappear before they finished. With equal speed they reached for seconds, filling their plates. Knowing their mother had been dead for a while, it stood to reason that the children had gone hungry, that they were afraid of doing so again. Still, Kealey couldn’t prevent her distressed reaction.

But Luke didn’t seem perturbed by their behavior. His even, accepting manner kept the atmosphere light. She wondered if he fully appreciated the desperateness of their situation.

When the children were finally sated, Luke instructed them in clearing the table and helping with the dishes. She had to admit that he was pretty good at handling the kids.

Brian held up the freshly washed frying pan. “Where does this go?”

Luke pointed to a rack on one wall. “Anywhere you can find an empty hook.”

Kealey stacked the dried dishes in a cabinet that was too high for Hannah to reach. Somehow, Luke had managed to include all of them in the task.

He surveyed the kitchen. “Okay, great job, guys. Now, upstairs, brush your teeth.”

The children obeyed without protest.

Once they were alone in the room, Kealey focused again on her morning’s mission. “When I spoke with Rachel yesterday, she mentioned your keeping the children for a few days. However, there’s no need for you to do so. We have adequate foster homes already in the system.”

“They’re comfortable here,” Luke responded easily. “And as of last night I have beds, clothes, toothbrushes…everything they need. And it won’t be for long. You should be able to locate some relatives soon.”

But she didn’t return his nonchalance. “You don’t seem to understand that we have procedures to follow. They’re not stray puppies.”

Something in his eyes hardened. “I’m not suggesting they are. But I talked to Rachel, too. And I’ve put in an official request to keep the children until their relatives are located.”

Kealey felt some of her control evaporating. It wasn’t a feeling she welcomed. “I don’t have that request in my file.”

“I filled out the paperwork last night and Rachel took it with her. She said she’d give it to you this morning.”

“I came here before going into the office.”

He shrugged. “That explains it. I’m sure Rachel will give you the paperwork when she sees you.”

Kealey firmed her shoulders. “I hate to be obstinate, but you seem to be forgetting that I’m the caseworker and it’s up to me to decide where it’s best to place the children. And I’m not convinced that’s with you. You’re a single man. And I believe children are best served in a two-parent family.”

Luke met her eyes, his own gaze probing. “Is this because of our disastrous date?”

Nonplussed, she stared back at him. “Of—of course not!”

“I’d hate to think that you’d take out your resentment on innocent children.”

“Resentment?” Kealey sputtered. “What makes you think I gave our date a second thought?”

“Then why uproot the kids? They’ve lost their mother, been terrified they would be separated. Now they’ve finally slept safely in real beds without their stomachs growling in hunger. I may not have the perfect two-parent home, but it’s a decent one. And I think the kids will be better off with someone they’ve begun to trust. More important, I can guarantee they won’t be split up. Can you?”

Kealey wanted to insist that she could do just that. But she couldn’t. “If I let them stay, and that’s a big if, I’ll need certain assurances.” His eyes again met hers and she fought the squiggle of unease his gaze caused.

“Sounds reasonable.”

“I want to be certain they won’t be left alone while you’re at work.”

“Since my clinic’s in the house that won’t be a problem.”

Kealey frowned. “I don’t believe you can operate on animals and chase kids at the same time.”

He grinned, that appealing smile she hadn’t forgotten. “True. But they’ll be at school a good part of the day, and I have a full-time assistant. Between us, we can keep the kids in line.”

“And if you can’t?”

“If there’s a conflict, I can call in the reinforcements. You forget, I’ve got more relatives than Campbell’s has soups.”

“Still, I will be conducting frequent inspections. Despite your opinion of me, my only concern is the children’s welfare.”

His easy expression faded. “You’re so sure of my opinion?”

She faltered. But only for a moment. Then her professional expression was back in place. “I’ll get back to you after I’ve read your paperwork.”

Luke nodded.

She picked up her briefcase. Starting to turn away, Kealey was surprised when he took her arm.

“When you’re making your final decision, will you remember one thing?”

Cautiously, she nodded.

The deep blue of his eyes darkened to near black. And somewhere deep inside, she felt an irrepressible shiver take hold.

“Just remember, Kealey, that the children want to be here.”

For a moment she couldn’t reply…and she couldn’t move. Snapping herself out of her paralyzed state, Kealey clutched her purse closer. “Fine.” She started to step away, but then realized he was still holding her arm. For a moment she simply stared.

Then he dropped his hand. “Thanks, Kealey.”

Why did his voice have to sound so husky, almost intimate? Swallowing, Kealey nodded stiffly. Then she nearly sprinted to the door. She didn’t even care at that point if he knew she felt the need to escape.

“BUT WHY do we hafta go to school?” Hannah asked for the fourth time.

“Because that’s what kids do,” Luke explained, trying unsuccessfully to smooth her long blond hair into braids. Mary had washed the child’s hair the first night, carefully combing out all the tangles. Looking up, he met Hannah’s eyes in the mirror. “You’ve had a few days to get settled, but you’re not on vacation.”

“We didn’t get to start school ’cause Mama died,” Troy told him in a matter-of-fact voice.

“That’s okay. You haven’t missed too much,” Luke replied.

“Can’t we stay here with you?” Hannah pleaded.

“And give up recess?” Luke asked in a reasonably horrified tone.

Hannah and Troy both giggled.

But Brian wasn’t convinced. “I wanna stay here.”

“Away from your brother and sister?” Luke questioned mildly.

Conflicted, Brian’s brows drew together. “I guess not.”

Luke managed to fasten a rubber band around Hannah’s crooked braids. “We’d better hustle, guys, or we’ll be late.”

Luke had shifted appointments and called on an associate to handle any emergencies so that the entire morning was clear. After collecting lunches, Luke gave them each milk money and then they piled into his SUV. Glancing at their freshly scrubbed faces, he could see the apprehension that new clothes and full stomachs couldn’t abate.

And he understood how they felt. No one enjoyed being the new kid. Brian, Hannah and Troy had attended an elementary school on the other side of town when their mother had been alive. But they had been transported along with their mother to the hospital close to Luke’s home when she’d fallen ill. Which was how they’d come to be at the grocery store in his neighborhood. It was only a few blocks from the hospital they’d run away from after their mother’s death.

Despite their reluctance, Luke was taking the kids to the elementary school assigned in his neighborhood. Since they hadn’t yet started the new school year at least they weren’t being yanked from familiar classes.

Luke was convinced school, even a new one, would be good for them. Not only the benefits of learning, but also the interaction with other children their age, the distraction the entire experience would provide.

After registering the children in the office, Luke accompanied each of them to their classrooms. Brian, as he’d expected, stoically entered his.

Troy was a touch more timid, but he was soon drawn into the kindergarten play area. Although the next day he would begin the afternoon session, the principal had agreed it would be best to let him become accustomed to the new school on the first day his brother and sister were also attending.

Hannah, however, clung to Luke’s hand, not willing to be left alone with the other first graders. And when she looked up at him with her huge, blue eyes his heart melted. With the teacher’s consent, he took one of the short chairs to the small round table and sat next to Hannah. Aware that he looked ridiculous with his long legs jutting out and his tall body scrunched into the miniature chair, Luke winked at Hannah. A tremulous smile hovered on her lips.

The teacher began the session with practicing their printing. To Luke’s relief, Hannah soon became absorbed in the task. It was obvious this was something she truly enjoyed. And when the teacher announced reading time, Hannah’s eyes lit up. As the children broke into designated circles, Luke hung back, allowing her to blend in with the other kids.

After an hour, when Hannah hadn’t even glanced at him, Luke felt he could slip away. But he found it was difficult to leave the school…to leave the kids.

Trying to shake off the feeling, he glanced at the cheerfully decorated halls, remembered the friendliness of the teachers, and continued to worry.

He knew these kids needed a champion. And not to be shuffled into an already overcrowded foster system. But could he be that temporary champion? And if he could, would the system allow it?

Luke glanced at his watch, calculating the number of hours until he could pick up first Brian and Hannah and then Troy. Nearing the office, he considered going inside to make sure they would call him if any of the kids couldn’t cope this first day. To his surprise, Kealey Fitzpatrick was exiting as he approached.

“Kealey? What are you doing here?”

She glanced up, also surprised. “Checking on another case. How about you?”

“I wanted to make sure the kids were settled in before I left. Hannah was pretty apprehensive.”

She frowned. “Aren’t you jumping the gun by enrolling the kids in school?”

“In what way?”

“You haven’t received approval to keep the children, even on a temporary basis.”

“I thought that was pretty much a formality.”

“Based on what?”

He looked into her bluish eyes, feeling his own exasperation rising. “On our discussion. You know they’re in the best place for the time being.” Then he remembered his own resolve to be diplomatic. “And I thought you’d want them in school. It’s a way to ease them back into normality.”

Slowly she nodded. “That’s true.”

He glanced at his watch. “How about getting some coffee? I’ve cleared most of my day and other than shopping for backpacks, I’ll spend most of it waiting to pick up the kids.”

She hesitated.

“No pressure, Kealey. But if we’re going to be working together in the kids’ interest, it wouldn’t hurt to keep it friendly.”

“I do have a few open hours. Rachel felt so guilty about asking for preferential treatment on your behalf that she’s volunteered to take two of my other cases.”

“Good. If we hurry, Carmach’s might have some fresh doughnuts left.”

Unexpectedly, she smiled. “Caffeine and empty calories?”

“Breakfast of champions,” he retorted with a matching smile.

They agreed to walk the two blocks to the doughnut shop. It was a perfect summer day, one that mixed the warmth of the season with the sweet promise of approaching autumn. A light breeze skipped through some newly fallen leaves, shuffling them with the dripping shoots of late-budding trees.

“I love the fall,” Kealey offered. “Even raking leaves. Silly, I suppose.”

“Nothing matches the smell of burning leaves,” Luke mused. “Too bad we’re environmentally correct and have to bag them now.” He was surprised to see an unexpected vulnerability change her expression. But in the next instant it vanished and he wondered if he’d imagined the transformation.

“I haven’t thought about burning leaves in years,” Kealey murmured. “It does seem more memorable than stuffing them in garbage sacks.”

“Funny, the world spins faster in so many ways. But the seasons still change in their own time, un-rushed by frenetic human activity.”

Again she looked pensive. “I suppose they do. I hadn’t thought about it that way.”

“We get so caught up in our schedules, there’s not a lot of time to think beyond the moment.”

“What about you, Luke?” she questioned. “How do you manage to stay apart from the craziness?”

Surprised, he glanced at her. “I don’t always. But my occupation helps. It’s difficult not to stay in the moment when you’re dealing with sick or hurt animals. They have a way of bringing you back to the basics, to what matters.”

She averted her face, staring ahead so as not to meet his gaze. “And what matters to you?”

Luke tried not to let his continuing surprise show. He also wanted to be honest with her. “Probably about the same as everyone else. Family, friends…doing a job that makes a difference.”

Kealey didn’t reply, but her expression dimmed.

“How about you?” he asked, wondering why she continued to look so pensive.

She shrugged. “Like you said, it’s probably the same for most everybody.”

Somehow, he doubted that, but they’d reached Carmach’s. Opening the door for Kealey, he followed her inside, inhaling the aroma of freshly cooked doughnuts. “I hear those empty calories calling.”

“You don’t look as though you indulge very often,” she retorted.

Nor did she. But then he didn’t think of Kealey and indulgences in the same vein. She seemed too stiff and reserved to allow herself to revel in junk food.

So he was surprised when she ordered two gooey doughnuts for herself. He’d expected her to stick to black coffee.

She glanced at him. “You did say you wanted to eat here, didn’t you?”

Luke smiled. “Absolutely.”

Kealey reached for her wallet.

He held up one hand in protest. “My treat.”

“But—”

“I remember, you pay your own way,” he replied, referring to their only date. “But this was my idea. Humor me.”

Looking flustered, she replaced her wallet, then accepted a mug of steaming coffee. Luke carried a tray with their doughnuts and his coffee to the table. Once settled, Kealey dug into her selection.

When she finally looked up, Luke grinned.

Self-consciously, she dabbed at the corners of her mouth. “Am I wearing most of the filling?”

“Nope. Most women pick a meal to death like food’s the enemy. You’re a refreshing change.”

“I suspect that’s a backhanded compliment at best,” Kealey retorted. “But then I’m not like most women.”

“No,” he admitted, realizing it was true. “You aren’t.”

Her eyes narrowed. “I also suspect I’d rather not know exactly what you mean by that.”

“Maybe you’d be surprised.”

She stopped midbite, removing the doughnut and staring at him. “Does the analysis come with the doughnuts?”

He shrugged. “I think you have some preconceived notions about me. And I’m not sure whether they’re specific to me, or just to men in general. Either way, I don’t want them to get in the way when dealing with the kids.”

Something flashed in her eyes, something reminiscent of hurt, but surely he was mistaken.

“I don’t allow my personal feelings to sway my judgment in regard to the children,” she told him quietly.

He leaned forward, seeming to unsettle her with his proximity. “They’re great kids, Kealey. Scared, orphaned and uncertain, for sure. But I’d like to do something about that—I mean until some family member is found.”

She met his gaze, searching. After several seconds had passed, she picked up her napkin, dabbing at the frosting on her lips. “Then I suppose you’d better buy those backpacks.”

For a moment Luke simply stared, wondering if he’d heard correctly. “Does this mean I have temporary custody?”

She sighed. “For a smart man, you’re being a little thick today.”

He felt the grin that split his face. Leaning even closer, he reached forward, grasping her shoulders. “I could kiss you!”

Startled, her eyes widened.