The Lawman's Secret Son. Lorraine Beatty

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СКАЧАТЬ 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.

      The memory of Jack snuggled in her arms, his head tucked under her chin as she read the magazine, tapped into a longing she didn’t allow herself to contemplate. A child of her own, a home, a husband. A life she wasn’t entitled to. But, for one second, as they’d stood watching Jack sleep, both of them so full of affection for the boy, it had been as if they were Mom and Dad tucking their child into bed.

      That was a life she’d never have. The legacy of her childhood wasn’t something she would inflict on anyone. Not a husband and certainly not a child. No one would understand her childhood or the things she’d done to survive. But that was long ago. She was a different person now. A woman with a renewed mind and heart. She’d accepted the fact that spending her life alone was the price for that transformation, and she didn’t regret it. She had more blessings than she could count, and she would thank the Lord every day of her life.

      God had given her a mission to devote herself to helping children trapped in bad situations. She would be their champion the way Mavis Tanner had been hers. Another year of classes and she’d have her degree. All she had to do was stay focused.

      She scooted under the covers, tugging them up to her chin and holding Leo tight in her arms. She couldn’t afford to be distracted by a lovable little boy and a man with eyes filled with warmth and tenderness.

      * * *

      Carrie took another bite of her cereal, the hungry birds gathered around the feeder outside her breakfast-room window providing her morning entertainment. She’d slept late because she’d spent most of the night replaying last night’s events over in her mind.

      She’d finally fallen asleep, but even her dreams had been filled with images of being alone, lost in the dark and being chased down shadowed rain-slicked streets. All old subconscious fears born of her own troubled past.

      Still, she couldn’t help wondering how Jack had fared after they’d settled him in bed last night. Glancing out the window again, she saw Seth and Jack walking toward the truck. The group of cottages where she lived was known as Collinstown, built by a former logging company in the 1920s to house their employees. The driveways were positioned off an alleyway in the back, leaving the front yards facing the tree-lined streets and the park in the center of the little neighborhood.

      Her insides warmed as she watched the man and child. Jack was still holding his metal truck tightly in his hand, but Seth held the other. She wondered where they were going this morning.

      A jolt of realization seized her chest. She darted through the door and jogged across the lawn. “Seth. What are you doing?” Breathless, she stopped at the fence. Jack, already in the backseat of the cab, waved at her from the window.

      Seth’s dark brows arched when he looked at her. “We’re going to pick up a few things.”

      “But he needs a car seat.”

      A muscle in his jaw flexed, then his mouth lifted at one corner. “Well, I checked the cupboard and I was fresh out of kids’ car seats. Unless you have one I could borrow?”

      “Of course not. I don’t have kids.”

      He leaned toward her, a sardonic grin on his face. “Neither did I. Until last night.”

      Jack waved at her from the window of the truck and pointed downward. Leo had come outside to join them. “But you have to keep him safe.”

      Crossing his arms over his chest, he nodded thoughtfully. “I considered letting him ride in the truck bed, but it’s too cold for that.”

      “You can’t be serious...” The smirk on his face stopped her protest.

      He grinned and took a step closer. “Stop worrying. I’m going to strap him nice and tight in the backseat, drive very carefully to the store and get him a car seat. Is that the right answer?”

      Her cheeks warmed and she took a step back. “Sorry. I just don’t want anything to happen to Jack. He’s been through enough.”

      “I know.” Seth’s tender gaze caused a skip in her pulse.

      “And after that?”

      “We’re going shopping for clothes that fit. And a bed.”

      “You’re going to keep him?”

      Seth’s expression grew serious and he nodded, rubbing his chin. “Just until I can get him to a little-boy shelter where he can find a good home.”

      Hot emotion burst through her system. “What kind of heartless man are you?”

      Seth raised his palms. “Easy. I’m just kidding. I’m sorry. I didn’t know it would upset you so much. You take things too seriously. Of course I’m keeping him. At least until I know exactly what’s going on. I told you that last night.”

      Carrie tugged at the strand of hair near her ear. “I know, but things can change.”

      “I don’t go back on my word, Carrie. Jack’s not going anywhere until we sort this all out. Trust me on that.”

      She wanted to believe him, but the skeptical part of her ran deep. For now, she’d give him the benefit of the doubt until he proved her wrong. Then she’d be there to take charge of Jack. “Okay, then.” She backed away from the fence. “Be sure and check that the shoes you buy have at least an inch between his toe and the end of the shoe. And he really needs a warmer jacket.” Jack waved again. And she waved back, unable to keep from smiling. He looked excited. “And maybe a haircut?”

      “Maybe what he really needs is a friend to come along and help.”

      Was he asking her to join them? Out of the question. This was just what she’d worried about. Getting drawn into the problem. She’d been in that situation several times, and it always ended with her heart being broken. “Oh. No. I’m sure you’ll do fine. The store clerks will help you find what he needs.”

      Seth cocked an eyebrow. “He asked about you this morning. He went to the front window several times, hoping to see you and wave.”

      “He did?” The thought warmed her. She’d thought about it several times and decided against it.

      “Carrie, honestly, I really could use your help. I’m out of my comfort zone here.”

      Her gaze drifted to Jack, his little smile climbing inside her heart and taking root. She wanted to make sure he had what he needed. “Okay. Give me a few minutes to change.”

      Once again she ignored the voice telling her to stay home and mind her own business. But she had to admit that spending time with Jack was appealing. As far as Seth was concerned, that was a different problem. She stopped at her back door and glanced back. Seth was leaning against the truck, looking good in his dark jeans and a deep blue cotton shirt rolled up at the sleeves. He could have been posing for an advertisement.

      Nope. This was not good...at all.

       Chapter Three

      A СКАЧАТЬ