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Lakeside Redemption
Lisa Jordan
Fresh Start FamilyZoe James is starting over. She's worked hard to get past the foolish mistakes that landed her in trouble four years ago. Now the young mom is back in Shelby Lake and ready to reconnect with her son. When she bumps into old friend Caleb Sullivan and his two adorable girls, she sees the possibility of a happy future. Caleb has always secretly loved Zoe, but her turbulent past brings up tough memories of his own. As they spend time together training his girls' new puppy, Zoe and Caleb will learn that if they can forgive themselves, they might have a chance at a new life–and new love–together.Zoe James is starting over. She's worked hard to get past the foolish mistakes that landed her in trouble four years ago. Now the young mom is back in Shelby Lake and ready to reconnect with her son. When she bumps into old friend Caleb Sullivan and his two adorable girls, she sees the possibility of a happy future. Caleb has always secretly loved Zoe, but her turbulent past brings up tough memories of his own. As they spend time together training his girls' new puppy, Zoe and Caleb will learn that if they can forgive themselves, they might have a chance at a new life– and new love–together.
Fresh Start Family
Zoe James is starting over. She’s worked hard to get past the foolish mistakes that landed her in trouble four years ago. Now the young mom is back in Shelby Lake and ready to reconnect with her son. When she bumps into old friend Caleb Sullivan and his two adorable girls, she sees the possibility of a happy future. Caleb has always secretly loved Zoe, but her turbulent past brings up tough memories of his own. As they spend time together training his girls’ new puppy, Zoe and Caleb will learn that if they can forgive themselves, they might have a chance at a new life—and new love—together.
“You’re a natural, Zoe.”
She dropped her gaze to her feet and tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “I love animals, especially dogs. Always have. They’re forgiving and eager to please. I get them, and they get me.”
“I can see why.” He trailed a finger down her cheek.
Her eyes shot up, and he dropped his hand. Something flashed across her face, but before he could decipher it, she turned and headed for the front door.
“Thanks, Zoe. For everything.”
She placed a hand on his forearm and squeezed. “My pleasure, Sully. I’m really looking forward to this.”
“Me, too.” He curled his fingers over his arm where her hand had been, to lock in the feel of her tender touch against his skin.
Maybe, by working together, they’d have an opportunity to revive the past connection they’d once shared. Maybe he could be the one to alight her eyes with joy once again. Would she ever give a broken has-been like him a chance?
LISA JORDAN
has been writing for over a decade, taking a hiatus to earn her degree in early childhood education. By day, she operates an in-home family child-care business. By night, she writes contemporary Christian romances. Being a wife to her real-life hero and mother to two young-adult men overflows her cup of blessings. In her spare time, she loves reading, knitting and hanging out with family and friends. Learn more about her at lisajordanbooks.com (http://lisajordanbooks.com).
Lakeside Redemption
Lisa Jordan
www.millsandboon.co.uk (http://www.millsandboon.co.uk)
I have swept away your offenses like a cloud,
your sins like the morning mist. Return to me,
for I have redeemed you.
—Isaiah 44:22
For my mom who is a daily testament of God’s redeeming grace. I’m so honored to be your daughter.
For my fairy godmother agent Rachelle Gardner and wildly talented editor Melissa Endlich—thank you for picking up the pieces and walking alongside me during the writing of this story. I couldn’t have done it without you. I’m so blessed to have you on my writing team.
Acknowledgments (#ulink_a36ef1f9-0659-53de-a0fb-55cb2b7f1eae)
Thanks to the Love Inspired publishing team
for helping me bring another story into print.
Susan May Warren & Rachel Hauck—
thank you for answering the call of the pineapple
and speaking truth into my life. You’re amazing friends
and the best mentors.
Carolyn Vibbert, Amanda W., Cathy West,
Mindy Obenhaus, Michelle Lim, Reba J. Hoffman
and Beth K. Vogt for your brainstorming,
feedback and encouragement.
MBT Core Team, MBT Ponderers, Coffee Girls,
Spice Girls and Sisters in Stitches for your
words of encouragement and prayers that kept me going
when I lost my way. I love you all!
Chandra Smith of Best Friend Dog Training—thank you
for your dog training advice. Any mistakes are my own.
Pat, Scott, Mitchell—
you are my anchors. I love you forever.
My Heavenly Father—You give me an endless supply
of grace to endure the challenges that come my way.
Thank You for loving me unconditionally.
Thank You for redeeming me. I am nothing without You.
Contents
Cover (#u3bade80d-0c76-57b1-805c-bff6abe63181)
Back Cover Text (#ua13117fc-9b9b-516c-b07e-7400c110ea42)
Introduction (#ub6e3807a-a9a2-50a6-8fbb-db2f3e926eaa)
About the Author (#uf054bcb7-a210-5a0a-af5e-25723f4d4dd4)
Title Page (#u009141db-efa9-52d8-be2c-a7fe2f6cdbdd)
Bible Verse (#u5eb871cb-be00-55dd-b760-113e13298b62)
Dedication (#u1a5a7cf0-68da-59ce-bce0-17ff9b2939fb)
Acknowledgments (#ulink_62c809bf-a567-5243-8f91-a8d26e4041ef)
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Dear Reader
Questions for Discussion
Extract (#litres_trial_promo)
Copyright (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter One (#ulink_a36ef1f9-0659-53de-a0fb-55cb2b7f1eae)
What was Caleb Sullivan doing in Shelby Lake?
Although Zoe hadn’t seen Sully in ten years—not since the day he graduated from Bartlett University and headed off to the police academy—she would have recognized his smile anywhere.
Zoe pulled her pink Canine Companions baseball cap lower on her forehead and slipped her sunglasses back on her face.
Hopefully he wouldn’t recognize her.
It wasn’t that she didn’t want to see him. She just didn’t want him to see what she’d become. She fingered the blue-and-silver butterfly pendant hanging around her neck.
Holding hands with two little girls—his daughters, maybe—Caleb approached the Canine Companions booth centered in the middle of the park for Shelby Lake’s annual Paws in the Park event.
Leona, her boss and owner of Canine Companions, had chosen the worst possible time to take a break from manning the booth and promoting her business while Zoe tried to stay in the background by overseeing the puppies. She hated being in the public eye, on display for everyone’s personal scrutiny.
With the late-August afternoon sunshine at their backs, they stopped in front of Harper, her black-and-white border collie, who was sitting at her feet and watching the park activity. Her brother, Ian, and sister-in-law, Agnes, had given her Harper for her birthday last year.
Caleb glanced at her, then held out his hand and allowed Harper to sniff it before petting the dog’s head. The older child did the same, but the younger one clung to his leg.
Zoe studied his dark hair threaded with silver, his hazel eyes and the shadow of a beard that did little to disguise his strong jaw. His navy V-neck T-shirt hugged his chest and displayed muscled biceps. Wearing faded jeans and a pair of running shoes, he bore a slight resemblance to the lanky guy she palled around with in college. The furrows above his brows and etched lines around his eyes and mouth showed this man had experienced life.
The older girl, who appeared to be about five, chattered like a hyperactive chipmunk. Dressed in an ice cream–stained yellow T-shirt, purple tutu and lime-green rain boots, with her blond hair pulled into a ponytail, she skipped over to the makeshift play yard where the puppies jumped and tumbled over one another.
Carrying the younger girl, Sully followed her and then knelt on the ground, a grimace tightening his face as he rubbed his right thigh. He wrapped his other arm around the smaller child wearing a denim skirt and multicolored flowered shirt while they watched the puppies.
The older child pulled on his arm. “Daddy, we need a dog. Avie thinks so, too. Right, Avie?”
Ava nodded.
“A dog?” He scratched his chin. “They need to be fed and played with and walked, Ella. I won’t be able to do it all by myself.”
“We could help you. Right, Avie?”
Ava nodded again.
Ella twirled and clapped her hands together. “Yay, Daddy. We can pick out a puppy today. Right, Avie?”
A look Zoe could only describe as fear crossed over the child’s face. Her eyes ricocheted off Sully to the puppies. She buried her face in his shoulder.
He ran a finger over her cheek. “Hey, baby girl, maybe the nice lady will let you hold one of the puppies. Want me to go ask?”
She peeked out at the puppies, then at Zoe, but her older sister held no reservations. “Oh, yes, Daddy, please ask her.”
Sully laughed, a rich, mellow sound that transported her back in time to a decade ago, when life held fewer complications.
His gaze locked with Zoe’s. “Would it be possible for my daughters to hold one of the puppies?”
“Of course.” Zoe smiled and stepped through the gate. She scooped up Riley, a caramel-colored, curly-haired cockapoo with a white patch around his left eye, and carried him outside the play yard to where Sully sat with his daughters.
Riley wriggled to be free and licked her cheek with his tongue, knocking her sunglasses at an odd angle. She laughed, trying to keep the wiggling puppy from jumping out of her arms. Her hat fell off her head but caught on her ponytail. She pulled off her hat and sunglasses and dropped them on the grass as she sat cross-legged in front of the girls.
Trying not to let Sully’s penetrating stare get to her, Zoe focused on the girls and patted the grass next to her. “Want to sit by me? I’ll show you how to hold Riley.”
Ava glanced at Caleb. He nodded. “Go ahead, sweetie.”
She clung to him for a moment, then crept over to sit next to Zoe.
“Hold your hand like this.” Zoe held her hand, palm side down, in a loose fist in front of Riley’s nose. He sniffed, then licked the backs of her fingers. “Riley will smell your scent and get to know you.”
Ava mimicked Zoe’s gesture with her tiny hand. Riley sniffed her fingers, then stroked them with his tongue. She giggled and wiped her hand on her shirt.
Zoe placed the puppy on Ava’s lap and positioned her small arms around Riley so she could hold him without hurting herself or the puppy. A smile lit up Ava’s face.
Ella plopped down next to her sister and wrapped an arm around her shoulder. “You’re doing great, Avie. You like him?”
Ava nodded, but remained quiet.
Sully pulled out his phone and snapped a picture of the girls. Then he looked at Zoe. “Is Riley available for adoption?”
“Riley is a recent addition to our shelter.” She reached behind her to grab a brochure off the booth and handed it to him. “This talks about our adoption policy, Mr....?”
Of course she knew his name, but since he didn’t seem to recognize her, she wasn’t going to let on she knew who he was.
“Sorry.” He held out a hand. “Sullivan. Caleb Sullivan.” His gaze zeroed in on her butterfly necklace. “That necklace...I’ve seen it before.” Still holding her hand, his eyes searched her face as if shuffling through his memory bank for some sense of recognition. Then a slow smile spread across his face, revealing even, white teeth. “Zoe. Zoe James. It’s been a long time.”
Pulling her hand out of his warm, firm grip, she nodded, then focused her attention on the girls. She patted the grass beside her, feeling for her sunglasses and hat.
Did Sully know what she had become? Where she’d been? If he did, he hadn’t let on. If he didn’t, she was sure he’d want nothing to do with her once he learned about her past.
Apparently their friendship had meant a lot more to her than it had him. After his graduation from Bartlett University, he had packed his dinged Toyota, hugged her goodbye and never looked back. Not a single letter or email.
She’d heard through the grapevine he had married Valerie Fergus, who had graduated with him. What Caleb ever saw in that woman, Zoe would never know. From the moment Caleb started tutoring Zoe in algebra, Valerie had gone out of her way to give Zoe a hard time.
Were they still married?
She glanced at his hand. No ring, but that didn’t mean anything. She’d learned long ago not to assume, given her own circumstances.
Sully moved next to her and stretched out his legs, blocking any attempt to stand and run. “How’s life been treating you?”
How did she answer his polite attempt at conversation? An ache pulsed in the pit of her stomach. She fingered the butterfly pendant.
Life treated her the way she deserved.
“Fine.” The trite words mocked her. She was anything but fine. “You?”
“You know...” His words trailed off as he shrugged. He picked up a fallen leaf already turning colors and twirled it between his fingers.
“Are you still in law enforcement?”
“No, at least not the way I was.” A vacant look hollowed out his eyes as he stared past her shoulder and rubbed his right thigh. “Took a bullet to the leg that ended my career as a beat cop.”
“I’m sorry.” And she meant it. Becoming a police officer had meant everything to him. She understood the pain of lost dreams.
He shrugged. “It is what it is.”
“What brings you to Shelby Lake? Last I heard, you were living near Pittsburgh.”
“I decided we needed a fresh start. Patrick Laughton was an old marine buddy of my dad’s, so I called to see if he had any use for a washed-up cop with a bum leg. Turns out the police department had an opening for a school liaison officer. I’ll be going to the schools in the district doing programs on the dangers of drugs and alcohol. What about you? Did you end up going to vet school?”
“No. Change of plans.” Her gaze shifted to his daughters showering Riley with attention. “Your daughters are darling.”
“Thanks. We’ve had a rough year—first my injury, then their mom took off.” A flicker of pain shadowed Caleb’s eyes. “I heard about Kyle. I’m sorry for your loss.”
Words clogged her throat as her heart thundered against her rib cage. “I’m sorry about your wife. What did you hear...about Kyle?”
“He was killed by a drunk driver. I should apologize for not coming back for his funeral.” He nodded toward the daughter in the tutu. “Ella had just been born, and my wife, Val, had a hard time with postpartum depression. Between work and some...family issues, I had my hands full.” He scrubbed a hand over his face and sighed. “I’m sorry. That sounded a bit insensitive.”
“No...don’t be.” The knots in her stomach cinched tighter. She rubbed her empty ring finger.
A man and a woman holding hands walked past them. The woman also held a toddler’s hand while the man controlled a golden retriever on a leash.
The epitome of family.
She wanted that...almost had it once.
Now she had nothing but the pain of regret, broken promises, and fines as a reminder of what her choices had cost her.
Even though she sat in the park surrounded by open spaces, the hills to the right of her seemed to be shifting and closing in. Her breathing quickened as beads of sweat broke out on her forehead.
Sully reached for her arm. “You all right?”
She blinked several times and ran a hand over her mouth. “Yeah, I...uh...I’m fine. Probably too much sun.”
Liar.
She wasn’t fine. She hadn’t been fine in a long time. Not since she’d woken up in the hospital that night with a concussion and learned Kyle was dead.
The events of the past four years had destroyed everyone and everything she loved.
She reached up, grabbed her water bottle off the booth’s table with shaky hands and uncapped it. As she downed the lukewarm liquid, she closed her eyes and struggled to regain her composure.
Leona wouldn’t be thrilled if she freaked out in front of a potential client. And she didn’t need to give this town anything more to gossip about.
No, she wouldn’t be fine for a very long time...if ever again.
But life had offered her a second chance, and she wasn’t about to waste it on pity parties.
Now that she’d moved into her family’s cabin by the lake, she was determined to get her life back on track. Watching Sully with his daughters created an intense longing in her heart and resurrected her purpose: to regain custody of her own child and prove to her family—and the town that rejected her—that she could change and be the kind of mother her son deserved.
* * *
Caleb was going to get kicked out of the neighborhood if that fur ball didn’t stop barking.
He threw back the covers, pulled on yesterday’s jeans and T-shirt and padded barefoot to the living room. Flicking on the lamp on the table next to the coffee-colored leather couch, he winced at the sudden brightness and shot a one-eyed glance at the clock hanging above the doorway that led into the dining room.
4:15.
He groaned and stretched out on the Berber carpet in front of the dog crate, which had become his new middle-of-the-night normal since bringing the little guy home a few days ago.
Riley looked at him with large, soulful eyes and whimpered.
“Hey, little man, some of us need to sleep.” He pushed his fingers through the metal and scratched the dog’s muzzle. Riley licked at Caleb’s hand.
What had he been thinking? He didn’t have time for a dog. They needed exercise and companionship.
He could handle a walk around the block, but his hiking and running days were over. Besides, he had his hands full caring for the girls. Now he had something else to take care of.
Rubbing the heel of his hand into one eye, he released the latch on the crate. Riley bounded out, searching for freedom.
Caleb scrambled to his feet, biting down on his bottom lip as pain shot to his right hip, and scooped up the pup.
Carrying him to the back door, he switched on the outside light and let Riley down. He scurried across the patio and sniffed the grass for the best spot to do his business.
Caleb dropped onto a white plastic yard chair and waited.
Stars sparkled against the early morning sky with soft light smudging the horizon. A hint of a breeze ruffled his hair and cooled his face. The Turners’ house next to his corner lot sat in darkness.
At least Riley’s barking hadn’t disturbed them.
Having moved to Shelby Lake less than a month ago, he’d bought the one-story ranch with a large fenced backyard on a quiet residential street.
Once things settled down, he’d get to know his neighbors Shawn and Pam Turner. Maybe invite them over for a barbecue. They had a daughter a little older than Ella. Shawn was a fellow cop with the Shelby Lake Police Department, and Pam taught third grade at Ella’s new school.
But first he needed to finish unpacking and get the girls’ swing set assembled. Maybe they’d even like a swing hanging from the sturdy oak shading the patio. The yard called out for summertime picnics, roasting marshmallows over an open fire and running freely without having to worry about city traffic.
Down the road, once his heart healed from his ex-wife’s betrayal and desertion, he’d consider finding someone who wanted those same things, someone who realized he was enough.
Maybe.
Right now, he was just too exhausted to think about sharing his heart again.
But that didn’t stop Zoe James’s face from flashing through his mind.
If he hadn’t been so focused on the girls, he would have recognized her much sooner, especially with that butterfly necklace she never took off.
Once she realized who he was, though, she retreated inside a polite shell. For a few minutes, she laughed easily with his daughters. The sound of her laughter and the joy in her smile were exactly as he remembered.
No one else had those green eyes with glints of gold that wandered into his dreams every now and then. Eyes that touched his soul. Eyes belonging to his college roommate’s girlfriend and Caleb’s former secret crush.
Seeing her again unleashed a memory of another time, another place...a memory he didn’t allow his mind to visit because the pain of that time nearly undid him.
She had gotten under his skin from the moment they met at Bartlett University during his junior year, when she had been a freshman needing a tutor in algebra. Despite the hours they shared in the library, she had fallen for his roommate when the twerp serenaded her like in some cheesy romantic movie.
Zoe’s engagement to Kyle the same weekend he and Kyle had graduated had nearly ruined him, so he dropped all contact with her on purpose. Marrying Valerie on the rebound hadn’t done either of them any favors. Focused on his law-enforcement career and his family, he’d lost touch with his college buddies as well.
That seemed like a lifetime ago, but seeing Zoe again stirred up a lot of memories, particularly the ones he had created with her, such as walking her back to the dorm after tutoring, celebrating her exam success with ice cream, and that night at the go-kart track after Kyle ditched her to go out with someone else behind Zoe’s back.
Maybe he’d be able to get to know her all over again.
As friends.
Being new in town, he could use a friend.
Riley ran to Caleb, pulling him out of the past, and stared at him with eager eyes. Caleb reached down and lifted him, rubbing his furry head. “Good boy.”
They went back into the house. Caleb snapped off the light and locked the door. He reached into a bag of dog treats and tossed one to Riley, who caught it and scurried under the coffee table to devour his snack.
Even though his eyes burned, he probably wouldn’t be able to get back to sleep. He hadn’t slept a full night in the past year. Nightmares or unexpected shooting pain often woke him out of a deep slumber.
Caleb headed for the couch and reached for his laptop, only to have the power cord come up short. He stared at the chewed cord, then at the pup whose muddy-brown eyes were the picture of innocence.
“Dude, really? I bought you a pile of chew toys. Why my cord?”
Riley rested his chin on his paws and whined.
“I get it, man. I do. You’re lonely, too.” Caleb set the laptop on the floor and lifted the little bundle of fur out from under the table. “It stinks, doesn’t it?”
Riley trembled in his arms and clawed at his T-shirt as he tried to crawl up his chest.
Why hadn’t he waited until they were more settled to get a dog?
The delight on his daughters’ faces as they played with the puppies at the Canine Companions booth had sealed the deal. After Valerie walked out on them, Ava had clammed up, refusing to speak. He missed her chirpy, chatty voice.
He’d lasso the moon out of the sky and serve it to her on a platter if it would help her speak again.
That’s how he’d ended up with a puppy on his chest.
Caleb stretched out on the couch and readjusted the dog. Riley settled into the hollow of Caleb’s neck, warming his neck with his puppy breath.
As he curled an arm around the little body, warmth flowed to Caleb’s heart.
For a moment, the loneliness that was his constant shadow evaporated.
Why hadn’t he been enough for Val? He had been committed to making their marriage work, even after he realized her dependency on alcohol came first in her life.
Maybe he should have tried harder to get her more help to stay sober.
She’d checked out of their marriage long before he ended up in the hospital, recovering from surgery after one bullet shattered his femur and another took out his partner during a drug raid gone bad. Valerie, the one who promised eight years ago to stay by his side in sickness and in health, deserted him and the girls for some idiot she’d met online.
He’d do whatever it took to create a stable home again, and help his daughters heal from their mother’s abandonment. He’d make sure they knew they were enough.
The good news was the past disastrous year hadn’t kept him from still wanting the Hallmark version of marriage and family.
Someday.
But right now he lay on the couch in a half-unpacked house with little girls who cried out for their mom in their sleep and a puppy that whined and chewed everything in sight.
He needed help.
It took a lot for him to admit that, but a twelve-pound fur ball had him licked.
Once daylight broke, he’d call Canine Companions and request Zoe’s dog-training services, which he had read about in the adoption packet he received with Riley. The girls needed to know how to handle their new pup safely and with care. After all, how hard could it be?
And the thought of seeing Zoe rekindled a spark he thought had burned out. As he closed his eyes, memories tumbled through his thoughts. The way Zoe’s eyes lit up when she laughed. The way she hid behind her chestnut-brown hair when she was embarrassed. The butterfly-shaped birthmark on the inside of her right wrist was another way she stood out from the other girls he knew.
His crush on her was so long ago. Besides, she probably had her life together and didn’t need a train wreck like him crashing into it.
Riley scampered down the hall, his nails clicking on the laminate flooring. He ran back into the living room with one of Caleb’s ties in his mouth. Of course it had to be an expensive silk one.
Caleb grabbed it out of his mouth, traded it for a rubber chew toy and carried the tie back to his closet. Halfway down the hall, he stepped in a warm puddle. “Riley!”
He made it to his room and fell forward on the bed, burying his head under the pillow.
He needed a hot shower, a heavy dose of caffeine, then he’d put in a call to Canine Companions.
Too bad there wasn’t a service for broken single dads to help them come back to life after they’d lost everything.
Chapter Two (#ulink_a36ef1f9-0659-53de-a0fb-55cb2b7f1eae)
Working with animals reminded Zoe she wasn’t a total failure.
“Fetch it back, Winston.” She tossed the tennis ball over the German shepherd’s head.
The dog bounded after it, his tags jingling on his collar, and returned with the ball in his firm jaws. She held out her hand. “Release.”
Winston dropped it on her open palm.
“Good dog.” She wrapped her arms around his solid neck and patted his fur. “You’re such a good boy.”
He barked, then licked her cheek with his coarse tongue.
For as long as she could remember, Zoe had preferred stuffed animals to dolls. As a child, she’d set up animal clinics and offer free checkups to her assorted teddy bears, unicorns and puppies.
She understood animals, especially dogs, and they understood her. They could look deep in her heart and see she was sorry for her actions. And they didn’t continue to cast blame on her.
Working at Canine Companions gave her a sense of fulfillment. Not only was she able to use her skills, but also she was getting paid to do something she truly enjoyed.
Canine Companions owner Leona Billings believed dogs were an important part of a family, and her center reflected her values. The bright, leash-free, doggie-daycare play area, with its tiled floor, climber cubes with steps and comfy cots, offered their canine friends plenty of socialization and free play as well as structured walks and exercise.
In addition to the doggie daycare, Canine Companions offered training, grooming and shelter for rescued stray or surrendered dogs, which were housed in the other building until they could be placed in their forever homes.
Today they cared for six dogs in the daycare—Winston, the German shepherd; Maisy, an aging cocker spaniel; a tiny Maltese named Emma, who arrived dressed in a pink dress covered in daisies; Penny, a black Chihuahua-dachshund mix, snoozing on one of the cots; Max, a black-and-white poodle mix and Earl, a Tennessee Brindle, who sprawled in front of one of the climbers, chewing on his rubber bone.
The door to the play area opened, and Travis, Leona’s twenty-two-year-old son and Zoe’s coworker, popped his head around the door. “Yo, girl. What’s up?”
“Playing with the pups. How’s it going with you?”
Dressed in a royal blue Canine Companions T-shirt and faded jeans with his long tea-colored hair pulled back into a ponytail, he moved into the room, closing the door behind him. Penny and Max rushed over to him. He scooped them up, one in each arm, before sitting cross-legged on the floor. “Going good. Ma wants a word. Got time to chat with her?”
“Sure. Can you hang out here with the dogs while I’m gone?” What could Leona want in the middle of her shift?
“Can do.”
“Great.” Zoe pushed to her feet, brushed off her jeans and bumped knuckles with Travis as they traded places.
She closed the door behind her, shutting out the barking, and followed the paw-print decals on the floor that led to Leona’s office at the end of the hall. The scents of bleach and dog were replaced by coffee and cinnamon.
Zoe knocked on Leona’s open office door.
Leona looked up from her laptop, smiled broadly and waved her in. “Hey, Zoe. Having a good morning?”
“Yes, they’re an energetic bunch today, but it’s all good. We’re going for a walk in a bit.”
“Great. Glad to hear it. Want some coffee or tea?”
“Coffee would be great, thanks.”
Leona left her desk that was tucked in the corner of the room and crossed to the table near the windows. She poured coffee into an “I Heart Dogs” mug and handed it to Zoe.
She cupped her hands around the warm ceramic mug and tried not to feel like she had been summoned to the principal’s office. Her mind raced, trying to think of different reasons why Leona wanted to talk with her. Was her job performance suffering? Was she being fired?
Her stomach knotted, and she forced her hands to remain steady. She closed her eyes and drew in a soothing breath. No sense in getting worked up until she had details.
Focus on something else.
Leona’s office looked more like a family room with red-and-tan-plaid couches and matching chairs, end tables piled with dog magazines and a large-screen TV tucked in an oak cabinet used for training videos. Beige valances hung over large picture windows that overlooked the fenced-in backyard.
Not even five feet tall with an apple-shaped body decked out in a leopard-print blouse and matching shorts, with a shock of spiked purple hair, Leona had the kindest heart in Shelby Lake. In the year Zoe had been employed at Canine Companions, she’d learned Leona was a woman of second chances and fairness.
Her boss understood the need for redemption after serving time a couple of decades ago before she’d found God, a wonderful husband, and started her family. Except for her sons, all of the Canine Companions employees were people to whom Leona had offered a second chance. Her compassion kept them wanting to stay on as staff.
Leona refilled her own cup and carried it to one of the couches. She kicked off her sequined flip-flops, then tucked her feet under her tanned thighs, not one to stand on formality. Instead she embraced her staff as family—she was all some of them had.
She waved a hand for Zoe to sit. “I just got off the phone with a man who attended Paws in the Park last weekend with his family. He was quite impressed with the way you responded to his daughters.”
Sully. Had to be him.
Zoe sat on one of the matching chairs next to the couch and melted against the cushions. The busyness of the day caught up with her as she sipped her coffee. “I didn’t do much. I helped the girls handle the puppies safely.”
“Don’t sell yourself short, Zoe. You know your stuff when it comes to animals. I watched you with this family. So I’m glad he called and mentioned it, too.”
“I appreciate his kind words. You could have sent me a text or something. No need for a trip to the principal’s office.” She smiled to show the hint of teasing in her tone.
A throaty laugh burst from Leona’s lips. “Having spent my fair share of time in the principal’s office as a teenager, I can understand how you may be feeling, but rest easy. You’re not in any trouble. In fact, I’m about to offer you a promotion.”
“A promotion? Really?” She sat up and set her coffee mug on the table next to her chair. “But I haven’t been here that long.”
“You’ve been here long enough for me to see your potential. I believe what I’m offering will be a good fit for your abilities. As you’re aware, Mr. Sullivan adopted Riley for his daughters. He’s had the little guy for a few days now and it’s chewing everything in sight. He’d like you to help them train the puppy.”
The thrill she felt at Leona’s initial mention of the promotion vanished. “Leona, as much as I’d love to help you, I can’t.”
The image of Sully’s two girls playing with the puppies swirled into her thoughts, pulling out emotions she’d suppressed for a long time.
“Sweetie, there’s no reason why you can’t be around children. Besides, Mr. Sullivan said you two were old college friends. He asked for you specifically. Talk to him, tell him what happened so it doesn’t come up later, then seriously consider taking the job.”
Zoe reached for her cup and traced her thumb over the words on the mug. The desire to work with Sully and his daughters ballooned in her chest until she feared her lungs would burst. But once he learned the truth... “The minute he finds out about my past, he’s going to take his pup and sprint in the other direction.”
“You don’t know that.” Leona pulled off her red-rimmed glasses and used them as a pointer to punctuate her words. “You need to start having faith in people again, Zoe.”
“Second chances in this town are about as real as the Tooth Fairy.” She disliked the edge that steeled her words, but several encounters over the past year had proved her point more than once.
“Not everyone feels that way, Zoe. Give this family a chance.” Leona scooted to the edge of the couch and slipped her feet back into her shoes. “Besides, wouldn’t you rather your friend hear it from you rather than neighborhood gossips?”
“I guess.”
Leona crossed to the window and peered outside. “Well, you have about two minutes to think about what you’d like to say because he just pulled into the parking lot.”
Zoe stiffened as her heart bounced against her ribs. “Thanks for giving me time to prepare.”
“If I had given you any more time, then you would’ve talked yourself out of doing it. Buck up, girl. You can do this. I believe in you.” Leona placed a hand on her shoulder for a moment before heading for the door, leaving Zoe alone to stare at her reflection in the cooling cup of coffee.
A few minutes later, voices down the hall reached Zoe’s ears. She set her cup on the table and stood, brushing the dog hair from her royal blue Canine Companions polo shirt. She didn’t know why she bothered. Once Sully learned her story, he wouldn’t want her services anyway.
She wiped her palms on her thighs as Leona ushered him into the room.
For a second he hesitated in the doorway, the breadth of his shoulders filling the space. He wore an unbuttoned blue plaid shirt over a gray T-shirt with the sleeves rolled up, exposing muscular forearms. His faded jeans rode low on his hips. Black Chuck Taylors completed his casual look.
Dear God, let him give her a chance.
When he saw her, a smile spread across his face. He ran a hand over his wind-tossed hair and walked over to her. He extended his hand. “Zoe, good to see you again.”
“Thanks, you too.” She shook his hand and forced herself not to reach out and hug him, which had been their usual greeting years ago. Times had changed. They were practically strangers now. And after today, she’d probably never see him again.
She motioned toward the couch. “Have a seat.”
“Thanks.” He lowered himself slowly onto the cushion. A grimace tightened his face.
She wanted to lend a hand, but Sully came across as the kind of guy who wanted help only when he asked for it.
Leona returned and handed a cup of coffee to him. “Here you go, Mr. Sullivan. I’ll leave you two alone while I check on the kids.”
“Kids?”
“My four-legged ones, of course.”
“Yes, of course. And please call me Caleb.”
Leona winked at Zoe, then scurried out of the room, closing the door behind her, taking Zoe’s courage with her.
She didn’t want to tell her story again, but if she wanted to work with his daughters, he needed to know the truth.
He set his coffee on the side table and leaned forward. “So Leona said you wanted to talk to me?”
“Yes.” Zoe stood, hugged her arms to her waist and walked to the window that overlooked the dog play yard. Travis had taken the dogs out to splash around in the plastic kiddie pool.
She loved watching the pups cavorting with freedom. Closing her eyes, she breathed a prayer for her missing courage. Turning back to Sully, she opened her eyes and faced him. “Before you hire me, there’s something you need to know.”
Sully frowned. “What’s up?”
Her heart picked up speed, and she wiped her damp palms on her jeans again. Then she shoved her trembling fingers into her front pockets. Tears filled her eyes as her voice dropped to a whisper. “I’m the one who killed Kyle.”
* * *
Caleb shot to his feet. Surely he didn’t hear her correctly? “What did you say?”
Her eyes pleaded with him as she shook her head. “Please don’t make me say it again.”
So there was nothing wrong with his hearing.
But he couldn’t believe it. Wouldn’t believe it. The Zoe he knew and loved at one time wouldn’t hurt anyone.
Her words ricocheted through his thoughts, slicing through what he thought was his bulletproof sizing up of the woman from his past.
He rubbed the back of his neck. “Would you care to explain? I thought Kyle had been killed by a drunk driver.”
She dashed a trembling hand across her mouth and tugged on the hem of her shirt. “Maybe you should sit.”
With the weight of her words pressing him down, he slumped against the back of the couch and stared at her.
Zoe sat on the edge of the chair across from him. She bore little resemblance to the lighthearted girl from college. Right now she appeared weighted down with a burden too heavy for anyone to carry.
She cupped her knees and straightened her arms. Exhaling loudly, she raised her chin, trapping his gaze. “I partied a lot in high school.”
He never did get into the drinking scene, even with his buddies on the force. Then after what he went through with Val... “I’m kind of surprised you didn’t mention this years ago. Did you drink in college?”
“No. A friend of mine almost died at a party during my senior year. A group of us ended up getting arrested for underage drinking. After they bailed me out, my parents gave me a choice—get my act together and make something of my future, or they were going to send me away to some sort of reform school. I chose Plan A.”
He never would have pegged Zoe as a party girl, but he knew all about appearances being deceiving.
His bones seemed to have melted under his skin, leaving him feeling weary and way older than his thirty-two years. He scrubbed a hand over his face, then looked at her. “What happened to Kyle?”
“On the night of my twenty-third birthday, Kyle and I went out with friends for a few drinks. I didn’t want to. I hadn’t slept well the night before, and I had worked all day. I was afraid if I started drinking, I’d end up down that same path, but Kyle insisted. That first drink tasted so good, and the second one went down even easier. Kyle kept pounding back shots and ended up wasted. I got into an argument with my brother on the phone about when we’d be back. He had been watching our son—”
Sully held up a hand. “Whoa. Slow down. You have a kid?”
Her eyes widened. “You didn’t know?”
He shook his head. How would he?
Scarlet crept across her cheeks. “Yeah, I got pregnant my junior year of college. I left Bartlett to take care of Griffin. He’s nine. And he’s absolutely perfect. Nothing like his mother.”
“So you and Kyle ended up getting married?”
The blush deepened. Zoe dropped her eyes to her lap and shook her head. “Kyle wanted to wait. Anyway, we left the club. Kyle was in no condition to drive. I truly thought I was okay. Otherwise I never would have gotten behind the wheel.”
How many times had he heard that during his years on the force? Why didn’t people get it? Even after one drink, they shouldn’t drive.
“We were a block from my parents’ house when a guy ran a red light and crashed into us. I hit my head and blacked out. I woke up in the hospital and learned Kyle was dead.”
“You didn’t know you were responsible?”
She shook her head. “I was unconscious and couldn’t give consent for the blood alcohol test, but the officer on the scene suspected alcohol was involved. He subpoenaed my clinical blood test that the hospital had administered.” She tucked a stray hair behind her ear and swallowed. “My blood alcohol content came back over the legal limit. I didn’t cause the accident, but the prosecution argued my reflexes were diminished. Kyle’s parents had a lot of money and could afford the best attorneys. They tried to use my past offenses against me.”
“Your juvenile records can’t be used against you.”
“The judge ordered their remarks to be stricken from the records, but they succeeded in swaying the jury’s opinion. I was found guilty of vehicular homicide while driving under the influence. I served four years at VWCI.”
Vanderfield Women’s Correctional Institute.
Caleb leaned an elbow on the arm of the couch and pressed his fist against his lips as he processed Zoe’s words.
Not only had he witnessed his wife destroying their lives with her choices, but he’d spent years arresting people suspected of driving under the influence. He heard their excuses, their pleas, and listened to their lawyers argue in court in their defense. They deserved to be held accountable for their actions.
And now Zoe had just told him she was like one of those people he’d arrested more times than he could remember.
His beautiful Zoe with the eyes that peered deep into his heart. His beautiful Zoe with the laugh that allowed him to fall in love with her over and over again.
His friend was dead because of her decision to get behind the wheel.
He simply couldn’t wrap his head around it.
No, not his beautiful Zoe.
He’d walked into Canine Companions hoping she could help him out with the wayward puppy probably eating his couch right now. He didn’t expect any of this.
He leaned forward, braced his elbows on his knees and rubbed his hands together. “I’m not going to lie, Zoe, this has...thrown me for a loop. Man, I did not expect it in a million years.”
“I understand.” She stood and moved toward the door. “Thanks for coming in. I’m sorry it didn’t work out.”
“Hold up. I said it threw me for a loop. Sit back down. I’m not leaving just yet.”
Zoe hesitated. She glanced at the door. A look he could only describe as yearning crossed over her face. Did she wish she could throw it open and run from the room?
“You were great with Ella and Ava last weekend at the park. I know they’d enjoy learning from you.”
“But?”
He filled his lungs, then released the air in a long burst. “But the thing is, my ex-wife was an alcoholic who walked out on our marriage and our daughters to shack up with some guy she met on the internet.”
“I’m sorry, Sully. I understand. I do. I’d love the opportunity to work with you and your daughters, but I get your hesitation. If it makes a difference, I’ve spent the past year at Agape House—a transitional home for women released from prison started by my family. I’ve been given a second chance, and I’m not going to mess it up this time. A couple of weeks ago, I moved into my family’s cabin by the lake. I’m determined to prove I can get my act together.”
Though Zoe professed to be sober, how could he be sure she wouldn’t stray back into that old lifestyle?
However, they shared something in common—he, too, had lost everything and struggled daily with trying to earn back those pieces of his soul that had been chipped away and traded until redemption seemed like an almost unachievable hope.
Chapter Three (#ulink_a36ef1f9-0659-53de-a0fb-55cb2b7f1eae)
Could she really do this?
Zoe closed her eyes, took a deep breath and squared her shoulders. Yes, she could. Time to stop questioning and start proving.
After Sully left Canine Companions, he called a couple of hours later, asking if Zoe was still interested in working with his family.
So here she was.
She released her air-filled lungs and rang the doorbell. Standing on the front porch of Caleb’s tan ranch with chocolate-colored shutters, she heard the sounds of a dog barking, and a child’s cry, then a man’s raised voice echoed through the storm door.
Her stomach twisted. What was she getting herself into?
If she could handle four years of prison, surely she could handle a dog and a couple of kids. After all, she had a kid of her own, right?
One she wasn’t currently raising...
The front door opened, jerking her out of her thoughts.
Sully stood in the doorway wearing a wet T-shirt and faded jeans, barefoot. His hair looked like it had been combed with a garden rake. Lines pinched his taut jaw.
Apparently not a good morning at the Sullivan household.
She swallowed the tangle of nerves twining around her windpipe and smiled. “Good morning.”
“That’s debatable. Come on in.”
She wouldn’t let his growl diffuse her enthusiasm, but she didn’t want to intrude, either. “If this is a bad time, I can come back later.”
Sully breathed deeply, then ran his hands through his hair. “No time like the present. Just don’t expect miracles.”
She stepped through the screen door he opened for her, then pulled her lips between her teeth to bite back the laugh gurgling in her throat.
Sully’s two daughters stood about four feet behind him, wearing oversize T-shirts. Their wet hair soaked the cotton fabric as puddles formed on the ceramic tile around their feet.
Riley barked from somewhere deeper in the house, then raced down the hall with something in his mouth. He rushed over to Sully, dropped it at his master’s feet, barked, then waited for expected praise over his trophy.
Sully scooped the toy off the floor, stared at it, then groaned. He thrust it behind his back and scrubbed his free hand over his face.
He glanced at Zoe. “We have a lot of work to do.”
For some reason, she didn’t think he was referring to only dog training. The man looked exhausted, and it was only nine in the morning.
They decided to schedule their appointments for mornings when the girls would be refreshed and wide-awake after breakfast. Then Sully could work for a couple of hours while they napped. Seemed ideal on paper.
“Daddy, are you holding Melly Moon?”
Sully’s shoulders sagged. Looking at his oldest daughter, he held out a headless doll. “I’m sorry, Ella. Riley found Melly Moon.”
Ella snatched the doll from him and crushed it to her chest. Tears filled her eyes and spilled over her rounded cheeks. “No, Daddy. Not my Melly.”
“I’m sorry, sweetheart. Maybe we can fix it.”
“But she won’t be the same.”
Caleb Sullivan, the person she admired so much in college, who used to lock up criminals and preserve justice, looked about wiped out after a few hours with two young girls and a frisky pup.
Riley bounded back into the room and dropped something at Zoe’s feet. She picked it up to find an orange-haired chubby face adorned with glittery stars and moons smiling at her. The newly decapitated Melly Moon.
At that moment, Ella glanced at Zoe, then let out a wail. She jumped into Sully’s arms and buried her face in his chest, sobbing as if her heart were broken.
His other daughter stood rooted to the spot with a fearful look on her face.
The pitiful sight tugged at Zoe’s heart.
She examined the doll head and realized it was made of cloth. Riley had ripped it off at the seam. She dug through her purse to find her travel-size sewing kit, then stepped closer to Sully and Ella. Sitting cross-legged on the floor next to him, her knee brushed his, but she didn’t move, savoring the very brief contact.
She touched the sobbing child’s shoulder, then carefully slid the girl’s tangled hair behind her ear. “Ella, I can fix Melly Moon.”
Sniffling, Ella peeked out from behind Sully’s shoulder. “But it won’t be the same.”
“No, maybe not exactly the same, but I think you’ll still love Melly anyway, won’t you?”
She nodded.
Zoe held out her hand. “May I see Melly Moon?”
Ella tightened her grip on the headless doll and shook her head.
Sully shuffled his position and winced. “Let’s move into the living room.”
Still holding Ella, he reached for Ava’s hand. Zoe followed them into the living room and sat on the end of the leather couch opposite from Sully.
He lifted the hem of the oversize T-shirt Ella wore and wiped the traces of tears from her face. “Hey, Ella, remember when Ava cut her finger?
Ella nodded again. “There was a lot of blood, and she cried.”
“Yes, she did. It hurt a lot.” Caleb reached for Ava and pulled her gently to him. He opened his youngest daughter’s hand and rubbed his thumb across the tiny knuckles on her pointer finger. “The doctor put two small stitches in it. Her finger isn’t the way it was before because now it has a tiny scar, but her finger still works just as well. If Zoe sews Melly Moon’s head back on, you may be able to see where she stitched, but Melly Moon will be in one piece and almost as good as new.”
Ella considered that a moment, then handed the doll over to Zoe. She plopped onto Sully’s leg to watch.
Sully’s face twisted in pain as he readjusted both girls on his lap.
The man needed a shower, strong coffee and a nap...not necessarily in that order.
Zoe threaded her needle. With three pairs of expectant eyes watching her, she felt more nervous about this than training Riley. Dogs were her superpower. Sewing, on the other hand...
With small, even stitches, she secured Melly’s head to her body, knotted the thread, then bit off the excess. She gave the head a gentle tug. Pleased with its strength, she handed the doll to Ella. “Here you go, sweetie.”
Ella took the doll and inspected its neck. “I can’t see where you sewed.”
That was the point.
Sully nudged his daughter. “What do you say to Miss Zoe?”
Ella flew off Sully’s lap and flung her arms around Zoe’s neck, taking her by surprise. “Thank you, Miss Zoe. You saved Melly Moon. You’re the best.”
The girl’s words pricked the fragile shell around Zoe’s heart. It had been a long time since anyone had considered her the best at anything. The warmth of the little girl’s body pressing against Zoe’s chest seeped into her soul, fanning the flicker of a spark she thought had been snuffed out long ago.
Hope.
Careful not to poke the child with her needle, Zoe wrapped her arms around Ella and hugged her close. “You’re welcome, sweetie.”
Ella pulled away from Zoe and hugged Melly while she twirled through the living room. “Look, Avie, isn’t Miss Zoe the best?”
Ava cast a shy glance in Zoe’s direction and gave her a small smile. Then she nodded.
Did Sully realize how blessed he was to have such sweet daughters?
The look of love he wore answered her question. He would never stop loving his daughters, no matter what they did.
A pang pinched her heart. She wasn’t going there.
Eyes up and feet forward. Her new mantra.
Sully pushed to his feet, not quite swallowing a groan, then held out a hand to her. She took it and stood, not wanting to release his warm, strong grip.
He gave her fingers a gentle squeeze before releasing them. “You’re amazing. Thank you.”
“No problem.”
“What a morning.”
“What happened?” Zoe returned the needle and thread to its case, then stowed everything back in her purse.
“What didn’t happen would be quicker to answer. Ava woke up with a wet bed. I was trying to give them a bath and keep Riley out of their room when you arrived. I’m sorry you walked into chaos.”
She placed a hand on his upper arm. “Sully, relax. It’s just fine.”
“Thanks. That’s cool of you to say. It means a lot. Let me get the girls some breakfast, then we can talk about training the monster if you’re still up to it.”
“I’m game if you are.”
“Yeah, after this morning, we need to do something fast.” He gathered a bundle of unfolded laundry off the couch and righted a beige throw pillow. “Have a seat and I’ll get them squared away. Then we can talk about how to proceed.”
“What can I do to help?”
“Nothing. I’ll take care of it.”
Zoe reached for his arm and tried not to think about the strength radiating from his muscular form. “Sully, stop being stubborn. You’re a great dad. But asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness, you know.”
Sully stared at her for a long moment, then sighed. Instead of answering, he sat on the couch cushion, dropped the laundry at his feet and wrapped his hands around his head. “How do single parents do this, Zoe? How did you handle it with Griffin?” Then, as if realizing what he had just said, crimson rose above the collar of his shirt and colored his neck. “Sorry, I mean, before...”
“Listen, Sully, I’m the last person qualified to give you parenting advice. I’m probably the world’s worst mom, but I’m so thankful for my parents and my brother, Ian. They deserve all the credit for Griffin being such a great kid. But, the way I see it, you’re trying too hard to prove you’re some kind of superdad.”
“I’m all they have.”
“Doesn’t mean you have to be perfect. Let’s face it, we all need help every now and then. The way you handled Melly Moon was great. You proved to be a hero to your daughter.”
“You were the one who saved the day with your mad sewing skills.”
“My point is you’re doing what matters. Focus on the big stuff. Who cares about a wet bed? Sheets can be washed. Give the girls what they need most—your unconditional love.”
“That’s a given. Thanks, Zoe. There’s coffee in the kitchen. Help yourself to some. I need to get the girls dressed.”
They headed in different directions—Sully followed Ella’s giggles down the hall while Zoe went to the kitchen.
She searched the cupboards for two mugs and filled them with coffee. She pulled out three bowls and set them on the round table under the window. She found two boxes of cereal and grabbed milk and apple juice from the fridge. Cups, napkins and spoons completed the table settings.
Once Sully and the girls had some breakfast and were a little more relaxed after this morning’s calamity, then they could focus on working out the best training plan for Riley.
Excitement brewed, but she couldn’t quite determine if it was for finally using her dog-training skills or for the amount of time she’d be spending with Sully and the girls.
She’d have to work hard to keep an emotional distance. After all, she couldn’t risk her heart over something that could never be.
She couldn’t mix business and pleasure, especially with this family. Sully deserved someone who could give him a shining future, not one with a clouded past.
* * *
How could two little girls make such a mess?
He needed to do better at keeping things together.
Caleb stepped over stuffed animals, a coloring book and several scattered crayons to grab Ava’s wet pajamas off the girls’ bedroom floor.
After they’d moved to Shelby Lake, Caleb had called his sister, Sarah, for help in setting up the girls’ bedroom. He didn’t even want to think about his credit card bill next month.
Sarah had selected white twin beds with matching purple-and-green comforters and curtains. Flower-shaped throw rugs lay in front of matching white dressers with mirrors.
Apparently she felt the girls needed every stuffed animal the toy store had in stock. Not to mention the dollhouse in the corner of the room. A basket of books sat between two fairy-princess beanbag chairs under the window.
A new room for a fresh start.
Giggling in the bathroom pulled him out of his thoughts. He dropped the wet clothes on the pile of dirty towels in the girls’ hamper in the closet, and then strode down the hall.
Within two minutes, he had both girls dressed, hair brushed in some semblance of order and shooed them out of the room so he could empty the tub.
Once the bathroom looked less like a wrecking zone, he headed for the kitchen. He found the girls huddled together on the couch in the living room with Ella aiming the remote at the TV as she sang along with Dora the Explorer in Spanish.
Caleb reached for the remote and flicked off the cartoon. He held out his hands to them. “Come on, girls. Let’s find you some breakfast.”
He didn’t realize how much he had missed the little touches of domesticity until he walked into the kitchen holding the girls’ hands and found the table already set.
That was one thing he never took for granted while he was married. He always made sure he let Val know how much he appreciated what she did for him.
“You didn’t have to do this.” He looked at Zoe, leaning against the kitchen counter, coffee mug in one hand and the newspaper folded open in the other.
She smiled at him over the edge of her mug. “I wanted to. You had your hands full, and I figured I could be a little useful. Hope you don’t mind that I went through your cupboards.”
He waved away her concern. “Doesn’t bother me one bit.” In fact, it warmed him a little to think she was comfortable enough with him and his home to do that. But she wasn’t here to be their housekeeper.
No, in fact, he needed to get a better handle on this parenting thing because he was determined to give his daughters the stability they needed.
He buckled the girls into their booster seats and motioned for Zoe to sit in one of the empty chairs. Once she did, he sat across from her and folded his hands. “Girls, let’s say our prayers before we eat.”
They bowed their heads, and Caleb gave thanks for the food. Under his breath, he thanked God for reconnecting him with Zoe again. He didn’t know what God’s plan was for the two of them, but he didn’t believe seeing her again was a coincidence. He’d go with it until God steered him in a different direction.
Caleb poured cereal and milk into the girls’ bowls. He pushed his bowl out of the way and reached for his coffee mug. After the first couple of sips, he started to feel almost human again. Almost.
Caleb leaned forward and rested his elbows on the table.
Ella tapped his arm with her spoon. “Daddy, no elbows on the table.”
“You’re right, sweetie. I forgot.” Caleb smiled at her as he pulled his elbows down and rested his forearms on the table.
“It’s okay. Everybody makes mistakes.”
And he’d made more than his fair share of them. He smoothed a hand over Ella’s drying hair and shifted his attention to Zoe.
She watched them with a mix of sadness and wistfulness. What was she thinking?
Even in the short time they’ve been reacquainted, Caleb could see she wasn’t the same girl he’d known at school. The woman sitting across from him carried heavy burdens. Her eyes used to sparkle with laughter and a touch of mischief. Now they had been dulled with pain and brokenness.
He wanted to see her filled with joy once again, not return to a past life they’d once shared. No, those days were over. But perhaps this could be a new season of fresh starts for both of them.
She reached for Ava’s napkin and wiped the milk dripping off her chin. “I can stay for another hour if you’d like to get a start on Riley’s training.”
He glanced at his watch to see their designated hour was almost up. She was right—the morning hadn’t gone as expected. “Yes, that would be great. But only if you’re sure.”
She smiled. “It’s not a problem as long as I’m not messing up your plans.” At the shake of his head, she continued, “I’d like you to have some basics in place before I leave. Let me just grab my bag so we can go over paperwork and a couple different training plans.” She pushed back her chair and stood. “Mind if we talk in the living room? That way I can see how the girls interact with Riley and his reactions to his surroundings.”
“No, that’s just fine.”
As she walked past him to retrieve her bag, he caught a whiff of her perfume, a sweet fragrance that reawakened emotions he thought were forever locked behind a door marked Do Not Enter.
Maybe not.
Ella drained her juice and wiped her mouth with her napkin. “Daddy, may I get down? I’m all done.”
He glanced at Ava. “Are you ready to get down, too, Aves?”
She nodded and smiled, but didn’t say a word.
She’d talk. In her time.
He slid out their chairs and helped them down. “Let’s go into the living room so Daddy can talk to Miss Zoe, okay?”
They headed for the living room to find that Zoe had laid a couple of folders on the coffee table and sat back against the cushion to wait for them. Her long fingers stroked Riley’s fur as he curled in her lap.
As he settled beside her and flung an arm over the back of the couch, Riley stirred. His ears perked. He bounded off Zoe’s lap and jumped on Caleb’s chest.
Caleb turned his face away from Riley’s rough tongue and moved the pup into a better position on his lap.
Zoe reached for the folders and handed one to him. “I’m sure Leona gave you some of this material already when you met with her, but I included it in the packet so it would be together in one place. I’m kind of OCD like that.”
“No worries. Despite the chaos you walked into this morning, I’m an organized person, too.”
“No wonder we get along well.” The smile that spread across her face warmed his insides faster than the coffee he’d downed a few minutes ago.
Zoe reviewed the papers in the packet—Leona’s advertising brochure for dog-training options, a more detailed letter explaining policies and practices, and then an in-home behavior-training program. “At any time, if you’re dissatisfied with Riley’s progress or my training, contact Leona and she will refund your money. All of her programs offer a money-back guarantee. Any questions?”
“Would it be possible to do trainings several times a week instead of spreading them out over the next six or eight weeks?”
“I’m sure we can work something out. Once you sign the release form, we can get started this morning with some basics.”
Caleb leaned forward, upsetting Riley’s comfortable sleeping spot. Once the dog bounced off his lap, Calebreached for the Canine Companions pen and scribbled his signature where Zoe had marked an X. Just knowing they were heading in the right direction helped him to lean into hope—something he hadn’t done in a while.
“The key to Riley’s training is going to be consistency. Training a puppy is similar to caring for your daughters—you want to stay positive, remain patient and praise him for doing well. When you came into Canine Companions, you seemed frustrated.”
That was an understatement.
Caleb rubbed a hand over his jaw. “I guess you could say that.”
“Don’t worry. By the time we’re finished, Riley will be the best-behaved pup in town.”
With the girls in tow and Riley nipping at his heels, he gave Zoe a tour of the house and backyard. She suggested he move Riley’s crate into his bedroom to give the little guy some extra security.
Out in the yard, the morning temperatures were climbing already. As the girls chased each other, Zoe showed him how to take the lead when they snapped the leash onto Riley.
Back in the house, she demonstrated how to stay consistent with crate training. She helped Ella and Ava give Riley a treat. Each time Riley did as instructed, she praised him with words and affectionate touches, then offered him a small treat.
By the time their hour was up, Caleb felt more confident about the pup not destroying everything in the house. But he was reluctant to walk Zoe to the door.
She handed him a piece of paper. “Here’s a list of things that will help you with training. If you give Riley toys to chew on, he’ll leave your personal belongings alone. Try to remember he’s like a toddler and needs gentle guidance and instruction to help learn positive behaviors.”
He glanced at the sheet, then looked at her. “You’re a natural at this, Zoe.”
She dropped her gaze to her feet and tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “I love animals, especially dogs. Always have. They’re forgiving and eager to please. I get them, and they get me.”
“I can see why. Thanks, Zoe. For everything.”
She placed a hand on his forearm and squeezed. “My pleasure, Sully. I’m really looking forward to this.”
“Me, too.” He curled his fingers over his arm where her hand had been to lock in the feel of her tender touch against his skin.
Maybe, by working together, they’d have an opportunity to revive the past connection they’d once shared. Maybe he could be the one to fill her eyes with joy once again. Would she give a broken has-been like him a chance?
He’d let things move at a natural pace. He wouldn’t rush her into anything she didn’t want, but he wasn’t about to lose her friendship again.
Chapter Four (#ulink_a36ef1f9-0659-53de-a0fb-55cb2b7f1eae)
With the sunshine warming her face and Harper by her side as they walked to Ian and Agnes’s house, Zoe refused to let anything spoil the rest of her day.
She guided Harper up the front steps to the cottage Ian had bought for his wife, Agnes, a little over a year ago as a wedding gift. Best friends for more than twenty years, the two of them had finally wised up to what everyone else had known for a long time—they belonged together.
Now they had everything they’d always wanted.
Would she ever find her dreams?
Ones that didn’t include Sully or his adorable daughters?
After she’d left his place, she had returned to Canine Companions. Leona approved her training arrangements with him and filed his paperwork. She did take a minute to caution Zoe about maintaining a professional distance. Zoe assured her she had nothing to worry about. Sully had his hands full with his daughters right now. The last thing he needed was a relationship with a convicted felon.
A shout sounded from behind the cottage. Zoe led Harper to the fenced-in backyard overlooking the lake.
Gray smoke plumed from the grill on the edge of the patio while the scent of barbecue drifted with the afternoon breeze. A picnic table had been covered with a blue gingham tablecloth while a canning jar filled with wildflowers anchored it down.
The one who attracted her attention was the nine-year-old boy dressed in an Iron Man T-shirt and black basketball shorts, with scruffy golden-brown hair that looked like it needed to be cut and green eyes with gold flecks like her own.
Her son, Griffin—the only decent thing she’d ever done in her life.
But she’d failed him, too.
Mom, Agnes and Griffin stood off to the side while Ian hefted a horseshoe in his hand, then pitched it. Metal clanked against metal as the shoe rung around the stake. He leaned back and let out a shout of joy, then high-fived Dad.
Dad walked to the opposite stake and gathered their horseshoes, then stepped off to the side while Mom, Agnes and Griffin lined up to throw their shoes.
Why did she always feel like an unwanted guest at her own family dinners?
Probably because she hadn’t felt like a family member in such a long time. Sometimes the James family expectations had her retreating inside her shell, wanting to be more of a guest than an actual participant. That way, her parents’ disappointment in her actions wouldn’t hurt so much.
Dad glanced up and saw Zoe standing by the gate. He nodded at her, then whispered in Mom’s ear. Mom turned and smiled, then beckoned her into the fence. “Zoe, come join us.”
Spying her, Griffin raced for the gate. He flung it open and hurled himself against her waist. “Mom! You made it.”
Zoe wrapped her arms around him. “Of course. How could I resist Aunt Agnes’s barbecue and dinner with my favorite guy?”
Griffin released her and smiled wide, showing a small gap between his top front teeth. He was growing too quickly, and she was missing most of it.
“So I come in second after the barbecue?”
“Priorities, dude. Priorities.” She ruffled his hair and made a mental note to call for an appointment to get it chopped before school started next week.
“Yeah, whatever. Wanna throw some shoes with us? You can be on Grandpa’s team.”
Dad would love that.
Harper barked and circled around Griffin’s legs. He dropped to the ground and buried his face in the dog’s black coat. “Hey, girl.”
He released Harper’s harness to allow her to run in the yard and handed it to Zoe. She wrapped the leash and harness and dropped them in the bag that held Harper’s food and dishes. She followed Griffin back to the horseshoe pit.
She hugged Mom and Agnes, then waved to Dad and Ian.
“How was work, honey?” Mom slid an arm around her waist.
“Good, Mom. Thanks.”
Agnes glanced at her watch, then handed her horseshoes to Zoe. “Throw for me. I need to get dinner on the table. I hope y’all are hungry. We have ribs and all the fixin’s.”
“Sounds great.”
Dad stood behind Griffin and covered his grandson’s small hand with his larger one. Together they swung their arms a couple of times to gauge the rhythm of the motion. Then Dad stepped back and nodded to Griffin.
Griff scrunched up his eyebrows and bit the corner of his lip as he stepped forward and focused on the opposite stake. He swung his arm back, then pitched the horseshoe.
It clanked around the iron stake, then thumped to the ground.
Griffin thrust both fists in the air. “Yeah!” He turned to her. “Did you see that, Mom? I did it.”
“You sure did, but then I had no doubt you could do it.”
Dad gathered the horseshoes, then ambled over to Griffin. “Way to go, bubba. You scored the winning point.”
“Yes!” He punched the air over his head a few more times to celebrate his victory.
A whistle pierced the air. Agnes stood on the patio and waved everyone toward her. “Time to eat. Let’s wash up, y’all.”
Griffin jumped to his feet and patted his thigh. “Let’s go, Harper.”
Harper barked in agreement, then raced Griffin to the house.
Once everyone had washed up, they formed a circle on the patio and grabbed hands for prayer. Zoe found herself between Griffin and Dad. As she held on to her son’s hand, which was almost as big as her own, she placed hers in Dad’s.
His warm, calloused fingers closed around hers. For a moment, she pretended all was right in the world, and she was Daddy’s little girl once again.
How many times had he reached out a hand to help her when she had fallen? How many times had he caressed her hair with those hands? How many times had he taught her how to do something, like he did with Griffin?
She missed his terms of endearment, the closeness they once shared. When she was released from prison, Dad claimed to have forgiven her—he’d even worked hard to help Mom and Ian get Agape House opened when a series of setbacks had threatened it. But did he truly forgive her—in his heart where it mattered most?
She’d hurt him deeply, and it would take time for those wounds to heal. She couldn’t erase the past, but she’d do her best not to repeat it. She’d earn back his pride and prove that she was worthy of loving.
And maybe that started with accepting Sully’s offer to help his daughters learn how to manage their new dog.
As soon as Ian concluded the prayer, Dad gave her hand a gentle squeeze, then released it.
“Wake up, Mom.” Griffin jerked on her arm, pulling her from her thoughts.
“Sorry, honey. Just deep in thought.”
“Yeah, I saw. How about getting deep in those ribs on the table?”
“Sounds good to me. Lead the way.”
She followed Griffin and sat at the opposite end of the picnic table from Dad. She glanced down the table to find him watching her, but the moment she caught his eye, he looked away. Folding her hands in her lap, she stared at the pattern on the tablecloth.
Nudging her, Ian handed her a paper plate. “You okay?”
She looked at him and smiled. “Yes, fine.”
He passed a platter piled with steaming, golden ears of corn. She grabbed the tongs and dropped an ear on her plate, then passed it across the table to Mom.
At her feet, Harper stirred. Her eyes perked as tires crunched in the front driveway. She barked and trotted for the front of the house.
“Expecting someone to join us, Ian?” Mom asked from across the table.
“Nope. Everyone’s here.” Ian stood and moved away from the table. “I’ll be right back.”
He followed Harper around the side of the house. Zoe buttered her corn and was about to take bite when Ian returned to the backyard.
But he wasn’t alone.
A police officer carrying a manila envelope followed him.
Dad shot a glance at her and frowned.
Zoe heaved a sigh and shook her head. Of course, if the police were involved, it had to have something to do with her. She dropped her corn on her plate and folded her arms on the table.
Ian’s lips thinned as he approached the picnic table. He exchanged glances with Agnes.
Agnes jumped up from the table. “Hey, Griffin. Wanna help me with the apple pie in the kitchen?”
Butter smeared Griffin’s lips. “But we just started eating.”
She smiled and nodded toward the house. “Let’s bring it out anyway. We can have it with our ribs and corn.”
“Works for me.” He wiped his mouth with his hand and hopped up from his seat.
Once the door to the house closed behind them, Dad pushed to his feet. “What’s going on, Ian?”
Ian jerked a thumb at the cop. “Officer Reynolds has something for you and Mom.”
“Us? How’d you know we were here?” Mom wiped her mouth with a napkin and left the table to stand next to Dad.
Officer Reynolds removed his sunglasses and hooked them on the breast pocket of his dark blue uniform. He crossed his hands in front of him. “I stopped by your house, but no one was there. Your neighbor—a Mrs. Kingsley—was in the yard and told me where I could find you.”
Agnes’s mom.
Dad folded his arms over his chest. “What can I do for you, Officer?”
“Sir, I’ve been directed to give you this.” He handed Dad the envelope.
Dad tore it open and scanned the contents. His gaze bounced off her and landed on Mom. Dad scrubbed a hand over his face. He crumpled the papers in his white-knuckled grip. “Are you serious?”
The officer held up his hands. “I was instructed to deliver the envelope. I’m unaware of the contents.”
“Right. Thank you.” Dad extended his hand to the officer.
The officer shook Dad’s hand, nodded to Mom, then turned to head back to the driveway.
Mom pressed her hand on Dad’s arm, a frown creasing her forehead. “What’s going on, Pete?”
Dad released his hold on the papers and tossed them on the table. “It’s a petition for custody of Griffin.”
“Griffin? Why, that’s ridiculous. By whom?” Mom picked up the papers, scanned them and then sucked in a breath. Her eyes darted to Zoe as her voice dropped to a whisper. “Davis and Marcia Jacoby.”
Zoe jumped up from her seat and snatched the papers out of her mom’s hands. As she scanned the legalese, her heart leaped to her throat.
This couldn’t be happening.
She forced back the acid burning her throat and searched Dad’s face for reassurance. “They can’t do that, can they?”
“I’m afraid they can.” Dad leaned against the table and wrapped an arm around Mom’s shoulders, drawing her to his side. “Doesn’t mean they’ll win. We’ll make sure of that.”
She hoped so.
Griffin had thrived in her parents’ custody while her morale wasted away behind bars.
He deserved so much more.
Because of the choices she’d made, their lives were drastically different than from the day she looked in his newborn eyes and promised she’d be the best mom she could.
She wanted to be the kind of mom who baked cookies and helped with classroom parties and served on the PTA. She’d been working hard to prove she could be the one who regained custody of her son, rather than grandparents who would do anything in their power to destroy her.
* * *
Was Zoe crazy to imagine their walk in the park wasn’t a training session but a family outing?
As Sully held on to the leash, Riley trotted at his side. Giggling, Ella and Ava ran ahead of them on the path that trailed along the river, their ponytails bouncing against the backs of their matching pink tank tops. They chased Griffin, who jogged ahead but kept looking over his shoulder to see how close they were.
Yes, definitely crazy.
And, for one thing, she was getting way ahead of herself. The last thing she needed was to confuse the boundaries between personal and professional. That wasn’t what Sully signed up for. Besides, he had his hands full with the girls and his job. And she didn’t need some guy to rescue her.
But Sully wasn’t some guy...
For a moment, though, she could pretend. Just for a moment she could pretend he was her husband, and the girls were hers, along with Griffin, of course.
In addition to being a dog trainer, she’d have a husband, a family. She’d belong. Without the baggage of her past holding her back.
When she’d arrived at Caleb’s for their session and suggested the park, he was all for it, even with Griffin and Harper joining them. And the girls loved the idea. After a week of training at their house, she figured Riley could handle the distractions in the park.
The morning sunshine cast a glow across the Shelby Lake River, bleaching the water and making it shimmer like polished silver.
A family of ducks swam to the bank and waddled to the grass, catching the girls’ attention. They hurried after them, causing the ducks to squawk and flap their wings.
“Girls, stay on the path, away from the bank.”
“Okay, Daddy.” Ella half turned and waved. She reached for Ava’s hand and pulled her back onto the gravel path winding along the riverbank.
Riley barked and tugged on his leash. Sully tightened his hold. “Riley, quiet.”
Riley looked at Sully, then back at the ducks, but he obeyed.
Sully stooped and petted his head. “Good boy.” He fished a small treat out of his pocket, commanded Riley to sit and then fed it to him. His dark blue Henley-style shirt stretched across his back.
Zoe hesitated, then placed a hand on Sully’s shoulder. “You handled that well.” She pulled her hand away before she did something stupid like run it across the sun-warmed fabric and into his hair.
He pushed to his feet and smiled at her. “Coming to the park was a good idea. Thanks for suggesting it.”
“You’re welcome. And thanks for letting Griffin and Harper tag along.”
“Hey, no problem. Your son seems like a great kid.”
“He’s the best. I figured the park offered many distractions, so it’s a great way to get Riley acclimated to new environments and follow commands outside of his comfort zone.”
The distractions for Riley were nothing compared to the ones she felt walking next to Sully. The scent of his soap lingered on his skin. The morning breeze ruffled his hair.
He bumped her shoulder with his. “You’re really good at your job.”
His praise warmed her faster than the rays of sunshine. Like Riley, she was eager to prove she could do this. “Thanks. I enjoy what I do.”
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