The Lawman's Secret Son

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

“You’ll have to go shopping.”

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

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

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

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

“All that to go to bed?”

“He can’t wear pajamas all the time.”

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

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

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

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

“I’m doing this for Jack.”

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

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

* * *

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Right.” He disappeared down the hall.

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

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

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

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

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

The child thought for a moment. “Barky.”

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

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

“Amen. See you in the morning, Jack.”

“Pop? You won’t go away?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

“It happens all too often.”

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