Claiming the Single Mom's Heart (Hearts of Hunter Ridge) Read online

  “Tessa?” She stepped to the open doorway of her daughter’s room, her heart, as always, warming at the sight of the child God had given her. “How would you like to have supper at the Log Cabin Café tonight?”

  With money tight, they didn’t eat out often, but she had a coupon. Maybe they could split the Saturday-night burger special.

  Tessa’s face lit up. She loved Packy, who always brought her a special treat on the rare excursions to his restaurant. A small cup of yogurt or a piece of candy. “Can we have sweet potato fries?”

  “I see no reason why not.”

  Tessa scrambled to her feet. “Are we going now?”

  “It’s a little early. I’ll come get you when we’re ready to go.” Restless and highly conscious of Tori’s departure to a future that might be decided tonight, Sunshine wandered to the kitchen and began straightening the pantry. There was nothing, in her opinion, like getting organized to chase away the blues. But she’d barely gotten started when Tori’s words resurfaced in her mind.

  I wish God would bring a special man into your life.

  Sunshine sighed. Well, He hadn’t. Maybe He never would. But the Bible said God had a good plan for her. A plan not to bring harm, but to give her a hope and a future. She had to hang on tight to that now, just as she had since Jerrel had walked out of her life.

  Someone like Grady Hunter.

  She plopped a can of beans on the shelf with a thud. That door was closed, and there was no point in dwelling on it.

  You know, real hero material.

  Nonsense. She didn’t need a hero. She and Tessa were doing fine on their own. Hadn’t God generously given her a job that came with housing? A schedule that allowed her time to paint in order to supplement her income and spend quality time with Tessa? And hadn’t He, too, brought any number of people into her life at exactly the right moment?

  Like Tori, who’d stepped in to care for Tessa when Sunshine needed more time for campaigning. And someone to assist when her vehicle had conked out on the highway at night. To help get her SUV fixed. And to rescue Tessa when she’d gotten caught on the slide.

  With a growl of irritation, Sunshine halted herself before she slammed another can onto the shelf. Just because Grady happened to fill a few of those roles, that didn’t mean he was meant to be her hero. Or Tessa’s.

  He’d made it clear he wasn’t interested in anything like that. But could she stand to live in this town if he someday became some other woman’s hero?

  * * *

  “I admit it surprises me, but I actually like Sunshine.” Across the table from Grady at the Log Cabin Café Saturday night, Luke took a final sip from his coffee mug. Then he smiled at his bride seated next to him in the high-backed booth. “Delaney said she did. But until last weekend, I didn’t agree.”

  He slid a look in Grady’s direction. One intended to make his younger brother squirm.

  “I like her, too,” Rio, next to Grady, chimed in.

  Grady looked around at the packed restaurant, animated conversations swirling around him keeping the sound volume to a low roar. Typical Saturday night. Was there any hope he could sneak out of here to escape the direction this conversation had taken?

  “So what do you think of her, Grady?” Luke wasn’t about to let him off the hook. “The two of you seemed to have a lot to talk about at the cookout.”

  “You noticed that, too?” Delaney laughed and slipped her arm into the crook of her husband’s. But she was looking at her brother-in-law. “Seemed very chummy to me.”

  A smiling Rio elbowed him. “Have anything you want to fill us in on, Grady?”

  Remembering how he and Rio had mercilessly teased Luke about Delaney a few short months ago, the tables were now turned. He pushed his plate away, conscious of everyone’s eyes on him.

  “Sunshine and I were talking business.”

  Rio giggled. “Nice try, Grady. Tell us another one.”

  “Maybe the three of you have forgotten, but Sunshine Carston’s is Mom’s opponent.”

  Luke grimaced. “There is that drawback. And the fact that she’s the primary spokesperson for an artists’ contingent that won’t shut up.”

  “Now, Luke,” Delaney chided, “they do have good points. I mean, why were they turned down on having an art-in-the-park event? That makes no sense to me.”

  “Because, sweetheart,” Luke said, patting her hand in a patronizing manner that would likely get him yelled at once they got home, “they intended to bring in outside vendors—like food trucks and others who would take away from local businesses and restaurants. Summer is a make-it-or-break-it deal for most people around here. Losing ground one weekend a month for three or four months could be a significant loss.”

  “Or it could be—” she nudged her husband, undaunted “—that the event would draw even more business to the locals. Put Hunter Ridge on the map.”

  Grady grinned. “Looks as if you have your work cut out for you, Luke. Delaney’s starting to think like one of them.”

  To his relief, the owner of the café appeared at their table before the topic could switch back to him and Sunshine.

  “Anything else I can get you folks? More coffee? Water?”

  “I think that’s it, Packy.” Grady patted his own flat but full stomach. “Great meal as always. Thanks.”

  “You’re welcome. Have a good rest of your evening.” Packy placed the bill on the table and moved on to the next.

  Grady snatched up the slip of paper, but he’d barely risen to his feet and moved away from the booth when he felt a tug on his sleeve.

  “Hi, Grady!” Tessa, smiling ear to ear, threw her arms around him as Sunshine walked up behind her. He returned the exuberant hug.

  “I’m sorry for the interruption.” Sunshine looked apologetically at him and the others at the table. “But Tessa didn’t want to leave without saying hello.”

  “Good to see you again.” Luke nodded to Sunshine as he, too, slipped out of the booth. “I don’t believe I’ve met your daughter.”

  Grady made introductions to his family, self-conscious as the little girl clung to his hand.

  Tessa looked up at him, her expression reflecting awe. “You have a big family, don’t you, Grady?”

  “Yeah, and there are more who aren’t here.” As an only child, she probably found siblings a fascinating concept. “I have one brother and three sisters.”

  “Wow.”

  “Come on, Tessa. Time to go.” Sunshine held out her hand.

  “Can Grady walk home with us? It’s dark outside.”

  Noting her voice was tinged with apprehension, he exchanged a quick glance with Sunshine. Was this what she’d alluded to earlier? Anxiety related to the mysterious presence in the little girl’s closet?

  “We’ll be fine walking home, honey. There’s nothing to be afraid of.”

  While Saturday night in town usually had lots of people out and about and they’d be safe on the way to their apartment, the gallant thing to do would be to see them safely home. But after that too-close-for-comfort incident in the parking lot last weekend, he sensed her reluctance.

  As he quickly debated with himself, his family filed past him, Luke snagging the bill from his fingers.

  “I’ll get this. And Rio can ride home with us.”

  Looked as if that settled it. “I’d be happy to see you home, Tessa, if your mother doesn’t mind my company.”

  “You don’t mind, do you, Mommy?”

  * * *

  Tessa’s eyes pleaded and, after a moment’s indecision, Sunshine gave in. “Thank you, Grady.”

  But she wasn’t happy about it.

  Outside, she was relieved that the wind had died down and, although as chilly as a mid-October evening in the Arizona high country was expected to be, th
e walk would warm them.

  She needn’t have worried about making conversation. Gripping Grady’s hand, Tessa chatted like a proverbial magpie, telling him about the late-season butterfly she’d seen at the park that morning, how her kindergarten teacher praised her for a picture she’d drawn and that Tori would be gone a few days.

  Her daughter’s enthusiasm at having this man’s full attention again dredged up memories of her own childhood, triggering an ache in her heart for Tessa. Grady was right. When things didn’t work out in relationships, innocent kids could get hurt. Although Grady barely hesitated when Tessa expressed hopes that he would accompany them, that concern had to have been on his mind.

  As they neared the gallery door, Sunshine fished in her jacket pocket for the key, but she sensed Tessa slowing her pace, reluctant for the walk to come to an end.

  “Mommy, can Grady come in and see my new goldfish?”

  She should have anticipated this bedtime-delay tactic. “I imagine he’s seen goldfish before.”

  “But he hasn’t seen my goldfish.” She looked up at him, her eyes imploring. “Please, Grady?”

  He looked to Sunshine. “I have a few minutes. That is, if—”

  “Okay. But we can’t keep Grady long, honey. He has to walk back to the café and then drive home.”

  Tessa jumped up and down as Sunshine let them inside the gallery and locked the door behind them. Then Tessa eagerly pulled Grady forward, among the dimly illuminated displays and up the stairs to the apartment.

  Acutely aware of Grady’s presence beside her, Sunshine tensed as she inserted the key in the door.

  Had she put away the stuffed animals Tessa had dragged to the living room that afternoon? Was the kitchen clean? And most of all, had Tori’s research that she’d been reviewing before they left for the café been tucked out of sight?

  As they stepped inside, she scanned the room. Everything appeared to be in order.

  “Nice place.” Grady’s eyes took in their living quarters as Tessa again tugged him forward.

  “My room is nice, too. Come and see.”

  At his questioning look, Sunshine nodded and he allowed Tessa to guide him into the diminutive space, softly lit by a bedside lamp. Big enough for a single bed, dresser and skirted nightstand, it had been decorated with secondhand and discount store finds that lent it a fashionable shabby-chic look. The white-painted furniture set off the pink floral bedspread, area rug and throw pillows. Dolls and stuffed animals lined a wall shelf next to the bed.

  “There he is!” Tessa pointed proudly to the goldfish in a bowl atop her dresser. “Goldie.”

  Sunshine had bought the fish for her when in Canyon Springs on business earlier in the week, hoping the tiny fellow’s presence might ease Tessa’s nighttime fears. Unfortunately, Tessa insisted the aquatic creature was afraid of the dark and continued to keep the night-light on.

  Grady leaned in to inspect her new friend. “That’s a handsome-looking fish you have there.”

  “I know.”

  Then Tessa hurriedly rummaged through a dresser drawer.

  Sunshine frowned. “What are you looking for, sweetheart?”

  “My new jammies. The ones Tori bought me. I want Grady to see me in them.” Locating them, she clutched them to her heart, a serious look on her face. “Don’t leave, okay, Grady? I’ll be right back.”

  “Tessa, I don’t think—”

  But Tessa wiggled past her and out the bedroom door. Seconds later, the bathroom door shut behind her.

  “I’m sorry, Grady. She’ll do about anything to avoid turning out the lights and being left in her room at bedtime. But I don’t dare let her sleep with me and get that started.”

  “Don’t be sorry. I’m not. She’s a sweet kid.”

  But they both knew he didn’t want to get attached to a kid. At least not one that didn’t belong to him or his family.

  “I’ve seen quite a bit of activity next door this week.” She moved to turn down Tessa’s bed. Plumped a pillow. “So how are things going for the grand opening?”

  She couldn’t bring herself to ask him again if he’d looked at her presentation for his photography proposal, afraid it might not be what he’d hoped.

  “Going good. Or as good as you can expect with it only a week away. The website is up and running and our team is processing orders.”

  “Wonderful.”

  Grady folded his arms. “So has there been any more talk of a petition to put us out of business?”

  “Not to my knowledge.”

  “Gideon is keeping his distance?” Grady’s eyes narrowed. “And his hands to himself?”

  “He is.” She didn’t dare mention his rant at the last Co-op meeting.

  “Here I am!” Dressed in her baby blue flannel and eyelet-trimmed nightwear, a beaming Tessa appeared in the doorway, arms outstretched like a miniature diva.

  “Now, don’t you look beautiful.”

  Tessa’s smile broadened at Grady’s praise. Then she stepped toward him and lifted her arm. “It’s soft. See?”

  His big hand brushed the delicate flannel sleeve. “Oh, wow, it is. I’m sure that keeps you warm, too.”

  “Uh-huh.” She made a dive for her bed and scrambled to get herself situated. “You can tuck me in, Grady.”

  His surprised gaze met Sunshine’s, searching hers for direction, permission. When she nodded, he sat on the edge of the bed, looking huge next to the tiny girl. After a moment’s hesitation, he tucked the covers around her, then leaned in to place a kiss on her forehead.

  Not unexpectedly, Tessa cast an apprehensive look around the room. “I forgot to close the closet door. Mommy?”

  “I’ll do it.” For whatever reason, Tessa couldn’t sleep without the door firmly closed and her night-light on. “But there’s no reason to be afraid.”

  Tessa’s hand crept out from under the covers to reach for Grady’s hand and his big one swallowed up her tiny one. “So you’re scared of something, are you, Tessa? Something that might come out of your closet?”

  She nodded solemnly.

  “I understand what it’s like to be afraid.”

  “You do?”

  “Sure. I’ve been scared lots of times.”

  “Mommy says there’s nothing to be afraid of.” Tessa darted a doubtful look in her direction.

  “You know,” Grady continued, his voice soothing, “there’s nothing in that closet that can hurt you, don’t you? Your mom wouldn’t allow that and she wouldn’t tell you there was nothing in there if there was. So you know there’s nothing in there, right? But you feel scared anyway.”

  He ran a finger down the upper part of her flannel-clad arm. “And it’s as if something has a hold of you right here, isn’t it? Squeezing tight. And maybe your knees and your tummy hurt, too.”

  Tessa nodded again and he gently brushed her hair back from her face. “That’s what I thought. But we both agree with your mom, right? Nothing is in the closet. So what I want you to do now is settle back on your pillow and close your eyes, okay?”

  “’Kay.”

  But Tessa’s eyes immediately flew open when he turned off the bedside lamp, leaving the room illuminated only by the light coming through the bedroom door.

  He gave her hand a squeeze. “Eyes closed, remember?”

  Nodding again, she obeyed.

  And then, in a low, gentle voice, he began to pray.

  “Father God, Tessa is scared. She knows there’s nothing in her closet, but it feels as if there is. As You know, feelings are powerful things. You gave them to us so we can enjoy the good things You give us and so they can warn us when there’s danger. There’s no danger here, but Tessa’s feelings are mixed up and telling her there is.”

  Tears pricked Sunshine’s eyes. This dear man,
going before his Heavenly Father on her daughter’s behalf. Understanding a little girl’s fears. Not telling her, as Sunshine had repeatedly done, to stop being afraid.

  “So we’re here tonight asking in the name of Your son, Jesus,” he continued, “that You grab hold of the feelings that are telling Tessa fibs. That You will make the scary things she’s seeing in her mind go away. That You will make the feelings that are squeezing her body let go. Thank You.”

  Eyes still closed, Tessa nodded her agreement and once more Grady brushed back her hair, his voice gentle but firm. “Now, when bad feelings try to sneak in and start to squeeze you, I want you to say in your mind or out loud, ‘Jesus says, “Stop!”’ Okay?”

  “’Kay.”

  “Say it for me now.”

  “Jesus says, ‘Stop!’” she murmured.

  “Good girl. And after you say that, I want you to think about other things. Don’t look at what those bad feelings want you to look at. Think about something happy. Like watching a butterfly flit from flower to flower. Or Goldie swimming in his bowl. Or your mommy holding your hand as you go for a walk. Can you do that for me right now?”

  “’Kay.”

  Sunshine could see Tessa’s features relaxing. Then, before long, amazingly, her breathing evened out and she was asleep.

  Grady remained seated on the bed another five minutes, then carefully released Tessa’s hand and stood. Wordlessly, they both left the room, Grady quietly closing the bedroom door behind them.

  Chapter Fourteen

  “You may have to do that with her nightly for a while.” Grady moved to the apartment door, his own feelings of tenderness toward Sunshine’s daughter leaving him unsettled and ill at ease in the presence of the little girl’s mom. “You know, to remind her. To help her make calling on Jesus and thinking about something else a habit.”

  “I know we’re not out of the woods on this, Grady, but I can’t thank you enough.” Her beautiful eyes reflected her gratefulness. “I’m ashamed, though, that I thought buying her a fish to keep her company would solve anything. That I never recognized that while she knows there’s nothing in the closet, she feels as if there is.”