Love Inspired March 2014 - Bundle 2 of 2: North Country Family\Small-Town Midwife\Protecting the Widow's Heart (44 page)

She tried to sort out the people as she watched. The older woman with short, graying blond hair must be his mother. Two tall, dark, attractive men stood together near the back door. The first one shook Ty's hand, then yanked him into a brotherly hug, a huge smile on his handsome face. The older brother, Matt. The other man extended his hand and smiled. Ty shook the man's hand, but Ginger noticed his back straightened.

“I'm so sorry we're ignoring you. I'm Angie Durrant, Ty's mother.”

“Ginger Sloan, and this is my son, Elliot.”

“We're so glad you came. Let me introduce you to everyone. We're all a bit overwhelmed. This is the first time Ty has been home since he— In several months.” She stopped and placed a hand to her throat, looking into Ginger's eyes. “We almost lost him, you know.”

A shaft of fear raced along her nerves. She'd seen Ty's scar, but she hadn't allowed herself to wonder about the details of the shooting. Now she couldn't help but look at Ty and worry.

Angie took her arm, guiding her to the opening between the family room and the kitchen, which seemed to be where everyone congregated. Ginger smiled as she met older brother, Matt, and his new wife, Shelby. Laura returned with her fiancé in tow, Adam Holbrook, an attractive man with piercing green eyes who was obviously in love with Ty's sister.

“Don't forget me.”

A girl about twelve pushed between her parents. “I'm Cassidy.”

“Nice to meet you. This is...” She looked for her son. He was standing in the kitchen, showing his favorite car to a boy about his age. The pair looked as if they'd been friends forever. It was good to see Elliot coming out of his shell. It had been a difficult and lonely couple of years for him. She smiled at Cassidy. “That's Elliot, and I'm guessing that's Kenny.”

Laura perched on one of the stools at the kitchen island, her friendly, easy manner calming the butterflies in Ginger's stomach. She was a lovely, petite woman; her thick dark blond hair flowed in expertly cut layers around her face. She was dressed in faded jeans and a layered top Ginger had seen in magazines, but would have no idea how to wear. From her platform shoes to the stylish earrings, she looked pulled together and confident. Something Ginger never felt. Smoothing the front of her simple sweater, she scolded herself for making comparisons.

Laura shifted on the stool, leaning toward her. “So, I hear you're looking for a job.”

Ty had mentioned he'd speak with his family about her situation, but she hadn't anticipated what that would mean. “Um, yes. My car needs work, and I'll have to find a job to pay for the repairs.”

“What kind of work are you looking for?”

“Anything. Waiting tables, flipping burgers.” She laughed lightly in an attempt to brush off the embarrassment. Ty had told her about his sister's company. Laura was a successful businesswoman. Ginger was homeless and desperate for any job she could find. “For the last few years I've worked as the assistant director of a parks department in Connecticut.”

Laura's eyes lit up. “Really. Wow. I wish you were staying here longer. I have a position coming up you'd be perfect for. I'm opening a senior center downtown, and I'll need a director to run things. But, unfortunately, we've only just started the renovations, and it'll be summer before I need to fill that spot.”

Shelby Durrant slid into the stool on her other side, making Ginger feel like the country mouse sandwiched between two city mice. A little taller than Laura, Shelby was slender and elegant, her dark brown hair pulled into a long braid at the back of her head. From the tips of her suede high-heeled boots to the leggings beneath a flowing shirt wrapped with an ornate belt that showed off her tiny waist to the large dangling earrings, she looked as if she'd stepped from the pages of a New York fashion magazine.

Shelby sighed and lightly touched her hand. “I wish I could help. I'm starting a small business soon, but I haven't even finalized the lease on the space yet, or I'd hire you in a minute.”

“Thank you. I'm sure something will turn up.”

Her gaze traveled to Ty, who was standing in the middle of the family room, talking to his father. Mr. Durrant had his back to her, but she could clearly see Ty's face, and it was obvious he wasn't happy. His mouth was in a tight line as his father pointed and gestured, obviously trying to convey some important information.

Ginger had the strangest urge to rescue him. Ty caught her gaze and smiled, then steered his father toward her. He was the only person she hadn't met yet. She angled the stool to face Ty and his dad as they joined her at the kitchen island.

“Ginger Sloan, this is my father, Tom Durrant. Dad. Ginger.”

The elder Durrant's smile was as dazzling and charming as his youngest son's. He shook her hand. “I'm delighted to meet you. I hear you're staying at Ty's cabin.”

“Yes, he's been very generous about letting us stay there.”

“Well, if he gives you any trouble, you let me know.” He softened his words with a wink and broad smile.

“Dad.” Ty shifted his weight and rubbed his neck.

“I'll do that.” She smiled at Ty, who held her gaze, bringing a warmth into her cheeks. Quickly she turned her attention to his dad. Mr. Durrant was an older version of his son Matt. Ty and Laura seemed to favor their mother in looks and coloring, though it wasn't hard to see the family resemblance between the three children. The men were all around six feet tall, broad-shouldered with long legs, but where Matt and his dad were more solidly built, Ty was lean, sleek and elegant. And Laura was a younger version of her mother.

Dinner was delicious, and Ginger found herself content to sit and watch the family interact. They prayed over the meal together, laughed, argued and eventually tossed around ideas for her future employment.

“Too bad I don't need anyone at the hardware store, but between Adam and myself, we're doing great.”

Ginger felt Ty stiffen beside her. “Thank you all for your help. I appreciate it.”

After the meal Ginger went to check on Elliot and Kenny, who'd disappeared the moment their food was finished. She found them in the corner of the front room surrounded by toys. The place was a mess. She started to tell Elliot to pick up, but Angie Durrant touched her shoulder.

“Don't worry about that. I like seeing the mess. It reminds me of when the kids were little. Sometimes I leave it there for a day or so, just remembering.”

The sweet sentiment touched her. What she wouldn't give for a family like this, people to surround her, support her, love her and not judge. Unlike Laura and Shelby, she had no career aspirations. All she'd ever wanted was a family, a home of her own, someone to love her. She turned to speak to Mrs. Durrant when she saw something she'd completely missed before. In the bay window of the large room stood a black baby grand piano. “What a lovely instrument.”

“Do you play?”

Ginger nodded, touching the gleaming white keys with her fingertips and lightly pressing down on a key. “I used to. I took lessons for years. I was studying music in college, but then I got married.” She shrugged. No need to reflect on that.

“You're welcome to play this one anytime you want. Laura took lessons for a long time. Ty and Matt, too, though neither one of them kept up with it once they started playing sports. Well, I think it's time I cut the cake. Three-layer chocolate with chocolate fudge icing. Ty's favorite.”

Ginger lingered at the piano for a few minutes, allowing the warm and comfortable sensations of the gathering to seep into her bones. She wanted to make a permanent mental snapshot of the day to treasure. It had been nearly perfect. Elliot had made a new friend, the Durrants had treated her like one of their own, and she'd had the opportunity to live her dream for one day.

The only sour note was Ty. He'd been quiet and withdrawn, bordering on surly the entire time, and she wasn't sure why. As if hearing her thoughts, Ty strode through the foyer and out the front door.

Chapter Five

T
y strode to the edge of the front porch, sucking the cool, damp air into his lungs, allowing the bracing air to settle his nerves and clear his head. Leaning against the post, he wrapped an arm around it, resting the other on his hip as he fought to master his anger. Dad wanted him to take over a church project while he was here. Why couldn't he understand that was the last thing he wanted to do? He needed time to think, not do busy work.

He'd wanted this visit with his family to be enjoyable for Ginger and EJ. Instead, he'd arrived sullen and defensive. He never should have stopped to help with the car accident. The simple gesture had triggered an anxiety attack, calling up all his doubts about his ability to remain in law enforcement. What if one of the men had been armed? What if they'd come to blows? Would he have had the courage and strength to handle the situation? Or would he have cowered from the danger and run away? The idea sickened him. The worst part was, no one could understand his struggle.

“Ty. Are you all right?”

He jerked around. The concern in Ginger's dark gaze touched him. “Fine. Just needed some air, that's all.” He forced a small smile. “Are you feeling overwhelmed? Our family has grown suddenly. Lots more people. More noise.”

“I loved every minute of it. Your family is wonderful.”

He nodded. They were wonderful, but he didn't need the well-meaning hugs and words from family right now. He needed space and time to sort out his life.

Ginger moved to his side, laying her small hand on his arm. “If you'd like to leave, we can. I'll tell them Elliot is tired and needs to get to sleep or something.”

Her consideration warmed him. He thought back to what she'd told him about her husband. She was probably the only person he knew who might really understand some of what he was dealing with. He had an overwhelming urge to tell her his deepest secrets. “You wouldn't mind? We haven't had dessert yet.”

“We'll take some home with us.”

A stiff, damp breeze blew across the porch. Ty glanced at the rapidly darkening sky. “I think I have a more logical excuse.” He turned and took her arm, leading her back inside. When they reached the kitchen, Ty announced that they were leaving because of the bad storm forecast for the evening. No one questioned his decision.

After making their goodbyes and collecting enough cake to last two days, they made their escape. They rode in silence through downtown Dover, the skies growing more ugly by the moment. Ty could sense Ginger's curious gaze watching him, trying to figure out what was bothering him. She broke the silence as they crossed the railroad tracks.

“I like your family.”

“I'm glad. They're pretty great.” He eased the car to a stop at the traffic light. “They liked you, too.” He'd been pleased at how easily she'd fit in.

“Laura invited me to her wedding. If I'm still here, that is.”

Ty exhaled a sigh and shook his head. “Yeah.”

“You don't approve? Adam obviously loves your sister.”

“I suppose. He seems decent enough.” He rubbed his forehead. “So much has changed since I was home last. My brother remarried, my sister is engaged to a guy who's buying the family business and taking over and my parents are retiring and thinking about moving away. It's a lot to adjust to.”

“You were looking for the old familiar dynamic, and it's not there anymore.”

Ty stole a quick glance at her. She'd put into words the emotions he hadn't been able to identify. “Yeah, I guess.” Inwardly he flinched at his tone. He sounded like a pouty child.

“Your mother offered to let Elliot and me stay at the house.”

“I'm not surprised. She loves taking care of people. What did you tell her?”

“Thank you, but no thank you.”

“Really? Why?”

“I love your parents' home. It's what I've always longed for, but I like the quiet at the cabin. I'd like to stay there.”

For some reason her words filled him with warmth. “My mom offered me the same deal. She said I could come home and stay in my old room.”

Ginger laughed lightly. “It would be more comfortable than that little shack you stay in.”

“Maybe, but I turned her down. I like the atmosphere at the lake. Always have.”

A mischievous twinkle lit Ginger's eyes. “I won't tell if you won't.”

“Deal.”

* * *

Ginger stood at the large windows at the front of the cabin. The skies had opened up, sending drenching rain and slanting winds across the lake, and buffeting the raised cabin. She shivered and turned back to the kitchen, where Ty and EJ—she was growing fond of that nickname—were inspecting a row of toy cars.

A sudden fierce clap of thunder pulled a sharp squeal from her throat. Ty spun around to look at her. “You okay?”

“Yes. It's a really bad storm. They just issued a tornado watch. But it's winter.”

“Yeah, I saw that. It's on the far side of the lake moving northeast. We're on the southern edge here, so we should be fine. Tornados aren't common this time of year, but they do happen. We'll keep a close eye on it. I've already collected flashlights and some candles. The weather radio has fresh batteries, so you'll be all right. If things get too bad, we'll go back to my parents.” He looked at her. “Maybe we both should have taken Mom up on her offer.”

She looked at his easy smile, his calm demeanor and the solid mass of him. He gave her a sense of safety. “Ty, if you wouldn't mind, could you stay here with us until the storm passes?”

A slow smiled lifted one corner of his mouth. “Hadn't planned on leaving. I'll stretch out on the couch later. You can lock the bedroom doors.”

She shook her head. “I trust you.” Surprisingly, she did.

The storm continued through the evening with no signs of letting up. Fortunately, they didn't lose power, passing the time with a movie and playing a board game. Later, Ty roughhoused with Elliot, eliciting squeals of delight. Together, they fixed soup and sandwiches for supper, then served up the cake from his mother's for dessert. Whatever had been bothering him earlier had disappeared.

When Elliot had been sent to bed, Ginger poured a fresh cup of coffee and joined Ty on the sofa. He'd tuned the television to the Weather Network to keep track of the storm, which would last several more hours.

Ginger sipped her coffee, enjoying the warmth of the fire Ty had built. With the storm raging outside, she welcomed the security and protection inside the cabin, but it also made her acutely aware of Ty's very male presence. Knowing Ty would be spending the night with them filled her with conflicting emotions. She welcomed his company as a safety net from the storm, but having him in the cabin all night also made her uncomfortable.

He, on the other hand, seemed very comfortable here. But then, why wouldn't he? It was his home. She was the one who should feel awkward. But she didn't. The little cabin had quickly become her sanctuary, the first place she'd felt safe and secure in a long time. Her thoughts turned to her mother, creating an overwhelming need to hear her voice. On the excuse of wanting to check in on EJ, she rose and started from the room.

“Ginger, see if you can sneak that fish out of EJ's room. I want to have a little fun with him.”

“All right.” Back in her room, she pulled out her cell and dialed her mother.

“Ginger. Are you okay? I'm watching the weather, and it looks really bad over there.”

“We're fine, Mom. The cabin is strong, and we're not alone.”

“Oh? Who's with you?”

The question stumped her. How did she explain Ty? Landlord? Friend? Cop? The man she was strongly attracted to? “The owner is here. He's going to hang around until the storm passes. We'll be fine, Mom.”

“I want you back to me safe and sound, sweetheart. It's been so long, and I've missed you so much. I've prayed for you every day since you left.”

“I know.”

The words lodged in her heart, but instead of delivering the sting it normally did, it brought her a sense of comfort and gratitude. How could her mother pray for a daughter who had turned her back on the values she'd been raised with and the dreams her parents had for her? She thought about EJ and suddenly understood that a mother's love didn't change or fade if the child rebelled. “I love you, Mom. We'll get there as soon as I can, I promise.”

“Ginny, honey, try and let go of the fear. Give the Lord a chance to help you.”

“I'm trying.”

Wiping tears from her eyes, she slipped the phone in her pocket and started back to the living area, but first she quietly opened EJ's door and lifted the fish from the dresser. She handed it to Ty, who had moved the side chairs closer to the roaring fire, his feet propped up on the hearth. “What are you going to do with it?”

He smiled a little-boy smile. “The same thing my uncle Dale did when I used to stay here.” He stood and placed Barney on the island, then he pulled out a box of cereal and sprinkled a handful of flakes at the base of the fish. Next, he took a few cake crumbs from the plate and added them to the mix. Ginger saw what he was doing and giggled.

Ty stood back to admire his handiwork. “Barney has been a naughty little fish.”

“Did your uncle do this all the time?”

He refilled his coffee cup, then returned to the chairs in front of the fire. “Yep. I never knew where Barney would be in the morning. It was always a treat to wake up and see what he'd been up to.”

“EJ will love this. You're good with kids, Ty. You should have some of your own.”

He fingered his cup, staring into the dark liquid. “Yeah, well, that's not on the radar right now. How's your mom?”

“Worried. Missing us, and anxious to meet her grandson.”

“You sure you won't take me up on the offer of a plane ticket?”

“No. But thank you.” She sat down and propped her feet on the hearth beside Ty's. The image created a longing in her heart. How nice it would be to have someone to curl up with each night and discuss the day's events. She'd never had that with John. Her throat tightened. The mixture of emotions stirred up today slammed into her, leaving behind an aching loneliness. She wanted a normal life—someone to hold her, take care of her for a change. “My mom has been praying for me.” The tears threatened. She wasn't sure why she'd told him that.

“That's what moms do.” His deep voice was thick with compassion.

“But I disowned them. I didn't speak to them for nearly ten years.”

“Care to tell me why?”

What would it hurt? “My parents were much older when they had me, so I grew up around adults. I always felt out of step with the kids in my class. I never understood their music or their obsession with boys and clothes and makeup. I hated being different and weird. I wanted to be like everyone else. So when I went to collage I rebelled. I didn't call home, didn't visit. I was free, and I intended to experience everything they'd warned me about.”

“How did that work out?”

She drew her feet up under her. “Not good. I met John. He was in a band on campus. I was studying music, so we hit it off. He was going to be this big success, and I was going to be his manager. Only I had no idea how to do that. The band eventually fell apart, but by then we were married. He managed to get enough gigs to keep food on the table, but when I got pregnant, he agreed to settle down and find a job. Only John wasn't cut out for the nine-to-five life, and I ended up being the provider.”

“What about Elliot?”

“John loved him, but he never knew what to do with him.” She took a sip of her coffee, her tension easing. It felt good to talk to someone about things she'd kept to herself for so long. “After the shooting, John had a hard time adjusting to his situation. He became angry and bitter. We'd managed to buy a little house a few years earlier, but the medical bills kept mounting, and we finally had to sell it. He developed complications, mainly because he refused to do what the doctors told him. After he died, I tried to pay off the bills. I even took a cheap apartment to cut our expenses, but that was a mistake. Some men broke into our apartment one night.”

“Ginger.” Ty shifted in his chair to face her. “Were you hurt?”

She shook her head. “They ran out when they saw us. I guess they thought the apartment was empty. But it was just one more thing to be afraid of. The last straw was losing my job. Finally I swallowed my pride and called my mom. She told me to come home. I sold what was left, paid off the last hospital bill and started for Arizona.” Ginger kept her gaze on the crackling fire. What would Ty think of her pitiful tale? Would he think her a coward or just too weak to face her mistakes? “So now you know the whole story. I just want to get to a safe place. Away from guns and shootings and catastrophes around every corner.”

“So that's why you were so upset to learn I was a cop?”

She nodded. “A gun destroyed my life. Everything changed. Especially John. He turned into someone I didn't know anymore.”

Ty stood, placing one foot on the hearth, his left arm resting on the mantel. “Personality change is common after an accident. When I was a junior in high school, my dad was in a bad car accident. He suffered multiple injuries, several surgeries. He became a totally different person for a while. We didn't understand it. He was angry and short-tempered. Sometimes he'd withdraw and not speak to anyone. It was hard.”

“Elliot didn't understand. He was only five. It frightened him. He became shy and fearful.” She looked over at him. “I appreciate you paying attention to him—treating him like a normal little boy. He's missed that.”

“He's a great kid. I like his enthusiasm. I think he'll...”

An ear-piercing crack exploded outside. Ginger froze. “What was that?”