“I just don’t think I can.”
“Ah, then you’re a bigger fool than I thought possible. You sometimes have to take big risks for love. Don’t be a jerk. Tell her how you feel. Think about it.”
Steve turned to his friend. He nodded, but he still wasn’t sure he was strong enough to take the chance.
Gil smiled. “Well, I better go, before my sister comes looking for me. Supposed to be having Christmas dinner with her and the boys. Glad Louie is doing okay.” His friend crossed to the door then turned and glanced back. “Come on, old man. You can do it. Take a chance.” Then he was gone.
* * * * *
Holly went to her office and swiped away the tears. She hadn’t blamed Steve. She understood exactly where he was coming from. She’d destroyed his trust in her when she pushed him away. Now he didn’t want to take a chance on her. One of the qualities she admired about him, his loyalty to his son, was exactly what was going to keep them apart. Steve didn’t trust that she wouldn’t change her mind again. She wasn’t sure she’d trust herself either if she were him.
She sank down in the chair and gave herself a few minutes to pull herself together. She didn’t want Josh to see her looking like this. Cindy had left two messages on her desk from people who had called, checking on Louie. Small towns. Everyone knew about everything. Even a small boy’s dog. She liked that about Comfort Crossing. She was going to miss this town.
She got her emotions under control and stood up to go check on Louie.
“Where’s Josh?” Holly entered the room where they were keeping Louie. Cindy looked up from where she was doing some bookwork at the desk. “Josh went out to join you guys in the waiting room.”
“When?”
“Five minutes or so?”
“Hm. Must have missed him. I’ll go talk to him about Louie.”
Holly hurried back to the waiting room to find Steve alone in the waiting room. “Where’s Josh?”
“I thought he was in the back with Cindy.” Steve looked up at her questioningly.
“Cindy said he came out to the waiting room.”
Steve levered himself out of the chair and stood up. He called down the hall. “Josh? Where are you, bud?”
Steve checked the bathroom while Holly checked the storeroom.
“I can’t find him.” The beginning of panic was clearly etched on Steve’s face.
“Where would he go?” Holly had no clue why Josh would leave and had no idea where he’d go.
“I don’t know. It doesn’t make any sense.”
“I’ll help you look for him.”
Steve glanced at her and for a moment she thought he would turn down her help, but he nodded yes.
Holly went and asked Cindy to stay, but to call if Josh showed up. She grabbed her coat and they headed out the door.
“Where should we start?” Holly followed Steve out the door.
“I need to think. I’m not sure. We can check my office, he knows where I hide the key.”
They walked to his office, but the door was locked and the key still in its hiding place. Steve opened the door and looked around anyway, calling for his son. She could hear the panic firmly entrenched in his voice now.
“We’ll find him.” She touched his arm, willing him strength.
“Why would he run away? I don’t understand.” The pain cracked through Steve’s voice.
His pain tore at her. She was beginning to feel the panic creep up on her too, but she fought it away. She had to remain calm for Steve. It was the least she could do.
Steve stood and looked up and down the street, paralyzed.
“Let’s keep looking. How about the park?”
“Good idea. He used to always hang out by that log cabin playhouse at the edge of the park.” Steve hurried down Main Street with long strides, heading towards the park. Holly had to almost run to keep up with him. They crossed into the park and past the gazebo.
“Josh?” Steve called out his son name. “Josh, answer me. Please.”
“I’m here, Dad.”
Holly heard the small voice and her heart swelled with relief. The boy came out of the log cabin playhouse, tears running down his face.
“Josh!” Steve swept his son up in his arms and held him close. The boy clung to his father and buried his face in Steve’s shoulder.
Hot tears filled Holly’s eyes. Josh was safe. They’d found him. She wanted to rush up and snatch him into her arms and hold him, but Steve had made it clear he wanted no part of her, for him or for Josh. He’d made it clear she was to stay away. She didn’t even blame him. She’d really messed up. Her heart went from joyful pounding at finding the boy, to sinking with the knowledge of all she had ruined.