He made one quick phone call before talking to Cal.
Cal came back in the office when Steve called out the window.
“You checked out like you said. I’m sure you have your reasons for lying low. That’s fine with me. None of my business as long as it doesn’t affect your job.” Steve handed Cal a slip of paper. “Here’s my cell phone number, and the pay rate. I think it’s a fair wage for the area.”
Cal glanced and the paper and nodded. “Thank you. I appreciate you giving me a chance.”
“Another thing. My neighbor, Mrs. Baker, watches Josh for me most days during the week. I called her cell, and she’s willing to watch Scotty, too. She’s a very reasonably priced sitter, and said it would be nice for Josh to have a friend to play with.”
Steve could see the relief in Cal’s eyes.
“I can’t thank you enough for the job and the help with finding someone to watch Scotty.” Cal crossed the room and shook Steve’s hand. “You’ve done so much for me, for us. I won’t let you down.”
“I hope not because it looks like our sons have become fast friends.”
A look of… something… flashed through Cal’s eyes. The man was probably overwhelmed with things falling into place. Steve knew how hard it was to raise a boy by yourself. If he could make things a bit easier on Cal and Scotty, then it was the right thing to do.
Steve wrote the address of his house and handed it to Cal. “Tell you what. I’ll meet you at my house tomorrow about noon. I’ll introduce you to Mrs. Baker, she should be back from church by then. You can start work on Monday.”
“Thank you. I’ll see you tomorrow, then.”
Steve settled down at his desk to do some of the never-ending paperwork for his company. He looked up later when the door opened and sunlight came streaming inside on the old wooden floorboards. Someone stood in the doorway, blocking the light.
“Holly.” He came from behind the desk and wrapped his arms around her. She stood on tiptoe and kissed him.
“I missed you. I had a break in my schedule and thought I’d pop in and see you. Are we still on for dinner tonight?”
“We are. Josh already has the table set up all fancy. He wants to pick flowers from the garden, too.”
Holly’s face crinkled into a warm smile. “He sure is getting into this fancy dinner thing.”
“He is. Says it’s good to have a woman in the house. The kid cracks me up.”
“You know, you two don’t have to go to all this trouble when you invite me over.”
“We’re just so dang happy you moved to town.” Steve nuzzled her neck. “I’m particularly happy to have you here.”
“Hmmm. I’m kinda glad I moved here, too.” She leaned into his embrace.
The back door flew open and Josh burst in. “Hey, Miss Holly. You’re here.”
“I am.”
“Did Dad tell you I already set the table for dinner? You didn’t change your mind did you? You’re still coming?”
“Wouldn’t miss it.”
Josh grinned from ear to ear.
“I better get back to work. Gil Amaud found a stray dog hanging around the Feed and Seed, looking for food. He followed her and found a litter of puppies. Looks like someone abandoned her and the pups. He’s bringing them in to let me check them out.”
“That’s cool. Can I come see them too?”
“It’s up to your father.”
“Can I, Dad? Please? I won’t get in Miss Holly’s way. I promise.”
“Okay, but come straight back here after that. Don’t go getting in the way over there at the vet clinic.”
“I don’t get in the way. I’m a big help when I’m there, aren’t I, Miss Holly?”
“You are. Come on. Let’s see what you can help with until Gil shows up with those pups.”
Steve watched Holly and Josh walk down the street toward the veterinary clinic. Josh skipped around and popped back from side to side around Holly. The boy had more energy than ten people.
Steve smiled then, content with his life. Josh was happy, Holly had moved to Comfort Crossing, and things were working out between them. Good. Better than good. He was nuts about the woman, but knew she needed some time to adjust to all the changes in her life the last few years. But he’d give her time. All the time she needed.
~ * ~
Becky Lee looked up to see that man from yesterday and the little boy—Scotty, wasn’t it?— coming through the door to the cafe for a late lunch. The man still looked a little too closely at her, like he was searching for something.
Or, of course, it could be her imagination.