“But I know how important having a family is to you. You want to be the kind of father that you never had, and you need to find somebody who wants the same things you do.”
“I don’t want anybody else. I want you. Please take the job at the University of Memphis and marry me.” The words had rolled from his mouth like a plea.
She’d shaken her head. “The program at Virginia is one of the best in the country, and I want to teach there.”
He’d grabbed her hands and scooted closer. “This is about more than just the school where you’ll teach. Does it have anything to do with the fact that I’m a policeman?”
She’d tried to pull away from him, but he tightened his grip. “Please, Seth. Don’t make this harder than it already is.”
He’d struggled to think of something to say that would change her mind. “Is this about your father’s death? If it is, you can’t live the rest of your life afraid the same thing is going to happen to someone else you love.”
She’d pulled from his grip and slowly risen to her feet. “I’m sorry, Seth. I’m convinced you could never be happy with me. I’ve made up my mind, and nothing’s going to change it.”
Without another word she’d turned and walked from his house and out of his life. He hadn’t spoken with her again until he’d arrived at the scene of the accident and saw her standing behind the ambulance. Now she was in his house again, and he could hardly believe it. He had to keep reminding himself that he was doing this for Dan. As far as Callie was concerned, he couldn’t wait for her to go back to Virginia.
He shook his head to clear it of thoughts of the past and stepped inside. A sound in the kitchen caught his attention, and he glanced up to see his mother standing in the door at the end of the hall. Her long gray hair was pulled up in a bun at the back of her head, and she wore the comfortable robe he’d given her last Christmas. Her eyebrows were arched, and she darted a quick glance from Seth to Callie.
She frowned and settled her gaze on Seth. “I thought you’d gone to bed after you got home from the hospital. I didn’t hear you go out again.”
“I didn’t want to wake you when I left. I received a call that Dan’s house was on fire. Callie barely escaped with her life.”
His mother’s eyes darkened, and she stepped forward and grasped Callie’s hands in hers. “How awful for you, my dear. Were you burned or hurt anywhere?”
Callie shook her head. “No, I was able to get out by going out the window of my bedroom. But it was a terrifying experience.” She glanced at Seth and cleared her throat. “I’m sure you’re surprised to see me here, but Seth insisted I come home with him. I don’t want to be any bother to you. I’ll check into a hotel later today.”
“You’ll do nothing of the sort. We have an empty bedroom, and you’re welcome to stay here as long as you need.” His mother’s gaze raked Callie, who still wore her gown and robe. “It looks like you’ll need some help with clothes first. I’ll go to the mall as soon as it opens and pick you up a few things until you can get what you want.”
Tears sparkled in Callie’s eyes. “Thank you, Mrs. Dawtry. I wasn’t sure how you’d feel about having me stay. Especially after the last time I was here.”
His mother put her arm around Callie. “That was a long time ago. I just hope your life has turned out the way you wanted.” She gestured toward the kitchen. “I’m an early riser, and I already have a pot of coffee made, if you want some. With the night you’ve had, I imagine you’re worn out. I’ll fix you some breakfast, or I’ll show you to the guest room if you’d like.”