Trail of Secrets(53)
A door down the hall opened, and a man who looked familiar stepped out into the hallway and walked toward her. He stopped when he drew even with the bench. “Excuse me. Aren’t you Callie Lattimer?”
She looked up into the dark eyes of the man she knew she’d seen somewhere before, but she couldn’t quite place him. “Yes. I’m sorry. Have we met?”
He smiled and nodded. “My name is Brad Austin. I’m one of Seth’s partners. You came with Judge Lattimer to my wedding.”
The memory of a night two years before popped into her head, and she smiled. “Of course, Brad. I’m sorry I didn’t recognize you. I enjoyed that night so much.” She scooted over and pointed to the bench. “Would you like to sit down?”
He looked at his watch, then nodded and settled onto the bench. “What are you doing sitting out here all alone?”
“I’m waiting for Seth. He’s in talking with Abby Dalton right now.”
Brad nodded. “I couldn’t believe it when I saw you out here alone. I’ve been to the hospital several times to check on your uncle, but it’s been when you weren’t there. How is he today?”
She shook her head. “He’s about the same. I just wish he would regain consciousness.”
He glanced toward Abby’s door. “I’ve talked to Seth several times. He’s really been torn up about what happened to your uncle. You know he loves him like a father.”
Callie’s throat tightened, and she swallowed. “I know.”
“Seth and Alex, our other partner, are two of the best friends a guy could ever have. He’s talked to me a lot about how much he missed having a father who loved him when he was growing up. Your uncle has made a real difference in his life. More than being a father figure, he’s also the one who led Seth to his faith in God. That has gotten him through a lot of tough spots in his life.”
“I’m glad to know that.”
“Seth says that Dan talks a lot about how worried he was when you came to live with him that he couldn’t be a good father. He has tried to pass on to Seth what he learned.” Brad smiled. “But I’d have to say Dan did a good job. Look at how successful you are. Dan is really proud of what you’ve accomplished.”
Tears gathered in the corners of her eyes. “Thank you for telling me that. I owe him a lot—and I love him very much.”
Brad took a deep breath. “I need to get back to the office. Tell Seth I’ll see him there later.” He started to rise but hesitated. “But better than that, tell him Laura and I would really like for him to bring you to dinner at our house. Laura’s a nurse at the hospital, and she’s been checking on your uncle, too. She’d mentioned having you over. That’ll give us a chance to get to know each other better.”
“I’d like that, Brad. Thanks for the invitation.”
His smile deepened. “And it’ll also give us a chance to show off our son. He’s the center of our world, and he loves Seth.”
“He does?”
Brad chuckled. “You ought to see Seth with him. If ever a guy was cut out to be a father, he was.” He pushed to his feet. “I’ve got to get out of here. It was good to see you, Callie, and don’t forget about the invitation. I’ll remind Seth, too.”