13

 

“Knock, knock.” A familiar voice called through her screen door.

“Come on in, Paul.”

He walked in with a carton of ice cream. “Heard there was some trouble at the park today.” He held up the carton. “Need a little pick-me-up?”

Knowing a detective on the Wooster City force was sometimes a nice thing.

“Sounds good. Are you here to take my statement?”

He nodded. “We can do that later. How are things here?”

“It’s been a little rough. He’s done the screaming thing a few times, but he’s quiet now. He’s in a fetal position in the middle of his toy circle.”

“Poor guy. And just when he was getting settled in and doing so well. I hope he doesn’t regress too much.” He smiled as he gave her a probing look. “How are you?”

“I don’t mind saying it was scary when I saw the man chasing him, but I’ve calmed down now. I’m not sure the guy meant him any harm.” Maven called back to Moses. “Sweetie, Paul’s here and he’s brought us some ice cream.”

A moment later, little feet pattered down the hall. Moses ran to him and stood quietly in front of him.

Paul squatted down and showed him the container. “Hey, buddy. How about some ice cream?”

Paul was a good father with his own children, she expected nothing less in his interactions with the boy.

Moses climbed up on his stool.

They oohed and ahhed over the ice cream until Moses finally picked up his spoon. He took a bite and smiled his approval at the peanut butter and fudge swirl. After their snack, Moses ran back to his room.

Paul and Maven sat at the kitchen island.

Paul scooped another helping of ice cream in his bowl. “So, what happened?”

“We’re not exactly sure. We were jogging. Moses ran on up ahead. He goes right to the swing set every time so I don’t worry too much about it. As we got closer, we saw a man standing beside him. The man appeared to be talking to him, and then reached for Moses’s arm. Moses ran away from the swings and started screaming.”

“What about the man?”

“I didn’t get a good look at him before he ran. He was just too far away. My theory is that he was just being friendly, but Moses freaked out. You know how Moses is with people and it would be worse with strangers. It probably scared the man so he left. Rather quickly, but I can’t say that I blame him. I might have done the same thing in his shoes.”

Paul nodded, but he looked worried. “That’s true, but he should have known better than to approach a child he didn’t know.”

“Well, it’s my own fault. I shouldn’t have let Moses go running off on his own.”

“That’s what kids do, Maven. Nothing wrong with giving him some independence.”

“I don’t know about that. It didn’t turn out well.”

“You’re too hard on yourself.”

“Well someone needs to be. I need to stop pushing him to change and let him be him. One thing I’ve learned in the past few weeks, teaching is a good thing, but sometimes all a child needs or wants is love and acceptance.”

Paul stared at her. “That is such an awesome statement. Some parents go their whole lives without learning that lesson. You are an amazing woman, Maven.” He winked. “Are you sure you won’t change your mind about that date?”

A warm feeling blossomed. “I don’t want to ruin our friendship.”

“Who says we’ll ruin it?”

In spite of being uncomfortable, she forced herself to continue. “For two good reasons. One, I’m not ready to date again. And two, you are. There are a lot of good wom—”

He held up a hand. “I don’t want a lot of good women. Just one. I’m a patient man, Maven. No reason to rush things.”

She had to make him understand that nothing would happen between them romantically. “And I’m sure she’s out there right now waiting for you to find her.” She smiled, hoping to ease the situation. “And there’s always Lizzie.”

He grinned back. “Yep, there’s always Lizzie.”