Rick tapped an impatient rhythm of the porch railing and waited for Cate’s answer. Maddie bounced from foot to foot matching the beat of his fingers. “Can we, please. Pretty please with sugar on it.” His daughter’s plea echoed his silent one.
Though he’d hoped for more alone time with Cate, his daughter had given him a chance to begin his campaign. Building a new friendship was the first step to recovering their old closeness. This time, patience and determination were vital. No more rash moves. He only hoped they could rebuild what they had once enjoyed. Thoughts of making love with her brought the wish to toss her over his shoulder and carry her off.
“Please, Mom.”
Eagerness shone in their daughter’s green eyes. Those eyes were so like Cate’s but hers were cool and wary. He wanted to kick himself in the ass, an impossible action. The distance in a large part was his fault. How could he change impossible to possible?
One day at a time, an inner voice warned. Though he wanted to kiss Cate until her resistance waned, he couldn’t. In the past that had been his way of ending a quarrel. If he wanted an affair lasting forever, he must avoid the grab.
Cate grasped Maddie’s shoulders. “Though I would like to go to the fair alone, I can’t do that. We can walk together. Upstairs and do what you need to do.” She turned to Rick. “We’ll meet you and Clint in fifteen minutes.” She lifted her bag.
Rick saluted. “On my way.” He hoped the feeling they were a family would infuse them. He strode across the street and joined Cling in unloading the van.
“That went well,” Clint said.
Rick nodded. “I’ll be patient and stubborn.” He lugged his duffel to the bedroom and dumped the contents in a hamper. Then he joined his foster father and crossed the street.
Maddie ran onto the porch. Cate followed. She carried one of the canvas bags she had used at the grocery store. “Maddie, do not run off.”
Their daughter halted and clasped Rick’s hand. “Did you know there are games to play and prizes to win? Mom said there’re arts and crafts to see and buy. She said I could only buy one thing.”
Was she trying a new con? “One is good.”
She giggled. “Thank you. Now I can have two.” She turned to Clint.
He shook his head. “You’re not pulling me into your game.”
“Rats.”
Cate joined them. “At least one of us has good sense. She’ll point to something and then change her mind before you have a chance to make the purchase.”
The older man chuckled. “Maybe I’ll win a prize.”
Maddie turned in circles. “I should have brought my camera but I don’t have any film left.” She turned to her mother. “Could you buy me a digital or one of these phones that take pictures?”
“Put that on your Christmas list.”
Clint stepped to Cate’s side. “There’s a camera shop in town. I’ll take Maddie there one day. She can maker her Christmas list a mile long.”
“Hers usually are. She starts the list on December 26th.”
They reached the center of town where the street had been blocked to traffic. Tables under awnings lined the main street leading to the town park where a large tent stood. People strolled from booth to booth, gathered in clusters and pointed to various objects. Voices from the young and old became a steady sound.
Maddie ran from booth to booth examining the displays of toys, jewelry, notions and food. Cate purchased jams, honey and some baked goods. Clint tried a dart game and won a small red bear to present to Maddie.
Rick laughed and watched his daughter discover some item at nearly every booth that she “just loved.” He lagged behind and purchased every loved item. He ended with a canvas bag with the hospital’s logo on the front to hold all his purchases.
Cate pulled Maddie aside. “You know the rule.” She glared at Rick.
“I know but choosing one is hard.” She moved to another table.
Rick halted beside Cate. “What’s wrong?”
“Why are you buying everything Maddie said she loves? One item is the rule. Today, she’ll have two, plus the bear Clint won, not a dozen.”
Though the temperature hovered around ninety, the frost in her voice made him wish for a sweater. “Maybe I’m making up for the time I wasn’t around.”
“That was your choice.”
“I know.”
“You can’t let her believe all she has to do is point and you’ll buy. I haven’t raised her to be a spoiled brat.”
The snippy tone of her voice made him wonder why she’d allowed him to join them. Then he saw pain in her green eyes. Would she ever forget the past and allow them to move forward? Cate had a keen memory. She recalled everything. He wondered if she would ever forgive him.
By the time they’d visited every booth along the three block stretch of Main Street, Maddie had selected a present from her mother. Rick’s bag was stuffed. He knew his frequent purchases upset Cate but he couldn’t stop. He had so much to make up for to his daughter and her mother.
Maddie pointed to the huge clock on the front of the town hall. “That says seven. I’m starved. Can we eat?”
Cate nodded. “Good idea.” She pointed to the row of restaurants across the street. “What do you want?”
“Two chili dogs and fries.”
“What about a salad?”
Maddie wrinkled her nose. “Do I have to?”
“Yes.” Rick and Cate spoke at the same time.
“How about coleslaw?” Clint asked.
Maddie grinned at the older man. “Yes.”
“I’ll stand in line for the food,” Rick said. “You and your mom find a spot in the tent. I understand the space is cool.”
“I’ll bring the drinks,” Clint said.
“Root beer,” Maddie said.
“Iced coffee,” Cate said.
“Make that two coffees with lots of ice,” Rick added.
He watched his daughter and her mother enter the tent. Cate had taken his bag of Maddie’s treasures. He joined the line at the Hot Doggery and groaned. The string of people stretched nearly a half block. Amazingly the line moved faster than he believed possible. He carried the bag into the huge tent and spotted Cate and Maddie.
Four large glasses sat on the table. Clint looked up. “Hope you like sugar and cream in your iced coffee.”
“Natch.” Rick unloaded the bag and passed out the hot dogs. He placed a huge container of chili cheese fries in the center of the group and handed each person small containers of coleslaw. At first they ate without speaking.
When the first rush of hunger abated, Rich lifted a fry thick with chili and cheese. “Where are these fireworks held?”
“At the park near the hospital. The best seats are on the hill. If they’re like the ones I remember, they’ll be amazing. Don’t you remember?”
“I only spent one Labor Day here and we stayed at the lake.” The flash of red on her cheeks made him smile. She remembered. “Do we have to go home for a car?”
“We can walk. We’ll need the exercise after all we ate. I’ll treat us to ice cream or ices.”
Maddie clapped her hands. “Can I have both?”
“We’ll see.”
Once they finished their meal, they cleared the table. Rick carried his bag and walked with Maddie. Cate strolled with Clint. They talked but his daughter’s chatter kept him from hearing what was said. Before long they reached the spot Cate had chosen.
“Up here’s the best place to watch.” She pointed to the flat area at the bottom of the hill. “That’s where they set them off.” He sat on the ground with Maddie between her and Rick. Clint settled on his other side.
“What about the ice cream you promised?” Rick asked.
Cate laughed. “Someone will be around.” She stood and waved. “The treats are sold by the Community Center to help defray operating costs.”
Three teens, wheeling a portable freezer, approached. Cate let the others select. Her choice was lemon ice. The sultry evening made her feel overheated. She bit her lower lip. Was something else responsible? Though Rick flashed in her thoughts, she refused to walk down that path. She handed the cashier two twenties. “No change.”
“Thanks,” the teens chorused. “Remember not to litter.”
The sky darkened. More people arrived and chose nearby places. Cate talked to her friends and waved to Hal.
Rick stiffened. The tall physical therapist only stayed near them for a few minutes but Rick noticed Cate’s and Maddie’s ease with the man. Would Cate ever be that comfortable with him?
The first boom and the colorful display halted Maddie’s chatter. Brilliant blues, reds, yellows and whites lit the darkness. The loud booms sounded in a steady pattern.
Maddie oohed and aahed. The final barrage of multiple explosions and brilliant colors faded.
Cate rose and pulled her daughter to her feet. “Time to go home. First day of school tomorrow.”
Clint and Rick gathered the trash and tossed their findings in a barrel. As they walked home, Rick’s thoughts filled with hope. They were almost a family. If only… He clamped his mouth into a firm line. Do not rush. Think casual.
When they reached the house, the moment Cate unlocked the door, Maddie dashed inside. Rick held out the bag of Maddie’s had to haves. Cate shook her head. “She’s not accepting all of those tonight. She’ll choose one item and you can take the rest home.” She opened the door.
Rick caught her hand. “Can I tell her good night?”
She shrugged. “She’ll be ten minutes or more getting ready.”
“I don’t mind waiting.” He followed her to the kitchen where she set the jars of honey and jams in the pantry cupboard. The baked goods went into the refrigerator. He took the large box of fudge he’d bought from the bag.”
Cate turned. “Guess everything wasn’t for Maddie.”
“This is mine. Three flavors. My weakness but I will share.”
She shook her head. ‘That’s one hundred percent sugar. I’ve no need for more. Clint really sweetened the iced coffee.”
“He always does.” Rick winked. “If you have a craving for sugar, call.” She could call for any other desire like just storming his body. He wanted her. Once hadn’t been enough.
“I’m ready,” Maddie called.
Rick followed Cate upstairs. He paused in the doorway of his daughter’s room. Cate went to the bedside and kissed the child. “Remember what you have to do tomorrow.”
“Write about what I did wrong.”
Cate kissed her again. “Sleep well. Tomorrow’s a big day. Love you.”
“Love you, too.”
Rick carried the bag of goodies he’d bought at the fair. “Choose one present.”
“The bracelet.” She dipped into the bag. “Thanks.’
He kissed her cheek. “Night.” Though tempted to say he loved her, the time wasn’t right.
With the bag holding the remainder of the gifts, he followed Cate downstairs and onto the porch. Though he’d been tempted to leave the bag, he’d better not make waves. Clint crossed the street. Rick groaned. The older man had stymied his plan to remind Cate of their connection.
Clint dropped two rolls of film in Cate’s hand. “For Maddie. You’ll need to order more when she runs out.” He paused. “You might consider buying her an inexpensive digital model for Christmas.”
“I’ll consider that. Could you recommend one?”
“I will. I’ve just received an offer for a series of photos that will take me away for months. I’m leaving in a few days.”
“We’ll miss you,” Cate said.
“I’ll call and send postcards.” Clint waved and walked down the steps.
Though the temptation to remain grew stronger, Rick reminded himself of his vow. Slow and patient. “I’d better go. Tomorrow will be busy. The new system’s arrived and I’ll be demonstrating for my partners.” He touched Cate’s hand. “Love you.”
She opened her mouth but didn’t speak. Rick saluted and bounded down the steps. As he crossed the street, he felt her staring gaze on his back. Though he hoped she would soon believe his words, he couldn’t allow fantasies to steer his actions. Upstairs, he showered and sprawled on the bed. The day had been difficult but exciting.
The next day at the hospital, after he assisted in a shoulder repair, he demonstrated the computer program for his partners. When they finished, they rode the elevator to the cafeteria for lunch.
The older of his partners sat across from him. “No office hours for you today. Go and play with your new toy.”
Rick laughed. “You’ll soon understand the program isn’t a toy. Jake Rodgers is coming in for pre-op testing. I’ll work with the X-ray tech to take the views we’ll need and program then into the system to use during surgery.’
“You can also set up the rehab schedule for today’s patient,” Larry said.
“Will do.” Rick finished the sandwich and walked to the Recovery Room. After assessing the patient, he strode to X-ray and watched the tech take the views of Mr. Rodger’s knee. When he finished loading them into the computer, he studied the surgical plan. Looked good.
He crossed the street to the Rehab Center and popped into Cate’s office. “Make rounds with me.”
She rose. “Both of your patients are with OT. This way.”
He spent a few minutes with each of the patients. He and Cate walked to the exit. “Would you and Maddie have dinner with me tonight? We’ll celebrate her first day of school.”
“Where?”
“Frank’s Place.”
“What about Clint?”
“I’ll ask him. He’s planning the photo trip along the Appalachian Trail and making copies of the Shadow Lake pictures for everyone.”
“I would like to see him before he leaves.”
“I’ll try.” He strode away.
* * *
As Rick walked away, Cate questioned her acceptance of the invitation to dinner. He could have asked to take Maddie and she could stay at home. Going with them posed a problem. They would look like a family. Their daughter would be pleased.
Hal stood in the hall. “You okay?”
She forced a smile. “Yes.”
He crossed his arms. “He is Maddie’s father. Will he make trouble?”
Cate shook her head. “He’s not asking for joint custody. Just for a place in her life.”
He patted her shoulder. “So give him a chance at being a friend. If he pushes in a direction you don’t want to go, call me. I’ll drag him into a dark alley.”
She laughed. “Brute force won’t be necessary. Let me hit the computer.”
“See you around.” Hal strode away.
After the work day ended, she drove to the Community Center and left the car. Maddie ran down the walk toward her.
“How was your day?” Cate asked.
“Really, really good. The teacher expects a lot more from us than they did at my old school. I met another girl who’s going to be a good friend. Now I have three.”
“Homework?”
“Done.”
“Need me to check anything?”
Maddie giggled. “One of the teens at the Center did.”
“Then you’re free. Your father’s taking us to dinner.”
“Where are we going? To the Hot Doggery? I like it there.”
“A different restaurant. Frank’s Place. He makes an awesome burger.”
“I wrote four paragraphs about what I did wrong at the lake.”
“I’ll read it tonight.” She parked the car in the driveway. They hurried to the house. Upstairs, Cate pulled on slacks and a silk blouse.
Maddie popped into the room. “Jeans okay?”
“Perfect.”
The doorbell rang. Maddie reached the door first. “Where’s Mr. Clint?”
“Packing.”
“I’ll miss him. Will you?”
“Yes and no,” Rick said. “I’m used to him appearing and disappearing. Looks like you’re ready.” He turned to Cate. “We’ll have to use your car. I need to buy a booster seat.”
Cate paused at the driver’s door. “I’m driving.”
He shrugged. “Your choice.”
When they reached Frank’s, Maddie looked around. “How neat. Booth or table?”
“Booth,” Cate and Rick said.
Maddie laughed. “This time you have to make a pinkie wish. Mom, you know how, so show him.”
Cate linked her little finger with his.
“Make a wish,” Maddie said. “Don’t say it out loud.”
Cate closed her eyes. I wish…She couldn’t wish for that. She didn’t trust him.
Before long, they ordered burgers, fries and salad. Cate looked at the dessert display. “They still have those decadent cinnamon rolls. I’m ordering some to take home.”
“So will I. When Clint leaves, there’ll be no one to cook for me.” He turned to Maddie. “How was your day? Tell me everything.”
Cate held laughter inside as Maddie began her story with waking up and getting dressed. He’d asked and their daughter liked to talk.
The stream of chatter continued with a recital of every minute of her first day at the new school. During the time, she managed to eat her entire dinner.
Rick shook his head. “I’m breathless.”
“And you never spoke a word,” Cate said.
Maddie jumped to her feet and studied the case displaying the dessert. “Mom, there’s that pie you like. I’m having chocolate cake. Dad, what do you want?”
“Apple pie with ice cream.”
“Good, I’ll have vanilla with my cake.”
The waitress brought their desserts and two packaged orders of cinnamon rolls. Just as they finished, Rick’s cell phone blared several notes.
He stepped outside. Cate left the tip with the money he’d tossed on the table. She and Maddie followed.
“I’ll be there in fifteen minutes.” He turned to them. "Sorry to cut the evening short. Emergency Department and an accident.”
Cate drove home. As soon as she pulled into the driveway, Rick left the car. “See you.”
Maddie and Cate went inside. The child stopped at the foot of the stairs. “Tonight was nice. We were just like a family.”
Cate swallowed. “We aren’t one.”
How could she explain how the past haunted her? Since the day he’d left all those years ago, she hadn’t been able to trust a man, not even Hal who had become a friend. Once again she prayed for indifference. Since her return and seeing him again, anger had become a constant irritant. She feared an eternity would pass and she would remain mired in resentment.
She had to answer her daughter’s question without expressing bitterness. “I don’t think that will happen.”
“Why not?”
“I wish I could explain but I can’t find the words.”
Maddie patted Cate’s hand. “It’s okay.” She went to the living room and sat on the couch.
Cate remained in the foyer. Tears threatened. She had to find an answer. Finally with her emotions under control, she joined her daughter and tuned in a television program they both enjoyed. When the closing music ended, Maddie dashed upstairs and prepared for bed. Cate kissed her child good night and went down to the porch and the swing. There wouldn’t be many more evenings when she could sit outside.
Rick’s bike roared into his driveway. He waved, pulled off his helmet and dashed across the street. He paused on the top step. “Tonight was fun. I’d like to do dinner again.”
“Once you have a booster seat, you can take Maddie any time unless she had school work.” Cate sighed. Part of her yearned for the same thing but fear and anger prevented the admission.
“I meant the three of us.” With slow steps, he approached.
She felt trapped. Her heart sped. He grasped the back of the swing and hovered too close. “This isn’t a good idea.”
“Cate, we need to face the issues we have.”
She knew he was right and the trapped feeling escalated. Anger rose like a rocket leaving Earth. “I can’t.”
“Why are you holding onto anger and resentment? I think you’re avoiding your feelings.” He brought his mouth to hers in a swift kiss. “Just think of the way you respond.” He turned and walked away.
Cate pressed her fingers against her mouth. Her shoulders slumped. She couldn’t deny how his kisses stirred the embers of love. How long could she fight the attraction? She retreated into the house. Why did she feel the barriers she’d erected had begun to crumble?
* * *
Rich rushed across the street. He’d give Cate some time to consider. He refused to allow her continued resistance to lower his hope of a family with her and Maddie. The evening had held a promise. Maddie’s excited recital of her day had warmed him. Perhaps Cate would think about the closeness they had shared during dinner.
In so many ways she was different from her bitter mother. Cate hadn’t filled her daughter with spiteful remarks about him. Still, like her mother, Cate clung to her hurt.
He strode into the house and vowed to find a way to earn her trust again. He walked to the kitchen. Clint had the computer open. He also sorted through a stack of old photos.
“How did dinner go?” Clint asked.
Rick put the bag containing the cinnamon rolls on the table. “We had a good time. You should have joined up.”
‘When I return from this photo journey for visits, I will.” Clint raised his head. “Why the scowl?”
“She refused to talk about the past or the future.”
“Keep trying.”
“Not much else I can do. I’m in too deep this time.”
“Sit and look at the lake pictures. I’ve made copies for each of the families who were there.”
“What a great idea.”
“You’ll be the one to deliver them.” He winked. “Hope Cate doesn’t mind how often you appear in the ones I’ve burned for her.”
“Sneaky.”
“Just some matchmaking.” Clint selected several photos from the black and white ones he sorted through. “I’m leaving day after tomorrow. You can call if you need a shoulder or to share good news.”
“I’ll do that.” Rick turned the computer so he could see all the shots Clint had taken at Shadow Lake. Forty-five minutes later, he closed the screen. “I’m heading to the basement for some exercise.”
“I’ll clean up here and watch some TV.”
For an hour Rick worked in the basement gym. Bicycling, treadmill and weights. By the time he finished exhaustion made him yawn. He settled on the couch with Clint and watched the end of the game. After a shower, he sprawled on the bed. Frustration over his failure to advance his relationship with Cate followed him into sleep.