18

Cocooned on the couch in her apartment, Chloe thanked God again for the safe arrival of little David Nicholas. Despite being early, the baby weighed six pounds and, according to Nick, possessed a well-developed set of lungs. By the time Chloe laid eyes on her new nephew, he’d been sound asleep, a tiny angel in his father’s arms.

Although weak, Lily’s blood pressure had leveled off right after the delivery and she was recovering nicely. A relieved Nick wouldn’t budge from her side for a second. Aidan and Chloe had brought him some food and coffee, and then left the couple alone.

By the time they got back to Rainbow Falls, Chloe had realized she was starving, and Aidan offered to do a food run.

The door to Chloe’s apartment swung open.

Aidan entered with takeout bags from the Chinese restaurant. “Hope you like fried rice and chicken balls.”

“Perfect. Thanks for getting the food. My fridge is unusually bare these days.”

Aidan grinned. “Mine’s not much better.” He set the food on the coffee table, handed her a soda, and took a seat beside her on the couch.

She studied his handsome features as he opened the containers. He had steadied her tonight. She never would have made it through those scary few hours without his calming presence at her side, praying with her. Aidan North was a man she could count on in times of crisis. “Thank you for staying at the hospital with me.”

“There’s nowhere else I would’ve been.”

“Praying together was wonderful. I haven’t felt so close to God in a long time. Even though I have no right to—” She broke off, fearful she’d ruined the moment.

Aidan’s chopsticks stilled. “Everyone has a right to talk to God, Chloe. No matter what.”

“Do you think God forgives everything, Aidan? Even the worst sins?”

“Yes, I do. There’s nothing so terrible that God won’t forgive. Most times we’re the ones who can’t forgive ourselves.”

“You’re right. Every time I think about Richard’s wife and kids, I don’t think I can ever forgive myself.”

A muscle in his jaw ticked. “It wasn’t your fault. The blame lies squarely with that jerk for misleading you.”

Here was the perfect opportunity to tell Aidan the complete truth—that she didn’t break up with Richard right away but continued their illicit liaison for months afterward. But Chloe couldn’t bring herself to risk breaking the close bond they had forged tonight.

Aidan set his container aside and picked up his cellphone. “I’d better call Mike. He left a message earlier.”

She exhaled, ashamed at the relief that swept over her.

“Hey, Mike. Sorry to call so late. We just came from the hospital. Lily and Nick have a son.” He chuckled at Mike’s response. “I know. So any news on Matt?”

Chloe straightened. If I can ask for one more favor, Lord, please let Matt be safe.

“I see. Thanks. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”

She finished her food while he put his phone away. “Well?”

“Mike found Matt near the school. He’d been roughed up a bit, but he’s OK.”

Chloe gasped. “How roughed up?”

“A bloody nose and probably a black eye by tomorrow. But he’s fine. Wouldn’t tell Mike a thing though.”

“Still protecting those gangsters.”

Aidan’s eyes narrowed. “Gangsters?”

“Dylan Moore told me one of them might be in a gang. The ones who vandalized my shop sure seemed like gang members.” She shivered at the memory of the masked men.

“That would explain Matt’s odd behavior. It’ll be almost impossible to get him out of a gang if he’s been initiated.”

“Have you ever spoken with Matt’s mother?”

“No. She’s never returned my calls. Lindsay keeps running interference for her.”

The niggling fear that had bothered Chloe for a while now resurfaced. “What if there’s no mother living there? Or she’s incapacitated in some way?”

Aidan wiped his hands on a napkin. “I’d be forced to call County Social Services and report neglect. They’d probably put Matt into foster care. Maybe Lindsay, as well.”

Chloe’s spirits sank. Having an absentee parent was less than ideal, yet it had to be better than the foster care system.

“I was thinking,” Aidan said, “since Matt is almost finished at the youth center, maybe he could continue his community work at your shop.”

“That’s a great idea.” She stuffed all the garbage into one bag.

“When are you planning to open?”

“I was hoping for the beginning of December, in time for the Christmas rush. Why?”

“Mrs. Merriweather’s injury isn’t healing as well as the doctors hoped.” He raised his gaze to hers. “Which leads me to ask, how long can you continue assisting her?”

“Once the bakery opens, I won’t have time for both. Can you find someone else by then?”

“I guess I’ll have to. You’ve already stayed longer than anticipated.”

“Well, I enjoy it. The kids are great.”

“And all the boys have a crush on the teacher’s aide.” His eyes twinkled. “Can’t say I blame them.” Aidan slid closer on the couch.

Heat from his body hit her in a wave. He raised a hand to brush a strand of hair off her face, creating tingles down her spine in anticipation of his kiss.

But at the last minute, he pulled away and cleared his throat.

Her body balked at the sudden absence of his warmth, adding to the disappointment that flooded her system.

Aidan gave a soft chuckle. “You are much too tempting for your own good, Miss Martin.” He tipped her chin up with one finger. “I’m giving you fair warning that come December, when you’re no longer at the school, I’ll be pulling out the old North charm. You won’t be able to resist.”

“We’ll see about that.” Chloe laughed.

Yet deep down, she knew he was right. She didn’t stand a chance.

****

At the end of class the next morning, Chloe caught Lindsay before she left the kitchen. “How is Matt? Is he badly hurt?”

“He’ll be OK.” The girl didn’t look well herself. All the color had left her face, and dark circles made her eyes seem hollow.

Chloe lowered her voice. ”Lindsay, I have to ask. Is Matt involved in a gang?”

“I-I can’t talk now. I have to meet Dylan.” Lindsay avoided eye contact as she untied her apron.

“Please know you can talk to me about anything. I mean it. I’ll do whatever I can to help.”

Lindsay gave a quick nod, and then ran out the door.

Chloe heaved a sigh. The girl was hiding something big. Chloe could feel it. She had to get Lindsay to open up. Maybe a private setting would help. With that in mind, Chloe waited for Lindsay in the school parking lot after the final bell.

Lindsay and Dylan came out the main doors together, looking anything but happy. They seemed to be arguing as they made their way through the parked vehicles. Dylan’s face wore a dark scowl. Lindsay stood with her arms wrapped around her as if to shield herself.

Chloe moved closer, prepared to jump in if necessary.

Dylan stalked to a sporty-looking car, flung the door open, and jumped in. He started the engine and gunned out of the spot.

Lindsay’s shoulders slumped as he sped away.

Chloe waited a few seconds, and then approached cautiously. “Lindsay? Is everything OK?”

The girl whirled around, tears streaking her pale face. Freckles stood out against the pallor, making her appear much younger than seventeen.

“Did you and Dylan have a fight?”

“Y—yes.”

As much as Chloe had hoped that the two would break up, she hated the misery on Lindsay’s face. “Come on. I’ll drive you home.”

The girl nodded and followed Chloe to her car.

“Do you want to get a soda and talk?” Chloe asked as they pulled out of the lot.

“No, thanks. I just want to go home.”

“Care to tell me what’s wrong?”

“No.” Lindsay stared out the window.

Don’t push it, Chloe. Maybe she’s not ready to open up.

Two blocks from her home, Lindsay stiffened. “Stop the car.” She clasped one hand over her mouth, the other over her stomach.

Chloe pulled into a gas station. Before she could shift into park, Lindsay dashed out of the car. Seconds later, she retched on the grass by the sidewalk.

Concern shot through Chloe. She fished a tissue out of her purse. Gently she held the girl’s hair until she had finished, and then wiped her face.

“Thanks.”

“You’re welcome. Go wait in the car and I’ll get some water.”

When Chloe returned, a bit of color had come back into Lindsay’s cheeks. “Feeling better?” Chloe twisted the lid off the water bottle and handed it to her.

“Yes, thanks.” Lindsay took a long swallow.

“Are you sick, honey?” Chloe held her breath.

Lindsay shook her head. Tears bloomed in her eyes.

“Do you want to tell me what’s going on?” Chloe kept her voice gentle. If ever this girl needed someone, it was now.

Moisture slid down her cheeks. “I think I might be pregnant.”