24

“Good morning, Mr. North. I have your messages for you.”

Aidan scowled at Mrs. Grebbins’s cheery tone. What was she doing here at just past seven? He’d come in early to get some peace and quiet before the craziness of the day began. He stopped at her desk. “Anything urgent?”

“Not really. The fundraising chair called to remind you about the upcoming bake sale. They’d like the home economics class to provide most of the baking. And speaking of the home ec class, Miss Martin called in sick this morning.”

Aidan stopped flipping through the messages. He looked at Mrs. Grebbins and forced his expression to remain neutral. “Did she say what was wrong?”

“Just that she was under the weather.”

“Guess the baking will have to wait until she returns.”

“Oh, and you have someone waiting in your office.”

Visions of Patricia leapt to mind. He’d managed to avoid her, but he knew sooner or later she’d corner him. In his already sour mood, he didn’t have the patience for her manipulations.

“It’s Lindsay Brown. She seemed upset, so I let her wait inside.”

The tension drained from his shoulders. A student he could deal with. “That’s fine. Thank you, Mrs. Grebbins.”

Inside his office, Lindsay sat slumped in his guest chair.

“Good morning, Lindsay. What can I do for you?” Aidan stepped behind his desk and laid his briefcase on the clean surface, hoping Matt hadn’t gotten into any more trouble.

“Mr. North, I need to tell you something. It’s about Miss Martin.”

Aidan’s head snapped up, and he noted Lindsay’s pale face, her freckles standing out on her cheeks. He took his seat, muscles tense. “Is something wrong? I know she called in sick today.”

“She’s not really sick. I promised I wouldn’t say anything, but I’m scared.” Moisture created a sheen in Lindsay’s eyes.

The headache that had brewed at his temples all morning now banged to life. He rubbed a hand across his forehead. “Why are you scared?”

She plucked a loose thread on her jeans. “Miss Martin’s old boyfriend came to see her at the bakery yesterday.” She paused, rocking slightly in her chair. “They argued and he…he hit her. Knocked her across the floor. It was awful.” A tear spilled over and trailed down to her chin.

The words struck like an arrow to Aidan’s heart. It took all his willpower to remain in his seat. He pushed a box of tissues across the desk. “I thought the man had left town.”

Lindsay dabbed her eyes. “Well, he was there yesterday. Matt grabbed a knife from the kitchen and made him leave. I watched from the back, but I didn’t do anything to help her.” She sobbed into the tissue, her shoulders heaving.

“It’s normal to be scared, Lindsay. Especially faced with such violent anger.”

She hiccupped and blew her nose.

“Did anyone call the police?”

“No, Miss Martin wouldn’t let us.” The tissue became a wadded ball in her hand. “I thought maybe you could check on her and make sure she’s OK—in case he comes back again.”

Raw emotion filled him, but he refused to allow it to surface. He wouldn’t upset the girl any further. “Thank you for telling me, Lindsay. I’ll take care of it.”

****

Chloe stirred a bowl of batter in her galley kitchen, venting her frustrations with the whip of her arm. She’d had to call in sick to work. She couldn’t face the kids—or Aidan—with bruises makeup couldn’t conceal. She hoped she’d be able to go back to work tomorrow. The cold packs had already reduced the swelling in her lip and nose.

Alone and restless, Chloe had turned to baking—the one activity which always brought her solace. She’d make some recipes to use for the fundraiser the kids told her would be happening next week.

The stomp of heavy footsteps on the landing made her heart rate gallop. Had Richard come back? But no, he couldn’t have gotten in the front door. A shaky breath escaped her. It had to be Aidan—or Nick. The only other people with a key.

Loud knocks hammered her door. “Chloe, open up. I know you’re not sick.”

Aidan. Maybe if she ignored him, he’d think she was asleep and leave her in peace.

The banging resumed.

“I—I’m not feeling well, Aidan,” she called. “Can’t it wait until tomorrow?”

“No. And you can cut the act. Lindsay told me the whole story.”

The wooden spoon slipped from her hand and landed with a plop on the floor. “Just a minute.” Her hands shook as she wiped the floor. Her mind whirled, searching for a way out. She dried her hands on her apron, and then released her hair clip, arranging it to hide her cheek. She crossed to the door, unlocked the bolt, and opened it with the chain still on. “What are you doing here?”

“I came to see what kind of damage that jerk did.”

“There’s nothing to see.”

She pushed the door closed, but he jammed his foot in the opening.

“Let me in. Or would you rather I get Nick to come over?”

“No.” Bracing for the inevitable, she unhooked the chain, and opened the door. She stood back, saying nothing as Aidan entered.

His dark brows drew together in a scowl. “Let me see.” He brushed the hair away from her cheek.

The warmth of his hand on her face and the familiar scent of his aftershave made her long to bury her face into his shoulder.

“That scum did this to you?”

She stepped out of his grip. “Yes.”

His eyes blazed. “I thought he was gone, or did you lie about that too?”

She absorbed the pain of his sarcasm without flinching. “As far as I know, he did leave. But he came back. With a ring.” She escaped into the sanctuary of her kitchen.

“He proposed? Then assaulted you?” Aidan hovered in the kitchen doorway, his fists clenched.

“He wasn’t too happy when I refused his offer.” She rinsed off the wooden spoon and resumed her stirring.

He crossed his arms over his chest. “Why did you turn him down? Isn’t that what you wanted all along?”

His harsh tone tore at her vulnerable heart. “Not anymore. I don’t want the same things I used to.”

Aidan filled the small space with this formidable presence. “What do you want, Chloe?”

His husky voice brought goose bumps out on her arms.

I want you. She couldn’t very well blurt that out. Instead she offered him her new truth. “I want to live a life in keeping with God’s will. I want a partner who treats me with respect. And I want to make a positive contribution to the community. Live a life that would make my parents proud.” When she risked a glance at Aidan, his expression gave nothing away. She bent to pull baking tins from the cupboard under the sink.

“Why didn’t you charge him with assault?” His tone was accusing, almost callous.

“Because I wanted him to go away. Lindsay and Matt were there, and I was concerned for their safety.”

The stiffness of his shoulders relaxed. “You’re right, the kids didn’t need to be mixed up in that.”

All the shame and guilt rose up. She’d let the depravity of her past taint her life here in her hometown. “I’ll spend the rest of my life trying to make up for the suffering I’ve caused.” Tears blurred her vision as she fought hard to regain her composure.

Aidan came up behind her. Warm hands turned her around, pulling her into his chest. “You made a mistake—granted a big one—but you shouldn’t have to pay for it your whole life.”

Chloe buried her face in the fabric of his jacket, and wept. Encircled in the warmth of his arms, his heart beating a steady rhythm beneath her cheek, she wished she could stay in this haven forever. When the storm of tears subsided, she pulled away from his shoulder.

He handed her a tissue to wipe her face.

“Do you think you might be able to forgive me…one day?” She stared at the floor, not brave enough to see the answer on his face.

A finger touched her chin, forcing her to look up.

Heated emotions swirled in his eyes. “I forgive you, Chloe. I’m just not sure I can ever trust you.”