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The following week, the judge entered the courtroom as the occupants stood. Tara had never been in a courtroom before and was surprised that the place was so Spartan. She’d expected something like she had seen on TV, where the judge sat at a huge ornate desk at the front of the room, which sported dark wood paneling, tables, chairs and benches. Instead, the small space reminded her of a high school classroom, with its chrome-and-wood chairs and tables.
Tara took a deep breath, hoping to calm her nerves. Kurt had talked to her about his day in court and had reassured her that the judge would see reason in this situation, even though Nick had told her this judge was often sympathetic to DCF. Surely the judge would see the truth.
After further meetings with Nick, Tara understood how her refusal to let the DCF social worker into her home had probably saved her from having Hailey taken from her at that time. The thought of being separated from her daughter for an indefinite amount of time made Tara shudder. But she wouldn’t dwell on something that didn’t happen.
She was grateful God had provided her with a calm sense of purpose during her encounter with the DCF officials. Looking back, she knew her composure was something she hadn’t managed on her own. Most of all, she was thankful for a good attorney. Nick had advised her on how to prepare a note for the school, indicating that Hailey was not to talk to anyone from an outside agency unless Tara was present. That had helped to ease her worry about sending Hailey to school. Tara took a deep breath and prayed God would see her through this, too.
As the court proceedings went forward, Tara listened with trepidation as the DCF lawyer called the social worker who presented testimony about Hailey’s account of the day she had fallen on the playground and ruined her clothes. When the woman described Hailey’s injuries and concluded that the child was afraid to give a truthful statement about what happened, Tara wanted to jump up and tell the woman she was wrong. Instead Tara grasped the arms of her chair and took a deep breath.
Although these people were wrong about their conclusions that Tara abused her child, Tara understood their perspective and their desire to protect children. She prayed the judge would see the fallacy of their judgments.
The testimony of her friends, who talked about Tara’s watchful care of Hailey during her cancer treatments, warmed Tara’s heart. God had provided her a wonderful set of friends in this place so far away from her Montana home. She had a lot of people on her side.
Their steadfast support had her rethinking her plans to go back to Montana. Her grandparents were about the only reason to return to her birthplace. She felt a kinship with the people she had known here for only a few years. The thought of leaving them behind saddened her. But Montana was definitely a less expensive place to live, and she couldn’t rely on the Fitzpatricks forever. She had to strike out on her own.
Tara’s outlook brightened as she continued to listen to the statements her friends gave, especially Caleb’s. When he left the stand, their gazes met. Tara’s pulse quickened when he smiled. Was Caleb’s presence a big part of her reason for reconsidering a move back to Montana?
She couldn’t make a decision based on her attraction to him. Their relationship had come a long way since the day he’d taken her to lunch and grilled her about her employment in his parents’ office. He was always looking out for her and Hailey, but did that translate into something more than friendship? Tara couldn’t hope too much for that. No matter how tempting, living her life to please a man was a mistake she wouldn’t make again.
Once all the testimonies and statement were finished, Tara ventured a look at the judge as he appeared to be looking at something on the desk in front of him. She wished she could read his expression, but it gave no clue to what he was thinking. She twisted her hands in her lap.
Finally the judge looked up and surveyed the courtroom. “I am ready to make my ruling at this time about this matter. After listening to all the witnesses, I have come to the conclusion that there is no support for this claim of abuse against Tara Madsen.” The judge looked her way. “You are free to leave, Ms. Madsen.”
After that statement, the judge banged his gavel, then rose and left the courtroom. In the next few seconds, Tara’s friends surrounded her as they hugged her and expressed their happiness about the judge’s decision. For a moment, she felt as though she were on the outside looking in at her life.
Tears pricked her eyelids as she realized everything was going to be okay. She blinked them back as she covered her mouth with her hands, then clasped them in front of her. “Thank you, everyone. You helped me so much today.”
“We were glad to set the record straight.” Heather gave Tara another hug.
Tara turned to Nick. “I can’t thank you enough for taking my case.”
Nick smiled. “I like to see justice done. That’s why I became a lawyer.”
At just that moment Hailey, who had been waiting outside the courtroom with one of Nick’s aids, rushed through the doors and down the aisle. She launched herself into her mother’s arms. “Mommy, Ms. Sheila told me we’re going to have a party because the judge says you’re the best mommy ever.”
Hunkering down, Tara hugged her little girl with all her might as she fought back more happy tears. She thanked God for this little girl and all of their friends.
Hailey extracted herself from her mother’s embrace. “Let’s go to the party.”
Sheila clapped her hands. “Okay, everyone. You heard Hailey. You’re all invited over to the office for a little party.”
“Won’t that ruin your business day? You’ve already spent part of your morning here.” Tara looked from Sheila to Tom and back again.
“We have no pressing appointments today, and we intend to have a celebration for our receptionist.” Sheila grinned. “You are coming, aren’t you?”
Tara hugged Sheila again. “You’re too good to me.”
“You deserve it.” Sheila motioned Tara out into the aisle that led to the courtroom door. “We’re ready to get the party started.”
“Mommy, let’s hurry.” Hailey grabbed Tara’s hand and started to pull her mother into the aisle.
“Sounds like someone’s eager to get the celebration under way.”
Still holding Hailey’s hand, Tara turned at the sound of Caleb’s voice. Nodding, she swallowed hard as she looked up at him. He’d been a steady rock of reassurance through this whole ordeal. He shouldn’t make her so nervous. She finally managed to find her voice. “Yeah, your parents are really sweet to do this. Hailey’s excited about missing a whole day of school, too.”
Caleb grinned down at Hailey and extended his hand for a high five. “And I’m excited to miss a whole day of work.”
As they walked out to the parking lot, Tara held Hailey’s hand and didn’t look back. Tara wanted to wipe this trouble from her mind and look forward. But the future was almost as scary as the past because the days ahead were an unknown quantity. This latest trouble reminded her that nothing about life was certain, especially with Hailey’s health. She had to have faith that God would continue to give her the help she needed.
When they neared the place where the cars were parked, Hailey dropped Tara’s hand and raced ahead to join Sheila and Tom.
“It appears that my parents have made your daughter their honorary grandchild.” Caleb stepped up beside her and gave her a knowing look that morphed into a grin. “I think that makes me her honorary uncle.”
Tara gave him a sideways glance and wondered where this was leading. “And just what does being an honorary uncle entail?”
“I think it entails making sure she has a puppy.”
“I hope you haven’t said this to her.” Tara pressed her lips together as she eyed him.
“I haven’t said a word, and I know you said she couldn’t have a dog, but—”
“And that’s what I meant. Please understand.”
“I do.” He put an arm around her shoulders as he slowed his pace.
“Then please don’t press the issue.” Tara’s heart raced. She didn’t want to feel this way. Did he have any idea how his touch affected her? To him, it was probably just a brotherly gesture, as an uncle to Hailey, but Tara couldn’t deny her attraction.
He stopped and turned her so she was facing him. “I’m going to get a dog, and I want Hailey to share in that. Is that okay with you?”
Tara looked at him, her heart still racing. “So you’re saying the dog is yours, and Hailey will share how?”
“She can come over anytime to play with the dog. She can take the dog for a walk. Whatever she wants as long as it’s okay with you.” Caleb lifted his eyebrows as he gazed back.
Tara didn’t know how she could object to his plan. “Okay, but stuff with the dog can’t interfere with her homework.”
“Good.” Caleb’s smile spread across his face. “We can make it a rule that she can’t do anything with the dog until her homework’s done.”
“A good incentive not to delay it.”
“I’d like for you and Hailey to help pick one out during the fall festival.” Caleb held out his hand. “Shake on that?”
Tara stared at his extended hand and steeled herself against the reaction she would have when their hands touched. She’d been married, widowed, and dealt with the grave illness of her child, but she didn’t know how to deal with her reaction to this man. She definitely didn’t want to read anything into his attention.
When his large hand closed around hers in a firm handshake, she took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “Don’t let Hailey talk you into a dog you don’t want. After all, it’ll be your dog.”
“We can definitely work together to pick out the perfect pet. You, too.” Caleb grinned as he let go of her hand. “For someone who should be extremely happy, you seem a bit serious. I don’t want this dog thing to ruin your celebration.”
Looking up at him, Tara swallowed hard. What would he do if he knew his presence was the reason for her subdued attitude? “I don’t like to get too excited about anything because I’ve learned that today’s happiness might not last.”
Caleb didn’t say anything for a moment. He just looked at her with sadness in his eyes. “I wish I could make everything better for you.”
Wishing she hadn’t opened her mouth, she lowered her gaze. Now he would think she was a truly negative person. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to undermine your celebratory mood.”
He stepped closer and put an arm around her shoulders again. “You haven’t done that. Besides, it’s your celebration. I just want you to be happy.”
Caleb’s nearness took Tara’s breath away, but she finally managed to speak. “Thank you. Really, I’m happy—happy that all this court stuff is behind me and Hailey’s treatments have gone well. She’s happy, and that’s all that counts.”
“I have to admit that your little girl has captured my heart. I want her to be happy too.” Caleb dropped his arm from her shoulders and shrugged. “That’s why I’m getting a dog.”
“I shouldn’t let you spoil my child, but I won’t stand in your way.” Tara couldn’t keep a smile from escaping as she looked at Caleb. She wished she could capture his heart, too.
The realization that she had let herself care too much for this man scared her. Was she afraid that he would never feel the same, or was she afraid that a new relationship might end in disaster because the course of her life was a true roller-coaster ride?
Every time she hit an emotional high, an emotional low waited in the wings. Caleb said Hailey had captured his heart, but would he stick by her if her health failed again? Tara wished she knew. She wanted a smooth road—or maybe she only wanted someone to help her smooth out the bumps.
***
The forecast for above-average temperatures in the sixties and clear skies boded well for the fall festival. Caleb loaded the back of his SUV with the boxes filled with the Christmas decorations that the church youth had made. As he shoved the last box in, a giggle caught his attention. He turned just in time to see Hailey sprinting toward him.
“Mr. Fitz, I’m ready for the festival.” She waved a cloth bag in the air. “Mommy says I can collect candy at the booths and put it in here.”
“Your mommy is always well prepared.” Caleb smiled as he looked over Hailey’s head to see Tara carrying another box, following close behind her daughter. “Get buckled into your booster, and we’ll be on our way in a minute.”
While Hailey scrambled into the backseat, Caleb took the box from Tara, trying to ignore the way the accidental touching of their hands set his pulse racing. He turned quickly and stowed the box away, then closed the hatch. “Guess we’re ready to go, unless you have to get something else.”
Tara gave him a subdued smile. “Ready.”
“My folks are already in town, helping Kurt and Molly with their booth.” Caleb opened the door for Tara. “We can drive right up to the booth to deliver this stuff as long as we get there before eight o’clock.”
“Thanks.” Tara gazed up at him, then back at Hailey. “She’s so excited about today, but I haven’t said anything about the you-know-what.”
“When would you like to tell her?”
“Is it okay if I play it by ear?”
“Absolutely. It’s your call.”
She smiled again, broader this time. “I appreciate that.”
While Caleb drove into town, Hailey jabbered on about the festival and her big plans. He could hardly wait to let her know about the dog. He hoped she would be as enthusiastic as he was. He and his brother had had a dog when they were kids, but Sparky had been hit by a car. Caleb had never quite recovered from that, and they had never adopted another dog.
Then he wondered when he was going to get up his nerve to ask Tara out. Maybe today. Or maybe not today. Today his priority was looking for the right opportunity. Prayer would have been a good idea, but he hadn’t done that either. He wasn’t sure why. But he knew why he put off asking her. He was afraid she would be as reluctant to go out with him as she was about letting Hailey have a pet.
Caleb cast a look in Tara’s direction. She sat there staring out the window. Did he dare ask what she was thinking? She was always rather quiet, and Hailey was just the opposite. Was the little girl like her father? There was a lot about Tara that he didn’t know. Would that prove to be a problem, like it had with Amy?
He pushed the thought away. If he wanted a relationship with Tara, he was going to have to banish the past from his mind. Easier said than done. It cropped up at the most inconvenient times.
“Mr. Fitz, are we almost there?”
Caleb chuckled at Hailey’s question. “Almost. Count to three hundred, and we’ll be there.”
Hailey started to count, and Tara looked over at him with a smile. “You know you’re going to be in trouble if she gets to three hundred and we aren’t there.”
“I’ve driven this route so many times that I have it down to a science.” Caleb tapped a finger against the steering wheel.
“Sure of yourself, aren’t you?”
“Of course. What did you expect?” He grinned at her.
“Two hundred eighty-eight. Two hundred eighty-nine...”
“Ten seconds.” With raised eyebrows, Tara looked over at him.
“You see where we are?”
Tara nodded. “Yes. We’re on Main Street.”
In a matter of seconds, Caleb parked his vehicle near the booth. He rolled down his window and greeted Kurt and Molly as Hailey scrambled out of the car and ran to join Eric and Emily without a backward glance.
With Tara’s help, Caleb unloaded the boxes. “Have you thought anymore about you-know-what?”
Tara gave him a look that was half frown and half smile. “It hasn’t even been an hour since you asked me that question. Please give it some time.”
“Okay, but I can’t get it off my mind.”
“I’m beginning to think you’re more ecstatic about the prospect of getting a dog than Hailey will ever be.” Tara grinned.
“I don’t know about that. I imagine she’ll be plenty excited.”
“I suppose you’re right.”
“I know I am.” Caleb opened a nearby box. “Do you want one of each item out for display?”
“I do.” She reached into the nearest box and brought out some placards. “These have descriptions and prices. I’ll set these out, and you can place the appropriate item next to them.”
“At your service.” Caleb saluted as he went to work.
After they finished displaying the items they had for sale, Caleb checked with Kurt to see if he needed any help.
Kurt shook his head as he motioned toward the spot where Molly, Tom, and Sheila were working. “I’ve been here since six this morning getting everything ready. Molly was back at the inn cooking, and she arrived about the same time as your parents. Tara’s going to watch the kids while we finish here. So we’re good, but thanks for asking.”
With no other job, Caleb decided to make the most of his freedom. He moseyed over to where Tara stood beside a table that formed the left side of the booth. The early morning sun made her blond hair sparkle like spun gold. Her pretty features held a serious expression as she instructed the children. She wasn’t only pretty, but she had a tender heart.
He stopped and watched, his insides giving him that crazy butterfly feeling. He’d been fighting his reaction to her for weeks. Today he was going to quit fighting and start living. Today was going to be a good day. He would find a way to ask Tara on that date.
Tara motioned toward the row of boxes sitting at the back of the booth. “When someone wants to buy something, you can find the items in these boxes. Each box has a label on it.”
Standing behind the table covered in a blue cloth, Hailey nodded. “Do we put them in bags?”
“If the customer wants one.” Tara pointed to a pile of plastic bags sitting on a box under the table.
“I can hardly wait till we can start.” Hailey gave Emily and Eric each a high five.
Tara laughed. “The event doesn’t start until nine o’clock. So while you’re waiting, you should take a few minutes and grab a bite to eat.”
The kids helped themselves to one of Molly’s muffins. Caleb grabbed one and handed it to Tara. “Eat up. You need your nourishment.”
She laughed. “As delicious as these are, they probably aren’t the healthiest breakfast.”
Caleb took another bite, then studied the muffin. “I don’t care what you say. This is the best muffin I’ve ever tasted.”
“I didn’t say they aren’t delicious, but even Molly admits that there are much more nutritious things to eat for breakfast.” Tara peeled the wrapper off her muffin and took a bite.
Caleb could read the pleasure on her face as she ate. He hoped he’d see that expression when he asked her out. His stomach churned. Surely she wouldn’t turn him down.
Once the festival started, Caleb stayed in the booth with Tara, Hailey, Eric, and Emily until some of the high school kids from the church youth group arrived. After Tara gave them instructions, she took the younger children around to the different booths to play games and collect the goodies folks were giving out.
When lunchtime rolled around, Tara herded the kids back to Molly and Kurt’s booth. Caleb tagged along like a lost pup. He couldn’t get dogs off his mind, but Tara didn’t give him any opportunity to pursue that topic. He didn’t want to force something on her. Even though the dog would be his, he feared his desire to share the pet with Hailey was overstepping his bounds.
Caleb let the troubled thought roil through his mind while he ate in silence. The kids’ chatter gave him an excuse not to talk. They were talking about Ginger. When Hailey lamented about not having a dog of her own, Caleb glanced in Tara’s direction. She gave him a knowing little smile. Was that a good sign?
After they finished eating, Tara gathered up the children’s trash and headed for the nearest garbage container. Caleb followed close behind. Tara dumped the stuff in the can, then turned around. She let out a little gasp when she almost ran into him.
He grinned. “So what do you say? Are you ready to pick out a dog?”
Staring at him, she let out a heavy sigh. “Yes, after I make sure we’re all set with people to take care of our sales station.”
“Good. I’ll wait right here. Bring Hailey with you when you come back.”
Without another word, Tara returned to the booth, and Caleb watched Hailey playing a game of tag with Eric and Emily. Finally, Tara leaned over and said something to Hailey, and her gaze swung to Caleb. Grinning, he waved.
Hailey charged over and stopped in front of him, her blue eyes wide with anticipation. “What’s my surprise?”
“I want you to help me pick out a dog from the shelter.”
Hailey’s eyes grew even bigger. “You’re getting a dog?”
Caleb nodded. “Do you want to help?”
“Yeah.” She jumped up and down, then hugged Caleb.
He laughed and gave Tara an I-told-you-so look. “I think someone’s excited.”
“You don’t have to convince me.”
Caleb looked down at Hailey. “Ready to go?”
Nodding, Hailey grabbed Caleb’s hand and trotted beside him as they made their way down the block to the booth where the local animal shelter had dogs ready for adoption. As they drew nearer, Hailey tugged on his arm, and he quickened his pace.
When they reached the booth, Caleb surveyed the group of dogs—small, large, and in between. Puppies and adult dogs. Caleb favored a puppy, but he wanted to stand back and observe the dogs’ reactions to Hailey and her reaction to the animals.
“Are you interested in adopting one of our dogs?” A lady stepped out from the booth. “Your little girl looks like she’s ready to find one.”
Caleb didn’t know whether to correct the woman or let her statement ride, but he didn’t have time to do either. Hailey made a beeline for a black-and-white puppy with fur sticking out in every direction as the dog chased its tail around in circles.
“I like this one. He’s funny.”
Tara stepped forward. “Hailey, this is going to be Caleb’s dog, not yours. So you let him choose.”
“Tara, it’s okay if she wants to give her opinion. After all, I did tell her that I want her to help me pick out a dog.”
Tara shrugged, “It’s your choice.”
When Caleb turned back to look at Hailey, she had already moved on to another dog, whose fur made him look like a huge black bristle brush. The dog licked her hand, and Hailey smiled up at Caleb. “Maybe I like this one better. Which one do you like, Mr. Fitz?”
“I don’t know. It’s hard to choose. Let’s look at some others.” Caleb wanted to let Hailey choose, but he didn’t want a small furry dog, the kind that seemed to attract Hailey. A little fur ball of a dog didn’t strike him as very manly. He would have to put his wants in second place and consider himself the caretaker for Hailey’s dog.
As Caleb accompanied the little girl around the booth, looking at each dog, Tara hovered in the background, then stepped closer to him. “How are you going to decide?”
“With my gut. Sometimes, you just have to go with your instincts.”
“And what does your instinct tell you?”
Tara’s question caught Caleb off guard. She was talking about picking out a pet, but he couldn’t help thinking about his instincts where she was concerned. He’d made a snap judgment about her, but that had proved wrong. Still, he had a hard time putting the thoughts aside. He teetered on the edge of throwing aside every doubt. Then something like the police showing up at her door brought them all to the surface again.
“Mr. Fitz.” Hailey tugged on his arm. “I got one picked out.”
With a knot in his stomach, Caleb looked down at the little girl. Did he dare look where she was pointing? He forced a smile. “You do?”
“Yeah, it’s the one in the corner of the pen.”
Caleb trudged over to the pen on one side of the booth. His heart sank when he saw four furry pups frolicking in the straw lying on the ground. He forced another smile. He’d asked for this, so he had to accept the outcome. “Show me which one you like the best.”
Hailey stepped closer to the pen and pointed to the far corner. “That tan-and-white one with black spots.”
Caleb’s mood brightened as he observed the pup that reminded him of his childhood pet. The dog’s sleek tan coat gleamed in the sunlight. As if the dog knew it was under observation, it pranced over and looked at Hailey with soulful brown eyes. The pup let out a howl that made Hailey giggle. She held out her hand for the animal to sniff, then petted it until it lay on its back.
“She wants you to rub her tummy.”
“How do you know it’s a girl?” Hailey looked up at him.
Panic clicked in Caleb’s mind as the child’s big blue eyes stared at him with expectation. The birds and bees. Not a topic he was prepared to discuss with a little girl. He swung around to look for Tara. She stood behind him with a twinkle in her eyes and a knowing smile curving her mouth. Was she going to save him or let him stew?
She stepped up beside him. “Need some assistance?”
“Yeah.” He chuckled with relief. “I’d appreciate it if you’d explain about boys and girls.”
“Okay.” Tara hunkered down next to Hailey and quietly talked to her child.
Caleb couldn’t hear the conversation, but Hailey kept nodding as Tara went through the private instructions.
After Tara finished, Hailey pranced over to Caleb. “My mommy’s really smart. She told me how to tell the girl dogs from the boy dogs.”
“Yes, your mommy is very smart.” Caleb glanced at Tara over the top of Hailey’s head. “You’re a lucky girl to have such a good mom.”
“Do you mind having a girl dog?”
Caleb hadn’t thought about whether that mattered. “I don’t.”
“Good.” Hailey patted the pup’s head. “I like her. Do you?”
Caleb reached down and let the dog sniff his hand. Immediately, the little dog pushed her nose under Caleb’s hand. He rubbed and scratched her back, and she rolled over for another belly rub.
“Mr. Fitz, she likes you, too.” Hailey looked up at him with eagerness brimming in her eyes. “Do you want to get her?”
Before Caleb could answer, one of the shelter workers came over. “Did you find a dog you would like to adopt?”
Caleb wasn’t sure how to answer. Hailey liked the little dog. He was drawn to her, too, but was this a good breed for a child? “Maybe. What can you tell me about this pup? Do you think she’ll be good with children?”
“This dog is a beagle, Jack Russell terrier, and pug mix. These breeds are usually good with children, but each dog is different.” The woman scratched the pup’s head. “I will say that this type of dog usually needs lots of attention, which includes walks and playtime. So if you can provide those, this will probably be a good dog for your family.”
There it was again. Family. Caleb smiled at the woman, then at Hailey. “I guess we have a winner.”
“Yippee!” Hailey jumped up and down. “She’s perfect.”
Caleb had expected Hailey to correct the woman about the family thing, but the little girl remained silent. Tara didn’t say a word either. Maybe they figured it was easier not to have to explain. But today seemed like a family day. Caleb couldn’t banish that thought.
He looked at the woman. “What do we need to do now?”
The woman motioned him over to a table at one side of the booth. “There’s a little paperwork that you need to fill out.”
“We’re involved with a festival booth. May I leave the puppy here until I’m ready to go home?” Caleb started to look over the papers.
“Certainly.” The woman smiled at Hailey. “I’ll take good care of your puppy until you come back for her.”
“What are we going to name her?” Hailey knelt down and stroked the puppy from the top of her head to the end of her tail, which wagged with delight.
“That’s something we’ll have to figure out.” Caleb finished reading and signing the papers, then handed them to the woman. “You be thinking of some names.”
“I’m going to think of the best name ever.” Hailey grinned from ear to ear. “I can hardly wait to take her home.”
As Hailey skipped between the two adults, Tara looked down at her daughter. “You’d better remember that this dog is not yours. She belongs to Caleb. He’s just letting you have a part-time stake in taking care of her.”
“I know.” Hailey slowed her pace.
Caleb’s heart wrenched at the sadness in the child’s voice. She desperately wanted a dog of her own. He would do his best to make sure she had as much time as possible with the puppy. This dog would surely further cement his involvement in Hailey’s and Tara’s lives. He wanted that, and he had to grab what he wanted without having second thoughts.
