Things had been off between them since she’d suggested they get married, and she wasn’t sure how to heal the breach.
The address on Bay Road wasn’t far from Jesse’s Restaurant. Children played in neatly kept yards, and Paradise admired the architecture of the older cottages. Live oaks draped with Spanish moss stretched their branches in a green arch over the roads, and the neighborhood’s safe, family feel drew her. She could live here.
Blake pulled into the driveway of Wade’s house and shut off the truck. “Jane said he’s married now and has a two-year-old girl. He’s a firefighter.”
Paradise spotted movement in the side yard and saw a young couple with a toddler and a puppy heading toward the swing set. “There they are.”
Blake got out, and Paradise joined him at the hood of his pickup. “Since his wife is with him, maybe you should ask the questions. Our sudden appearance might be less threatening that way.”
She nodded and stepped out in front of him to head toward the little family. Wade had Creed’s light brown hair, though Wade’s wasn’t thinning like Creed’s, and Wade’s smile spread across his face in a way she’d never seen on his brother’s countenance. Creed was always stern and a little creepy, and this young man clearly delighted in the little girl and his wife. She instantly liked him.
His wife noticed them first, and she nudged Wade. The wind blew her long blonde hair, and her blue eyes tracked their approach. Paradise smiled at their little girl, a carbon copy of her mother. The puppy, a fat golden retriever, wiggled its behind and came toward them. Paradise leaned over to pet the soft fur. “Aren’t you cute?” she crooned.
Wade turned. “Hi there, can I help you?”
Paradise straightened and took a step closer to him. “You’re Wade Greene? I’m Paradise Alden and this is Blake Lawson. He owns The Sanctuary, and I’m the vet there.”
“The wildlife park?” His wife’s smile returned. “Tessa loves to go there. She’s crazy about the otters.” The woman wore a gauzy white blouse and a long blue skirt that flowed in ruffles to her ankles.
The little girl beamed when her mother mentioned the otters. “See otters!” She plopped on the grass and threw her arms around her puppy.
“I love the otters too.” Paradise squatted in front of the toddler. “Next time you come, Tessa, I’ll let you see the otter babies that were born recently.” The girl’s blue eyes widened, and she clapped her hands. Paradise stood and turned her attention back to Wade. “I’m sure you’re wondering why we’re here. Mary Steerforth told us you were Dean Steerforth’s best friend.”
He glanced at his wife. “Waswould be the appropriate word.He was dating Elowen, and I intervened when he hit her. We got into a fight, and I broke his nose.” Satisfaction vibrated in his voice.
His wife took a step back. “What do you want to know about Dean?”
“You’re Elowen?” When the woman nodded, Paradise floundered for the questions she needed to ask her. “We’d heard you had dated Dean and had planned to find you. How fortunate you’re both here together.”
Wade folded his arms across his chest. “We don’t see him anymore. He’s a violent jerk that I don’t want around my family.”
Paradise hoped their hostility meant he and Elowen would be more likely to reveal any secrets about Dean they might know. Paradise directed a commiserating look toward Elowen. “I’m sorry you had to endure that. Abuse should never happen. I grew up in foster care and experienced some of my own.” When the blonde’s expression softened, Paradise plunged ahead. “Did Dean ever mention his uncle had left him his property in a will?”
Wade snorted. “Not likely. Dean and Allen didn’t get along. Allen was always pushing Dean to get a decent job, and they got into plenty of battles. Dean shoved his uncle once, and they didn’t speak for several months.”
“Yet they lived together for a while when Allen and Mary were separated,” Paradise said.
“Only because Allen was trying to get him off drugs. Allen’s boy died of a drug overdose, and when Allen found out Dean was shooting meth, he put aside his anger and tried to get him clean. He would have known better than to leave his property to Dean at that time. Allen came home one day and found Dean cooking meth in the kitchen. That was the final straw. Allen told Deanhe couldn’t find another dead boy and packed his things. He and Mary reconciled about then, so he just went home.”
“So you never heard Dean talk about expecting to inherit anything?”
“Mary gave him Allen’s truck when he died, but Dean never mentioned anything else.” Wade glanced down at his wife. “Did he ever say anything to you?”
She bit her lip. “He filed a petition to contest the probate, but it was thrown out.”
“Did you ever see a will?” Paradise asked.
Elowen glanced up at her husband, then bent to pick up their little girl. She didn’t look at Blake or Paradise. “No.”
She’s lying.
And it was something she didn’t want her husband to know. “Thank you for your time. I heard you’re a firefighter, Wade. Thank you for your service to the community. I’m sure you’re very proud of him, Elowen.”
“Oh, I am!” Her expression went soft. “I love how much he cares about other people, and he’s a great husband and dad. We decided before we got married that I would stay home and raise our children. He takes good care of us.”
“Bring Tessa over to The Sanctuary this week when you have time. She’ll love the otter babies.”
Elowen shifted the toddler to her other hip. “I’ll do that one day this week when Wade has to go back to work. Thank you!”
