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It had taken everything in Paxton not to jump up and say a few choice words about Sandra’s ex. This explained so much. Why David didn’t seem to have any age appropriate skills that most boys learn from their dads, why the child never showed signs of missing his dad or wanting to see the man, and why Sandra Lynn too often seemed downright beaten down. Once or twice as she spoke, he’d wanted desperately to ask if the drunk had ever laid a hand on her but decided not to. He truly hoped not, or his brothers might have to strap him down to stop him from seeking the jerk out and tearing him to shreds, limb by limb.
“This was a nice idea.” Still swinging, Sandra stared out at the gazebo in the middle of the park. “The town did a nice job with this park. It has something for both kids and adults alike.”
That he could easily agree with. “They have summer picnics with bands playing in the gazebo. I’ve only been to a couple, but it’s a ton of fun.”
“I can see that.”
“They have face painters, and those clowns who make balloon poodles. The kids love it. I bet David would have a blast.”
“I think you’re right. He laughs a lot more now. I like that.”
“I’m sorry.” It was all Paxton could think to say.
“I was stupid to expect Ed to change.”
He shook his head. “Not stupid, hopeful. After all, you did love the man once.”
“Maybe. I think I was in love with the dream he promised, not so much the man. Though at the time, I didn’t realize it.”
“Dreams are hard to let go of.”
“I suppose, but for the first time in a long time, it looks as though most of mine will come true. A sweet son, a house with a big yard for him and a dog.”
“You want a dog?”
She nodded. “Definitely. Every little boy needs a dog.”
His mind turned over to Gray at the ranch. A good dog like that would be perfect. He’d have to check around if any of Gray’s offspring was having puppies.
“Speaking of which.” Sandra glanced down at her watch. “It’s getting late. Mom is probably getting David ready for bed, but I still should go home to at least kiss him goodnight.”
“Of course.” Without hesitation, he pushed to his feet. Not till he stood did he realize he had not for a single moment let go of Sandra’s hand. He loved the feel of her delicate hand in his, but more so, loved that she had not once tried to pull away from him. Not till they’d reached his truck by the café did he release his hold on her. Closing the passenger door, he quickly circled the hood and climbed into the vehicle.
A short distance from her mother’s, her phone dinged again and that same troubled frown appeared.
“Your ex again?”
She nodded.
“Does he usually reach out multiple times?”
Her head turned from side to side. “No.” Still staring at the phone for another moment, she let the phone drop to her lap and her head fall back against the seat. “He wants to visit with David.”
She’d been here for weeks already and this was the first he’d heard of David’s father actually wanting to see his son. “Has he asked before?”
“No.” She lifted the phone again and stared at the screen. “He didn’t fuss when the judge gave me permission to move out of state. He seemed happy to exchange parental privileges to avoid paying support.”
“He doesn’t pay you?”
Again, her head turned from side to side. “Mom and I discussed it and we agreed that we would be better off raising David on our own than letting Ed disrupt his life in exchange for financial support.”
“But he wants to see him anyway?”
“So much for no interest if it saves him money.” On a deep sigh, she closed her eyes and let her head fall back against the seat. “I guess I’m going to have to pay a visit to Declan.”
“Declan?” What did she need with his cousin, the police chief? Unless, the jerk really had been physical with her.
Turning her head to face him, she blew out another long sigh. “One of the conditions of visitations if Ed decided to see his son was that they had to be supervised.”
