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The plans had been made. As much as Paxton had hoped that Ed Morton would simply ride off into the horizon and never return, the man had indeed reached out to Sandra Lynn more than once to confirm he was coming Saturday. The one thing that had struck Paxton as incredibly telling, was that most kids loved their parents no matter their flaws. When a parent was a workaholic, or just indifferent, their kids never stopped hoping for precious one-on-one time. They always forgave and always hoped and always expected the next time to be different, better.
Not David. He didn’t react much either way when Sandra finally told him yesterday that his father was coming to visit Tuckers Bluff. The only thing David had asked was if she and Paxton would be there too.
Sandra had been fussing over her son as if he were full grown and heading off to war. She’d straightened his clothes, brushed stray strands of hair off his forehead, gave him an ice cream snack, kissed his forehead, brushed his hair some more and kissed him again. If Paxton didn’t feel the same unease at letting this sweet boy hang out with his idiot of a father, he would have found her behavior amusing.
“Can I have a grilled cheese sandwich?” David sat at the kitchen table. “I’m hungry.”
“Oh sweetie.” Again, Sandra Lynn brushed his hair and kissed his temple. “You’re going to have lunch with Daddy at the café.”
“Do they make grilled cheese?”
Paxton moved to stand beside the young boy and placed his hand on his shoulder. “I’m sure Frank can fix anything you like.”
“Okay.” The boy grinned up at him and Paxton actually wondered how much trouble would they be in if he just took the kid to spend the day anywhere but in Tuckers Bluff.
“I don’t know.” Sandra stood by Paxton’s side, watching her son wash his hands at the kitchen sink. “I wish I could join them.”
“I know, but Grace explained how it’s key you let the man have time with just David so that you’re not in breach of the custody agreement.”
“I still don’t have to like it.”
“No. None of us do, but we’ve got this covered. You’re not alone.”
Her gaze shifted to his and despite the concern oozing from her every movement, her eyes momentarily softened and she smiled at him. “That’s the best thing you could have said to me. I’ve been doing this alone for so long.”
His heart twisted. “No matter what, you can always count on me.” He came within inches of telling her that he loved her, and if she’d let him, would happily take care of her and David for the rest of their lives.
“Thank you.” She blew out a deep sigh. “All right, David. Time to go see your father.”
Without a word, the child hopped off the short step stool and hurried to his mother’s side. “Are we going to ride in your truck?”
“We are.” Paxton smiled at him.
“When I grow up I want a truck too.” David walked out the front door and Paxton prayed that today went better than anyone expected.
It only took a few minutes to drive over to the café. A public location was part of the deal that Ed and Sandra had agreed on. The truck parked, they strolled into the café the same as any other day. The difference this afternoon was a disgruntled customer shouting at one of the waitresses. “Road kill would taste better than this garbage.”
At his side Sandra stiffened, and there was no reason for Paxton to ask who was making a scene.
“Sorry, sir.” The waitress retrieved the plate and opened her mouth for another apology, just as Abbie walked up, smiled at the young girl, and sent her back to the kitchen.
“I apologize if the food wasn’t up to your expectations.” Abbie didn’t bother to smile, she didn’t have to be a mind reader to know that it would be wasted on the irate customer.
“Stupid place doesn’t even serve beer. What kind of restaurant doesn’t serve booze.”
“We don’t.” Abbie didn’t even flinch. “Perhaps you might want to try O’Faredeigh’s. Their food and spirits might be more to your liking.”
“Can’t. Waiting on someone.”
Abbie looked up and her gaze met her husband’s sitting at the counter next to his cousin Grace.
Pushing to her feet, Grace nodded at Declan who’d been standing by the front door. Together the two walked over to Sandra. Grace took David’s hand. “Shall we go see your dad?”
David looked up at Paxton and his heart squeezed. How could Ed be such an asshat.
“It’s okay. Your mom and I will be at another table.”
That seemed to make the boy feel a little better.
