From the way his sister looked, Luke knew he was in trouble

“What’s wrong with you?” Rachel asked without preamble.

“Wrong?”

“Yes, genius. Kealey’s been assigned as caseworker to the kids. Which means she has control over whether you can keep them.” Her tone grew caustic. “Couldn’t you have dipped her hands in acid, or set fire to her shoes to really show your feelings?”

Exasperated, Luke stared at his sister. “She was on the date with me. She knows we didn’t hit it off.”

“If there was the slightest possibility she’d forgotten, it was certainly diplomatic of you to remind Kealey that you can’t stand her.”

“Do you think she’ll hold it against me?”

“You’d better hope not. For the children’s sake.”

Luke glanced toward the living room. In a matter of hours he’d turned his life upside down. And now the fate of three innocent children depended on whether he could change his tone with Kealey Fitzpatrick.

He shook his head, knowing he had a better chance of getting rid of his sisters before they drove him crazy.

Dear Reader,

As a hopeless romantic, I am always drawn to a hero who protects and inspires. Luke Duncan is that kind of hero. Protector of children and animals, he is a man without equal.

Enter stage left, a heroine who no longer believes people with integrity like his exist. Throw in three orphans, a menagerie of pets and strays, and you have Substitute Father.

This book is special to me for many reasons. I hope you will fall in love with the characters as I have, perhaps even reserve a spot in your heart for the pets who love us for who we are, rather than who we wish to be. And, most of all, I hope you enjoy the journey I’m about to take you on.

Sincerely,

Bonnie K. Winn

Substitute Father
Bonnie K. Winn

www.millsandboon.co.uk

Dedicated to my brother, Gary Yedlovsky, a true hero in every possible way.

CONTENTS

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FIVE

CHAPTER SIX

CHAPTER SEVEN

CHAPTER EIGHT

CHAPTER NINE

CHAPTER TEN

CHAPTER ELEVEN

CHAPTER TWELVE

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

EPILOGUE

CHAPTER ONE

Greenville, Texas

LUKE DUNCAN IDLY scanned the metallic streamers that hung over the cash register of the grocery store’s film counter. It looked to him as though the booth contained enough lottery tickets for half the smallish town.

“Feeling lucky?” the clerk asked, following his gaze to the lottery tickets.

Luke glanced at the sacks of groceries resting in his cart. “Actually, I need to pick up my pictures. Name’s Duncan.”

She nodded and turned to a drawer holding the developed film. As she did, he maneuvered his cart to the end of the counter to clear a path for the other customers. It was clever of the store’s management to position the film and lottery counter so close to the exit. The location made it easy for patrons who had already paid for their groceries, to pause and purchase a bit of the state-run fantasy.

“Did you say Duncan?” the clerk asked, sifting through the drawer.

He leaned over the counter, trying to read the names on the plump yellow envelopes. “Yes, Luke Duncan. I brought in my film about a week ago. I had two rolls.”

“Here’s one of them,” the clerk announced, placing the packet on the counter.

Eager to look at the photos, Luke opened the envelope, letting the pictures spill out into his hands.

The clerk rummaged a bit more, then spun back around with the other packet in her hand. Her flirtatious smile faded as her brows drew together. “Isn’t that your cart?”

Distracted by the pictures he was viewing, Luke didn’t glance up. “My cart?”

“Look!” She pointed toward the exit.

Belatedly, he saw what she was talking about. “What the…?”

Luke spotted a young boy wheeling his grocery-filled cart out the door. Shock held him still for a moment, then he hollered. “Wait!”

The boy turned for an instant. But instead of slowing down, he began to run, pushing the loaded cart across the lot with remarkable speed.

Luke watched for a few seconds in disbelief, then fumbled with the slippery pictures filling his hands. Dropping the photos on the counter, he barely paused. “Keep an eye on these, will you?”

The clerk, looking equally dumbfounded, nodded.

Luke tore off toward the door, still unable to believe the boy was stealing his groceries. That sort of thing didn’t happen in their midsize Texas town. Greenville was big enough that you didn’t know everyone, but small enough that you could leave a cart of groceries unattended and expect it to be safe. But that same cart of groceries was barreling across the busy street.

Luke sprinted the length of the parking lot, but the light was red when he reached the curb. Fast-moving cars and trucks filled the road since it was shift change at the local machine works factory.

Luke’s feet scarcely remained on the concrete as he waited to cross the street, determined to catch the little thief. But when the light changed and the traffic cleared, the boy wasn’t in sight.

Cursing to himself, Luke thought he’d lost his quarry, but then he caught a glimpse of the cart as it whipped around a corner. Luke bolted across the street, gaining speed as he neared the spot he’d last seen the cart. But when he turned into the alley, it was empty.

Then his eyes narrowed. One screen door in the deserted lane stirred ever so slightly, possibly the result of being slammed shut. Luke approached cautiously. It occurred to him that the boy might not be working alone. Perhaps it was a ruse orchestrated by an adult who wanted bigger pickings than groceries.

His gaze alert, Luke pushed open the door. It was dark inside, but as his eyes adjusted to the dim interior, he could see that it appeared to be an abandoned store. Empty metal racks and cardboard boxes were scattered through the musty space. But there were no signs of an ambush.

Still, Luke didn’t lower his guard as he stepped farther inside. Then he spotted it—the shiny metal of a grocery cart gleaming through the dust motes. Although it was partially pushed behind a curtain, there was no mistaking the distinctive buggy. The kid was clever, but not clever enough. He’d picked the wrong sucker to steal from.

Luke ripped open the curtain. “All right you…” The words died away as Luke stared at the young robber. The terrified boy stared at him defiantly as he shielded two younger children, a boy and a girl. As Luke fumbled for words, the girl burst into tears.

The child who had stolen his cart pulled her closer, but she continued crying.

Luke knelt down, patting her shoulder. “It’s okay now, no need for tears. No one’s going to hurt you.” Then he met the oldest boy’s eyes. “Why don’t you tell me what this is all about?”

For a few moments the boy stood mute, his mouth set in a stubborn line.

Luke, however, didn’t back down.

Finally the boy wavered a fraction. “You didn’t need this stuff.”

Seeing how frightened the children were, Luke kept his tone mild. “That’s not the issue. I want to know why you stole my groceries.”

“They gotta eat!” the boy burst out.

Luke stared at the child, a sickening pit forming in his stomach. “What do you mean?”

“We don’t have no food,” the youngest boy explained.

The pit in Luke’s stomach hardened. “Were you planning to take the groceries home to your parents?”

The oldest boy momentarily looked panicked, then his mouth thinned again, a determined if futile gesture.

The younger boy wasn’t as stoic. “We don’t have no parents.”

For a moment, Luke just looked at the children. “Why don’t you tell me your names?” he urged finally, heartsick at their plight.

“I’m Troy,” the youngest boy offered.

Luke nodded, then smoothed one hand over the girl’s matted hair. “And how about you?”

“Hannah,” she managed to say, her tears beginning to subside.

Luke leveled his gaze on the oldest boy.

Reluctantly the child spoke. “Brian Baker.”

“And I’m Luke Duncan. Where have you been staying?”

Brian’s gaze traveled to a few ragged sacks on the floor.

Luke had to take a deep breath to hide his shock. Luckily the August nights were warm, otherwise the kids could have become seriously ill. Straightening up, he withdrew his cell phone. “I’ll call the police and get you some help.”

“You can’t do that, mister!” Brian hollered, before Luke could dial.

“You can’t!” Hannah echoed, then started sobbing again.

“Whoa!” Luke replied. “I just want to get you some help.”

“They’ll separate us!” Brian shouted. “We can do just fine on our own!”

Luke’s gaze encompassed the bare, dirty space. “I can see that. But if your parents abandoned you—”

“They didn’t!” Brian shouted in reply.

“Mama died!” Troy told him. “She wouldn’t just go off and leave us!”

Even more perturbed, Luke slowly lowered the phone. “When did she die?”

“Couple weeks ago,” Brian answered sullenly. “They were coming to take us away when we left.”

“Maybe the authorities had found relatives who could take you in. That doesn’t mean you’d be separated.”

“They were going to put us in foster homes,” Brian replied. “Separate foster homes. We heard ’em.”

“What about your father?” Luke asked gently.

“He died a long time ago,” Troy told him solemnly. “When I was borned.”

Luke glanced from face to face, seeing pain, terror and worse—a disheartening lack of hope. No doubt they were hungry and tired as well. “Okay, I won’t call the police. For now.”

Brian looked suspicious but relieved.

Luke considered his options and knew he had only one. “You’re all going home with me.”

“We don’t want nothin’ from you,” Brian asserted. “We’ll pay you back for the food.”

“I have a better idea. We’ll take the groceries to my house and cook some supper. Then you can help me figure out how to work my PlayStation.”

Although Troy looked intrigued, Brian was still resistant. “We’re fine here.”

Hannah hiccuped. “I’m hungry.”

Obviously torn, Brian stared first at his younger sister, then at Luke.

Taking charge of the situation, Luke tugged the cart from behind the curtain, turning it toward the door. After shifting the groceries, he picked up Troy and deposited him in the cart. Then he lifted Hannah to rest on his hip. Luke kept his tone mild as he met Brian’s gaze. “You coming with us?”

With no other choice, Brian nodded.

“Where are your things?” Luke asked.

Brian shrugged and again Luke felt his heart constrict. Not even a change of clothes among them. “Traveling light has its advantages.”

Brian nodded, but Luke could see the boy’s throat working, either from gratitude or shame. Casually, Luke draped one arm over Brian’s shoulders. “I’ll need your help to get the younger ones across the street.”

Brian straightened up and nodded, obviously relieved to be assigned some responsibility. Briefly, Luke wondered at the hand of fate that had placed these kids in such a predicament. Then he concentrated on getting them out of the alley.

It didn’t take long to get them into his Bronco. Luke wasn’t certain if it was fatigue or fear that kept the children quiet once inside.

Within a few minutes, Luke drove the short distance from the grocery store, then stopped the SUV in front of his rambling, old Victorian home. The large house looked imposing, but he’d purchased it for a song, doing most of the renovation and restoration work himself. It had proven perfect for both his home and his veterinary practice, which was located in the front of the house.

“You live here?” Troy asked, obviously impressed by the proportions of the house.

Luke unbuckled their seat belts. “Yep. It gets kind of drafty in the winter, but otherwise it’s okay.”

“Okay…” Brian repeated in awe, staring up at the third-floor dormer windows of the attic.

Luke wanted to chuckle at their reaction, but realized the children would think he was laughing at them. Instead, he handed each one a sack of groceries, then shepherded them up the walk.

Once inside, they stared upward at the impressively tall ceilings. Luke remembered a similar feeling when he’d first stepped inside the house. Then it was run-down, in danger of being condemned. But he had seen past the ramshackle condition to the possibilities contained beneath layers of peeling paint, torn wallpaper and threadbare carpet.

“Put the sacks on this table,” Luke instructed, showing them an old drop-leaf hall table that had once belonged to his grandparents.

Although they complied, each one was trying to take in the unusual house.

“Who else lives here?” Brian asked, still gaping.

Just then several dogs started barking ferociously. All three children turned to stare.

“That you, Luke?” Wayne Johnson called out from the clinic portion of the house.

“Yep! Come on out here.”

Curtained French doors swung open. A fortyish man stepped out, wiping his hands on a towel. The volume of the dogs’ barking increased with the opening of the doors. Wayne carefully looked over the trio of children. But he didn’t show more than mild surprise. “Howdy.”

The kids responded with a variety of greetings.

“I don’t suppose you all are here to help me with the critters,” Wayne commented.

Luke smiled, realizing his assistant had accurately assessed the situation. His calm demeanor was helping defuse the tense atmosphere.

“Critters?” Troy asked.

“Yep. Dogs, cats, a raccoon, couple of ducks and even a snake.”

The kids faces reflected varying shades of fascination.

“Snakes are icky,” Hannah announced. But the boys didn’t look as though they agreed.

Relieved to hear her speak without crying, Luke sent his assistant a look of gratitude. “Tell you what, guys. If we can talk Wayne into giving you the grand tour, I’ll start some supper.”

“Be my pleasure,” Wayne told them. “Course I might need a volunteer or two to help with the ornery animals.”

Their eyes grew even rounder as they trailed Wayne into the clinic.

Not bothering with the groceries, Luke strode quickly into the kitchen. In moments he was dialing the phone. His sister, Rachel, a social worker for the county, answered her office phone on the first ring.

Quickly he filled her in on the situation.

“Do you want me to send someone to pick them up?” she asked, concern filling her voice.

He paused. “Actually, Rach, I want to keep them here until you can find their relatives. That shouldn’t take too long. I was hoping you could get me some sort of temporary permission.”

“Why you?”

“They’ve been through so much already. They’re scared to death of being separated. They were tired, hungry. And if you could see their faces…”

Rachel’s own compassion was felt in the sigh that reverberated over the phone line. “Enough said. I’ll see what I can do.”

“Thanks, Rach. Oh, do I need to call the police, let them know the kids are here?”

“No, I’ll take care of that. If they’re telling the truth, there’ll be a record of the mother’s death.”

“Why would kids lie about a thing like that?”

“You forget, I’ve seen more kids in trouble than you have.”

“Granted. But I don’t think these kids had any trouble until their mother passed away.”

“Maybe not.” She hesitated. “Luke, you’ve been bringing home strays, animals and people, since pre-school. Don’t get too attached. This won’t be more than a temporary solution.”

“Yeah, I know. And that’s all I want. You’re bound to turn up some relatives soon. But until then, someone needs to give them a break. Besides, I have a sister in Social Services who can pull a few strings.”

“Actually, I think that’s called a conflict of interest. I can probably get you the temporary permission, but I can also guarantee that if anything more is involved, my supervisor will assign the case to someone else faster than the ink can dry.”

“Do what you can, sis.”

“Don’t I always?” Rachel questioned wryly. “I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.”

After thanking her, Luke retrieved the groceries from the front hall and started cooking. Having been raised with seven brothers and sisters, he’d learned early on how to cook huge meals. While he chopped and diced, Luke called his oldest sister, Mary. Hearing about the orphans’ plight, she offered to bring pajamas and clothes, which was what he had been hoping she’d do. Since she had five children of her own, she had plenty of hand-me-downs.

Soon the aromas coaxed the children back from the clinic to the kitchen. Luke’s dogs, Bentley, a golden retriever, Miles, a border collie mix, and Ginger, an undefinable mix, followed them. His cats, Spencer and Kate, made separate appearances.

It was clear from the children’s ravenous appetites that they’d missed many meals. They’d barely finished eating when his sister Mary and her oldest daughter rang the bell. Apparently, Mary had called his other sister, Ruth, who came by shortly afterward with three of her children.

There was something about a big family that defied quiet.

In typical Duncan fashion, the house vibrated with noise as they opened boxes filled with clothes, blankets, pillows and toys. Not much later, his brother, Peter, arrived in his pickup truck. It was loaded with a set of bunkbeds his children had outgrown along with a twin bed he’d collected from another brother, Matt, who had ridden along to help unload and set up the beds.

The children looked overwhelmed by all the people and attention. Just then the doorbell rang again. It was Rachel, his younger and favorite sister.

She shook her head as they entered the living room, gazing at the confusion. “How’d they find out about the kids?”

“My big mouth,” he admitted. “I was just hoping for pajamas and a change of clothes.”

Rachel didn’t restrain her chuckle. “You know what they’re like. Didn’t you tell them this was just for a few days?”

“Yep. I don’t think anyone was listening, though.” His gaze sharpened. “I hope you’re not here in person because you have bad news.”

She screwed her face in a noncommittal expression.

“Rachel?”

“It’s not exactly bad.”

The doorbell rang yet again.

Luke swore briefly beneath his breath. “What now? Or should I say who now?”

“Luke—” Rachel began.

“In a minute. I’ll get rid of whoever that is and be right back.”

Luke yanked open the door, but his greeting was never uttered.

Kealey Fitzpatrick stood on his front porch, looking as stiff and uncomfortable as she had on their disastrous blind date months earlier. But what was she doing here?

Then it struck him. He turned to stare at Rachel, who had trailed him to the door.

“I tried to explain,” Rachel began.

“Explain?” he growled.

“I told you the case would probably be assigned to someone else.”

Someone else, yes. Kealey Fitzpatrick, no. The woman had the warmth and personality of tumbled marble. Still, he kept his voice low as he turned back to Rachel, so that only his sister could hear. “If this is some sort of convoluted way of trying to fix me up with her again—”

“No, Luke. It was just the luck of the draw. I didn’t have any control over who my supervisor chose.”

He groaned, then turned back to Kealey, reluctantly opening the door wider. “Come in.”

She hesitated, but only for a moment. “I will need to speak to the children.” Glancing past Luke, Kealey met Rachel’s eyes in silent acknowledgment.

“They’re in the living room.” Luke closed the door, then led her inside. He hoped she wouldn’t snatch them away tonight, eager to put them in some cold institution.

Kealey paused as they stepped across the threshold. It seemed noise and movement came from every square inch of the room. Mary and Ruth didn’t skip a beat, continuing to outfit the kids with clothes and accessories. It was something Luke was accustomed to.

But Kealey seemed to pale at all the chaos. She turned to Luke. “Which ones are they?”

Since Brian, Hannah and Troy were surrounded by his nieces and nephews, Luke could understand Kealey’s confusion. “I’ll introduce you.”

He did, and the noise subsided considerably.

Before the children could grow fearful of another stranger, Kealey smiled gently at them. “Hi, I’m Kealey.”

Three small heads bobbed up and down cautiously.

Her smile, warm and reassuring, surfaced and Luke stared at her in amazement. He hadn’t guessed she possessed any warmth. As quickly, it occurred to him that she might have a difficult time keeping her job if it became known that she was cold and uncaring with kids.

Kealey knelt down beside the children. “Can you tell me how you’re feeling?”

“Okay,” Brian answered for the trio, still assessing her.

“We’re going to help Luke with giving them baths,” Mary offered with a tentative smile. “And we’ve brought over pajamas.”

“Fine,” Kealey replied, before turning back to the children. “Then maybe we can talk some more.”

Luke leaned close to Kealey. “Could I speak to you for a moment?” Not waiting for a reply, he cupped her elbow, guiding her out of the room and into the entry hall. “Look. They’ve had a helluva day. Can’t we wait till tomorrow for the third degree?”

Something flickered in her eyes and he wondered if his words had penetrated her icy exterior. Surely they hadn’t offended her, had they?

Then she spoke and he dismissed the notion. “Fine. I’ll be back in the morning.”

He walked her to the door, drawing it open. “I’m sure you will.”

Again that unfathomable expression flickered deep in her eyes and then was gone. She nodded, turning away.

Closing the door, Luke turned around. To his surprise, Rachel stood in the hallway. And everything about her stance promised trouble.

“What’s wrong with you?” she asked without preamble.

“Wrong?”

“Yes, genius. Kealey’s been assigned as caseworker to the kids. Which means she has control over whether you can keep them on a temporary basis, or if she’ll insist on putting them in a state home.” Her tone grew caustic. “Couldn’t you have dipped her hands in acid, or set fire to her shoes to really show your feelings?”

Exasperated, Luke stared at his sister. “She was on the date with me. She knows we didn’t hit it off.”

“Well, by all means, if there was the slightest possibility that she’d forgotten, it was certainly diplomatic of you to remind her that you can’t stand her.”

“Rachel, that’s a bit extreme. What I can’t figure out is why you ever set me up with a cold fish like her. More importantly, why you’d want her for a friend.”

“That’s the point, isn’t it?” she retorted. “You didn’t bother to find out.”

“Granted. But Kealey didn’t want me to get to know her. She was equally relieved to have the date end.”

“That’s not exactly a glowing review of you, either!” Rachel reminded him.

“So it’s not.” Luke hesitated. “Do you think she’ll hold it against me?”

“You’d better hope not. For the children’s sake.”

Luke glanced back toward the living room. In a matter of hours he’d turned his life upside down. And now the fate of three innocent children depended on whether he could change his tone with Kealey Fitzpatrick.

He shook his head, knowing he had a better chance of getting rid of his older sisters before they drove him crazy. And from the increasing noise level in the other room, that, too, would be damn near impossible.

CHAPTER TWO

KEALEY FITZPATRICK hitched up the strap of her shoulder bag. After rechecking her skirt, she made certain her jacket was straight, then smoothed her hair. It was ridiculous to be nervous, she knew. After all, this was just another case, another group of children who would probably be inducted into the foster care system. Then why had she been unable to sleep the previous night, caught up in thoughts of Luke Duncan?

In fact, when their supervisor had assigned her to the case, Kealey had immediately questioned Rachel. Although Rachel denied having anything to do with their supervisor’s decision, Kealey was skeptical. Rachel had always been disappointed that her matchmaking efforts between her brother and Kealey had failed. Somehow she had thought that complete opposites should attract.

But that only happened in the movies. Despite her nerves, Kealey smiled. That was her solitary, secret vice—beautiful, romantic movies, especially those from the black-and-white era. Funny. Color, much like real life, intruded into the fantasy.

Climbing the steps on Luke Duncan’s porch, Kealey adjusted her purse strap yet again and rang the bell. After considerable time had passed, she pushed the button again.

However, when the door was suddenly yanked open with more force than she expected, Kealey nearly toppled backward.

Luke Duncan stared for a moment. Then to her surprise, he rearranged his expression into a more pleasant one. “Morning, Kealey. Won’t you come in?”

Nodding, she stepped inside.

Since he still looked distracted, she managed a small smile. “Is everything all right?”

He shrugged. “Just a little debate about clothes.”

Kealey glanced at his casual jeans and T-shirt in question.

Luke’s expression grew a bit exasperated. Then his face cleared as he managed a faint chuckle. Stepping aside, he revealed Troy who was clad in a striped purple-and-green shirt paired with red-and-yellow plaid pants.

But Kealey didn’t respond as he expected. Instead, her face brightened as she walked up to the youngster. “Looking good, Troy.”

He grinned. “Thanks!”

She smiled as well. “Do you remember me from last night?”

He nodded. “Uh-huh. Are you Luke’s girlfriend?”

Taken aback, she cleared her throat. “I’m with the county Department of Social Services. We make sure children are well cared for.”

Troy shrugged skinny shoulders. “Luke’s taking care of us okay. We don’t need nobody else.”

Her gaze flew to meet Luke’s.

But he didn’t qualify Troy’s comment. “How about some coffee?”

“This is a professional call, not social.”

“Don’t professionals drink coffee?” Luke asked with ease, his lips curling upward.

Kealey felt herself tighten and wished she had the ability to relax, to take life as easily as most other people did. “Well yes, but—”

“Come on into the kitchen.” Luke took her elbow, eliminating her need for a response. “Coffee’s fresh and strong.”

“Did you have trouble getting the children to bed?” she asked, accepting the mug he offered, dragging her gaze from the appeal of his dark, sleep-tossed hair and handsome features.

“Nope. They were so tired they could have slept on rocks. Not that they had to,” he hastened to explain. “As you saw last night, my family brought over some beds.”

Kealey thought of Rachel’s fuzzy family stories, how she’d deliberately ignored them. “That was generous of them.”

“I asked for pajamas and got the complete setup for three. Beds, clothes, toys, you name it, they brought it over. Of course, along with the help comes the advice.” He pinned her with an even stare. “And I’m not really in the market for advice.”

Kealey stiffened. “Despite what you may think, I take my job very seriously—”

“I never doubted it.”

“And as such, I’m responsible for the children’s welfare. That means their care and how it’s administered.”

Luke met her eyes and for a moment she thought he would protest. Instead, he shrugged. “Then you’d better check out what they’re eating for breakfast.”

Momentarily distracted, she glanced around the tidy, if masculine kitchen. While the house didn’t resemble the sleek contemporary interiors of many bachelor pads, it was clear its resident was all male. No fussy curtains draped the large bay window or the long, tall glass panes over the aged copper sink.

Also evident were the clean lines of the mission table that dominated the center of the farm-style kitchen. It, too, was unsoftened by fabric covering. Nonetheless, the room was incredibly inviting. Perhaps it was all the bright sunshine or the spacious dimensions. She glanced away from Luke’s searching gaze. She supposed it might have something to do with the house’s owner.

Hearing the other two children approaching, she glanced toward the doorway. Brian held his younger sister’s hand. Even though it was apparent he took a protective role in regard to his younger siblings, she could see the fear disguised beneath a cultivated layer of bravado. And she was an expert at recognizing that particular fear.

“Hello,” she greeted them. “Do you remember me from last night?”

Brian nodded warily. “Yeah.”

“I’m here to see how you’re doing.”

Both children stared at her suspiciously. Then Luke turned away from the stove, his attention focused on her as well.

“I’m with the Department of Social Services,” she explained.

Dead silence greeted her words. The only betraying action was the flexing of Brian’s hand as he clutched Hannah’s more firmly.

Luke filled the gap. “We’re having scrambled eggs, guys. Everybody take a seat and we’ll start with some milk.”

Although Brian entered the room, his distrustful gaze remained on Kealey. Casually she glanced at the half glass Dutch door at the rear of the kitchen, wondering if the boy was calculating an escape plan. Also wondering how she was going to connect with this one.

“Brian, you take charge of the toast,” Luke told him. “Bread and butter’s on the counter. I’ve made six pieces, we’ll need four more. Hannah, see if you can find some jelly in the fridge.”

Reluctantly the children parted to obey him. Troy was distributing plates and silverware rather unevenly on the table. As he did, Luke handed him one more plate, then placed a platter of bacon in the center of the table, not commenting on the unorthodox place settings. She made a mental note, knowing most adults automatically corrected such oversights, unconsciously chipping away at the child’s self-esteem.

Absently counting the plates, she was surprised to see five. “Are you expecting company?”

“I wasn’t exactly expecting you,” Luke replied.

“Oh, but I’m not here to eat breakfast.”

“You’re here. It’s breakfast time. Don’t fight the inevitable.”

She curled her fingers a bit more tightly around the mug as her discomfort rose. Then she glanced at the children who had stopped what they were doing to stare at her.

Realizing they needed reassurance, she smiled warmly at them. “I usually only have coffee. This will be a treat.”

Luke met her gaze briefly, then turned his attention back to the eggs, spooning the fluffy yellow mounds into a bowl. A moment later he glanced up at Brian. “That toast coming along okay?”

Brian carefully buttered one last piece. “Uh-huh.”

“Then let’s eat.”

Kealey watched their interaction closely. Even for a single night’s stay she had to be certain what type of home the children were in.

It didn’t take long for the kids to assemble at the table. They ate rapidly as though afraid that the food might disappear before they finished. With equal speed they reached for seconds, filling their plates. Knowing their mother had been dead for a while, it stood to reason that the children had gone hungry, that they were afraid of doing so again. Still, Kealey couldn’t prevent her distressed reaction.

But Luke didn’t seem perturbed by their behavior. His even, accepting manner kept the atmosphere light. She wondered if he fully appreciated the desperateness of their situation.

When the children were finally sated, Luke instructed them in clearing the table and helping with the dishes. She had to admit that he was pretty good at handling the kids.

Brian held up the freshly washed frying pan. “Where does this go?”

Luke pointed to a rack on one wall. “Anywhere you can find an empty hook.”

Kealey stacked the dried dishes in a cabinet that was too high for Hannah to reach. Somehow, Luke had managed to include all of them in the task.

He surveyed the kitchen. “Okay, great job, guys. Now, upstairs, brush your teeth.”

The children obeyed without protest.

Once they were alone in the room, Kealey focused again on her morning’s mission. “When I spoke with Rachel yesterday, she mentioned your keeping the children for a few days. However, there’s no need for you to do so. We have adequate foster homes already in the system.”

“They’re comfortable here,” Luke responded easily. “And as of last night I have beds, clothes, toothbrushes…everything they need. And it won’t be for long. You should be able to locate some relatives soon.”

But she didn’t return his nonchalance. “You don’t seem to understand that we have procedures to follow. They’re not stray puppies.”

Something in his eyes hardened. “I’m not suggesting they are. But I talked to Rachel, too. And I’ve put in an official request to keep the children until their relatives are located.”

Kealey felt some of her control evaporating. It wasn’t a feeling she welcomed. “I don’t have that request in my file.”

“I filled out the paperwork last night and Rachel took it with her. She said she’d give it to you this morning.”

“I came here before going into the office.”

He shrugged. “That explains it. I’m sure Rachel will give you the paperwork when she sees you.”

Kealey firmed her shoulders. “I hate to be obstinate, but you seem to be forgetting that I’m the caseworker and it’s up to me to decide where it’s best to place the children. And I’m not convinced that’s with you. You’re a single man. And I believe children are best served in a two-parent family.”

Luke met her eyes, his own gaze probing. “Is this because of our disastrous date?”

Nonplussed, she stared back at him. “Of—of course not!”

“I’d hate to think that you’d take out your resentment on innocent children.”

“Resentment?” Kealey sputtered. “What makes you think I gave our date a second thought?”

“Then why uproot the kids? They’ve lost their mother, been terrified they would be separated. Now they’ve finally slept safely in real beds without their stomachs growling in hunger. I may not have the perfect two-parent home, but it’s a decent one. And I think the kids will be better off with someone they’ve begun to trust. More important, I can guarantee they won’t be split up. Can you?”

Kealey wanted to insist that she could do just that. But she couldn’t. “If I let them stay, and that’s a big if, I’ll need certain assurances.” His eyes again met hers and she fought the squiggle of unease his gaze caused.

“Sounds reasonable.”

“I want to be certain they won’t be left alone while you’re at work.”

“Since my clinic’s in the house that won’t be a problem.”

Kealey frowned. “I don’t believe you can operate on animals and chase kids at the same time.”

He grinned, that appealing smile she hadn’t forgotten. “True. But they’ll be at school a good part of the day, and I have a full-time assistant. Between us, we can keep the kids in line.”

“And if you can’t?”

“If there’s a conflict, I can call in the reinforcements. You forget, I’ve got more relatives than Campbell’s has soups.”

“Still, I will be conducting frequent inspections. Despite your opinion of me, my only concern is the children’s welfare.”

His easy expression faded. “You’re so sure of my opinion?”

She faltered. But only for a moment. Then her professional expression was back in place. “I’ll get back to you after I’ve read your paperwork.”

Luke nodded.

She picked up her briefcase. Starting to turn away, Kealey was surprised when he took her arm.

“When you’re making your final decision, will you remember one thing?”

Cautiously, she nodded.

The deep blue of his eyes darkened to near black. And somewhere deep inside, she felt an irrepressible shiver take hold.

“Just remember, Kealey, that the children want to be here.”

For a moment she couldn’t reply…and she couldn’t move. Snapping herself out of her paralyzed state, Kealey clutched her purse closer. “Fine.” She started to step away, but then realized he was still holding her arm. For a moment she simply stared.

Then he dropped his hand. “Thanks, Kealey.”

Why did his voice have to sound so husky, almost intimate? Swallowing, Kealey nodded stiffly. Then she nearly sprinted to the door. She didn’t even care at that point if he knew she felt the need to escape.

“BUT WHY do we hafta go to school?” Hannah asked for the fourth time.

“Because that’s what kids do,” Luke explained, trying unsuccessfully to smooth her long blond hair into braids. Mary had washed the child’s hair the first night, carefully combing out all the tangles. Looking up, he met Hannah’s eyes in the mirror. “You’ve had a few days to get settled, but you’re not on vacation.”

“We didn’t get to start school ’cause Mama died,” Troy told him in a matter-of-fact voice.

“That’s okay. You haven’t missed too much,” Luke replied.

“Can’t we stay here with you?” Hannah pleaded.

“And give up recess?” Luke asked in a reasonably horrified tone.

Hannah and Troy both giggled.

But Brian wasn’t convinced. “I wanna stay here.”

“Away from your brother and sister?” Luke questioned mildly.

Conflicted, Brian’s brows drew together. “I guess not.”

Luke managed to fasten a rubber band around Hannah’s crooked braids. “We’d better hustle, guys, or we’ll be late.”

Luke had shifted appointments and called on an associate to handle any emergencies so that the entire morning was clear. After collecting lunches, Luke gave them each milk money and then they piled into his SUV. Glancing at their freshly scrubbed faces, he could see the apprehension that new clothes and full stomachs couldn’t abate.

And he understood how they felt. No one enjoyed being the new kid. Brian, Hannah and Troy had attended an elementary school on the other side of town when their mother had been alive. But they had been transported along with their mother to the hospital close to Luke’s home when she’d fallen ill. Which was how they’d come to be at the grocery store in his neighborhood. It was only a few blocks from the hospital they’d run away from after their mother’s death.

Despite their reluctance, Luke was taking the kids to the elementary school assigned in his neighborhood. Since they hadn’t yet started the new school year at least they weren’t being yanked from familiar classes.

Luke was convinced school, even a new one, would be good for them. Not only the benefits of learning, but also the interaction with other children their age, the distraction the entire experience would provide.

After registering the children in the office, Luke accompanied each of them to their classrooms. Brian, as he’d expected, stoically entered his.

Troy was a touch more timid, but he was soon drawn into the kindergarten play area. Although the next day he would begin the afternoon session, the principal had agreed it would be best to let him become accustomed to the new school on the first day his brother and sister were also attending.

Hannah, however, clung to Luke’s hand, not willing to be left alone with the other first graders. And when she looked up at him with her huge, blue eyes his heart melted. With the teacher’s consent, he took one of the short chairs to the small round table and sat next to Hannah. Aware that he looked ridiculous with his long legs jutting out and his tall body scrunched into the miniature chair, Luke winked at Hannah. A tremulous smile hovered on her lips.

The teacher began the session with practicing their printing. To Luke’s relief, Hannah soon became absorbed in the task. It was obvious this was something she truly enjoyed. And when the teacher announced reading time, Hannah’s eyes lit up. As the children broke into designated circles, Luke hung back, allowing her to blend in with the other kids.

After an hour, when Hannah hadn’t even glanced at him, Luke felt he could slip away. But he found it was difficult to leave the school…to leave the kids.

Trying to shake off the feeling, he glanced at the cheerfully decorated halls, remembered the friendliness of the teachers, and continued to worry.

He knew these kids needed a champion. And not to be shuffled into an already overcrowded foster system. But could he be that temporary champion? And if he could, would the system allow it?

Luke glanced at his watch, calculating the number of hours until he could pick up first Brian and Hannah and then Troy. Nearing the office, he considered going inside to make sure they would call him if any of the kids couldn’t cope this first day. To his surprise, Kealey Fitzpatrick was exiting as he approached.

“Kealey? What are you doing here?”

She glanced up, also surprised. “Checking on another case. How about you?”

“I wanted to make sure the kids were settled in before I left. Hannah was pretty apprehensive.”

She frowned. “Aren’t you jumping the gun by enrolling the kids in school?”

“In what way?”

“You haven’t received approval to keep the children, even on a temporary basis.”

“I thought that was pretty much a formality.”

“Based on what?”

He looked into her bluish eyes, feeling his own exasperation rising. “On our discussion. You know they’re in the best place for the time being.” Then he remembered his own resolve to be diplomatic. “And I thought you’d want them in school. It’s a way to ease them back into normality.”

Slowly she nodded. “That’s true.”

He glanced at his watch. “How about getting some coffee? I’ve cleared most of my day and other than shopping for backpacks, I’ll spend most of it waiting to pick up the kids.”

She hesitated.

“No pressure, Kealey. But if we’re going to be working together in the kids’ interest, it wouldn’t hurt to keep it friendly.”

“I do have a few open hours. Rachel felt so guilty about asking for preferential treatment on your behalf that she’s volunteered to take two of my other cases.”

“Good. If we hurry, Carmach’s might have some fresh doughnuts left.”

Unexpectedly, she smiled. “Caffeine and empty calories?”

“Breakfast of champions,” he retorted with a matching smile.

They agreed to walk the two blocks to the doughnut shop. It was a perfect summer day, one that mixed the warmth of the season with the sweet promise of approaching autumn. A light breeze skipped through some newly fallen leaves, shuffling them with the dripping shoots of late-budding trees.

“I love the fall,” Kealey offered. “Even raking leaves. Silly, I suppose.”

“Nothing matches the smell of burning leaves,” Luke mused. “Too bad we’re environmentally correct and have to bag them now.” He was surprised to see an unexpected vulnerability change her expression. But in the next instant it vanished and he wondered if he’d imagined the transformation.

“I haven’t thought about burning leaves in years,” Kealey murmured. “It does seem more memorable than stuffing them in garbage sacks.”

“Funny, the world spins faster in so many ways. But the seasons still change in their own time, un-rushed by frenetic human activity.”

Again she looked pensive. “I suppose they do. I hadn’t thought about it that way.”

“We get so caught up in our schedules, there’s not a lot of time to think beyond the moment.”

“What about you, Luke?” she questioned. “How do you manage to stay apart from the craziness?”

Surprised, he glanced at her. “I don’t always. But my occupation helps. It’s difficult not to stay in the moment when you’re dealing with sick or hurt animals. They have a way of bringing you back to the basics, to what matters.”

She averted her face, staring ahead so as not to meet his gaze. “And what matters to you?”

Luke tried not to let his continuing surprise show. He also wanted to be honest with her. “Probably about the same as everyone else. Family, friends…doing a job that makes a difference.”

Kealey didn’t reply, but her expression dimmed.

“How about you?” he asked, wondering why she continued to look so pensive.

She shrugged. “Like you said, it’s probably the same for most everybody.”

Somehow, he doubted that, but they’d reached Carmach’s. Opening the door for Kealey, he followed her inside, inhaling the aroma of freshly cooked doughnuts. “I hear those empty calories calling.”

“You don’t look as though you indulge very often,” she retorted.

Nor did she. But then he didn’t think of Kealey and indulgences in the same vein. She seemed too stiff and reserved to allow herself to revel in junk food.

So he was surprised when she ordered two gooey doughnuts for herself. He’d expected her to stick to black coffee.

She glanced at him. “You did say you wanted to eat here, didn’t you?”

Luke smiled. “Absolutely.”

Kealey reached for her wallet.

He held up one hand in protest. “My treat.”

“But—”

“I remember, you pay your own way,” he replied, referring to their only date. “But this was my idea. Humor me.”

Looking flustered, she replaced her wallet, then accepted a mug of steaming coffee. Luke carried a tray with their doughnuts and his coffee to the table. Once settled, Kealey dug into her selection.

When she finally looked up, Luke grinned.

Self-consciously, she dabbed at the corners of her mouth. “Am I wearing most of the filling?”

“Nope. Most women pick a meal to death like food’s the enemy. You’re a refreshing change.”

“I suspect that’s a backhanded compliment at best,” Kealey retorted. “But then I’m not like most women.”

“No,” he admitted, realizing it was true. “You aren’t.”

Her eyes narrowed. “I also suspect I’d rather not know exactly what you mean by that.”

“Maybe you’d be surprised.”

She stopped midbite, removing the doughnut and staring at him. “Does the analysis come with the doughnuts?”

He shrugged. “I think you have some preconceived notions about me. And I’m not sure whether they’re specific to me, or just to men in general. Either way, I don’t want them to get in the way when dealing with the kids.”

Something flashed in her eyes, something reminiscent of hurt, but surely he was mistaken.

“I don’t allow my personal feelings to sway my judgment in regard to the children,” she told him quietly.

He leaned forward, seeming to unsettle her with his proximity. “They’re great kids, Kealey. Scared, orphaned and uncertain, for sure. But I’d like to do something about that—I mean until some family member is found.”

She met his gaze, searching. After several seconds had passed, she picked up her napkin, dabbing at the frosting on her lips. “Then I suppose you’d better buy those backpacks.”

For a moment Luke simply stared, wondering if he’d heard correctly. “Does this mean I have temporary custody?”

She sighed. “For a smart man, you’re being a little thick today.”

He felt the grin that split his face. Leaning even closer, he reached forward, grasping her shoulders. “I could kiss you!”

Startled, her eyes widened.

Releasing his grasp, he leaned back. “Sorry. Guess my enthusiasm got the best of me.”

Kealey nodded, but her formal, professional demeanor was firmly back in place. “That’s all right. But you need to understand that this situation is strictly temporary. Either the children’s relatives will be located within a short time or they will be placed in a two-parent home. And that’s something I won’t budge on.”

Meeting her gaze, he realized just how set she was on those conditions. Which meant he had two options. Resign himself to the inevitable, or win Kealey over. He picked up his coffee mug, meeting her gaze with a noncommittal one of his own. Resignation wasn’t part of his makeup. Now, he just had to learn what made Kealey tick. And that talent was one he possessed.

CHAPTER THREE

KEALEY WASN’T CERTAIN how Luke had talked her into going shopping with him. Yet they were standing in front of the display of backpacks, discussing their merits.

“This looks like a good standard style,” Luke mused, pointing to one. “And it’s roomy enough for Brian who’ll probably have more to carry.”

He picked up a navy-colored one. “This comes in both large and small versions. That way no one can disagree over the style. I could get them in different colors so they won’t get mixed up.”

“Hmm,” she responded, her eyes on a girlish, pink model.

“Don’t you agree?”

Kealey held up the one she’d been eyeing. “Well, actually, I think Hannah might prefer something like this. It’s probably closer to the kind the girls carry.”

He studied it. “Do you think she’ll really care?”

Kealey’s throat tightened, remembering how desperately she had wanted to fit in with the other girls when she’d been growing up, how impossible that had been. Her clothes and accessories had screamed outsider as clearly as a label would have.

Luke reached for the pink backpack, then met her gaze. “If you think she’d like this one, we’ll get it. Now, what about Troy?”

Amazed that he’d so willingly accepted her advice, she felt an unexpected warming, a rush of appreciation for a man so tuned in to children.

Together they located a backpack emblazoned with a cartoon-character for the youngest child.

Luke held up the two smaller backpacks. “I have to admit you’re right. The kids will like these much better than the plain variety.” Then he glanced at the sturdy, but unimaginative one he’d selected for the oldest child. “Now, we have to find another for Brian as well.”

She smiled. “Since you were able to deal with the pink, girly model, I don’t think you’ll have too much trouble with one for Brian.”

He winced. “I guess I thought that since I have such a big family this stuff would come naturally. But I see the benefits of the female influence.”

She kept her smile benign. “Luckily, you have lots of sisters.”

He rolled his eyes. “With too many instructions.”

“Even Rachel?”

“She’s not so bad,” he admitted. “Since we’re younger, we both got the brunt of our older sisters’ bossiness so we kind of stuck together.”

Kealey managed a smile, envying his easy sense of family, the solid reassurance that never failed. A few bossy siblings sounded like a blessing. But Luke wouldn’t understand that. “So you and Rachel are allies?”

Smiling, he nodded. “Absolutely. How about you? Do you have a special brother or sister?”

Kealey shook her head at the question, having learned long ago how to reply to such questions without revealing her feelings. At the same time, she knew the conversation was becoming too personal and she needed to put immediate distance between them. And she was fairly certain Luke would be difficult to dissuade. “That’s my pager.”

Distracted, he glanced at her purse. “I didn’t hear anything.”

“It vibrates,” she fibbed. “Looks like you’re finished here and I’ve got to get back to work.”

“But—”

“You’ve made some great choices. I’ll be in touch within a short time.”

“Kealey, you don’t have to—”

“Bye,” she called back, escaping. Glancing back briefly, she saw him standing there staring, his arms filled with backpacks.

It was her own fault, she realized. She shouldn’t have gotten into such a revealing conversation with him. Of course it would lead to questions. And he wouldn’t understand the answers. Worse, despite years of counseling that had supposedly taught her how to deal with her past, she couldn’t bear to share it.

THE FIRE ROARED, not a timid pile of skinny sticks, but huge, dry logs that crackled and warmed. It was one of the advantages of Luke’s old Victorian house. The fireplaces were enormous—immense grand spaces intended to heat the home. Not that it got terribly cold in their part of Texas, but the Victorians hadn’t done anything by halves.

“We built a good fire, huh, Luke?” Brian asked.

“Yep.” He grinned, thinking he would be up late making sure it was out. But the kids had loved building the fire and he hated to spoil their fun.

“We never had a fireplace,” Troy told him.

“Lots of people don’t,” Luke replied. “This house is so old, it was built before central heating.”

“I like your house,” Hannah said softly. “It’s like dress up and make-believe.”

Oh, this child was a charmer, Luke realized. They all were.

The doorbell rang, breaking their quiet circle.

Opening the door, he was surprised to find Kealey. It was the first time he’d seen her since she had vanished so abruptly in the store. “Hello.”

“Luke,” she replied, gripping her purse tightly.

He opened the door wider. “Come on in.”

Leading the way into the living room, he glanced back, noting the apprehension on her face. Grimly he wondered if she had bad news.

But when she entered the room, her face softened. “What a magnificent fire.”

“One of the advantages of an old, drafty house.”

Luke’s dogs greeted her with wet noses and wagging tails. Some of her stiffness evaporated as she petted them, returning their affectionate greetings.

The children spotted Kealey just then, however. While Troy and Hannah remained relaxed, Brian’s smile fled, replaced by wariness.

She glanced at Luke, then back at the children. “Hi! I’m here to see how you’re getting along at the new school.”

“It’s okay,” Brian replied, not surrendering any of his trepidation.

“I like it,” Hannah announced. “I got new crayons to put in my backpack.”

Luke took Kealey’s elbow. “Let’s sit down.”

Since the children were grouped into a semicircle in front of the fire, he and Kealey sat on the couch angled close to them. His cats were splayed out across the top of the cushioned back, regally surveying the visitor.

“So, tell me about your classes and your teachers,” Kealey began.

With a long-suffering expression, Brian answered for them all. “It’s sort of like our old school. But the stuff we’re learning in my class seems kind of different.”

“Has it been difficult for you to catch on?” Kealey asked.

“Nah. Luke’s been helping me.”

Kealey’s gaze flickered toward Luke before veering back to Brian. “How about your teacher? Do you like her?”

“Yeah.”

“What about the other kids in the class?” Kealey prodded.

“They’re okay, too.”

Since it was evident he was going to remain taciturn, Kealey turned to Troy. He was much more forthcoming, chattering about the toys and crafts in kindergarten. As the youngest, he seemed remarkably well-adjusted, obviously trusting his older siblings.

Finally she turned to Hannah. “And how’s the first grade?”

Hannah bit her lip, her already large eyes seeming huge. “I was scared at first.”

Kealey leaned forward. “How about now?”

“Not so much anymore. Luke went to school with me three times.”

Kealey glanced at him in surprise.

He shrugged, looking a bit sheepish. “They kicked me out because I was too big for the chairs.”

Hannah and Troy giggled madly. Even Brian snickered.

Kealey turned back to Hannah. “So now it’s okay?”

The little girl bobbed her head up and down. “Uh-huh. They liked Luke and my backpack.”

Surprise took over Kealey for a moment. “They did?”

“Mine’s prettiest. I love pink.”

Kealey was immensely grateful that she’d insisted on the girlish backpack. It was a little thing to be sure, but she remembered how much the little things had mattered. “I’m glad, Hannah.”

Hannah blinked her cornflower-blue eyes. “Luke says you picked it out.”

Again surprise flitted through her. Most men would have taken credit for the act. “But it was his idea to buy the backpacks.”

Hannah leaned forward, whispering. “He’s nice.”

Kealey couldn’t resist an answering smile. But she couldn’t yet agree with the child. So much was at stake here. Luke might very well be nice, but he wasn’t part of a two-parent family.

“We’re going to make popcorn,” Troy announced.

“You can have some,” Hannah offered. Then she scrunched up her small face, turning to Luke. “Can’t she?”

Luke met Kealey’s eyes, his own inscrutable. “Sure. We have enough popcorn for the whole neighborhood.”

“But the neighborhood’s not coming over,” Hannah protested.

“You’re absolutely right, punkin,” Luke told her. Then he reached over, picking up Hannah and raising her high in the air. “But who knows how much you’re going to eat?”

Hannah’s giggles spilled into the room. Troy, along with a more reluctant Brian, joined in as they paraded to the kitchen, followed by the dogs.

Luke was like the Pied Piper, Kealey realized, trailing more slowly. And the longer the children stayed with him, the more difficult the break would be.

Troy and Hannah collected several bowls, all mismatched, yet somehow perfect for popcorn.

“I’ll grab the popper,” Luke was saying. “Kealey, do you want to help Brian melt the butter?”

She blinked, realizing again that Luke had a way of including everyone. “Sure.”

And within a few moments they located a pan and the butter.

“You turn the heat real low,” Brian told her seriously.

“That’s right. How’d you know?”

He shrugged, a forlorn gesture. “I used to help my mom when she cooked stuff.”

Kealey felt his loneliness as deeply as she had once felt her own. As the oldest, Brian’s loss was keener, more difficult—because he hadn’t allowed himself to be a child, to simply grieve. Instead he continued watching over his siblings, taking on the responsibility of being head of the family. She made a mental note to discuss his case with her supervisor, to see if a therapist might be in order.

Soon, kernels of corn began bursting into white clouds in the popper, each mini explosion scenting the air. And Luke brewed hot cocoa as well.

However, Kealey was surprised when he headed back toward the living room with the refreshments. “Isn’t this kind of messy?” she asked, knowing little ones tended to scatter and spill.

“My entire house is for living,” he replied with a shrug. “Spills and messes included.”

Within a few minutes, the kids were sprawled out on the thick rug that anchored the wide-planked wooden floor. They dug into the overflowing bowls of popcorn and sipped cocoa from steaming stone-ware mugs.

Kealey perched stiffly on the couch, watching.

Luke placed a mug in her hands, then dropped down on the floor beside her, managing to share the rug with the children, yet not making Kealey feel isolated from the cozy group.

However, his proximity made her very aware of his tall, strong frame, the slant of his handsome profile. Kealey had been highly aware of his rugged good looks when they’d first met. Despite that, she was uncomfortable with someone so open, so…

So much what she wanted to be but wasn’t.

Kealey had known from the moment Rachel had insisted on setting up the meeting that it wouldn’t work. But Rachel was one of her rare friends and it had been impossible to refuse.

Luke turned just then, scattering her thoughts. “How’s the cocoa?”

Realizing she hadn’t yet tasted it, she sipped some, surprised at the rich taste. “It’s better than I expected,” she admitted.

“It was one of my grandmother’s specials—all of us learned how to make it. And homemade has its advantages.”

Looking down into his warm, unshifting eyes she had to agree. “I’m sure it does.”

Hannah rose to her knees, balancing one of the bowls of popcorn. “Do you want some?” Her small fingers, slippery with butter, were having trouble hanging on to the large bowl.

As Kealey could have predicted, the bowl slid from Hannah’s hands, tumbling on to the rug, scattering popcorn in every direction.

“Uh-oh!” Hannah exclaimed, her eyes widening. She looked at Luke as though expecting a rebuke.

But his calm demeanor didn’t change. “Won’t take a minute to clean up. I’ll help.” And he did, his big hands scooping up the popcorn far more rapidly than Hannah’s tiny hands could do on their own.

Kealey wondered if his unflappable reaction was for her benefit. It wouldn’t be the first time she’d seen a prospective foster parent fake a performance.

Luke rose when all the spilled popcorn had been picked up. “Come on, Hannah. We’d better wash those hands and get a fresh bowl. This time we won’t fill it quite so full.”

She scampered behind him toward the kitchen.

When Luke and Hannah disappeared from her line of vision, Kealey turned, noticing that the two boys were staring at her.

She smiled, directing her words to both boys. “Do you like staying here with Luke?”

Brian immediately looked wary. “It’s okay.”

Realizing they wouldn’t respond to the usual questions, she changed tactics. “Did you have any pets at home?”

Surprised, Brian stared for a moment. “We had a hamster, but he died. We were gonna get a dog when we moved to a house.”

“You can’t have dogs in an apartment,” Troy explained.

“I know. They need yards,” Kealey replied. “That’s why I don’t have a dog.”

Brian drew his brows together. “Really?”

“That, and I live alone and work long hours. That wouldn’t be fair to a dog.”

“That’s what Mama said,” Troy told her.

Kealey’s heart ached for these children who had so clearly loved their mother. “Then she must have been a very wise woman.”

“She was the best,” Brian replied fiercely.

“I’m sure she was,” Kealey said, knowing it probably was true. Also knowing how vulnerable the children were without a mother’s protection.

“We like Luke’s dogs,” Troy told her, dividing his attention between her and the golden retriever. “Bentley got left without a home just like us.”

“He did?”

“Somebody dumped him out in a field when he was little,” Brian explained. “And he was real sick ’cause he hadn’t had nothing to eat.”

Just like these children, Kealey realized with a pang.

“But he’s all better now,” Troy told her. “Except for one leg that got broke when he got hit by a car.”

“Luke did surgery on him,” Brian offered. “He’s okay except he can’t run a long ways.”

“Bentley probably likes being close to home anyway,” Kealey responded, touched by their story—and even more by the image of a strong Luke rescuing a forgotten puppy.

“That’s how Luke got Spencer and Kate, too,” Troy told her, referring to the cats. “They didn’t have a home neither.”

“And Miles and Ginger,” Brian added.

So many orphans under one roof, Kealey realized. All except Luke himself. Which was why she had run so fast the first time they’d met.

“Fresh bowl of popcorn,” Luke announced as he returned to the room, with Hannah close behind him. “Did I miss anything?”

Kealey shook her head, unwilling to talk about what she and the children had just shared. Luke’s kindness had affected her too much and she didn’t want him to know it. Meeting Luke’s far too beguiling gaze, she realized she couldn’t make that mistake again.

LUKE SWUNG AROUND the rink, gaining speed on his in-line skates as he neared the turn. Brian, Troy and Hannah had eagerly jumped on his idea to go skating. It was something they’d done before losing their mother. And Luke wanted to inject as much normality as possible into their lives.

And he had to admit that he loved skating as well. He often took to the streets on his skates, enjoying the workout, the speed and the exhilaration. But he thought the controlled environment at the rink was safer for the children. No rough spots to cross or potholes to avoid.

Since it was Saturday afternoon, the rink was crowded. Luckily his last appointment had been just after noon. Wayne was still at the clinic, closing up. His assistant had volunteered, knowing the kids needed the excursion. A single man, Wayne was devoted to the animals in his care. He also had a huge soft spot for children.

Keeping an eye on Brian, Hannah and Troy, Luke allowed them some distance to interact with the other kids. It was important for them to make friends, to be drawn into a world other than that of adults. They’d had too many serious responsibilities lately. It was time for some fun.

Luke glanced up, surprised to see Kealey hovering near the rails. He wondered if their fun was about to end. It wasn’t that she was a bad person, she was just so uptight. If he hadn’t been accustomed to being badgered into a multitude of blind dates by Rachel, Luke would not have willingly met Kealey since she was so different from the relaxed, open women he usually dated.

Knowing it couldn’t be avoided, he skated toward Kealey, coming to a tight stop directly in front of her.

Appearing startled, she stepped back.

“Looking for us?” Luke asked, noticing that the slight flush in her cheeks was rather attractive.

She cleared her throat. “Yes. Your assistant told me where to find you.”

Rather than replying, he watched her, noting that doing so made her even more uncomfortable.

“Wh-which made it easy to find you,” she stammered.

He took pity on her. “So, what are you doing working on a fine Saturday afternoon?”

She firmed her shoulders. “Mine isn’t a nine to five, Monday through Friday job.”

“I know,” he replied mildly. “From Rachel.”

She flushed at the reminder and again he wondered what wound her up so tightly. “I need to make my week’s evaluation.”

“Got any more cases after ours?”

Kealey drew her brows together, looking confused. “No. Why?”

“No reason you can’t evaluate and have fun at the same time,” he replied. “Let’s get you some skates.”

“No, really—” she began, obviously flustered.

“Won’t kill you,” he replied. “Not just once. And the kids will love it.”

Obviously torn, she glanced toward the center of the rink where Brian, Hannah and Troy were skating along with all the other kids. “They do look like they’re enjoying it.”

“That’s what Saturdays are for.”

For a moment Kealey looked taken aback as though such a thought would never have occurred to her. Then a small smile formed on her full lips. “I suppose they are.”

Luke continued watching her, wondering why he’d never noticed how appealing her mouth was.

“I won’t intrude on your day,” she continued. “Enjoy your skating. I can do the evaluation on Monday.” With the words she started to turn away.

Uncertain why, Luke reached out to grasp her arm. “Stay.”

It was only one word. One very small word. But it echoed between them.

Kealey glanced down at his hand and it made him exceedingly aware of the flesh he touched, the soft warmth of her.

She looked up, her eyes silky green. They were filled with uncertainty, something he’d never seen in her before. “I don’t know how to skate.”

The admission did something peculiar to his insides. Who was this superprofessional, rigid woman who had never learned to skate? Who seemed embarrassed by the confession.

Disturbed by his concern, Luke reached for her briefcase. “Let’s put this in a locker.”

“But—”

“I can teach you to skate.”

“Really, you don’t need—”

“I don’t need to, Kealey. I want to.”

Again flustered, she allowed him to lead the way first to the lockers and then to rent some skates.

“Let’s sit down over here.” Luke gestured to a bench.

But as they reached it, several kids flopped down, taking most of the space.

“You sit,” Luke told Kealey. “I’ll help adjust your skates.”

Looking self-conscious, she slipped off slim calfskin shoes, revealing well-manicured feet.

He couldn’t stop a small smile when he saw the bright-red nail polish decorating her toes. She quickly pulled on the socks they’d purchased. Still self-conscious, she pushed one foot into the skates.

Luke reached for the bulky straps, smoothing them in place. He repeated the process with the other foot, but he found his hands lingering on her calf. Glancing up, he met her gaze, saw the trepidation in her expression. But it was mixed with something else, something he couldn’t define. Her eyes had darkened, the green gliding into gray. And her mouth was slightly pursed as though in question or perhaps an interest neither of them was yet willing to acknowledge.

Slowly his hands dropped away.

Kealey seemed to hold her breath as she leaned forward slightly.

Unwilling to relinquish her gaze, he stood slowly, reaching again for her hand to help her up, as well. For an elongated moment they stood together not moving, scarcely breathing.

Then one of the kids on the bench jumped up, jostling them, and sent Kealey’s untrained feet flying. Luke drew her close, steadying her.

Her face was just below his and he could see the light sprinkling of freckles on her nose, the moisture on her lips, the sooty brush of her lashes.

Kealey’s mouth opened and he angled his head a bit, wanting suddenly to know the taste of her.

Then she pulled away slightly, her feet again sliding awkwardly, her laughter strained. “I can’t seem to stay upright.”

In an instant he pictured her lounging against him, and with a silent curse, he moved back as well. “It’s just a matter of balance.”

“Oh,” she replied in a small, very small voice.

He cleared his throat. “Let’s get off this cement and onto the rink.”

She shook her head. “I don’t think I’m ready for that yet.”

Despite the effect her proximity had on him, he found himself laughing. “You won’t learn by standing here. And you’ll find it’s harder to stand still than to actually skate.”

Kealey was clearly doubtful. “That’s hard to believe.” She moved her feet a bit and started to topple.

Although she grabbed for the railing, Luke was there first, catching her. “And if you do fall, it hurts less on the wood than on cement.”

“I suppose so,” she replied, still looking skeptical.

He pointed at Hannah and Troy, who skated alongside Brian, all looking like mini professionals. “Don’t tell me you can’t keep up with kindergartners and first graders.”

“Without wheels I can do just fine,” she retorted, her feet slipping as he coaxed her nearer to the wooden floor.

“Just hang on to me. I don’t think you can pull me down.”

For a moment her face took on a satisfied bit of glee. “Don’t count out the possibility.”

“Why, Miss Fitzpatrick, I believe you’re losing your professional demeanor.”

“Think so?” she muttered, her gaze glued to her wildly skittering feet.

He laughed.

For a moment she glared at him. Then humor forced her lips upward, lifting her face into lines of laughter. In the next moment, she was veering to one side, nearly toppling again.

Still laughing, Luke caught her, and again they were face-to-face only inches apart.

Some of the laughter lingered in her eyes, he noted, while inventorying the effect of her nearness. But as he continued to hold her, it faded, replaced by a growing wariness.

“Luke!” Troy called, skidding to a near stop.

Luke glanced fondly at the youngest Baker child. “Having fun?”

Troy bobbed his head up and down, staring at Kealey. “Don’t you know how to skate?”

She colored a bit, then met his gaze. “I’m afraid not.”

“Don’t be ’fraid,” he told her nonchalantly. “I didn’t used to know how to skate neither. But Brian showed me how.” His eyes lit up. “And I could show you.”

Luke met Kealey’s hesitant eyes. “Troy and I could both help you.”

“Sure,” Troy readily agreed.

The youngster put out his hand, and Luke saw the change in her expression. Before he could speculate about it, she clasped Troy’s hand.

Luke took her other hand, feeling her fingers stiffen within his. He leaned close, whispering so only she could hear. “You’d better let me hang on to you. I don’t think Troy can keep you from crashing.”

After a moment, she nodded in acknowledgment, the movement rigid and controlled.

He wanted to tell her to relax, that he was no more a threat than Troy. But the thought dwindled, replaced by a realization of another sort. Perhaps she should be wary.

Shocked by the perception, he didn’t see the skaters slowing down in front of him. Even as he, Kealey and Troy crashed into the line of skaters, Luke couldn’t shake that last thought. And the fact that he couldn’t was more frightening than flying bodies and upended skates.

CHAPTER FOUR

AS THE OLDEST CHILD, Brian had always taken his responsibilities seriously. So when Luke had assigned the children chores, Brian was relieved. He needed to know he had a place in Luke’s house and that he was contributing. His younger siblings didn’t have quite the same need or understanding. However, there was no whining or complaining among them.

But it was Brian who shone under Luke’s tutelage. Soon, he had learned his way around Luke’s surgery and boarding areas. He had a genuine interest in the animals and they sensed it. However, Bentley was the one who adopted Brian, who decided they were a pair. The big retriever was always at his feet, shadowing the boy with uncommon devotion. And something in Brian seemed to loosen because of it.

Luke watched as the boy precisely filled water and food dishes, carefully reading the tags on each cage. It was still early in the morning, so early that they hadn’t yet eaten breakfast, so early that the school bus wouldn’t be by for more than an hour.

Luke would have been happy if the boy only helped out for half an hour or so. It was what he’d expected initially. But Brian didn’t seem to mind, eagerly taking on more and more responsibility.

And after the first morning, Luke hadn’t had to wake the boy. Brian was up at dawn, running down the stairs to the clinic. Ignoring the lure of early-morning cartoons, he walked among the cages of the ill pets and through the kennels of those that were boarded.

And he patiently taught his younger siblings to help as well. In the afternoons, the three of them swept and hosed down the floors. They had even figured out how to work together to load the bags of food on to wheelbarrows, hauling them inside. It was heartening for Luke to see that they truly cared for the animals.

Hannah, the little mother, babied the kittens and puppies, and Troy mimicked Brian’s actions, believing his older brother to be nearly perfect.

Seeing that Brian was at the last row of cages, Luke stepped forward. “How’s the schnauzer?”

“Better,” Brian replied seriously. “He ate more of his food.”

“Water?”

“More than yesterday.”

“He’s a scrappy pup,” Luke replied. “He’ll make it.”

Relief blossomed on young Brian’s face, but he wasn’t yet comfortable with expressing his feelings. “Good.” Despite the brevity of his words, he reached to scratch Bentley’s ears in a heartfelt motion. The retriever looked adoringly at the boy.

“It’s easy to get attached to the animals,” Luke told him casually. “I’m not supposed to since I’m the doctor, but it’s there anyway.”

Brian studied him. “What if they die?”

“I know I can’t save them all, even though I try my best. A doctor’s supposed to remain detached but I became a vet because I love animals, so it saddens me to lose one.”

“But most of ’em get better, don’t they?”

Luke smiled at the touch of optimism Brian was regaining. “For the most part. Now, you’d better eat your breakfast.”

A half shrug of skinny shoulders told Luke that Brian hadn’t planned to take the time to eat.

Luke clapped a hand on those same shoulders, ignoring their stiffening. “Nothing special this morning—just oatmeal. Let’s get washed up, then round up your brother and sister.”

Brian, however, was frowning. “I didn’t finish cleaning up the back.”

“There were more dogs and cats to feed this morning, which took you longer. Wayne and I can clean up the kennels.”

Brian’s shoulders stiffened even further. “I want to earn my keep.”

Luke stopped, turning Brian so that he could face him. “I’m glad you have such a strong sense of responsibility, and I really appreciate all the help you’ve given me. And I think it’s a good idea for kids to have chores—I had plenty growing up.” Luke made sure that Brian met his eyes. “But chores or no chores, you have a place with me here. That’s not going to change if a few kennels don’t get cleaned on time. You understand?”

Longing filled Brian’s eyes and he had to bite down on his lip to keep it from trembling. Still a trace of fear lingered. “I don’t want to let you down.”

Luke grasped Brian’s shoulder, giving him a reassuring squeeze. “That’s not going to happen.”

Together, they headed back to the kitchen. Brian spent more time with Bentley than usual and Luke suspected the boy was experiencing a slew of unsettled emotions. Still, it was soon time to get the kids off to school.

Hannah couldn’t find one of her shoes, and Troy insisted that he bring one of the hamsters for show-and-tell. The hamster, however, had different ideas as soon as Troy opened the cage door. And fifteen minutes later, they had just located both the shoe and the pet. Even so, they weren’t in time for the bus.

Leaving Wayne in charge of the clinic, Luke bundled the kids into his Bronco. It didn’t take long to reach the elementary school. As Luke turned into the driveway he noticed a banner hanging across the doorway: Soccer Tryouts, Grades 3-6, 4:00 p.m.

“What about that, Brian?” Luke asked, pointing to the sign.

Brian shrugged. “They try out when I’m doing my chores.”

Luke tapped the ballcap Brian was wearing, one Luke had purchased when Brian had eyed it yearningly. “There’s no set time for chores.”

“But—”

“Let me worry about the grown-up stuff, okay, Brian? I’ll be here at four.”

Delight tempered with caution lit Brian’s expression. “If you’re sure…”

“Get going. And don’t forget—four o’clock.”

“I won’t!” he hollered with a grin, nearly dancing up the sidewalk to the front door.

And that grin kept Luke smiling all day.

KEALEY SEARCHED the field, easily locating the stands that were filled with parents. Junior soccer in Greenville was the equivalent of pro sports in big cities.

A tiny shack, barely larger than a telephone booth, sold cans of soda and cold treats that were stored in Igloo coolers. Kids stood in line, polishing nickels, dimes and quarters as they waited their turn. Parents chatted easily among themselves as they tolerantly watched their children run across the grassy field in the still-warm weather.

Everyone was relaxed. Except Kealey. Watching the ease of the others, she wished desperately she could be like them. But every bad memory she held manifested itself in tightly wound nerves. Once she had been able to relax. But that was before she’d known what was in store…the dangers that lurked everywhere once your guard was down.

A few boys skipped past her, their shouts of laughter buffeting in the gentle breeze. Every child deserved that carefree abandon—which was why Kealey had chosen her profession. If she could, she would protect every unloved and unwanted child in the world. At the least, she was fiercely determined to watch over those whose cases she’d been assigned.

Which had brought her out to the soccer field today. Scanning the crowd, she spotted Luke. Hannah and Troy were on either side of him.

Kealey made her way toward them. “Hi.”

Luke looked up, his expression questioning.

“Wayne told me you were here,” she explained.

“Sit down,” Luke offered.

“Next to me,” Hannah requested with a shy smile.

Pleased, Kealey sat on the weather-beaten bleacher. “Where’s Brian?”

Hannah pointed toward the field with pride. “He’s on the team!”

“That’s great,” Kealey replied, meeting Luke’s gaze over the child’s head.

“Seems if you sign up, you’re automatically on the team,” Luke told her.

“I see.” She glanced down at Hannah and Troy. “Would you mind if they had a treat?”

“Nope. What’s a game without refreshments?”

Kealey dug into her purse, unearthing quarters for them both.

“I can do that,” Luke protested.

“It’s my pleasure.”

“Thanks!” both kids sang out, already jumping up, then running toward the refreshment shack.

“Trying to get me alone?” Luke asked wryly.

But she wasn’t smiling. “It’s going to make it more difficult when the kids have to leave if they become too deeply involved.”

“It’s junior soccer, not adoption.”

“Still…”

“Kealey, kids need to feel a part of things, even if it’s not permanent.”

A flash of remembered pain struck her with unexpected force. “Of course, but—”

“Don’t make more of it than is necessary. It hasn’t been that long since these kids saw their mother die, fled the authorities and lived in a deserted alley. They need some normality. And that means school and soccer and ice cream cones.”

Kealey swallowed, remembering how she’d once desperately yearned for just that.

Luke met her strained gaze, his own questioning.

Abruptly, she moved to stand.

“Wait. Don’t you want to see Brian’s game?”

Her throat worked. It would be wonderful to pretend even for an hour that she was part of a normal family, one that participated in soccer games, barbecues and picnics. But she couldn’t allow herself that delusion. “I have a lot of paperwork to do.”

“You don’t want to disappoint Brian, do you?”

“Of course not, but—”

“Then stay. Nobody’s ever reached the end of their life wishing they’d spent more time doing paperwork.”

An unexpected smile tugged at her lips. “I don’t suppose they have.” She glanced toward the field. Brian spotted her just then and she waved. He hesitated but finally his arm came up in an uncertain wave.

And in that moment she knew she had to stay. More than that, she wanted to.

To her relief, Luke didn’t make a big deal out of her decision. Instead, he glanced over at Hannah and Troy, still standing in line. “How about a Coke?”

“Excuse me?”

“Something to drink.” He glanced at her quizzically. “How long have you been in Texas? Down here every kind of soda is called a Coke.”

“Oh, right.” She had moved around so much in her life that she had no particular culture to call her own. And her social interaction since she’d moved to Greenville had been nearly absent. Only his sister, Rachel, had become a friend. And that was just because Rachel had pushed and pushed until Kealey had given up in defeat.

“If you’re lucky, there might be a Dr Pepper left, too,” Luke told her.

Feeling his gaze lingering too long in question, she managed the noncommittal smile she’d perfected years earlier. “Great.”

Together they walked toward the refreshment stand. Hannah and Troy were just unwrapping bright-red ice pops.

“Are they good?” Kealey asked, enjoying the look of pure satisfaction on their faces.

“Yum,” Troy replied.

“They’re the best,” Hannah added.

“The owner of the local ice-cream stand makes them,” Luke explained. “It’s an old family recipe, but I think there’s Jell-O in the mixture to make it richer. Nothing commercial can touch ’em.”

Kealey suddenly had a longing to try one. “They do look good.”

“Sold,” Luke told her with a smile.

“Oh, a soda’s fine.”

“Life’s not all about denial,” he responded. “Be daring. Have one. Cherry, peach, lime or grape?”

Torn, she considered, biting down on her lower lip. “Grape,” she finally decided.

He conveyed her request and his own to the teenager manning the booth, paid, then handed one to her. “And if you’re a good girl, you can try another flavor later.”

She removed the paper wrapper, then tasted. “This is good!”

Enjoying the rare treat, she smiled up at Luke. To her surprise, however, he seemed intent on watching the movement of her lips and tongue.

As suddenly, her throat dried up and her sense of speech seemed to take flight. Around them, children hollered to each other, parents chattered, and the thud of the leather ball being kicked echoed in the sunny afternoon.

Yet neither of them moved, nor looked away.

“Luke! Luke!” Troy hollered. “Look! Brian’s kicking the ball!”

Luke didn’t immediately look away. And when he did, he was reluctant. “Way to go, Brian!”

Hannah tugged at Kealey’s shirt. “We need’a go sit in the stands so we can see Brian!”

“Yes, we do, don’t we?” Concentrating on Hannah, their treats, the bleachers, anything but Luke, Kealey moved away.

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