Building a Romance

Young widow Lainie Hollings will do anything to protect her daughters—even if it means accepting help from Shaw McKinney. Though she blames Shaw for her husband’s death, he’s the only one she can turn to when a robbery forces her to take shelter in his home. Soon she’s surprised by the handsome contractor. He’s kind, charming and determined to protect her and her girls. Being with Lainie makes Shaw want to give up his bachelor life and become a family man. But he’ll need to win over the pretty librarian and prove to her he’s the right man for her future.

“Give me your hand.”

She couldn’t stop laughing at the sight of this rugged guy sporting blue nail polish. She took the bottle of nail polish remover from the cupboard along with several cotton balls.

She forced herself to look only at the nail she was working on and not his face. But with each swipe of the cotton ball, she grew more and more conscious of how nice his hands were.

Touching him stirred an unwelcome attraction. But she was impressed with his willingness to let the girls cover him in stickers and paint his fingernails. She wouldn’t have expected that from a die-hard bachelor. Aware of the tension between them, Lainie cleared her throat and attempted light conversation. “My girls can be very persuasive.”

“A couple of little charmers. They told me this color matched my eyes.”

“Oh, no. Your eyes aren’t sky blue, they’re cobalt like those old bottles…” She froze. What was wrong with her?

“I’m partial to brown eyes myself.”

She had brown eyes.

LORRAINE BEATTY was raised in Columbus, Ohio, but now calls Mississippi home. She and her husband, Joe, have two sons and five grandchildren. Lorraine started writing in junior high and is a member of RWA and ACFW and is a charter member and past president of Magnolia State Romance Writers. In her spare time she likes to work in her garden, travel and spend time with her family.

Bachelor

to the Rescue

Lorraine Beatty

www.millsandboon.co.uk

Search me, God, and know my heart;

test me and know my anxious thoughts.

—Psalms 139:23

To my sisters—Linda, Brenda, Tina and Kathy. We may not be related by blood but I love you all as if we were.

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text

Introduction

About the Author

Title Page

Bible Verse

Dedication

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Dear Reader

Extract

Copyright

Chapter One

“Mommy, can we go home now? I’m tired of coloring.”

Lainie Hollings fought back the nausea churning in her stomach and gently stroked her youngest daughter’s hair. “Not yet, Chrissy. Why don’t you use the green crayon for a while?”

A weary sigh accompanied the nodding of the little head. Lainie watched her girls, six-year-old Natalie and four-year-old Christiana, as they scribbled on the pages the officer at the Dover Mississippi Police Station had given them to keep them entertained. They couldn’t go home because they had no home to go to. Her job as assistant to Mrs. Forsythe, a wealthy businesswoman in Memphis, Tennessee, had ended when her employer had moved away for health reasons. Thankfully, Lainie had quickly landed the position as head librarian for the Dover Public Library.

Today was their moving day. This morning, she had been filled with excitement and bursting with hope. This move marked the culmination of a dream she and her husband had once shared. They’d planned to leave Baton Rouge and its big city life behind and move to a small town where they could grow their family in a friendly, nurturing environment. They’d been saving for a house, but she had been forced to use the money for Craig’s funeral instead. Alone and pregnant with their second child, she’d moved to Jackson, Tennessee, to live with her mother and gone back to school at night to get her degree.

The past five years had been difficult, moving from place to place, job to job. The librarian position was her chance to find a permanent home.

So, they’d come to Dover a few days early to find a place to live and check into child care. It was supposed to be a fun trip discovering their new home. Instead, they were sitting in a police station, the victims of a crime. As they had been leaving a local restaurant, a man had shoved Lainie against her car, waved a gun in her face, then yanked her purse from her arm and fled. Thankfully, she’d already put the girls in the car. But all she had left were the car keys she held in her hand, and eight dollars and thirty-four cents—change from lunch, which she’d shoved into the pocket of her cotton slacks.

The moment replayed in her mind like a scene from a horror film, tightening the vise of fear around her chest. She lowered her head into her hands, fighting to keep the rising panic at bay. How was she going to take care of her girls? Where would they stay? She’d set aside money for a motel, but now, without a credit card or cash, that was impossible. Tears welled in her eyes and she brushed them away quickly, not wanting the children to see her upset. But she was barely holding it together.

“Look, Mommy, I colored it purple.” Chrissy’s blue eyes sparkled from behind her glasses.

“Good job, sweetie.”

Looking at her precious girls, her throat constricted again. What if the thief had taken the car with the girls inside? What if he’d killed her? Lainie forced the terrifying thoughts aside. She couldn’t give in to the fear. They were all fine, but destitute. She had no phone, no ID and no money. The only person she knew in town, Mr. Bill Ogden, mayor and president of the library board who’d hired her, was out of town for the weekend. They were on their own.

Unless Shaw McKinney showed up.

The knot in her chest grew. She clasped her hands together, squeezing tightly. While paying her bill at the restaurant, she’d noticed several business cards on display. One had a familiar name printed on it. Goudchaux McKinney Construction. Shaw McKinney, contractor. She’d picked up the card, the name unearthing anger and resentment she’d thought long buried. If it weren’t for him, Craig would still be alive and her daughters would have a father. She’d shoved the card into her pocket along with the change. Shaw was the last person on earth she wanted to ask for help, but he was her only option. She’d given the card to the officer and asked him to call.

“Mommy, I have to go.” Natalie wiggled in her chair.

Chrissy looked up, pushing her tiny glasses up on her little nose. “Me, too.”

Lainie stood and looked around for her purse, wincing when she remembered it was gone. “Come on, girls.” Lainie took their hands and walked down the hall to the restrooms. She tried to quell the nervousness swirling in her stomach as she helped Chrissy wash her hands. Maybe when she returned to the lobby, Shaw would be here. She didn’t want to think about what they would do if he didn’t come. Worse yet, what if he did? Turning for help to the man responsible for her husband’s death was repugnant.

Settling into the molded plastic chair again, she glanced toward the lobby entrance as yet another stranger walked in. She’d repeated this motion so often she now recognized the distinct squeak and swoosh of the door when it opened and closed. This time, it ushered in a gray-haired man carrying a large envelope.

“Mommy, can you draw me a rainbow?”

Lainie took one of the crayons and drew arched lines across the paper. “What’s Shaw doing here in Dover, Mississippi, anyway?”

“What, Mommy?”

“Nothing, sweetie. I’m just talking to myself.” The last time she’d seen Shaw was in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Craig had hired on with Beaumont Construction, determined to learn carpentry so he could eventually start his own contracting firm. Shaw had been his instructor, the one assigned to show him the ropes and keep him safe as he navigated the dangers of the job. But he hadn’t, and Craig had died.

Lainie pressed her lips together. They’d been sitting in the police station for two hours, filling out forms, answering questions. She had to face the possibility that Shaw might not come. He probably didn’t remember her. She’d have to find another way to survive until she started her job next week. Maybe there was a homeless shelter in town. The idea made her sick. She’d worked hard the past five years to take care of her girls, and she’d done a decent job so far. But this wasn’t the time to let pride stand in her way. Perhaps there was a church in town that could help. Their last resort would be to spend a few nights in the car until the mayor returned. Hopefully, he’d let her start work early or give her an advance to tide her over.

Closing her eyes, she clasped her hands in front of her mouth. Lord, help me. I have no one. Nowhere to turn, but You. You’ve seen me through these past five years. Please don’t abandon me now.

* * *

Shaw McKinney ended the call and jammed his cell phone into his back pocket, grinding his teeth in exasperation. The drywall crew that was supposed to start today wasn’t coming. Any more setbacks and this project might never be completed. He was already three weeks behind due to a series of unexpected delays. Thankfully, he’d obtained an extension, but the next deadline was set in concrete. Slowly, he walked through the old mansion. The 1885 house was one of the oldest in Dover and had been empty for the past dozen years. Thanks to an anonymous benefactor, the building, along with money for restoration, books and staff, had been donated to the town to replace the library, which had burned down five years ago.

Shaw had won the contract. It had meant not only a financial boon to his new construction business, but a huge boost to his reputation. After leaving LC Construction a year ago and starting his own company, McKinney Construction, he’d made the classic newbie mistake of overscheduling his projects. With the library job behind, he’d had to pull back on his other jobs because if this one wasn’t done on time, he’d have to pay a hefty fine to the benefactor’s foundation, one that could mean the end of his fledgling business. Shaw had factored in time for unexpected problems, but the old house had coughed up more than he’d bargained for.

“So, are they coming or not?”

“Not.” Shaw faced his foreman and longtime mentor, Russ Franklin. The older man was the biggest asset to Shaw’s start-up construction company. Skilled, experienced and dedicated, Russ had owned his own company in Alabama for years. When he had sold it, Shaw had convinced him to move to Dover to work with him. “Our drywall crew took another job. They couldn’t wait on us any longer.”

“That’s going to put us further behind.”

“How long would it take for you and me to do the work?” It was his last resort.

Russ frowned. “Too long. We’re way too close to the deadline as it is. You want me to find us another crew?”

The knot in Shaw’s chest, which had formed over the past few weeks, tightened. “Yeah. Call Laura Holbrook and see if she has a few guys we could use. Or maybe she knows of another contractor we can call. I’ve used up all my contacts.”

Russ moved off to make the calls, and Shaw planted his hands on his tool belt and scanned the large room that would be the fiction section of the new Dover Library. It would take several days to put up drywall, then tape, float and sand before they could paint. Days lost when other crews couldn’t work.

When Russ returned, his expression was grim. “Laura doesn’t have anyone to spare at the moment, and she doesn’t know any other crews that are available.”

Shaw rubbed his jaw. He couldn’t handle another delay. Dover had been without a library for a long time, unable to afford a new one. The donation had been a blessing to the small town and generated huge excitement from the residents. The people here had given him a home and a fresh start. He wasn’t about to let them down. Even if he had to work around the clock to get the job done.

His cell rang and he yanked it out of his pocket, frowning when he saw the name on the screen. Dover police. “Hello.” He listened as the officer explained the situation. Shaw rubbed his forehead and nodded. “Yeah. I know her. I’ll be right there.” He hung up, his chest constricted so tightly he had trouble breathing. The last thing he needed was another complication in his life. And Lainie Hollings was a giant one.

Hearing her name had unleashed a landslide of painful memories and a heavy dose of guilt. He’d started to deny knowing her. It would do neither one of them any good to meet again. But when the officer had told him she’d been robbed, Shaw couldn’t ignore her plight. Lainie was a widow because of his carelessness.

A death he could have prevented. He’d double-and triple-checked her husband’s safety harness on the roof that day, only to find he’d loosened the straps again. Irritated with Hollings’s cavalier attitude, Shaw had failed to check again, and Hollings had fallen from the roof. Lainie blamed him for her husband’s death. Shaw accepted his part in the accident. He should have checked again. A dozen times if necessary. But he hadn’t.

“Everything okay, boss?”

Shaw looked at his foreman. Right now, nothing was okay. “I’ve got to leave. I might not be back today. Keep looking for a crew and check on the remodel on Corey Road. If we can get that job done, we can list it.”

Russ nodded. “And what about the Hanson remodel?”

Another problem to add to the pile. “I’ll have to push them back again.” Russ frowned and Shaw held up a hand to halt the comment he knew was coming. The Hansons were beyond irritated. If he didn’t find a way to soothe their ruffled feathers, it could get ugly. But that was the least of his worries now.

Shaw climbed into his truck and cranked the engine, trying to figure out how he’d face Lainie Hollings. What did you say to the wife of the man you killed?

The moment he stepped inside the police station, his attention was drawn to the dark-haired woman seated in the waiting area. His stopped in his tracks, his heart racing, the blood roaring through his ears. She was even lovelier than she’d been when he’d first seen her. That moment was indelibly etched in his mind. She’d come to the job site to bring her husband his lunch. They’d laughed and talked and shared little touches, and Shaw’s heart had grown envious.

Lainie had caught him watching her, and he’d felt a jolt like an electrical charge through his system. She was the prettiest woman he’d ever seen. She’d looked away and that’s when the shame had tightened his throat. What was wrong with him? Admiring the wife of the man he was training was detestable. Shaw had gone back to work and vowed to keep his attraction in check.

Realizing he was still standing in the doorway, Shaw squared his shoulders and stepped forward. Lainie was hunched in her seat watching two little girls as they scribbled on paper. Her dark brown hair was shorter now, falling in a sleek line to her shoulders. She glanced at him. In that moment, he noticed the sparkle was missing from her big brown eyes. Instead, he saw fear and anxiety. She looked fragile and alone. He was hit with a strong desire to pull her close and comfort her, but he didn’t have the right. All he could do was offer his help. His attraction had no place in this situation.

* * *

The door to the police station swooshed open again, but Lainie didn’t bother to look.

Shaw wasn’t coming. She’d have to find help someplace else. Heavy footsteps on the floor drew her attention, and she looked up to see a tall, dark-haired man. He was dressed in faded jeans and a dark T-shirt with a company logo that hugged his torso in an interesting way. His sturdy, tan work boots thumped the floor as he strode toward them with a confident swagger. She started to look away only to realize who the man was. Shaw McKinney.

She didn’t remember him looking like this. He was taller, more imposing than she remembered. His shoulders were wide enough to carry the world. Her inspection moved to his ruggedly handsome face. Navy blue eyes. Deep lines in his cheeks. His sharply angled jaw was softened by firm lips and a dimple in the center of his chin. A flicker of appreciation darted along her nerves, squelched instantly with humiliation. How Shaw McKinney looked had nothing to do with the kind of man he was. His actions had cost her everything.

His eyes bored into her as he came closer, and there was a grim set to his jaw. Her hopes faded. He wasn’t any happier to see her than she was to see him. She shouldn’t have called him. Asking for his help was a betrayal of her husband’s memory. Natalie looked up at her with a sweet little smile, reminding her that she had to think of the girls first. She forced the nausea aside and raised her chin, clasping her trembling hands in her lap.

“Lainie, are you all right?” He glanced at her then down at the girls, his forehead creasing in a deep frown.

Stupid question. No, she wasn’t all right. She stood. “I’m fine. Thank you for coming. I’m sorry to bother you, but there was no one else to call.”

“You did the right thing.” He motioned her to be seated.

Shaw stared at the girls, a shadow seeming to pass behind his eyes. Was he feeling guilty? Good.

Her conscience pricked, but she ignored it, sinking into the chair as her knees began to fail.

Natalie had been two years old when Craig died. Chrissy not yet born. “Shaw, this is Natalie and Chrissy. Girls, this is Mr. McKinney. He—” What did she say? He’s the reason you don’t have a daddy? “Is someone we knew a long time ago.”

Shaw sat, leaving an empty chair between them. “Tell me what happened. The officer who called said you’d been robbed.”

She nodded. “We were leaving the restaurant and as I was getting into the car a man waved a gun at me, grabbed my purse and ran off. It all happened so fast I couldn’t even react.”

His gaze landed briefly on both the girls and he set his jaw. “How did you know I was here?”

Lainie set Chrissy on her lap, taking strength from the little body. “I saw your business card at the diner. It had your partner’s name on it so I wasn’t certain it was you.”

“Partner?”

“Yes. Someone named Gawdchalks?”

Shaw shook his head. “Goudchaux is my first name. It’s pronounced God-shaw. My mother was Cajun French. When I started my business, I thought it sounded more professional, but all it did was confuse people so I went back to Shaw.” He met her eyes. “I’m sorry this had to happen to you.”

She ran her hand along Chrissy’s ponytail. Tears welled behind her eyes, but she refused to let them fall in front of this man. “He took everything. My phone, my credit cards. Everything important was in my purse.” She gulped in a breath of air. The thought of replacing all her information was overwhelming. “I have to close my accounts, contact my bank, but I don’t have a phone, I don’t know the numbers.”

A warm hand rested upon hers, helping her focus and draining away the panic that was building in her chest. She took a deep breath, then remembered whose hand was touching her. She pulled away.

“It’s okay. We’ll get it all taken care of.” Shaw rested his arms on his thighs. “What are you doing here in Dover?”

Lainie glanced away. It felt wrong confiding in him, telling him about her life. “I’m the new librarian. I’m supposed to start work this Thursday. We came to look for a place to live.”

Shaw’s eyes narrowed and a deep crease folded his forehead. He glanced around the room as a group of police officers strode through talking loudly. “Do you have a place to stay?”

“No. I was going to find a hotel after lunch.”

Shaw touched his jaw. “The hotel has been closed for years. There are only two places here in Dover. The Dixiana Motor Lodge is nice, but they have very small rooms. I doubt the three of you would be comfortable. The Lady Banks Inn is a bed-and-breakfast, but it’s pricey and filled with antiques.”

Lainie sighed. Visions of trying to keep two energetic little girls from breaking a house full of priceless furniture and knickknacks made her head ache.

“Come on.” Shaw stood. “You can stay at my place until you get things sorted out.”

“Your place?” The thought sent a jolt of anxiety along her nerves. She was not going anywhere with this man. “Absolutely not.”

Shaw’s eyes darkened. “Then tell me what you want me to do. If it’s money you need, tell me how much.”

Embarrassment heated her cheeks. “No. That’s not why I called you.” Taking money from this man was out of the question. Not to mention demeaning. Clearly, she hadn’t thought things through. How had this happened? Now she was committed to taking help from Shaw. She searched frantically for an alternative only to come to the realization there was no other choice. She and the girls would stay with him. She nodded, unable to find her voice.

“My truck is right outside.”

She stood. “I’d better take my car. It’ll be easier than trying to move the car seats. I can drive. The police gave me a temporary driver’s license.” She looked around on the nearby seats for her purse. Her heart sank. No purse. No things. The shoulder on which she always draped her bulky purse felt empty. Shoving the coloring pages into her pocket, she took the girls’ hands and started walking, acutely aware of Shaw right behind her.

The early June sun had sent the temperature into the midnineties, creating waves of heat that rose from the pavement in the parking lot. Lainie swallowed and wiped her brow. Shaw stood nearby as she helped the girls into the car and buckled them in. She stepped to the driver’s door and reached for the handle. A wave of asphalt-heated air rose up and engulfed her, weakening her knees and causing her to sag against the side of the car.

Strong arms slipped around her waist, holding her upright. They turned her around and into a wall of warm strength and safety. No longer able to contain her emotions, she gave in to tears, sobbing against Shaw’s chest. She wanted to stay here forever. It felt good to have someone to lean on. The weight of single parenthood grew heavy at times. But then, like a cold wave on the shore, reality crashed over her. She pushed back, horrified to see she’d clutched his shirt in her fist. She avoided his eyes. “Sorry.” She reached for the car door, but Shaw stopped her before she could open it.

“You’re in no condition to drive.”

“I’m fine. I can take care of myself.” She shot him a withering glance. “I’ve been doing it for a long time now.” She sensed Shaw recoil.

“I’m well aware of that. But right now I’m taking care of things.” He walked her around to the other side of the car and eased her inside. “Give me your keys.”

“What about your truck?”

“I’ll get it later.”

Lainie leaned back in the passenger seat, too tired and weak to resist. She hated feeling helpless, but there was nothing she could do for the time being. Turning her head away from Shaw, she tried to ignore him. It wasn’t easy. He took up a lot of space in her small car. She stole a quick glance as he adjusted the seat farther back to accommodate his long legs. He looked uncomfortable in her compact car, but she could easily see him in the cab of a sturdy pickup.

“Are we going home, Mommy?”

“No, Natalie. We’re going to Mr. Shaw’s house. It won’t take long to get there.”

Turning her attention to the window again, she allowed the sights outside to temporarily distract her. Dover was a charming town. With its courthouse park and streets lined with picturesque buildings, it was the kind of place she’d dreamed of raising her children. A community of love and support with friendly neighbors, and people who took care of one another. She was going to like it here once she got past the unpleasant welcome.

A few blocks beyond the square, Shaw turned onto a street in an older neighborhood. Large Victorian homes with manicured lawns and full-grown trees brought a small smile to Lainie’s lips. She’d always had a fondness for gingerbread houses. To her, they represented home, family, permanence—all the things she wanted for her girls and never had herself.

Shaw slowed the car and pulled into a driveway. Lainie scanned the facade, disappointed at what she saw. Unlike the other lovely homes on the street, this house was in need of love and attention. The paint on the Queen Anne Victorian was faded. The turret rising up on the left side of the house was elegant, but the finial at the top was bent in half. The roof was missing several tiles. Many of the spindles on the front porch railing were gone.

Shaw shut off the engine and handed her back her keys. “It’s not much, but it’s home.”

Home? The word sent a cold splash of reality over her nerves. She could not under any circumstances stay in this man’s house. What had she been thinking? “Maybe you’d better take us back to town. Is there a homeless shelter here?”

Shaw shifted in his seat to look at her. “Do you really want to do that? This house is a duplex, Lainie. The former owner had divided it up years ago. You’ll have your own space. The yard is fenced so it’s safe for your kids. It’s temporary. Until you can get your documents replaced. Please. I can’t let you go to a shelter.”

He was right. She was here for only a short while. Until she could replace her stolen bank cards. Then she could find a place to live. Faraway from Shaw and the past. In a way, this was all his fault. He owed her that much. And she was far too tired and upset to fight another battle right now.

Lainie reached for her purse. How many times would she do that before she remembered she didn’t have it any longer? She climbed from the car, then opened the back door to help the girls. Natalie jumped out and stared at the house. Chrissy unfastened the buckles over her chest and joined her sister.

“Mommy, is this a castle?”

“No, just an old house.” Aesthetically, the home was lovely. A stately two story, with wraparound porch and dripping with gingerbread. With some work, it could be the most beautiful home on the street.

She steered the girls to the front steps, noting the spacious porch was perfect for wicker furniture. Large ferns stood in corners. A weather-beaten swing hung at the far end, beckoning her to sit and relax.

Lainie followed Shaw into the spacious main hall, her gaze taking in the high ceilings and the stately staircase rising to the second floor. The inlaid wood floors were dark from years of neglect, making it hard to discern the pattern. The wide center hall stretched to the rear of the home. To the right were two large pocket doors partially open to reveal an empty room, probably the original parlor. On the other side of the entrance was a thick, unattractive door with a sturdy lock.

“I’ll be right back.” Shaw disappeared behind the staircase.

“I want to climb the stairs.” Natalie pointed to the elegant stairway with stately newel posts and carved spindles below a wide smooth banister.

“Not right now, sweetie.”

Lainie’s gaze drifted from the exquisitely carved stairs on one side of the hall to the wall on the other. Two crudely constructed sections stood out like an ugly patch on a pretty face. She guessed the additions had something to do with covering up old doors and sealing off that side of the home. The house had an odd, schizophrenic feel to it. One side grand and stately, the other run-down and hopeless.

“Mommy are we going to live in this castle?”

“For a little bit. Mr. Shaw is going to help us until—” How did she explain to young children the predicament she was in without alarming them? And how did she keep her own fears under control? “Until I can get a new purse.”

A loud bark shattered the silence. A black-and-white blur darted from behind the stairs and charged at them. Natalie screamed. Chrissy stood still, clenching her little hands into fists at her side. Lainie’s heart pounded violently as a large dog barreled down on the children. She pulled her girls close shielding them with her arms.

“Beaux. Heel.” Instantly, the Dalmatian slid to a halt, then trotted to Shaw’s side.

Lainie glared at the man as he approached. Natalie pulled out of her arms. Lainie grabbed the back of her shirt to hold her back.

“I want to pet the doggie.”

“Absolutely not.”

“It’s all right.” Shaw commanded the dog to sit then stooped and gestured to the girls. “Want to meet my dog?” They nodded and took small steps forward. Shaw extended his palm. “Hold your hand like this and let him sniff you.”

With the animal under control, Lainie relaxed her hold on her children. Both girls followed Shaw’s instruction, giggling with delight when Beaux sniffed their fingers.

“Now pet his head and he’ll be your friend forever.”

Natalie scratched the dog’s head and ears vigorously, while Chrissy moved to the dog’s side and stroked his black-and-white fur. She smiled at her mother. “He has polka spots.”

Lainie’s heart still pounded, but at a more normal rate now that it looked as if the animal wasn’t going to eat her children.

Shaw rose and joined her. “He’s a very gentle animal, but rambunctious.”

“You should have told me you had a dog.”

“Would it have made a difference?”

“Yes.” She crossed her arms and glared at him.

Shaw raised an eyebrow, challenging her statement.

Lainie turned away. She wasn’t in a position to turn down his help. Dog. Horse. Dragon. It wouldn’t have made a difference because she had nowhere else to go.

For the time being, she and her daughters were at the mercy of Shaw McKinney. It was Friday afternoon. It would be Monday before she could sort out her financial situation and meet with the mayor. Time in which she’d have to rely on Shaw. Not a comforting thought.

Chapter Two

“You’ll be staying on this side of the house.” Shaw unlocked the bulky door beside her, pushed it open, then handed her the key.

With a hand on each daughter’s shoulder, she urged them into the large living room, pleasantly surprised at what she found. The apartment was fully furnished. Everything was covered with sheets, but she could make out a sofa and chairs, and various small tables. The rooms looked livable despite the accumulation of dust. A little elbow grease should fix that. It was definitely preferable to sleeping in the car.

“The woman who owned the house lived here until she was into her nineties. After she passed, her family removed the sentimental items and left the rest. You should have everything you need.”

The house was the embodiment of Victorian style. The large windows, with intricate moldings, were covered with aged lace curtains, but still allowed in plenty of sunlight. French doors provided access to the front porch. Beside it, the curved walls of the tower added another element of charm to the room. It was a welcome change from the cramped apartment she’d shared with her mother, and the small garage apartment her former employer had provided. The girls ran to the tower, peeking out the long narrow windows.

Natalie smiled over her shoulder. “Mommy, this can be our Princess Club.”

Shaw gave Lainie a puzzled look. “Princess Club?”

“It’s a game the girls like to play. They find a cozy corner and pretend it’s their special castle where they can play dress up and do crafts.”

Chrissy pushed her glasses up, her expression serious. “It’s only for girls.”

Natalie ran back to Beaux and hugged his neck. “And cute dogs.” Chrissy smiled and nodded in agreement.

Shaw ran a thumb along his jaw. “Uh, Beaux is a boy dog.”

The girls looked at each other. Then Natalie whispered in her sister’s ear, generating an enthusiastic nod that sent the little girl’s ponytail waving. “Boy dogs are allowed. But not real boys.”

Shaw led them to the rear of the apartment into a large kitchen. The once-white cabinets were yellow with age, the laminate countertops worn and scratched, but there was a cozy quality that appealed to Lainie. She could envision a large family gathered here for a hearty meal, discussing the day’s events, and sharing laughter.

Shaw rested a hand on his hip, glancing around the kitchen. “Everything works. I keep it up in case I have to rent it out. I’d hoped to restore the place and get it on the market, but that’s on hold now.”

“You were going to sell it?” How could anyone not want to live in this lovely home? Even divided in half it was amazing.

“A single guy doesn’t need a place like this.”

“But you’ll have a family someday.”

He drew his eyebrows together in a frown, one corner of his mouth lifting in a sardonic smile. “Me? And give up my unencumbered bachelor life? Not in this century.”

She should have known. His statement reinforced what her husband had always said about him. He was the stereotypical self-absorbed bachelor, a man who liked the ladies, but wanted no part of the responsibility that came with a real relationship.

Shaw pointed to the narrow staircase at the back. “There are two bedrooms and a full bath upstairs.”

That’s when she saw it. The door-sized opening in the wall between her kitchen and the main hallway. She could see straight through to Shaw’s kitchen. Setting her jaw, she faced Shaw. “What is that? You said we’d have privacy and safety. Not with a giant hole in the wall we won’t.”

Shaw grimaced. “Yeah. Just some exploratory work. I’ll take care of it.”

“When?”

“Today.”

It suddenly occurred to her that she and her girls would be alone with Shaw in this house. Concern skimmed along her nerves. She was accepting help from a stranger. All she knew for certain was that he had been irresponsible in looking out for her husband. “Do all the door have locks?”

His blue eyes bored into hers. “You’re safe here. I won’t let anything happen to you.”

Lainie pulled her gaze away from Shaw’s probing assessment as her girls ran past.

“Mommy, look at the trees.” Natalie pressed her nose to the multipaned back door that led to a wide back porch and a large yard.

“Trees,” Chrissy said in awe.

Natalie looked over her shoulder at Shaw. “Mister, is there a swing?”

Shaw frowned, glancing at Lainie with a puzzled expression. “No.”

Natalie’s lower lip poked out. “But I wanted there to be a swing.”

Lainie peered out the window, at the tall leafy trees above full shrubs and a wide green lawn.

“Mom, can we play in the yard? Please?”

She couldn’t blame the girls for wanting to run and play. They’d never had a yard. Apartment life was limiting for children. She’d dreamed of a place like this to raise her girls. Maybe after she’d worked a few years, she could afford to buy them a home of their own. Lainie took Natalie’s hair in her hands gathering it at the back of the little neck before letting it go. “Not right now.”

Shaw cleared his throat. “Uh, Lainie, we need to talk. Maybe the kids could play outside for a while? Beaux can go with them. He’s a great guard dog.”

The serious expression on Shaw’s face started the anxiety in her stomach swirling again. She sent up a quick prayer. She couldn’t take any more bad news. “Girls, you can play outside for a while. Mr. Shaw and I need to talk. Take Beaux with you.”

With squeals of delight, Natalie and Chrissy rushed out the door. Lainie gathered what little strength she had left and looked at Shaw. “What is it?”

Shaw dragged a hand down the back of his neck. His dark eyes were filled with confusion and concern. Finally, he smiled. “Come over to my kitchen. You can use my phone and computer to get your accounts closed.”

He’d changed the subject. Why? But he was right. First things first. She couldn’t afford to have that crook charging her cards to the limit.

Shaw gave her an encouraging smile. “Don’t worry. It’ll all work out.”

Oh, but she did worry. She had mountains of things to worry about, and relying on Shaw was at the top of the list. How could she depend on someone who couldn’t take care of the people entrusted to him? Lainie followed Shaw through the opening. The minute her accounts were taken care of, she and her girls were out of here. She just had to hang on and get through the next few days. Once she started work at the library, everything would be fine.

* * *

Shaw settled Lainie at his kitchen table with his laptop and helped her get started on contacting her creditors to close her accounts, then he went outside to bring in her luggage. Having Lainie in his home created an odd tension in his chest and triggered a variety of unwelcome emotions. He’d never expected to see her again, let alone assume responsibility for her and her children. He’d worked hard to conquer the guilt associated with Craig’s accident. But now, every time he saw Lainie and those girls, he’d be faced with the consequences of his actions. In less than an hour, his old doubts and remorse had clawed their way to the forefront of his mind.

He sent up a prayer for strength. Somehow he had to take care of Lainie and her children, and keep the past at bay, because he needed all his focus on the job. Too much was at stake.

After hauling in several suitcases and bags from Lainie’s car, there was nothing else to distract him from the real problem—telling Lainie that her job wasn’t going to start this week. Or the week after. While the residents of Dover were grateful for the donation made by the anonymous benefactor, the many strings attached had caused problems. One of the biggest was the rumor that beloved former head librarian, Millie Tedrow, wasn’t going to return. Shaw wasn’t sure how the townspeople would react when they learned Lainie got the job instead. He had to prepare her for what she might be facing, and it would be up to him to stand between her and the town. If she’d accept his help.

Lainie was still sitting at the computer when he returned. She shifted in her chair and her thick, dark hair brushed across her shoulders like a curtain of brown silk. She wore ankle-length sand-colored pants and a bright yellow top that skimmed her curves. He shut down his observation.

He hated to interrupt, but she needed to know the situation. She glanced at him and he looked into her warm chocolate eyes, feeling momentarily disoriented. He didn’t remember her lashes being so long or her eyes so expressive. He could read her every emotion, and right now he read fear and anxiety. She was waiting for the next shoe to drop, and he was about to drop a big one. “How’s it going?”

She nodded, chewing on her thumbnail. “Almost done.”

She tapped a few more keys, her intense concentration evident in the rigid lift to her shoulders. He stepped to the back door, watching her little girls play. They resembled their father with their blond hair and blue eyes. Shaw rubbed his forehead. Funny, he only remembered one child.

“All done.” Lainie came to his side, looking out at her daughters. “They needed to run and play. It’s been a long day for them.”

The weary tone in her voice concerned him. “You, too.” She shrugged without looking at him. “Lainie, I need to tell you something about your job at the library.”

“What?”

The fear that flashed through her eyes filled him with dread. Best get this over with. “You won’t be starting work at the library this week.”

“You’re wrong. Mr. Ogden said I would start on the eighth. That’s this Thursday.”

“The library isn’t finished.” The confusion in her eyes made him want to hold her close, the way he had outside the police station when she’d nearly collapsed. His nerves still vibrated from holding her in his arms, inhaling the strawberry scent of her hair, feeling her tremble against this chest.

“What do you mean it’s not finished? I don’t understand.”

“The project is three weeks behind.”

“Project? I thought this was a new building.”

Shaw dragged a hand across his jaw. “The old Webster House was donated to the city for use as the library, along with the funds to remodel it, and provide books and staff.”

She crossed her arms, and frowned. “What happened? Why isn’t it ready?”

“We ran into unforeseen problems. It happens. Especially in old buildings like this one.”

Her eyes narrowed. “What do you have to do with it?”

“I’m the contractor.”

Lainie’s eyes widened in shock. “Why are you so far behind? Why didn’t you stay on top of things?”

Her words scraped like a steel rasp across his old guilt. She had every reason to think he was at fault. “There were foundation problems, and we uncovered asbestos in the walls, then—”

She held up her hand to stop his explanation, then rested her fists on the sides of her neck as if protecting herself from more bad news. His heart ached. She looked so defeated. She’d been through so much and he was piling on more.

“Why didn’t Mr. Ogden let me know?”

“I don’t know. I’m only involved with the construction phase.”

Shaw saw the full realization sink in. Her shoulders slumped and she leaned against the wall. “What am I going to do? I have to have a job.”

He stepped closer, catching a whiff of her strawberry scent. “Don’t worry. I’ll take care of everything. It’s the least I can do.”

A flash of anger sparked in her brown eyes. “Because you owe me?”

He winced at the truth of her comment. “Yes. But I also want to help. None of this is your fault.”

“No, it’s not.”

Shaw clenched his jaw. Her inference was clear. It was his fault she was a single mother. “But I can take care of things until you’re squared away.”

“Like that?” She pointed to the opening in the wall.

He grimaced. He should have thought about the opening. But then he hadn’t been expecting his past to slap him in the face. “I’ll fix it right now.”

She leveled her gaze at him, then walked through the opening to her side of the house. With her back straight and head high, her posture told him he’d better fix it. If he wasn’t so tied in knots, he would have found her attitude amusing.

In his garage workshop, Shaw inspected the extra lumber and other leftover materials he kept at the back. He moved a few pieces of scrap wood aside and picked up the single French door and leaned it against the workbench. It wasn’t the best solution to the hole in the wall, but it would have to do. His gaze fell on the coil of rope at the end of the counter. It would be the perfect size and length for a swing. He dismissed the idea. Lainie and her kids would be here for only a couple of days. Once she had her business settled, she’d be gone.

He hooked his tape measure onto his belt, shoved a few shims and screws into his pocket, then picked up the door and headed to the house. In the hallway, he rested the door against the wall, took some measurements, mentally calculating the best way to secure the door in the opening. Giggles and footsteps sounded overhead. Lainie’s girls.

They were two little cuties, for sure. Natalie, with her long curly hair and deep dimples was full of sparkle. She smiled and bounced every moment as if happy with life. The little one was more serious, with straight hair pulled back into a ponytail and wispy strands falling around her face. Tiny glasses perched on a button nose added cuteness to her already-sweet face. It must have been hard raising them alone. How had they managed these past five years? Who had Lainie turned to for help? Family? Friends?

He’d tried to offer his help right after the accident, but she’d refused his calls, and at the funeral, she’d ordered him to leave, making it clear she blamed him for her husband’s death. He could still feel the hot sting of her last words to him that day. “I don’t need anything from you. Ever.” But now she did, and he wasn’t going to let them down. He’d protect them and provide for them until they were safe and settled. As long as they were under his roof, he’d make sure they had everything they needed. They were his responsibility now.

Shaw channeled all his energy into securing the door into the opening. He was stooped down, driving in the last screw when Lainie appeared on the other side of the door. She glared through the pane, a deep frown on her face. He knew what was coming.

“It’s glass.”

Her words were muffled. He nodded and shrugged. She pursed her lips and pivoted on her heel. A few seconds later, she pushed through his back door and stopped at his side.

“You can see through it. Don’t you have some wood or something to cover this opening?”

“Not here at the house. I’m sure you can find something to hang over the door to maintain your privacy.” He pushed to his feet. “I’m hardly ever here. You’ll have the place to yourself most of the time.”

A knock at the back door drew his attention. Russ stepped into the hall, glancing between Shaw and Lainie. “You still need that ride?”

“I’ll be ready in a minute. Lainie, this is my foreman, Russ Franklin. Russ, this is Lainie Hollings.” Shaw ignored the stunned look on his friend’s face. “I asked him to stop by and take me to pick up my truck. Is there anything you need me to get for you while I’m out?”

Lainie crossed her arms over her chest, her reluctance to ask for more help evident in her pursed lips. “Food. The girls will be getting hungry and all I have are a few snacks.”

Shaw nodded. “No problem. Make me a list.” After muttering a pleasantry to Russ, Lainie returned to her side of the house. Shaw looked at Russ and saw his dark eyes brimming with questions.

“So that’s the woman whose husband fell.”

Shaw set his jaw. He didn’t want to discuss that day. “Yes.”

Russ whistled softly. “Interesting how the Lord works things out.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Putting this woman in your path again. Maybe He’s telling you it’s time to face a few things.”

Beaux slipped in through the doggie door and trotted to Russ’s side, wagging his tail at the rigorous rubbing he received.

Shaw ignored the comment and gathered up his tools. Russ was the only one who knew how the weight of Hollings’s death had affected Shaw. The guilt over the accident had sent him into a dark place. He’d left Beaumont Construction and moved to Gulf Shores, Alabama, and hired on with Russ’s company. When his behavior had started to affect his work, Russ had taken him under his wing, got him into church and helped him get his life back on track. Shaw had focused all his energy on mastering his craft, which had led to a job with Laura Durrant in Dover, a well-respected restorationist.

Russ examined the French door opening in the wall. “You used that to fill the hole?”

“Don’t have anything else. The boys used all my plywood during class last week.” He taught woodworking to some of the teens in town. Last week, they’d used the last of his plywood to make shelves for the church storage closet. He hadn’t had time to buy more.

Inside the cab of Russ’s truck, Shaw fastened his seat belt and stared straight ahead. “I had to tell her the library is behind schedule.”

“What for?”

He glanced at Russ. “Because she’s the new librarian.”

Russ exhaled a long slow whistle. “Not Miss Millie, huh?”

“Nope.”

“That’s not going to set well with some folks.”

“No kidding. I didn’t live here during her time, but even I know that Millie is the only person the town will accept to run the library.” Awarding the job to a stranger would cause a lot of hurt feelings and angry complaints.

“How’d she take it?”

“Not well. She’s depending on that job to support her kids.”

“That’s a shame.”

“Yeah. Another reason for her to hate me.”

“You sure having this woman stay with you is a good idea? I remember how you were after the accident. I’d hate to see you backslide after all this time.”

His friend meant well, but he didn’t understand. “I can’t turn her away. I owe her.”

“So you’re looking at this as some kind of atonement? It was an accident.”

“Was it?” Shaw faced the side window. Was it an accident, or had he been negligent? Only the Lord knew for sure. He had relived the events leading up to that moment a thousand times, but had never found an answer that satisfied him. He doubted he ever would.

* * *

Lainie tucked the covers around her girls then bent to kiss them good-night. They looked so small in the big iron bed. They were her whole life and the reason she’d gone back to school to get her degree in library science. More than anything, she wanted to give them a real home, a place with roots and tradition. Because of her father’s job, Lainie had grown up moving from one place to another, always the new kid with few friends and fewer ties. She wanted better for her girls, and Dover was the perfect place. Or so she’d believed until today.

“Mommy, I want to live in this castle forever.” Chrissy held up her glasses and Lainie laid them on the nightstand.

Natalie rolled her eyes. “It’s not a castle, silly. It’s only a house. We’re staying for a few days, then we’ll find us a house of our own.” She smoothed back Natalie’s hair, her heart swelling with love.

“But I like this house.” Natalie rolled onto her side. “Will our next house have trees in the yard?”

Chrissy sat up. “Can we get a dog? With polka spots like Beaux?”

“Polka dots. We’ll see.” Lainie gently pressed her youngest down into the covers. “Now go to sleep.”

Lainie laid the girls’ clothes on the window seat, taking a quick glance into the darkness. The moon was full, casting a stream of light across the wide yard and making the leaves sparkle. She had to agree with her girls. She liked the house, too. The window seat was cozy and inviting. She could imagine her daughters cuddled up reading or watching the rain. Despite its quirky appearance, there was a homey feel to the house. Too bad it belonged to Shaw McKinney.

Downstairs, Lainie set about cleaning up the kitchen, her emotions playing tug-of-war between gratitude to Shaw for a place to stay and irritation that she was indebted to the man who’d made her a widow. She tried to ignore the twinge of remorse that rose up. Shaw had done all he could to make them comfortable, including closing the hole in the wall to ensure their privacy. Though she’d had to tack an old curtain she’d found in the closet over the glass panes.

He’d thought of everything. Too bad he hadn’t done that five years ago.

The silence in the old house suddenly pressed in on her, unleashing the loneliness that always lurked in the recesses of her mind. She’d been a widow longer than she’d been a wife. She’d done the best she could the past five years, and the Lord had taken care of her and her sweet babies. He’d provided a home with her mother, then a home and a job with Mrs. Forsythe after Lainie’s mom had died. But there were times she ached for someone special in her life, someone to lift the load for a moment or two.

She’d known that feeling for a brief second today when Shaw had kept her from falling. Until she had remembered who was holding her and what he’d done. Determined to overcome her depressing thoughts, she walked into the living room and picked up the toys scattered in the rounded corner, which was now the new Princess Club. As she passed the sofa, she noticed the cell phone Shaw had bought for her resting on the end table.

As much as she hated to admit it, Shaw was not what she’d expected. Craig had complained that Shaw was an arrogant bully, who strutted around the job as if he was better than everyone else. But that wasn’t what she’d seen today. He’d returned from picking up his truck with enough food for a week and a cell phone for her. He’d convinced her to take it by pointing out she might need to call for help if he wasn’t around. He’d even programmed in his cell number along with other local emergency numbers she might need.

His thoughtfulness irked her no end. It was obviously being driven by guilt. Well, she had news for him. Offering a helping hand now wouldn’t erase his carelessness in the past. He might not be as arrogant as Craig had claimed, but that didn’t wipe out what had happened.

Her thumb slid over the small phone screen. Still, it felt good to have a connection to the world again. She didn’t feel quite so alone and cut off.

A gardenia-scented breeze stirred the aged curtains on the windows, beckoning her outside to enjoy the evening air. After the day she’d had, she could use a heavy dose of peace and quiet.

Stepping out onto the wide curved porch, she inhaled the heady fragrance of the elegant white blooms glowing in the moonlight. Lainie gripped the railing, allowing the sweet scent to soothe her frayed nerves and provide a new perspective on her situation. The day could have ended much differently. But the Lord had spared their lives, provided a place to stay and the means to restore her important information. The only glitch was the person sent to help them was Shaw—and the news her job wasn’t going to start as planned. There had to be a mistake or an alternative.

She wanted to trust in whatever plan the Lord was working, but she couldn’t see any reason for Shaw being the one to come to their rescue. Everything had been going so well, on time and on schedule. Now her life had been tossed in the air like confetti, the pieces scattered in all directions.

Turning toward the far end of the porch, she gasped when she saw a figure seated on the front steps. Shaw. He was stretched out along the top step, his back against the post, one knee bent and his arm resting on his leg.

“Why are you lurking there?”

“I’m not. You looked like you wanted some alone time. I didn’t want to disturb you.”

“You should have spoken up when I came out then I could have—”

“Run back inside?”

She opened her mouth to deny it, then changed her mind. She didn’t want to give him the satisfaction of thinking he had any influence over her. Shaw stood and ambled toward her, his boots thudding with solid force on the old boards. He was a hard man to ignore. At five feet six, she wasn’t considered petite, yet Shaw’s height and solid mass made her feel dainty. Irritated by her wayward observations, she crossed her arms over her chest and raised her chin. He stopped a few feet away, but still close enough she could catch a whiff of sawdust. She’d always liked that smell. Quickly, she looked down at the cell phone in her hand.

“If you need to call someone, I’ll leave you alone.”

She shrugged, loneliness washing through her once more. “No one to call.”

“No friends or family?” His voice was low and gentle as he studied her.

“Nope. Just me and the girls.”

“I assumed when you left Baton Rouge you went back to your family.”

“I did. I went to live with my mother in Jackson, Tennessee. Chrissy was born there. After Mom passed, I went to work for her good friend, Mrs. Forsythe, in Memphis. Now I’m here.”

“I spoke to Mary Ogden this evening. The mayor’s wife. She told me he’ll be home around lunchtime on Monday. She said you should go by his office and speak to him about your job. She feels certain he’ll do what he can.”

She couldn’t see his eyes in the dim light, but she didn’t miss the conciliatory tone in his voice. He was still trying to make up in some way for the past. Something he could never do. “Can he get the library done by Thursday?” Shaw glanced away briefly, clearly stung by her question. She snuffed out the twinge of regret that surfaced.

“No. That’s all on me, but I promise I’ll get it done as quickly as possible. You can count on me.”

She started to remind him that she’d counted on him to keep her husband safe. But as distasteful as it was to rely on Shaw’s help, she couldn’t ignore the truth. If it weren’t for him, she and the girls might have been spending the next few days in a shelter, or living out of her car. He was doing all he could to help, even if his motivation stemmed from his own guilty conscience. She looked up at him and her gaze locked with his. The light had shifted and she could see the distress in his eyes. “I appreciate your help today. I don’t know what I would have done otherwise. I’d do anything for my girls.”

“Including taking help from me?”

Lainie squared her shoulders. “Yes.” The flash of pain that shot through his eyes surprised her.

She opened the door and stepped into her living room. Shutting the door, she inhaled a few deep breaths to ease the anxiety clogging her throat. For the time being, she had no choice but to accept help from Shaw. But as soon as she met with the mayor, she’d convince him to let her start work whether the library was done or not. And the moment she received her new cards, she would find a place for her family to live and put as much distance as possible between herself and Shaw.

But as she lay in bed that night, one image kept reappearing in her mind. The flash of deep pain that had filled Shaw’s eyes. Could the accident have affected him more than she’d thought? The notion disturbed her. If that were true, then her long-held assumptions about Shaw were wrong. And they couldn’t be wrong. She’d placed him in a nice little box. Labeled neatly and precisely. Irresponsible. Not to be trusted. Her world was neat and orderly, and if Shaw wasn’t the man she’d thought he was then that meant changing, and she didn’t like change.

Besides, his whole nice-guy routine was an act calculated to ease his guilt and redeem himself for the past. Well, she had news for him. No amount of help or phony concern could make up for his careless disregard for others.

Chapter Three

Shaw pressed the trigger on the nail gun, the kickback reverberating along his arm. The activity helped ease the knot in his chest, which had formed last night when Lainie had stepped onto the porch and stirred his emotions. Her presence was shattering the peaceful life he’d found and unearthing a past he’d fought hard to overcome.

Her thank-you had been frosty, but sincere nonetheless. Truthfully, he couldn’t blame her. He’d feel the same way if he were in her position.

A few more pops and the half-round molding was secured. He picked up the next section and placed it against the paneling, making sure the mitered corners fit snugly. This room was one of two with paneled walls that needed major restoration. He was anxious to complete replacing the wainscoting and trim boxes. Then he could let the painters match the new stain to the old, and he and Russ could get started putting up drywall on the second floor.

The back of his neck tingled and he glanced over his shoulder to see Russ eyeing him curiously. “You need something?”

“Nope. Just wondering why you’re here so early on a Saturday?”

“We’re behind. There’s a lot of work to do.”

“So it doesn’t have anything to do with your guests?”

“Why should it?”

“I thought maybe you were anxious to get out of the house. The lady isn’t happy to be staying with you.”

That was putting it mildly. “Can you blame her?”

“Maybe not. But you need to stop blaming yourself.” Russ strolled away.

Shaw pulled the trigger on the nail gun. Russ was never one for expounding on things. He stated his position and moved on, and he was probably right. Shaw should have paid for rooms at the Dixiana motel and gone on about his business. But he couldn’t. Lainie might never forgive him for the past, but he’d do all he could to make sure she and her daughters were taken care of until the library was done.

Job complete, Shaw shut off the compressor, questions from the past surfacing again as he headed out to his truck. Had he done all he could that day? Or had he shirked his duty because of petty resentments? He’d been a different man then. Not nearly as safety conscious as he was now, or as experienced in dealing with a crew. Over the years, he’d learned how to spot troublemakers, slackers and guys who thought swinging a hammer was a thrill. If he’d known then what he knew now, he’d never have agreed to train Hollings.

What would Lainie say if he told her the whole truth about her husband? Would she forgive him then? Doubtful. The truth would only tarnish her memory of him and make Shaw feel like a heel.

He wanted to make things right somehow. Last night, she’d stepped onto the porch into the moonlight and stolen the breath from his lungs. She was lovely, the kind of woman he’d always hoped to find. The one he could spend his life with. But she wasn’t for him and never would be.

Shaw tossed his hard hat into the truck bed then spread the blueprints on the tailgate. He flipped to the pages showing the lobby layout. He tried to focus on the lines and figures but found Lainie invading his thoughts again.

“Do all the doors have locks?” The panic in her eyes had wounded him. Did she distrust him that much? Or was she feeling vulnerable and scared in the aftermath of being robbed?

She was in a tough spot and he wasn’t sure how to help her. Technically, she wasn’t his problem. But how could he stand by and let her and her girls struggle? He was morally obligated to do whatever he could.

He stared at the blueprints, the web of tiny lines reminding him of his priorities. He needed to stop worrying about Lainie. His future depended on getting this library finished. If the building wasn’t completed, then their personal problems were immaterial.

A silver truck pulled to a stop near his and his cabinetmaker, Jeb West, got out. They’d run into a glitch and needed to find a way to reconfigure the reception desk.

Jeb hooked his hard hat under his arm as he joined Shaw. “Hey, boss. I have a few ideas on how to rework that counter.”

“Good. I don’t need any more complications.”

Jeb lowered his head a bit and peered over his glasses. “You okay? You’re looking a bit sour.”

Shaw frowned and grabbed up the blueprints. “You’d be sour, too, if you were weeks behind on a project.” And your biggest mistake was living in your house.

“Hey, is it true Miss Millie isn’t going to be the new librarian?”

“That’s right.” Word traveled faster than high-speed internet in Dover.

“Man, that’s hard to believe.”

The comment set Shaw’s teeth on edge. “Believe it. People will just have to get over it. Lainie is going to be a great librarian. They need to stop being so bullheaded and give her a chance.”

“Whoa. Don’t bite my head off. I’d just as soon have a new librarian. Millie was a scary old—” Jeb cleared his throat. “Me, I’m all in favor of the new gal. I hear she’s quite a looker, too.”

Shaw let his anger fade. He was being overly sensitive. He needed to remember that not everyone was opposed to Lainie. Just a few old-timers who thought they were protecting their friend. One of those rumors, however, was absolutely true. “I think there will be a lot of folks who’ll come to the library just to catch a glimpse of her.”

Jeb stepped back to his truck and returned quickly with a blue-and-white striped box. Shaw chuckled. “The Donut Palace. Sugar covered?”

“I figured if you were here this early you might be in a bad mood. I was being prepared.”

Shaw placed a friendly slap on his shoulder. “Let’s get to work. After a doughnut break.”

* * *

Lainie poured a second cup of coffee and carried it into the living room, stopping at one of the large windows facing the front porch. It was a beautiful morning. She would like to sit outside, but the swing was on Shaw’s side of the porch and she didn’t want to cross that barrier. Besides, if she sat outside, she might not hear the girls, and she didn’t want them alone when they woke up in a strange house.

She hadn’t slept well. Her dreams had been dark and threatening, each one jolting her awake and making it hard to fall back to sleep. In one, she’d been standing in a lovely garden that had suddenly changed into a dark cemetery. Another time, she’d dreamed she was running down wet streets searching for something, but no idea what. However, one dream had been more disturbing than the others. She’d dreamed she was being carried in strong arms against a solid chest and cradled in safety and warmth. When she’d looked up, she had seen Shaw’s face. That nightmare had pulled her from sleep with a yelp.

Clearly, her subconscious was struggling to sort out the events from yesterday. Back in the kitchen, she sat at the table and opened her Bible, flipping through the psalms. Like David, she was wandering in an unknown wilderness, unsure of her direction and wondering what the Lord was working in her life by putting Shaw in her path again. She hoped his statement that she couldn’t start work on time was wrong. She planned on being in the mayor’s office the moment Mr. Ogden returned to get things straightened out.

God willing, her replacement cards would arrive quickly, and she could regain control of her life. She glanced at the small makeup bag lying in the middle of the table. She’d emptied it out to use as her temporary purse. In addition to the cell phone, Shaw had given her a prepaid credit card for emergencies. She now possessed the things she needed to function on a daily basis—a temporary driver’s license, a phone, a credit card and her change from the diner. It wasn’t much, but it restored the sense of normalcy and control she’d been missing since being robbed yesterday.

“Mommy, I’m hungry.”

Natalie shuffled to her side rubbing sleepy eyes. Lainie lifted her onto her lap. She was getting so big. “Did you sleep well?”

“It’s a happy room.”

“It is? Why do you say that?”

“’Cause the sunshine woke me up.”

Little footsteps on the stairs announced Chrissy’s arrival. She hurried toward her mother for a morning hug. Lainie’s heart swelled with love and gratitude again for being delivered safely from a dangerous situation. She had her girls. Everything else could be handled in time.

Lainie prepared breakfast, enjoying the meal with new appreciation. Despite her feelings about Shaw, she had to admit she felt safe in this old house, and having a man nearby was comforting, too.

Chrissy swallowed the last of her juice then scooted off her chair. “I want to see Misser Shaw and play with Beaux.”

Lainie had heard Shaw’s truck pull out of the drive early this morning and assumed he was going to the library to work. “He’s not here, sweetie.”

Chrissy pulled back the curtain covering the French door. “Mommy, there’s a note.”

She joined her daughter, bending down to read the note taped to one of the glass panes from Shaw’s side.

Working today. Call if you need me. Doggie door unlatched if Beaux wants to play.

“What’s it say, Mommy?”

Beaux came to the door and sat down. Chrissy pressed her face to the glass and giggled. “Hi, Beaux. Do you want to play with us?”

Lainie ruffled Chrissy’s hair. “Mr. Shaw is at work, but he said Beaux can play with you if you want.”

Both girls squealed, threatening to burst her eardrums. They dashed out the back door and Beaux slid through the pet door to join them. Pouring another cup of coffee, she went onto the back porch to watch the girls play.

For a few moments, she allowed herself to daydream. If this were her yard, she’d clear out the bushes along the garage and put in a vegetable garden. And she’d put a small playhouse under that large live oak tree in the back corner. A sturdy one that would last until her grandchildren could play in it, too.

“Hello. Yoo-hoo. Over here.”

Lainie looked in the direction of the shout and saw a woman about her age standing at the picket fence waving. Lainie waved back. “Hi.”

“I’m Gwen Rogers. I heard the kids playing and thought I’d introduce myself.”

Lainie joined the woman at the fence. Her smile was warm and friendly, making her blue eyes sparkle. “I’m Lainie Hollings.”

“How old are your girls?”

“Natalie is six and Chrissy is four.”

“Great. My Mark is seven and Jacob is five. They’re at their grandmother’s now, but they’ll be home later. It’ll be nice for them to have playmates next door. Do you work?”

“I’m the new librarian.”

Gwen’s smile grew bigger. “Really? That’s wonderful. We’ve all been wondering who it would be. I can’t tell you how excited the town is to finally have our own library again. The closest one is in Sawyer’s Bend about twenty minutes from here. It’s nice, but it’s not ours. I think a library should be part of the town.”

“I agree, and I have lots of ideas for programs and events to benefit the community. I want the library to be a place the residents of Dover look forward to coming.”

“I’m so glad to hear that. Are you and your husband staying here with Shaw?”

“No. I mean, yes. I’m a widow. I’m only staying here temporarily.” She filled her in about the purse snatching.

“That’s awful. You must have been terrified. I’m glad you’re all right. And I’m glad Shaw was there to help. You know he’s Dover’s most eligible bachelor?”

“I didn’t know that.” Though she wasn’t surprised. It fit with what she’d heard about him.

“Every woman from here to Jackson has tried to catch him. But he’s not about to be caught. He’s too content being single. If we could auction him off, we’d raise enough money to fund our local charities for the next decade.”

Lainie couldn’t argue. Shaw was very attractive. Physically well built and handsome, but it was his character she questioned. His irresponsibility where others were concerned was a flaw she couldn’t ignore.

“He only dates a woman twice, then it’s over.” Gwen snapped her fingers in the air to emphasize her point. “I think something or someone in his past hurt him deeply. But he’s a good guy. He teaches some of the teen boys woodworking in his spare time.”

Lainie wasn’t sure what to make of that piece of information. Her neighbor was painting a picture of her landlord that was difficult to process. She found the contradictions unsettling.

“If you need a babysitter, just let me know. I don’t work so I’m here most of the time, and I love kids. The more the merrier.”

Gwen was going to be a joy to live next to and Lainie had a feeling they would quickly become close friends, even after she left Shaw’s house. “I might take you up on that, if you’re serious. I need to meet with the mayor on Monday to see when I can start work.”

“I’d be happy to keep the girls. I’ll bring the boys over later so they can get acquainted. It was so nice to meet you. Why don’t you visit our church tomorrow? Peace Community on the square. We’ll save you a seat.”

The invitation warmed her heart. “I’d like that. I want to get the girls back into Sunday chool.” Gwen gave her the time of the service then said goodbye, leaving a smile on Lainie’s face. Her visions of small-town life were starting to materialize. She’d had her first cozy conversation over a picket fence with a neighbor and been invited to church. She prayed the looming issues with her new job would be resolved as easily.

Returning to the porch, she watched her daughters darting in and out of the bushes and playing with the dog. Accepting Shaw’s offer was turning out to be a blessing, after all. She was staying in a charming old Victorian house, her girls had a yard and a dog to play with, and now neighbors. But this home was only temporary. She prayed she could find a place as nice once the issues with her job were sorted out.

* * *

The aroma of fresh pizza permeated the cab of Shaw’s truck as he drove home Saturday, reminding him how hungry he was. He and Russ had managed to get a good portion of the drywall hung on the second floor of the library before running out of materials. He couldn’t get another load until Monday.

Tired and hungry, he’d stopped and picked up a couple of pizzas. One for himself and one for Lainie and the girls. He wasn’t sure if she’d appreciate the gesture, but he felt guilty for leaving them alone all day. He hadn’t been able to stop thinking about them. Lainie had flitted through his mind at unexpected moments, tempting him to call and check on her, but he’d held off. He understood her resistance to accepting his help. But his conscience wouldn’t let him turn away. Now that he understood how alone she was, he was even more determined to protect her and the kids until the library was done and she had a job And a safe place to live. He owed them that.

Shaw carried the boxes onto the back porch and knocked on Lainie’s door. He found himself looking forward to seeing her again, and curious about what she’d done all day. The frown on her face when she opened the door dampened his mood. He forced a smile anyway and held out the pizza box. “I thought you and the kids might like a pizza.”

Lainie blinked. “Oh. Thank you. That was very thoughtful. I was just about to fix supper.” She looked into his eyes and he saw the indecision. She was wondering how to invite him to stay. And not wanting to. The realization stung more than he’d expected. He handed her the top box.

“It’s pepperoni. I didn’t know if the kids like the other toppings.”

Chrissy charged into the kitchen and stopped in front of him, tilting her head back and smiling. “Hey, Misser Shaw. We played with Beaux today.”

“Is that pizza for us?” Natalie glanced at her mother. “Pepperoni?”

“Yes. Won’t you stay and eat with us?”

Her smile had warmed some. “No, but thanks.” He raised the other box. “I got one for myself. And Beaux.” He stepped back, suddenly aware of the sweet scent of her perfume, and his own end-of-the-day dirt and grime. His shirt was covered in drywall dust. “Besides, I need to clean up, and I have a lot of paperwork to catch up on. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Thanks again.”

Shaw crossed the short distance to his own back door and went inside. He set the pizza on the table, his appetite fading. Russ had expressed concern about having Lainie nearby all the time. Shaw had dismissed the idea, but now he was beginning to think his friend was right. Simply knowing she was on the other side of the wall left him distracted and off balance.

He needed to lock thoughts of Lainie in the back of his mind, and tackle his bookkeeping files. Grabbing a slice of pizza, he munched it on his way to the shower. Feeling like a new man, he pulled on khaki shorts and an old T-shirt and returned to the kitchen. He loved his job, and he was proud he’d managed to start his own company. But he wasn’t fond of the paperwork involved. He’d rather spend his time working with clients and overseeing the projects. He hoped to hire someone to do the books soon, but not until the library was done. Until then, he was living on a shoestring.

He’d been working about an hour when he sensed he was being watched. He glanced around, realizing his kitchen door was still open and he could see across the hall to the French door sealing off Lainie’s side. Since he lived alone, he’d never thought about closing doors, but he might need to start now that he had three ladies next door who could easily peek through the glass door and see him. Movement prompted a closer look, and he saw a little face peering through one of the panes. The younger one. Chrissy. She smiled and waved at him. He waved back, feeling silly. He’d never been around little kids and wasn’t sure how to handle them. Beaux rose and trotted into the hall and poked his nose at the glass. Shaw could hear Chrissy’s giggles.

The little girl disappeared and Beaux returned to Shaw’s side. It was going to be interesting having them in his house. He focused his attention on the computer screen again, but he’d barely started on his task, when he heard a knock on the back door. He was surprised to see Lainie on the other side. “Hey. What’s up? You okay?” She wouldn’t come to his side without a good reason.

“I hate to bother you when you’re working, but the sink is stopped up, and I can’t find a plunger. Could you take a look at it?”

“Sure. I’ll get my snake and be right there.”

When he entered Lainie’s kitchen a few minutes later, she was staring at Natalie with a stern expression and her arms crossed.

“Why would you do that?”

The little girl shrugged. “It was dirty and I wanted to clean it. It fell down the hole. I didn’t mean to.”

Shaw looked at Lainie. “What’s wrong?”

“My daughter tried to wash her fuzzy bracelet in the sink.”

Shaw frowned. He wasn’t sure what a fuzzy bracelet might look like, but if it was stuck in the drain, he could get it out. “No problem. We’ll get it out and have your sink working in no time.”

Lainie sent Natalie to her room with instructions to take her sister with her and get ready for bed. “I’m so sorry.”

“This is an old house and something always needs fixed. This sink drain should have a cover. I never noticed that before.” He started feeding the slender wire snake down the drain. “I guess everything went okay today?”

“Yes. I met your neighbor.”

“Gwen and Eric are good people. We attend the same church.”

“You go to church?”

Shaw wasn’t sure if he should be hurt or angry at her surprise. He shot a glance at her over his shoulder. “Just a sinner saved by grace.” Her lack of response told him she regretted her comment.

“So, how is the library coming along?”

He knew what Lainie really wanted to know. Had he made significant progress today? She wanted to make sure he was keeping on task. Shaw pulled out the snake. Whatever was clogging the drain was wedged in the trap. He pulled a wrench from his tool box and sat on the floor, opening the cabinet doors to work on the pipes. “We hit another snag. Russ and I will have to do the drywall ourselves. We can’t find a crew available to do the job.”

“What does that mean?’

“Several days’ delay. Can you get me a bucket?”

“What?”

“I have to take the trap off. I need something to catch the water.”

“Oh. I think I saw one in the laundry room.”

She returned quickly with the bucket. He lay down under the sink, stretching his legs across the floor as he fought the rusty pipe. “Don’t worry, Lainie. I’ll stay on top of the project. I want it done on time as much as you do.” He put all his strength behind the wrench and pulled. The joint finally broke free. A stream of brown water and a thick glob of slimy junk plopped into the bucket.

“I doubt that.”

Shaw tugged himself from under the sink, staring up at Lainie from the floor. “If I don’t complete this job on time, I’ll have to pay a fine that will probably bankrupt my company. So yes, I do have as much to lose as you do if I fail.”

He hadn’t meant to sound angry. But he was painfully aware of the looming deadline and what he had to lose. The setback with the drywall hadn’t helped. Moving back under the sink, he reconnected the trap and stood. It would need to be replaced with plastic pipes soon, but it should hold for a while.

He ran water through the sink to make sure the drain flowed freely. “Good as new.” He stepped back and found Lainie staring at him.

“Is that true?” she asked. “Could you lose your business if the construction isn’t done in time?”

“Those are the terms of the contract I signed. I’ve got four weeks to finish and six weeks of work yet to do.”

“I didn’t know.”

“No reason you should.”

“Do you think you can finish in time?”

“It’ll mean pulling some all-nighters, but I have no choice. I need to finish. My future depends on it. It’s not just the fine. It’s my reputation that would be ruined. The people here would never trust me again. I’ve worked too hard to mess that up.”

Lainie studied him a moment as if she were contemplating what he’d told her. “Thank you for fixing the sink.”

“You’re welcome. There’ll probably be more repairs to do. Like I said, it’s an old house.” He thought he saw a hint of understanding in her eyes. Hope took root. He wanted to see more than understanding. He wanted to see friendship, anything other than condemnation.

“Hey, Misser Shaw.” Chrissy hurried over to him as he dried his hands on a paper towel. “Did you find my sister’s fuzzy bracelet?”

“Uh, yes, but I don’t think it’s any good anymore.” He pointed to the bucket on the floor filled with brown gunk.

“Ew.” Chrissy pinched her nose against the smell.

“Thanks for the pizza, Mister Shaw.” Natalie grinned up at him from her mother’s side.

“My pleasure.”

“Girls, it’s bedtime. Say good-night and go back upstairs. I’ll be up in a minute.”

“Night, Mister Shaw.” Natalie smiled full out, flashing her twin dimples.

Chrissy came to his side and grinned. She placed her hand over her mouth, made a kissing sound, then blew it toward him. “Night. See you in the morning.”

Shaw watched the girls scurry up the stairs, a strange warmth curling inside his chest. He wasn’t sure if he liked the sensation or not. Gathering up his tools and the bucket of water, he said good-night and returned to his side of the house.

He liked helping people. He enjoyed working with the teens he taught. He welcomed the chance to aid the members of his church. But helping Lainie tonight had been a different experience. He’d felt like a knight coming to the rescue and receiving a boon in the form of a kiss blown by a tiny girl with glasses.

Shaw rubbed his forehead. He was obviously exhausted and not thinking clearly. He closed his kitchen door, snapped his fingers at Beaux, then headed into the bedroom. He needed sleep. But he had a feeling Lainie and two little charmers with blond hair and blue eyes would be invading his dreams tonight.

Chapter Four

Lainie pulled the brush through Natalie’s curly hair trying to be gentle, but her daughter still winced.

“Ow. Mommy, you pull too hard.”

“Sorry, sweetie, but we’re running late for church and I still have to fix your sister’s hair. Do you want a bow?” Natalie nodded and darted off to find one.

Lainie called to Chrissy and picked up a small rubber band.

“Mommy, can I have two tails today?”

“Sure.” Her youngest liked her hair out of her eyes. She pulled the silky blond hair into sections, one over each ear, before placing a kiss on the top of the little head. Downstairs, Lainie picked up her makeup-bag purse, her gaze drifting to the sink Shaw had fixed last night.

He’d answered his door, and she’d found herself keenly aware of him—as a man. Obviously fresh from a shower, his hair had been damp and combed back, making his dark blue eyes even more noticeable. He had smelled clean, brisk, like soap. He’d been earthy and masculine, and she’d found herself in an odd tug-of-war—wanting to flee and wanting to linger.

She’d returned to her kitchen, determined to ignore her reactions, only to find new things to disturb her when he’d started work on her sink. He’d been confident and capable as he’d gone about his task. His muscles had bunched and strained as he worked with the wrench, his long legs stretched across her kitchen floor. But the thing that stuck in her mind most now was his admission that he had as much invested in completing the library as she did. She needed the employment. He needed to ensure the future of his business. For some reason, that knowledge gave her a measure of comfort. Not that she was concerned for his company—hardly—but she at least had the comfort of knowing he’d do all he could to make sure the deadline was met.

They arrived at church later than she would have liked, which wasn’t unusual for them. Getting the girls ready and out the door was always a challenge. Finding no parking spaces near the church, she drove down the block, angling the car into a slot along the courthouse park.

Gwen was waiting on the front sidewalk of the stately red brick church when they arrived. She waved and smiled. “I’m so glad you came. I’ve saved you a seat.”

Lainie took the bulletin the greeter handed her and stepped inside the old church. An air of reverence and tranquility wrapped around her the moment she crossed the threshold. Her church attendance had suffered during the past few months. Closing out her old job and getting ready for the move to Dover had consumed all her time and energy. It felt good to be back in a worship environment again.

Gwen stopped midway down the aisle and pointed to a pew on the left. “We saved this section behind us for you. We’ve got a full house today.”

Lainie guided the girls in first, reminding them to be quiet and sit still. Her gaze traveled around the historic edifice, admiring the richly stained arched buttresses, the massive pipe organ and vivid liturgy cloths placed on the pulpit. Peace Community Church was vastly different from the church they’d attended in Memphis, which had been a more modern style of building.

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