before work. Sarah could get them both off to
school and that way the boys could get to know
each other better. Somehow things kept
working out for the best. Other than the
plumbing anyway. Once she’d explained the
problem to the only plumber in town, he went
off on neglected pipes and terrible
homeowners. She just knew the repair was
going to cost a fortune. One she didn’t have at
the moment. Apparently that was what credit
was for. Mel hated to put anything on her
credit card, but she kept one for emergencies
and this was definitely an emergency.
She stepped onto the porch and smiled as
Jeremy came barreling down the driveway on
his almost new bike. Just another thing she
was grateful for. If she and Mitch hadn’t
bought such an extravagant gift for Jeremy’s
seventh birthday, she’d be shopping garage
sales for something used and probably decrepit.
Melissa still felt bad that Mitch hadn’t lived to
see the pure joy on Jeremy’s face when she
gave him that gift. Remembering that day,
almost a year ago, made her a little sad. But
Jeremy was so happy here. Mitch had helped
her make that happen. Mel thought about their
situation. She had a new car and Jeremy had a
new bike. Appearances were everything. This
way nobody would know just how broke she
really was. And Jeremy could start acting like
a kid again. He could run and play, and ride his
bike around the neighborhood. Oh, he could
play in the back yard back in Denver, but Mel
never let Jeremy wander out alone. Which
meant his playtime was limited by her
availability. She didn’t worry so much here.
She knew as long as he stayed in the area, he
was safe. She glanced up just in time to see a
fancy new truck pull up behind her car. She’d
parked on the curb to give Jer more room to
ride his bike. Her face fell when she saw Shane
Chandler casually exit the cab. He swung the
door shut and immediately headed her way.
For a moment she panicked. Her eyes shot to
Jeremy then back to Shane. She had to stay
calm. She could do this. She knew this day
would come eventually, she’d just hoped for a
little more time.
Shane spotted Melissa on the porch and
some of his tension lifted. He knew he could
trust Sarah, but he also knew if push came to
shove, she was loyal to Mel. He didn’t notice
the boy until the kid’s bike screeched to a halt
in front of him, almost stopping on his left boot.
Shane glanced down casually, wondering who
the kid was and froze when bright blue eyes
stared up at him. His eyes. But that wasn’t
possible. It couldn’t be. Half the population
had blue eyes, he assured himself. Mel had
blue eyes. His head shot to Mel then back to
the kid.
“Hi, mister.” The boy said clearly sizing
him up. “Can I help you?”
Shane had to smile. The kid had guts.
“I’m just here to see an old friend. Who might
you be?”
“Jeremy.” The kid said proudly. “Who
are you? And who is your friend? We just
moved here but I might know him.”
“Shane Chandler and my friend is that
lovely lady standing on the porch over there.”
“Hey, that’s my mom.” Jeremy said proudly.
“You know her?”
Shane studied the boy closer, then turned
to look at Melissa. She wasn’t moving. He
knew that look, something was wrong. “I did a
long time ago.” He answered, trying to ignore
the hurricane churning in his gut.
“I like your name, Shane.” Jeremy said.
“Is it okay if I call you Shane, Mr. Chandler?”
“Absolutely. I like yours too. Is it okay if I call
you Jeremy?”
“Of course.