His gentleness with Hope confirmed her opinion of him. She still couldn’t believe he’d volunteered to pay Hope’s vet bills. When Dr. Scott had brought in the quote, her eyes had ballooned. The last time she’d had that much money in her bank account was after receiving a tax return several years ago, which Manny had promptly transferred to his individual account that she didn’t have access to. Carl hadn’t batted an eye. He’d signed the paperwork, assuming all financial responsibility for Hope.
She checked her watch—ten minutes until two. Six hundred seconds to pace and stew and wonder if she’d chicken out. She pressed her hands against her abdomen and breathed in deep like her counselor had taught her. Closing her eyes, she pictured herself in a happy place.
Her vision took her to the beach with Skye and Mercy. They wandered along the shore at a leisurely pace, collecting seashells and giggling when the waves rolled to their feet.
It was a fantasy, but her frayed nerves calmed as she exhaled. Happier days were coming, but she had to take steps which would allow them. She couldn’t live her life afraid of all men, even if that’s what she’d learned.
Carl drove into the parking lot and stopped at the curb where she waited. He hopped out and circled to greet her. “Are the girls settled?”
She nodded. “Skye was so excited. Mercy didn’t know what was happening, but she’s a happy baby as long as anyone pays attention to her.”
“They’re great girls.” He opened the door for her, then closed it behind her.
Her heart raced. She kept one hand on the door, on the verge of escape.I can do this.After he was in the truck, she looked at him. “Do you mind if I put the window down?”
“Go ahead.”
She pressed the button. The cool air swept into the cab and eased her anxiety. “Thanks again for taking me.”
“No problem.”
Once they got moving, she put the window up until only a crack was opened. She shivered and rubbed her hands up and down her arms.
Without a word, Carl turned up the heat.
She watched him from the corner of her eye. His thoughts looked a thousand miles away, and he didn’t try to make conversation. Did he regret his offer? Old insecurities flooded her. “I don’t need to go if you have other places to be.”
“What?” He turned his head and looked at her, brows raised in confusion.
“You seem distracted.” She pressed her hands against her thighs. Her clammy palms dampened her denim jeans.
“I’m sorry.” A contrite smile pulled at his lips. “I am, but it has nothing to do with you.”
Only a small measure of relief found her. “I’m a good listener if you want to talk about it.”
One hand tapped the steering wheel while the other controlled the truck’s movements. “This afternoon my mom told me that she’s seeing someone and invited him to have Thanksgiving dinner with us.”
“And you’re not crazy about the idea?”
He shrugged. “I don’t know. I want my mom to be happy. After all she’s been through, she deserves it.”
“But?” She was curious about his family background, but she wouldn’t press beyond what he willingly offered.
“It’s been the two of us for a long time, plus my grandfather. She hasn’t dated since I was a kid, and I’m worried.”
“Maybe she has dated but didn’t feel the need to tell you.”
He tilted his head, peering at the distance as though he’d never considered that. “We’re close. She would have told me.”
“It might be different because Skye and Mercy are young, but if I were dating a man, I don’t think I’d tell them about him unless I knew it was serious.” Embarrassed, she backtracked. “Not that I’m thinking about dating. That’s not in my near future, or even the distant one for that matter.”
Her rambling only made it worse, and she shut up.
“You could be right.” He bit down on his lip. The sides of his eyes crinkled. “I’ve never told you my story, have I?”
“No.”
“It’s not pretty.”
