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It felt good to be back in Foster Grove.

He hadn’t really intended to do anything other than lay low while he was here, but he was more than happy to help out with Pam’s fund-raiser. Playing in the youth hockey league and after-school programs had started him on the path to the career he had today. He liked to give back whenever possible.

Caleb pulled out his cell phone and called Grant, his assistant, to arrange to have some items sent up for the event.

Chapter Two

“YOU’VE outdone yourself, sis.” Caleb looked around the school gymnasium as the final preparations were being made, with students and parent volunteers buzzing around. “I remember the carnivals when we were kids. It was a handful of ragtag booths.”

“Now we get each grade to do a booth. We also ask parents to get involved and create the attractions and games. There’re prizes for groups that earn the most money. We need the support, so we try to make it fun and exciting for everyone involved.”

“I’m impressed.”

“Me too,” said Grant Paulson, Caleb’s assistant, who’d driven up from New York earlier in the day with items for the auction. “I’ve been with Caleb to professionally created events that aren’t half as organized as this.”

“We try.” Pam beamed with pride.

The gym door behind them opened with a clang.

“Pam, have you seen—”

They turned to find a man who had stopped short in the entryway.

“I’m sorry. Didn’t mean to interrupt.”

Caleb couldn’t believe it. Aaron Price stood before him.

He was more handsome than Caleb remembered.

Gone were the thick black glasses he’d worn in high school. He now sported very stylish frames that suited him nicely. His thick dark hair was swept up off his forehead, and the close-cropped beard was a handsome addition.

“Aaron!” Caleb stepped forward awkwardly, pivoting his weight on the cane, and pulled Aaron into a hug. “Pam told me you were back. It’s good to see you.”

“I’d heard she’d corralled you into this.” Despite his words, Aaron looked surprised. “Thanks for helping out.”

“My pleasure.” Aaron seemed tense in his embrace, so Caleb clapped him on the back before letting him go. “You know, you guys really can ask for anything, anytime you need it. Grant can have me sign things and ship them here.”

“Of course.” Grant smiled, looking perfectly happy to have been summoned to Foster Grove with no warning. “It’s no trouble.”

“Better to have you here, little brother. Let people see the hometown hero in person.”

Caleb’s cheeks heated. All he did was play the game he loved, and he was lucky enough to make a living at it. There were no heroics involved.

“What all did she have you bring?” Aaron asked.

“I cleaned out the closet,” Grant said. “We’ve got a couple of jerseys, some game pucks, a pair of gloves, a couple different pictures, and even a stick that’s seen some gameplay.”

“Pam also conned me into wearing one of these during the signing,” Caleb said, indicating the game jersey he had on. “She thinks we can auction it off for a higher amount later tonight.”

“I’m buying you both breakfast tomorrow. I’ll make it worth your while.” She smiled and bumped her shoulder against Caleb’s.

“She knows exactly how to get me to do what she wants.”

A parent came up and whispered in Pam’s ear. Pam nodded and quickly gave them their marching orders. “Aaron, can you get Caleb and Grant set up at table twenty-one? Silent auction forms should be there already, and everything needs to be put on display.”

“Happy to. Follow me.”

Aaron and Grant grabbed the boxes filled with auction items, and Aaron led the way across the gym. Caleb, mindful of his foot, fell in step beside them.