Lakeside Hero (Men Of Millbrook Lake Book 1) (6 page)

Chapter Seven

“Y
our house is amazing.”

Marla had packed up the last of her supplies and helped the hired staff put away the leftover luncheon food and tidy up the kitchen. Thankfully, she’d calculated a good amount with no waste. Her food had been a hit, and she’d received several requests for her business card.

Silently sending up a prayer of gratitude, she had to admit the highlight of this day had been the private tour Alec and his aunt had given Marla and her mother. Caldwell House was three thousand square feet of Victorian charm, with five bedrooms and four bathrooms, a large office and den, a sunroom that served as an extra dining room and a formal dining-room-and-living-room combination. Not to mention this kitchen and all the bay windows that brought in light on both floors. She’d love to curl up with a book and some hot tea near one of the windows. She’d found charming nooks that allowed the sunshine to pour in and also highlighted a good view of the lake.

“Thank you,” Alec said now. “And thanks for leaving me that huge plate of leftovers in the fridge.”

They were alone together in the kitchen. Miss Hattie had insisted on taking her mother out to the greenhouse to give her some cuttings from her prized angel-wing begonia.

His dog, Angus, brushed up against Marla’s leg and she leaned down to pat his thick golden fur. The dog had been allowed out of Alec’s office after all the other women had gone home.

Alec called Angus over and offered him a treat from a jar on a small counter by the back door. “I think my loyal companion has his eye on one of those cupcakes.”

Marla gave Angus a questioning glance. “He’s not allowed, but the least I could do is to leave you and Angus some treats, since you’ve been a walking advertisement for me since I gave you that piece of wedding cake.”

His gaze held hers, his smile comfortable and self-assured now. When he smiled like this, Marla hardly noticed the jagged scar along his cheekbone. “I know a good thing when I see it.”

Marla didn’t know what to do with her hands since she’d packed everything up and even loaded the van. She’d sent Brandy home early, but she intended to run by the shop to unload and wash up her pans and utensils—her way of unwinding after a day’s work. Gabby was with Marla’s dad, riding around on the golf cart—another step in her daughter learning to trust again—but her mom had promised to hurry home and round them up for a light dinner. Marla would meet them there.

“The luncheon was really nice,” she said, nerves clanking like spoons inside her stomach. “I know my mom misses her garden, so she’ll appreciate the cuttings Miss Hattie’s giving her.”

“Do they like the retirement village?” he asked, his eyes a rich amber in the late afternoon light.

She laughed. “They love it. I mean, we lived on a farm and our neighbors were miles away. I thought my dad would hate the close, tight-knit patio homes, but he’s in charge of the community garden and he’s on the homeowner’s association board. My mom is thriving, too. She’s in a quilting circle and she loves going on the shopping and beach excursions the ladies have each month. They go out to dinner and they often have big cookouts at the clubhouse. I think they’ve both taken up water aerobics in the pool, too.”

“I’m glad they’re happy, then.” He rubbed his scar then shook his head. “Maybe I should encourage Aunt Hattie to join in some of the events, if that’s possible.”

Marla glanced out the big window over the sink and saw her mother and Miss Hattie laughing as they strolled through the garden. “The activities director—Cindy—encourages bringing guests since she considers them prospects for residency one day.”

He grinned at that. “Aunt Hattie might surprise me and move out there. She’s threatened before.”

“Do you like having her here with you?”

“I do,” he said. Leaning into the marble counter, he stared out the window. “My mother never recovered from losing my father and, well, unlike her sister Hattie, she didn’t like group events. Aunt Hattie knew how to deal with my mother’s mood, so she was always around when I was growing up. It’s only natural that the two of us share this big house. Plenty of room for Angus and us.”

Marla remembered Vivian Caldwell as being an attractive, elegant woman who had a mysterious, aloof air about her. She always made the paper on the society page, however. “But your mother was active in the community, right?”

“Yes, but on her terms,” he replied, his expression full of a deep sadness. “She contributed a lot of the Caldwell money through the foundation. She didn’t like getting her hands dirty but she was generous.”

Marla wondered about him. Was he as reclusive as his mother? It seemed that way at times, but he’d been nothing but charming and accommodating today. “And do you like getting your hands dirty?”

“I don’t know yet.” He shrugged. “I’m used to being down and dirty on the front line, but it’s a different thing now that I’m home and out of the military. The foundation keeps me busy and trying to start this new venture with the Caldwell Canines is a challenge. But I’ve always liked being hands-on.”

Marla was happy to hear that. “Well, my dad’s certainly looking for able bodies to help with the garden out at Millbrook Lake Retirement Village. Most of his friends have to be careful of overheating or hurting their backs.”

Alec came around the counter, his smile making her forget all about her vow to keep him at arm’s length. “You have my number. Tell him to give me a call anytime. I have three buddies who can do everything from hoe a row to get cats out of trees.”

Marla loved his sense of humor and she was glad he had buddies. Knowing that made him more accessible for some reason. “And I’m guessing Preacher Sanderson is one of those three?”

“He’s at the top of the list. I met him when I was recovering stateside. He was more than a chaplain in the army. He’s good at everything he tries.”

“He’s good at helping people who’ve lost hope,” she said before she could pull the words back.

“Did he help you?”

“Yes.” She glanced down at her hands and wished she’d stayed quiet. “He wants to help Gabby but she’s still shy around him.” Giving him a quick glance, she added, “She’s uncomfortable around most adult men. Her therapist says it’ll take a while for her to heal.”

Alec leaned in. “I understand that concept. I had a hard time when I finally came back here. I was the same but different. Sometimes, it’s difficult for others to understand that soldiers go through a lot they don’t like to talk about. I would imagine children have it even harder when they’re dealing with trauma. Anyway, I hope I get to meet Gabby one day, but no rush on that. Preacher helped me work through things, and I still have bad days.”

She wished she could ask him about those things, but Marla didn’t want to pry. He’d tell her if he wanted her to know.

“I’m glad you had a friend.”

“Yeah, so am I.” He took her by the arm. “Let’s get out there and see what those two are talking so intently about.”

So that ended the conversation. It seemed neither of them wanted to talk about the past or their hidden scars. Marla accepted that maybe they both were a little shy in the getting-to-know-you department.

To lighten the mood, she glanced out the window. “I think maybe they’re discussing the hibiscus plants?”

He winked at her. “Either that or...maybe they’re comparing notes on you and me.”

She laughed at the teasing look in his eyes. “Do you want that?”

“Not really,” he said as he guided her out the French doors. A nice spring breeze played through the palm fronds on one side of the yard and tickled along the broad porch. “I prefer speaking for myself.”

“Same here,” Marla said as they moved down the steps. “But you know they mean well.”

“I do. Meaning well can often lead to misinterpretation, however.” He stopped before they reached the gazebo where his aunt and her mother had settled. “I’d never want you to hear something about me that might upset you.”

Before she could respond, her cell phone rang. “It’s my dad,” she said to Alec.

He nodded. “Go ahead. I’ll see if these two have figured out a way to solve world peace.”

Marla answered the phone on the second ring. “Daddy, hi. Is everything okay?”

Her father sounded winded. “No, honey. But don’t panic, okay? Gabby is a little upset is all.”

“I’m on my way,” Marla said, her stomach knotting. She motioned toward her mother but kept speaking to her dad. “What happened?”

“Dipsey McQuire. He saw us on the golf cart and waved. When we got closer he tried to tickle Gabby’s tummy. Gabby got scared and grabbed hold of me. I guess his red beard threw her a bit. She’s all right, honey. But she’s asking for you. I can’t get her to calm down.”

“I’ll be there soon, tell her. Okay, Daddy, tell her I’m coming.” Marla ended the call and hurried toward her mother. “Gabby got scared, Mom. Mr. McQuire tried to talk to her.”

Her mother put a hand to her mouth. “Oh, no. He’s harmless but he’s got that big beard and he laughs so loudly. I’m sorry. I told your daddy to stay on the less-traveled trails.”

“What can I do?” Alec asked, clear concern in his eyes.

“Nothing,” Marla replied. “I... I had planned to take all of the leftovers and my equipment back to the shop.”

He stared at her for a minute and said, “Give me the keys to your van. I’ll go to your shop and unload it.”

Shocked, Marla shook her head. “But you don’t know the code to get in.”

“Can I call someone to meet me?”

“Brandy,” she said. She spouted out the number.

“Got it,” Alec said, writing the number on his hand with a pen he’d pulled from his pocket. “Brandy and I will take care of the shop. You go with your mother.”

Marla didn’t know what to say. “Thank you, Alec.”

Aunt Hattie walked with them to a side gate. “I hope your sweet girl is all right, Marla. Poor little thing. We’ll send up prayers for her healing.”

“Thank you,” Joyce said. “We had such a nice time.”

Aunt Hattie hugged her mom. “Come back again, please.”

Alec guided them toward where her mother had parked on the side street. “Call me when everything is okay,” he said. “Brandy and I will make sure the van is cleaned out and your shop is locked up tight.”

Marla could only nod as she and her mother hurried to her mother’s car. When she glanced back, Alec was already in the van. He shot her an encouraging smile and waved her on.

Marla turned around to stare straight ahead, her purse clutched in her hand. Worries about Gabby being afraid warred with the tiny crack in her heart at the way Alec had offered to help her.

“He’s a very nice man,” her mother said.

“Yes, he is.” Marla couldn’t quite believe that Alec had taken control without batting an eye. Then she gave her mother a reluctant glance. “Once a marine, always a marine, right? He must have taken control like that in much worse situations.”

Her mother patted her hand. “Right. We women like our independence but sometimes it’s nice to let others help us when we really need it.” Then she shot Marla a knowing motherly smile. “Especially if the help comes from such an unexpected place.”

Marla would have to remember that sage advice. Had she become so closed off and out of touch that she’d forgotten to accept kindness? Especially the kind that left her surprised and touched?

* * *

Alec couldn’t get the memory of Marla’s panicked expression out of his mind. Glancing at the clock again, he noted that three hours had passed since she’d left with her mother to go and check on Gabby. What had happened?

After getting in touch with Brandy and explaining that he needed her help, she’d met him at the shop and together they’d put away Marla’s supplies and the remaining food.

“We sometimes take any fresh leftovers to the homeless shelter on the other side of town,” Brandy had told him, her tone still a bit uncertain at having him helping her. “Marla also donates any pastries that are left but still fresh.”

Feeling like a clumsy giant inside the dainty little pastry shop, Alec had been careful not to break anything. But tiny Brandy had rattled dishes and slung pots as if she were a navy cook. Alec liked the young girl with the auburn-colored gamine haircut and decided it was probably fun to work in a place like Marla’s Marvelous Desserts. Who didn’t have a sweet tooth, anyway?

After they’d finished, Brandy had offered to give him a ride home. But Alec had thanked her and declined. He’d decided to walk home since it was only about a half mile.

Right now, he was late for pizza with his buddies out at the fishing camp that they’d all bought together. He wanted to call Marla but Alec didn’t think they’d advanced to the point that he could do that. She seemed as skittish as her little girl.

Maybe, like Gabby, Marla was afraid of getting too close to any man who might do her harm. Wishing he could help heal the little girl, Alec wondered if he’d ever get to meet Marla’s daughter.

Or if Marla would ever allow him to get closer to her. She had yet to explain why her daughter was so frightened of men.

Did he want to get that involved? To get closer to Marla and Gabby? Maybe he should be thankful since he didn’t want to risk upsetting either of them.

When the phone rang, he breathed a sigh of relief.

“Marla, hi. I hope everything’s okay now.”

She let out her own breath. “Crisis averted. She was mostly tired and needed a nap, but Mr. McQuire is a tad too jolly and friendly for her right now. Sometimes Pawpaw forgets to be stern with her regarding nap time so they’d stayed out on the trails too long.”

“How was she when you got there?” Alec asked, his heart turning to putty for the little girl.

“Crying, but my dad had given her a grape Popsicle and she had it all over her blue T-shirt and once-white shorts. After we washed her off and changed her clothes, I read her a story and she fell asleep. She’ll be out for the night so Mom’s letting her sleep here.”

“So you’ll come back to town?”

Silence. “I don’t know. Brandy said you were a real trouper with helping get the shop in order, so I don’t have to worry about that. Thank you again, Alec.”