Tyler might be a late coming home, but she didnt know his story and it wasnt her place to judge. Shed been hired to do a job. Keeping a safe distance from this good-looking adventurer would be best for them all.
She placed her hands over her sons short active legs. Im sorry about
the small spacewe might be able to move the seat back a little bit. There wasnt much room available with all the stuff she had wedged between the seat and Bryce.
No worries. He chuckled and winked at her. His clear blue eyes matched his fathers perfectly. Ive been in tighter places. Besides, we arent going far.
She put the car in Reverse and hit the gas, but all that happened was the whirling sound of a spinning tire. She gripped the steering wheel and tried again, pressing harder on the gas pedal.
Whoa. Youre just digging in deeper. Go forward.
She gritted her teeth against his short demand and reached up to shift gears. His hand stopped her. The touch startled her, and she jerked back.
He didnt even seem to notice her reaction. Hold on. Let me put one of those branches in front of the tire. Without waiting for her to agree, he sprang out of the car. Running hunched over, he gathered some of the larger limbs that covered the ground on the edge of the cedar break. Climbing back into the car, he nodded. Now go forward. Keep the pressure on the pedal nice and steady.
Holding her breath and sending a quick prayer, she followed his instructions. After a few bounces, they were back on the road. She couldnt help giving him a big grin. Thank you.
Well, it was my fault you ended up in the ditch.
With a slow U-turn on the highway, she headed back toward his plane.
Are you going to be able to drive the plane to the airport?
Yeah. I think a wing is damaged, but it can move across the ground without a problem. The Kirkpatricks arent going to be happy. I think I ran through their fence a couple of times back in high school. With one hand on the door, he turned to face her. You dont mind following me to the hangar, do you? Ill need a ride to town.
Town? Youre not going to the ranch?
You dont need to drive all the way out there. He glanced over her stacked and labeled boxes. You look busy. Do you need help?
He didnt know she had been hired to stay with his dad? She made herself stop chewing on the inside of her cheek. She hadnt even introduced herself.
Im Karly Kalakona. I was hired as the new housekeeper and to care for your dad after he had the stroke. Im heading to the ranch anyway, so its not a problem. Ive never been to the ranch, so it would be great if you could show me where to go. I mean I know where the ranch is, but once on the ranch I have no clue. Stop rambling, idiot. No, she reminded herself, no more name-calling. Be kind to yourself.
She held her expression neutral as his eyes narrowed. The space in her old Volvo seemed to get smaller and warmer. The heavy raindrops hitting the roof was the only sound for what seemed like hours. Taking his hand off the door, he turned and looked straight at her. Karly pushed her dark hair back.
Youre moving into my dads house? His friendly tone had been replaced by a sharp edge. Who hired you?
Uh...Pastor John Levi. He was married to your sister, Carol, right? He told me he still helps your dad with the ranch. Silence. Tyler stared out the windshield. She was getting the feeling he was not happy. Is there a problem?
He shook his head. I just thought... Instead of finishing the sentence, he sighed and looked back at her. How do you know John?
A little less than a year ago I started attending his church, and a few months later they helped me get out of a bad situation. When your father had his stroke, Pastor John asked if I would be a live-in assistant. Your father had always been a great support to me so I really wanted to repay all the help I found here in Clear Water.
You look really young for a nurse.
Im not a nurse.
Do you have nursing exper? Flashes of lightning flooded the car with white light, followed by a rolling boom of thunder. Bryce cried out, covering his ears. She reached for him again.
Its okay, baby. Were safe.
Hey, big guy, have you ever gone bowling?
Bryce looked up at Tyler and shook his head. Karly couldnt keep from raising her eyebrows. Bowling? What did that have to do with anything?
Well, Ill have to take you so you know thats what it sounds like. A giant marble ball hitting a bunch of wooden pins. Sounds scary, but its actually loads of fun.
Really? I wanna go, Momma. I wanna go bowling. He looked at his new hero. When are we going?
Now, Bryce, I dont know. We have a lot of things to do and you just got your braces off. She cut a glance to Tyler. Between the surgeries and physical therapy, we have to be careful of the activities we pick. She didnt want Bryce disappointed in the things he couldnt do. She wanted him to focus on what he could safely accomplish. We have to get moved
into our new home and get you back in school.
Yes, maam. His narrow shoulders slumped. Well, at least he wasnt crying.