Rankin.
Rankin. Matt Rankin. He have a record?
Is this for the Center? Robert asked.
Uhyeah, she lied. Sorta, she added to ease her conscience.
Just a minute. She heard the click of computer keys and a silent pause. Nope, no arrests, but
But?
More clicking keys.
Ah. He received unemployment checks at one point, so he is in the system. I show a mailing address at the Woodgate Inn. That help?
Yes, thank you, Robert.
Unemployment checks could mean Matt was one of the workers laid off when the local paper mill shut down production, and the Woodgate Inn was low-cost, bare-bones housing near the Community Aid Center. That much of Matts story fit.
Wanna tell me what this is about? Robert asked.
Not really. Ill call you later. She disconnected the call before her brother-in-law could protest.
Matt lifted an eyebrow, silently asking what shed learned.
Holly shoved her phone back in her purse and shrugged. Apparently Matt Rankin has no record.
He lifted a corner of his mouth, his smile guileless. Then shall we catch a cat?
Stand back. Matt stood in Hollys barn, ready to release the mother cat from the wrapping of rags theyd used to secure and transport her to Hollys home in the country. Theyd settled the kittens in a comfortable box-bed with a towel in a safe corner of the barn. Now it was Mamas turn to see her new home. Shes bound to be scared and confused. Who knows what shell do.
Holly nodded and inched back as Matt lowered the bundled cat to the floor and began unwinding the rag-wrapping. Already the cats nose, poking out of the rags, twitched and sniffed the fresh air, redolent with the scents of straw and fallen leaves. As the bindings around the cats legs loosened, she wiggled and sprang free, leaving a gash on Matts arm as she vaulted away and scurried out of the barn.
Hollys green eyes rounded with concern. Rushing to the door, she scanned the yard. She ran under the front porch.
Shell be fine. She just needs to calm down. I bet in a couple weeks, shell be eating out of your hand. He examined the scratch on his arm and swiped the beading blood on his pants leg. Speaking of which, do you have food?
Holly pivoted on her toe and tucked a wisp of her silky blond hair behind her ear. The early evening sun bathed her in a golden light that made her hair shine and the white dress she wore glow with ethereal femininity. Shed asked if he was a guardian angel, but if he were a betting man, hed wager she was the angel. She sure looked the part.
She blinked and fumbled as if his question surprised her. Oh, well, Iof course. In fact, I, umhave chili cooking in the Crock-Pot.
He lowered his brow. Im not sure the cat will like anything spicy.
She tipped her head at an endearing angle. The cat? Iwas inviting you to have some dinner before I drove you back to town.
Oh. Matt shifted his feet uneasily. Being on the receiving end of charity still rankled. But to survive the toughest months recently, hed had to swallow his pride. I wasnt asking for myself. I meant do you have cat food?
Hollys cheeks flushed a delicate pink, and she wrapped her arms around her middle, chuckling awkwardly. Sorry. I thoughtbut you are welcome to have some chili before you go back to town. I have plenty.
I dont want to impose.
She waved off his demurral. Its the least I can do.
Matt hesitated. A hot meal in the company of a beautiful woman did sound appealing. But
He glanced down at his dirty clothes and grubby hands. He hated the slip in his hygiene of late. Without access to a washing machine or a working shower, hed had to make concessions that made him cringe. He was hardly fit company for Holly in his disheveled and dingy state. His gut churned with disgust, frustration and shame. He hated where his life had ended up, but he had only to think of his children to know hed make the same choices again if he were in the same position. His needs ranked a distant second to providing a secure, happy, healthy life for Palmer and Miles.
I, um Staring down at his hands, he turned up his palms and ground his teeth together, swallowing the bitter taste that rose in his throat. Humble pie was not a sweet dish for a man whod once been on top and had the world at his feet.
You can use the shower off the guest room if you want before we eat.
He glanced up and found Holly watching him with a genuine openness and warmth.
And I still have some of my husbands clothes that I think will fit you. Youre welcome to them. Theyre not doing me any good collecting dust in my closet.
Matt held Hollys gaze, searched her face. If hed seen even a hint of pity or hesitation in her expression, hed have refused. Hed have hit the road.
Hed want to die on the spot.
But her smile was friendly and warm. Honest and unassuming.
Okay. He jammed his hands in his pockets and returned a grateful smile. Youre very gracious.
Maybe. Her grin brightened with a teasing glint. Or maybe Im tired of all the selfishness in society and want to be a good neighbor. Like you were for me.
A happiness Matt hadnt known in a long time bubbled up from beneath the layers of guilt, frustration and humiliation. A burst of laughter erupted from him. In that case, I accept. But let me unload the stained glass for you first.