Page 31 of Hitched

“So, what happened? Why does Gretchen need money?”

I sigh. “She lost her job a couple of weeks ago, and didn’t tell me, plus the water heater just broke. I’ve been meaning to get her into a better place, but the owner of the place will take cash, and it’s hard to buy a house without da knowing about it.”

“And you go out there, back to Scotland, and give her money?”

I nod. “Aye. And with the murder investigation, I can’t go back to Scotland. If I send her money, da’s going to find out about it.”

“You think he’ll really be pissed off?”

My eyes widen. “Oh, yeah. Me getting mixed up with an ex-drug user? He’d kill me.”

She’s silent for a beat. “Well, Caleb, I can go out there and help her. If you want. I’ve got a meeting in Scotland tomorrow, in fact. I was going to go for the week. Da’s already out there as of today.”

My heart skips a beat. “Are you serious?”

“Of course I’m serious, Caleb.” She says with conviction. “That is one difference between your da and mine. Do you know how many charities we give to? Da has an agent that he’s hired, to field all the calls and organize all the charity that we do, without letting it be known to the public. He’s careful to keep all donations anonymous, to avoid the barrage.”

“That’s the main reason why my da doesn’t give. He knows that once he does, the calls will be never ending.”

“Exactly. But that’s why we have Jessica. Da is big on giving. We have a percentage that we give to various charities each year, and it grows annually. I get it why you’d want to give to this poor woman. And I’ll go out there and help out if you like.”

I look at her and smile. “I would really appreciate it, Laney. That’s very kind of you.”

She purses her lips into a smile. “I’m happy to.”

I lean in and kiss her. “Thanks.”

“You’re welcome. And your secret is safe with me, Caleb.”

I kiss her again. “Thank you.”

She pulls back. “What does Gretchen do for a living?”

“She’s a waitress. I tried hard to get her to go to school, but she lacks confidence, I’m afraid. I’ve been trying to convince her to come to the states, but she’s terrified. Gretchen’s a good mama, too, but she’s been so messed up with the wrong side of town, so I keep her safe, in a small place, where everyone knows everyone, so that wards off the ruffians, you know?”

“Well, bringing her to the states might intimidate the hell out of her then, Caleb.”

“Aye, I know.” I nod. “But Peg starts school next year, and I’d like to bring her here for that. The pissant little town where they’re living doesn’t have the best school.”

“So, move her, Caleb. It might be the best thing for her.”

“She doesn’t want to move.”

“Well, maybe I could talk to her.”

I look her over, searching her eyes. “Laney, don’t take this wrong, but it might help if you tell her about us. You know, that we’re…sleeping together.” I lick my lips and measure my words carefully. “She’s gay and you’re drop-dead beautiful. I just don’t want anything to come of that.”

The look on her face changes. She kisses me again but says nothing more.

Chapter 10

Laney

The look in his eyes was irresistible. Not in a sexual way. It pulled at my heartstrings. I never took Caleb Harris as a man with a heart, but I’ve been corrected. And as I sit on my private jet, waiting for us to take off, taking me back to my homeland, to tend to this young girl and her wee bairn, I can’t help but feel those warm and fuzzies inside. It’s not often that I feel that, but when I do, it’s quite something. Caleb sent me the information about where Gretchen and Peg live, and we went to the bank, so he could take the funds out. It’s a tidy sum, and I’ll add to it, as my heart craves me to.

And as I meet the little bairn, I get why Caleb fell in love with her. Peg is sitting on the porch, playing with a little toy pup as I arrive. Gretchen sits next to her, with a smile on her face, so warm and bright, it’s contagious.

“You must be Laney.” Gretchen says, rising. “I’m Gretchen, and this is Peg.”

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