Page 27 of Refuge for Cherilyn

“You don’t worry about what I do. It’s not an issue. Now, I’ve got some Danish rolls in the kitchen, so go ahead and eat and get ready. SheriffMcEvers will be here in a few hours. If there’s anything you need to ask her, make some notes so you don’t forget.” He’d been thinking about something, and he decided it was time to mention it. “I really think the girls don’t need to be involved in this. What if we took them to my parents’ house to stay while you talked to the sheriff?”

Her jaw dropped. “What will your parents think?”

“I’ll just tell them the truth. When I do, it’ll be fine. When you meet my parents, you’ll understand why.”

“But then they’ll know, and nobody can know, and?”

“They’d never betray your trust. Like I said, you meet them and you’ll understand.” He watched her face and saw the fear there. “Do you trust me?”

“Yes.”

“Then trust my judgment. My mom will bake cookies with them and find stuff for them to read and do. They’ll be fine, and they’ll have fun.”

She sighed loudly. “Okay. I’m trying, Shaw. Really, I am. But I’m so afraid…”

“I know. We’re gonna fix that. It won’t be long and you won’t have anything to be afraid of, I promise. Then you can pick up the pieces of your life, get some help, get your feet back under you, and live your best life, you and the kids.” For a second, he thought she was going to say something, but she clammed up, her lips pursed like they were glued together. “Something wrong?”

“It’s just that… I’ll know you’ll be glad when we’re gone and you don’t have to mess with us anymore.”

“Did I say that?” After what seemed like forever, she shook her head. “You’re right. I did not. And that’s not true. I’m perfectly okay with the three of you being here.”

“But you barely know us.”

“We’ve been through this before, and I think it was as recently as last night, wasn’t it? You’re what my mother would call good people. You treat people the way you’d want to be treated, and you aren’t pushy or demanding.” Shaw turned sideways just a bit to face her. “Look, I have a theory that there are people who want to see, be seen, do, be noticed. They’re always moving and always looking. Then there are people who are happy to just be where they are, who don’t ask for much, don’t go around trotting out a lot of expectations, and don’t have to be the center of attention. You’re one of those people, Cherilyn. You aren’t asking for the world. You just want a decent life. And there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that.”

“Sometimes I think that’s too much to ask for,” she mumbled.

“I get it. I do. But with all of us working together, we’ll turn that around. Now, let’s go get some breakfast, get ready for the day, and get the kids up so they can eat and get ready.” As he stood, he reached for her hand and, to his surprise, she took his without hesitation so he could help her stand. Even more surprising was the fact that she didn’t turn loose as soon as she was on her feet. He made his decision instantly?he wouldn’t let go either. “Come on.” Without dropping his grip, he led her into the kitchen and in minutes they were enjoying the pastries and another cup of coffee apiece.

He was struck by how graceful she seemed. How had a woman like that wound up with the likes of her ex? What was his name? Frankie? She certainly deserved better than his sorry ass.

“You take a turn in the bathroom first and I’ll get the girls up. Sound okay?” he asked as he set their coffee cups in the sink.

“Okay. I’ll go. And thanks for the food and the company.”

“You’re welcome, and thank you. Hustle on up. I’ve gotta have a shower too!” He watched as she wandered down the hallway to her bedroom, and she turned in the doorway to give him a little smile.Why do I feel like I just won the lottery?he asked himself, laughing internally. It was true. Winning her over a little at a time made him feel better than he ever could’ve imagined.

The water falling in the shower was his cue, and he picked up his phone and hit a familiar contact. It was answered with, “Good morning, son!”

“Hey, Mom, how would you feel about having some company?”

Laughter came from the telephone. “You comin’ down here to spend the day with me? I know better than that!”

“No, but I’ve got a couple of school-aged girls here who could really use some attention and fun.”

“Oh! Whose kids?”

“I don’t have time to explain, but I will, I promise. By the way, one of them is special needs.”

“I didn’t say I’d do it, Shaw, and I’m sorry. I’ve got a doctor’s appointment this morning. But I’d be interested in meeting them sometime soon. How about this afternoon?”

“I dunno. I’ll have to see how everything works out, but that might be possible. What time do you think you’ll be back?”

“Probably no later than eleven.”

“Okay. We’ll be tied up for a while, but after that, maybe they can come down.”

“Who is ‘we?’”

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