Page 89 of Redemption

“Everything okay?” I asked.

Daisy glared at me and flounced out of the room.

“What is with her these days?” I asked, jerking my thumb in the direction she’d left. It couldn’t be about Jack surely, or maybe it was. That nagging feeling pricked at me again. What were we doing with our relationship, situationship, whatever-ship it was.

“She’s just cranky as usual,” August said and then left, dragging Maddy out with her.

“Got another shift, see ya!” Maddy called over her shoulder.

I shook my head and refilled my cup before shutting myself in Daddy’s office. I sat down in the chair, surveying the desk and papers that I’d semi tidied. Instead of dread, this time I felt empowered. “It’s my turn now, Daddy. Hopefully you’ll still find a way to show me the ropes.”

*

“You love going for a drive, don’t you?” I asked, glancing over at Jack. His eyes were closed in bliss as the breeze came in through the open window of the truck. The afternoon sun bathed him in a warm glow, highlighting the gold streaks in his brown hair. He looked like he was in his element.

He nodded, eyes remaining shut. “I do. I just can’t doit anymore.”

I flicked my eyes over to him again before turning them back on the road. “I’m sorry.”

Apprehension emanated from him, rolling over us both. “Why areyousorry?”

“Because you’ve had something you loved taken away from you too,” I spoke softly, almost afraid to voice the words.

The more time I’d spent with Jack, the more I’d come to see the man he was. His entire family had abandoned him, he’d been incarcerated for almost all his young life, and was only just tasting freedom now. He paused to enjoy the little things and did so much for other people. I watched him with the girls, spending time with Tilly and watching silly videos, talking to August about her books, trying to win Daisy over, and interrogating Maddy about her job and Leo.

He was a good man. I know what he did but now I was starting to see it the way my father had; he was a kid who made a mistake. Sure, it was a big one but he paid the price. And he kept paying it.

“Just over here, on the right,” he said, snapping me out of my thoughts. I pulled the truck over, parking in front of a row of storefronts.

“What are we doing here?” I asked, getting out of the truck and coming over to him. He stepped up onto the porch, pausing in front of Larry’s Leathers.

“I thought we could look for some boots for Tilly,” he said, taking my hand and pulling me inside the store.

I paused over the sweetness. He knew I was concerned about it and was trying to help me any way he could. “But I’ve already looked in here,” I sputtered, stepping through the door, a bell tinkling and signaling our arrival.

“Yeah, but you’ve not lookedwith me.” He waggled hiseyebrows and I tried not to smirk. “Also, I need some myself.” He lifted a foot and wiggled it, the sole of his boot flapping. I snorted and pushed him away, but he gripped my hand tight, pulling me past the rows of chaps, jackets, and hats to the boots section.

“What about these?” he asked, pointing to a pair of black cowgirl boots with a pink flourish stitched into the leather. They were lovely but they weren’t Tilly. I opened my mouth to answer when Larry, the owner came from out the back, rushing towards us.

“Hello Katarina, back again! I was jus—” he broke off when he saw Jack. His demeanor changed, his expression shuttered and lips pursed in disapproval when he spotted our hands linked. “I see you’ve brought a friend.”

“Hi Larry, yes we thought we’d try again for some boots for Tilly, and Jack needs some too.”

Larry’s stare roved over Jack, his lip curling. “I’m happy to help out with young Tilly’s boots.”

When he didn’t say anymore I reiterated, “And some for Jack.”

“I don’t think we have any boots suitable for him,” Larry said sharply.

I frowned, looking around. “Are you kidding, there’s hundreds of boots here.”

“And I don’t believe any of them will fithim.”

Jack’s grip tightened in my hand and he stiffened next to me. I assessed the way Larry was staring at him, anger and disdain pulsing from the old man. He had known my mother; she had come in here all the time to get things for us. I guess he’d not forgotten what had happened and who was responsible like I had. I glanced at Jack who refused to meet my eyes and decided it was about time someone started showing up for him.

“Then I guess we don’t need anythingfrom here,” I announced, my voice wavering.

Jack tugged my arm. “It’s fine Kat, I’ll wait outside.”

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