Page 9 of Sean
“Figured it was something like that.Which tire?”
When she pointed, he said, “Pop the trunk.I’ll take care of it for you.”
“That’s really not necessary, Chief.I know how—”
“Of course you do.”He raised his hand to silence her.“You’re capable of changing a tire, but if you think I’m going to drive off and leave you to it, think again.”
The two stared at each other for a handful of seconds.Monica blinked first.She reached for the key fob and pressed the trunk button.
Nicolas moved away from the window and got to work.
While he took care of that, Monica called Mackenzie Cooper, the other nursery volunteer for this morning.After the hellos, she said, “Please tell me that you’re at the church.”
“Yes, ma’am.Hang on a second.”
Monica listened to Mac’s muffled words.“Sean, come give me a hug.Who’s this little guy?”The response was an indistinct murmur.“You go enjoy service.We’ll take good care of him.”
Another moment passed before Mac said, “Sorry.I’m back.What’s up?”
Monica told her about her mishap.“I’ll be there, but I’m going to be late.I wanted to make sure the nursery was staffed.
“All present and accounted for.At this moment we have six rug rats checked in for the morning.Take your time.If I need help before you get here, I’ll grab Randy or Jesse.”
Monica looked up when she felt the small bounce as the jack was lowered.In the time it had taken Nicolas to change her tire, the rain had stopped and the sun was trying to break through the cloud cover.Typical crazy Oklahoma weather.
On the other side of the car, Nicolas stood and carried the jack back to the trunk.A few seconds later, he was at her window.
“You picked up a doozy of a nail somewhere, but I’m pretty sure it can be patched.Take some time in the morning before work and take care of that.”
“But—”
“Do you argue with everyone, or is it just me?”His grin took any sting out of his words.
“I’ll do that, thanks.”
He patted the side of the car.“You’re good to go.See you tomorrow.”
Monica thanked him.After he was in the cruiser, she headed to the church.
Ten minutes later she rushed into the nursery.Mac and Randy each had a baby on their lap while five older toddlers enjoyed crackers and juice boxes around a bright red table.Soft music came from the TV, where animated characters danced and sang.
“Sorry I’m so late.”She crossed to Randy and held out her arms for a little boy she didn’t recognize.“Thanks for filling in.Let me take him so you can go enjoy the service.”
Randy surrendered the baby.“No problem.Mac told me about your tire.Were you really going to change it by yourself?”
“Well, yeah.”
“Do you have my number in your phone?”
“I think so.”
“Next time, use it.Eli would have been glad to come to your rescue.”
“Dane too,” Mac added.
“Thanks.I’ve been reminded this morning that I can be too stubborn for my own good sometimes.”
Randy’s eyebrow lifted.“Sometimes?”
