An Alaskan Secret by Heidi McCahan

Author:Heidi McCahan
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2021-12-15T19:12:01+00:00

* * *

On Thursday afternoon, Asher forced himself to leave work on time to pick Cameron up from Tess’s classroom. Not that the migratory patterns of puffins held his attention. He was still embarrassed about trying to kiss her. He’d spent the last twenty-four hours trying not to blush every time he thought about it. Evidently his efforts were failing, because he stood in the middle of her classroom, warmth creeping up his neck.

“Have you been to the library yet?” Tess handed him a piece of paper. “I made a list of books Cameron might enjoy reading with you, and I’m hosting story time this Saturday at eleven o’clock if you’d like to join us.”

“Thanks.” Asher took the paper from her, focusing on the glossy surface of her petal-pink nail polish and avoiding eye contact.

“Can we go to story time, Dad?” Cameron slid his folder inside his backpack, then zipped it closed. “Please?”

“I’m not sure.” Asher folded the paper and tucked it inside his pocket. “We’ve got a busy day.”

Tess huffed out a sigh. “Right.”

That got his attention. He stared at her. “Is there a problem?”

“I find it hard to believe that you’re too busy for a quick story.” She crossed her arms over her chest. “Last time I looked at the schedule for the festival, your name wasn’t on the volunteer roster. If I’m not mistaken, my sisters and I are covering for your mother.”

“Thanks for the feedback.” Anger swelled inside. She had no idea how difficult it was being a single parent with a full-time job and a mother with health issues.

“You’re welcome.” She turned around to help Cameron get ready to leave. “Don’t forget your jacket.”

“Thanks.” Cameron snagged his jacket from the back of the blue plastic chair and shoved his arm into the sleeve. “Are you going to the carnival, Miss Test? My grammie has a booth and she said there will be real live fish.”

“That’s what I heard.” Tess forced a smile. “Sounds exciting.”

“Bye.” Cameron slid his arm around her waist and squeezed.

Asher heard her sharp intake of breath. She glanced at Asher, panic flashing in her eyes. She gave Cam an awkward pat on the shoulder.

“Good job today.” She disentangled from his hold. “Maybe I’ll see you on Saturday.”

“Yep. See ya.” He snatched his backpack off the table, then trotted toward the door. “C’mon, Dad.”

Asher lingered, his hands jammed in the pockets of his green cargo pants. Tess gathered her lunch bag, purse and car keys.

He stole a quick glance toward Cameron in the hallway, staring at the artwork posted on the bulletin board outside Mrs. Franklin’s room. He moved closer to Tess. “Tell me the truth,” he said quietly. “Is this helping?”

“Reading together is always a good idea.” She twisted her car keys in a circle around her finger. “He’s such a tenderhearted child. Eager to please, too.”

“Answer my question, please.”

“Every week he recognizes a few more sight words and—”

“It’s not enough, is it?”

She hesitated. “We can keep going.”

“If he needs to see someone off the island for testing, I need to get that scheduled,” he said.

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