Trusting His Heart by Jean C. Gordon

Author:Jean C. Gordon
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Upstate NY Romance

“No!” Ian struggled out of Jessica’s arms and dropped to the floor.

Anne squatted to his level. She and Margaret were due at the lawyer’s office in twenty minutes. “I have to go out with Grandma for a while. Jessica is going to read you stories.”

He shook his head. “Nal.” He pointed to Neal.

“You want Neal to read you a story?”

Ian nodded.

Anne exchanged a glance with Margaret.

“It’s your decision.” Margaret looked down at her lap and turned the ring on her finger.

What did the older woman mean it was her decision? She searched her face, but Margaret kept her eyes lowered.

Neal broke the undercurrent in the room. “I don’t mind watching him.”

Ian looked up at the sound of his deep voice and stuck his finger in his mouth, his eyes shiny with unshed tears.

“We shouldn’t be too long.” She looked to Margaret for confirmation. The woman was totally focused on her grandson. Anne couldn’t shake the feeling she’d done something to hurt her. But she hadn’t.

“We’ll be fine, won’t we, bud?” He crouched next to Anne, close enough for her to smell the outdoorsy scent of his soap or, could be, aftershave.

“Rob, his dad, called him that—bud.” Margaret’s voice was thin, barely above a whisper.

Ian sucked his finger as if his life depended on it. Helplessness washed over Anne. She reached for the toddler, but he brushed by her and flung himself at Neal.

“Whoa.” Neal fought for his balance and lost, tumbling onto his back.

Ian scrambled up his sprawled form and kneeled on his chest. “Nal?”

The quiver in the child’s voice shot through Anne like a jolt of electricity.

He touched Neal’s face.

“Grrrr.” Neal rolled to a sitting position and hugged the little guy tight.

Ian laughed. “More.”

Anne rose and released her pent-up breath. She turned to Margaret. “This may be a good time for us to slip out.”

“Do you think that’s a good idea?”

The older woman’s question struck her more as a reprimand. Why was Margaret acting like she needed Anne’s permission concerning Ian? Compassion pushed away her slight irritation. Margaret must be overwhelmed by everything that had happened and being responsible for an active little boy.

“They’ll be fine.” She pointed at the two guys play-wrestling on the floor. “Neal’s a single parent. He has lots of experience.”

“I’m sure you’re right. I’ve never seen Ian take to anyone like he has to Neal.” Margaret pursed her lips. “What I meant was whether leaving Ian without saying goodbye, making sure he understands that we’ll be back, was a good idea.”

“Of course.” Anne hadn’t thought of that at all. Another squeal from Ian drew her to the two of them romping. Neal would have.

“Hey, guys.”

Neal righted himself and stood, Ian in his arms. He looked so in control with a beaming Ian resting his head against Neal’s.

She touched the toddler’s chubby cheek. “Grammy and I have to go now. Neal’s going to stay with you.”

“Yes, Nal!”

Margaret rolled her chair closer. “Grammy and Aunt Annie will bring you home some popcorn chicken.” She raised her hand to shield her mouth.

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