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  She glanced up at him with that look that sent warm currents through him. “Will you have a talk with Josh and explain some of this to him? He won’t listen to me.”

  Chapter Four

  The seconds crawled by as Emma held her breath, waiting for Jake’s answer.

  His expression went blank, and he stared at his leg propped up on an ottoman. “All I can tell him is how I handled it. I don’t know if that would work for him or not.”

  “I’ll have you to dinner and you can talk to him. Anything you can tell him is better than nothing. He shuts me out. I don’t know what else to do.” She hated the desperate tone in her words.

  “I can’t come to your house for dinner. I don’t want you going—”

  “How about I bring the dinner here? I’ll throw in fresh-baked bread, too.”

  Shaking his head, he chuckled. “You don’t give up, do you?”

  “No, stubborn is one of the traits I need to work on. When would you like me to bring dinner?”

  He pressed his lips together, forming a tight, thin line, then said, “Do you work on Saturday?”

  Hope flared in Emma. “I work at the Caring Canines Foundation until the early afternoon. Saturday night would be good for me. How about six-thirty?”

  He nodded, then began looking through the pages of the yearbook. Halfway through the book, he tapped a picture. “That’s the smallest one of the three.”

  Emma moved to glance over his shoulder at the photo. “Carson McNeil. He was in the same class last year with Josh. I don’t think they’re in the same one this year. His family goes to my church. Josh and Carson were friends at one time. I can’t believe he’s part of the group.”

  “Let me see if I can recognize the other two.” Jake continued turning the pages and scanning each child until he pointed to another one in sixth grade.

  She leaned forward to read the boy’s name. “Sean Phillips. I haven’t heard of him.” She got a whiff of Jake’s lime aftershave and pulled back, realizing how close she was to him. Her heart raced.

  She retook her seat while he continued his search for the third kid. Catching herself staring at him, she dragged her attention away and scanned the living room, taking in the decor. Focusing on anything but the man across from her. As in the kitchen she saw his grandmother’s touches in the knickknacks, a quilt thrown over the back of the couch and a myriad of pictures on the wall. She didn’t see anything of Jake other than a photo of him on the wall in his dress uniform with his arm around his petite, white-haired grandma. Was this a place he would recuperate then move on?

  The sound of Jake closing the book drew her away from her survey and back to him. “The third one wasn’t in there?”

  “Not that I could tell, but then I didn’t get a good look at him. He was the first to run off.”

  “With Sean and Carson’s names, I have something to go on.”

  “What do you plan to do?”

  “I’m not sure. I guess I need to talk with these boys’ parents, then see what happens.” When his eyes darkened, she asked, “What would you do?”

  He stiffened. All emotions fled his face.

  “Never mind. I shouldn’t have asked you. This isn’t your problem.” She started to rise.

  Sighing, he waved her down. “Since you know Carson’s family, I would start with him. But Josh needs to know what you’re doing.”

  “I know. That’s the part I dread more than talking to the parents. Why not Sean’s? He’s more likely the one behind the attack.”

  “I noticed he’s older, in the sixth grade. You’re probably right. That means either he or the unknown boy is the leader. Not Carson. You have a better chance of getting something from Carson, and since you go to the same church and know his parents, they may step in.” Jake massaged his left thigh above the knee.

  “I think so. Sandy McNeil and I are friends. We’ve lost touch these past couple of years since Carson and Josh aren’t playing together the way they used to, but I can’t imagine her condoning what her son’s doing.”

  “But you can’t say that about the other parents. Start with the known first.”

  A clock somewhere in the house chimed seven times. Emma glanced at her watch and bolted to her feet. “I’ve overstayed my visit. I need to get dinner on the table.”

  “I’m sure I’ll enjoy my supper. It beats opening a can of soup.” Scooping up his cane, he struggled to stand.

  As she watched him, she forced herself to remain still and not try to assist him. That would be the last thing this man wanted. He needed to feel he could do it on his own. But that didn’t make the urge to help any less strong. She was here because of Ben, but she would stay because she wanted to.

  At the front door, Emma waited until he came nearer before saying, “Thanks for looking at the photos. The more I know about what Josh is going through, the better I’m equipped to help him.”

  His features softened as he looked at her. “I hope everything goes okay when you talk to Josh about Carson and Sean. I doubt he’ll be too happy.”

  “No, he’ll be angry at me. But I’m his mother, and I’ll do what I have to to protect him.”

  “He’ll appreciate it one day.”

  “Just not today,” Emma said with a grin. “We’ll see you Saturday night.” She turned to open the door but paused. “Oh, what do you like to eat?”

  His eyes gleamed. “Surprise me.”

  “Then no big dislikes or allergies?”

  “Nope. I do have one request.”

  Hand on knob, she glanced at him. “What?”

  “Bring Shep with you.”

  *

  Emma’s mouth dropped open. Her large blue eyes fixed on Jake. Surprise flitted across her face. “You’re going to take Shep?”

  “I don’t know. I’d like to see if we can get along first. If that’s okay with you.”

  She grinned. “Sure. If you two don’t connect, then he can’t do his job. But I know you will. You won’t regret it.”

  The sparkle in her gaze lured him toward her. “I have my doubts, but I hope you prove me wrong.” After the last nightmare in a string of many, Jake had to do something. Here at home he could control a lot of his environment, but when he went to sleep, he couldn’t choose his dreams. If a service dog could help him with that, great. If not, then at least he tried.

  Sliding her hand into the pocket of her light jacket, Emma looked up. “I almost forgot. I’ve written Ben’s number on this card for you. He wants you to call him when you’re ready, and if you have any questions about a service dog, you can ask me or him.”

  Jake took the phone number, not sure if he would. “Thanks. See you Saturday.”

  “If you change your mind about picking something special to eat, my number’s on the card, too. I won’t shop until early Saturday afternoon.”

  He clasped the edge of the door as she moved out onto the porch. Her lavender scent lingered in the air. For a second he didn’t want her to leave. She descended the steps and strolled down the sidewalk, stopping to wave to him. He waved back.

  As he closed his door, he decided he wouldn’t call Ben. It was one thing to admit he had a problem, but totally different to talk with someone about it. He wasn’t there yet. Wasn’t sure if he ever would be. He couldn’t put what was happening to him in words, so how could he talk to anyone about it?

  He was committed only to spending some time on Saturday night with the German shepherd, Emma and Josh. No more than that. Other than Marcella from next door and a few delivery people, no one else had been in this house until Emma. In less than a week, he’d seen her more than anyone lately.

  He should keep his distance. He was in no condition to get involved with anyone, even as a friend. But while he didn’t have much to give another, the thought of not seeing Emma on Saturday churned his gut.

  *

  On Saturday morning, Emma stood at the back door at the Caring Canines Foundation facilities and watched her son and Madi play with a few of the dogs in the fenced-in recreation area. A beautiful fall day still held a chill in the air, but the sun beamed down and would soon burn off the last of the fog
rolling over Winter Haven Ranch.

  “Josh is so good with the animals,” Abbey said as she came up behind Emma.

  “So is Madi. Maybe when we get old and gray, they’ll take over the foundation.”

  “Don’t forget Nicholas. He may be only a couple of months old, but he’s already responding to the animals.”

  Abbey’s son is such a happy baby. It made Emma want another child.

  “Dominic and I have been talking about having another child soon so they’ll be close in age. I want a little girl.”

  Emma hugged her best friend. “That would be great. I know how much you miss your daughter.” Lisa, her daughter by her first marriage, had died at five.

  “You know how scared I was when I was pregnant with Nicholas. Maybe I shouldn’t risk having another.”

  Emma held up her hand. “Shh. You aren’t to think like that. Turn this over to God and don’t worry. It doesn’t do you any good.”

  “I know.” Abbey sighed. “Let’s talk about you for a while. What are you preparing for Jake tonight?”

  Emma shrugged. “I don’t know. He was no help at all. What if I fix something he doesn’t like?”

  Laughing, Abbey shook her forefinger. “No. No. Didn’t you just tell me not to worry?”

  Emma’s cheeks burned. “I didn’t say I always follow my own advice.”

  “You cook what you and Josh will enjoy. I have a feeling Jake will like it, too. If not, he had his chance to get what he wanted. What I really want to know is did you say anything to Josh last night about Carson and Sean?”

  Emma lowered her gaze. Yesterday she’d rehearsed with Abbey how she was going to tell Josh. “No. The right time didn’t present itself.”

  “You chickened out.”

  “No, he came home from school in a bad mood. I didn’t want to make it worse.”

  “Shh. Here come Josh and Madi. You better say something before this evening.” Abbey lowered her voice. “Isn’t the point of the dinner with Jake—to have him help Josh? That won’t happen if Josh doesn’t know what’s going on.”

  “I know.”

  It was one reason for seeing Jake again. But equally important, she wanted Jake to work with Shep. There was something about the man that caused her to think of him at odd moments throughout the day. Last night she had even dreamed about him. They were in the park throwing a ball for Shep to fetch. Then she remembered why she’d awakened suddenly. Her son had been there grinning, happy. The scene gave her a feeling of family. She mentally shook herself. She would help Jake, but she wasn’t looking for anything beyond friendship.

  “Are you ready to go? I’m supposed to be at Craig’s in half an hour,” Josh said, stopping in front of her.

  “Yes, I have to go to the grocery store and then start dinner.”

  “Do I hafta go tonight? I’m sure I could stay with Craig.”

  “I’d hoped you’d help me convince Mr. Tanner to take Shep.”

  “Okay. I guess I can since he helped me last Saturday.” Josh headed inside with Madi, the two talking about the new terrier.

  “Smooth. He has no idea what you’re really doing,” Abbey whispered close to Emma’s ear.

  “Hush,” Emma said, then louder she called out to the little girl, “Hey, Madi. What’s the terrier’s name? I’ll start training her next week.”

  Abbey’s sister-in-law turned around. “Buttons. Josh and me decided that today.”

  “See you all tomorrow at church.” Emma followed her son out to her gray PT Cruiser. If she was going to say anything to him, she had to now while she could focus on the conversation rather than driving. Inside her car, she shifted to face Josh in the front passenger seat. “I’ve discovered the names of two of the boys who attacked you last weekend.”

  He grew rigid. “Who?”

  “Carson O’Neil and Sean Phillips. It’s only a matter of time before I find out who the third guy is. You might as well tell me.”

  His blue eyes became big and round, fear inching into them. “No. I can’t. And you can’t say anything to anyone about Carson and Sean. Promise me, Mom.”

  “They really have you scared. How? Why?”

  “Because they’re mean.”

  “Carson? He used to be a friend of yours.”

  “Well, he’s not anymore. He thinks Sean and…” His eyes bored into her. “Oh, never mind. You don’t care about me. If you say anything to their parents or them, it’ll only get worse for me. Is that what you want?”

  Conflicting emotions crammed her throat, making it impossible to reply. Her stomach roiled with frustration and her own fear she wouldn’t be able to help her son with this problem. But Josh’s anguish pierced her. She felt so inadequate to make everything all right for him. He and his father had had such a close relationship. Sam would have known the right thing to do in this situation.

  She straightened behind the steering wheel and started the engine. “I’m friends with Carson’s mother. I’ll start there, and if there’s any backlash, I want to know about it.” As she pulled away from Caring Canines, she glanced at Josh.

  Turned away from her, he stared out the side window, his left hand opening and closing.

  “Josh?”

  “Sure. Why don’t you follow me around? That oughta work and alert everyone in school my mother fights my battles.”

  “If I could to protect you, I would. I know you have to learn to deal with these boys, but you may need help.”

  With his back still to her, he ran his hands through his brown hair. “How did ya find out their names?”

  “I have my resources.”

  “Which friend snitched?”

  She didn’t want to tell him Jake identified the two in the yearbook, but she didn’t want her child angry at his friends. He needed them. For a few seconds, she thought of lying, but that never worked and would only make the situation worse. “Mr. Tanner.”

  Josh twisted around. “How? He didn’t know their names.”

  “I brought him your yearbook, and he found them in it.”

  Silence reigned the rest of the way to Craig’s house, and the frosty atmosphere underscored how mad her son was. The second she stopped, Josh thrust open the door and hurried toward his friend’s place.

  “I’ll pick you up at six-twenty,” Emma yelled. She would call Craig’s mother and let her know.

  Now more than ever she needed Jake to help her son cope with the bullying. If her son would even talk to him.

  *

  Saturday night, carrying a cardboard box full of the food for dinner, Emma approached Jake’s house with her son shuffling his feet at least three yards behind her. She set the meal down on the porch and waited for Josh who led Shep on a leash. Other than telling her again he didn’t want to come to Mr. Tanner’s, he said nothing in the car when she picked him up at Craig’s.

  “I expect you to use appropriate behavior tonight.”

  Josh’s bottom lip stuck out farther. “It’s none of his business.”

  “The minute he stepped in and helped you it became his business. It’s like a person witnessing a crime. He has an obligation to come forward and report it. That’s the right thing to do. And beating up someone, especially three to one is wrong. If adults do that to one another, they are charged with a crime and jailed.”

  “Can’t you trust me to handle my own problems? I don’t butt in with yours.”

  “Guess what? I’m your mom and that’s part of my duty as a parent.” She rang the doorbell then scooped up the box. She was beginning to think it was a bad idea including Josh, but she wanted Jake to help her son.

  When Jake let them inside, Emma fixed a bright smile on her face, determined to go ahead with her plans, even if her son wasn’t cooperating. In the past Josh rarely held a grudge long, but lately he’d changed so she had no idea how he would act with Jake.

  “It’s nice to see you again, Josh,” Jake said as he closed the front door, his back to them.

  Which was a good thing because her son scowled. Emma clasped his shoulder and squeezed gently. Josh’s expression morphed into a neutral one.

  Jake swung around. “I’ve been anticipating a home
-cooked meal all day.”

  Emma smiled, hoping it would cover the fact her child wasn’t being too friendly. “I’m going to put this enchilada casserole in your oven to reheat. Josh, why don’t you show Mr. Tanner some of the things Shep does in the backyard?”

  Displeased by that suggestion, her son huffed and headed to the back door with Shep in tow.

  As Emma put the salad bowl in the refrigerator, Jake moved to her and waited until the back door clicked closed. “He knows I pointed out the boys in the yearbook?”

  Emma nodded, her throat thick.

  “Did something happen between Josh and them?”

  She faced him, just a few inches of space between them. Her heartbeat kicked up a notch. “No, not that I know of. I haven’t done anything about the two boys yet. I’m going to talk to Carson’s mother tomorrow. I thought I would see her after church. Find out what she thinks, especially about Sean. I wanted Josh to know before I did it.”

  “And he wanted to know how you found out?” No emotions indicated what Jake was feeling.

  “Yes, I’m sorry. I didn’t want him to know, but I can’t lie to my son. If you want us to go home, I’ll leave the food and we’ll take off.”

  “No. You went to a lot of trouble to cook a meal for us. Besides, it’s time I have a talk with your son if you still want me to. Avoiding this won’t solve any problems, either.”

  “You don’t mind?” She inhaled a deep breath, laced with his lime aftershave.

  “Your son needs help. The second I decided to break up the fight I made that decision. Bullies shouldn’t be tolerated. If something isn’t done now, it’ll only get worse.” He started for the back door.

  “Jake,” she said. When he glanced at her, she continued, “I didn’t think you wanted to get involved. What changed your mind?”

  His gaze was riveted to hers. Intense. Compelling. “You.”