The Sheriff’s Pregnant Wife
Patricia Thayer

www.millsandboon.co.uk

To Becky,

I was the new kid in town, and you gave me a hand and guided me through. You were there whenever I called for help…no matter what the hour. Thanks, friend.

CONTENTS

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FIVE

CHAPTER SIX

CHAPTER SEVEN

CHAPTER EIGHT

CHAPTER NINE

CHAPTER TEN

EPILOGUE

CHAPTER ONE

PAIGE KEENAN needed to make a career change. And soon.

She could no longer live in Denver, not with a chance of running into…her past. Pushing aside the bad thoughts, she peered in the window of the empty brick storefront with the For Rent sign.

Although the light was dim, she could see hardwood floors, and ornate door moldings and trim that was characteristic of a 1916 building.

Intrigued, she tried the large brass knob. Surprisingly it turned and she pushed open the solid oak door.

“Hello,” she called and her voice echoed back. “Is anyone here?” Stepping into the long, narrow room, she looked around. All at once she could picture the space as hers. A reception area adorned with oriental rugs and ferns and farther back a divider, separating the space for her private office.

Her excitement increased as she continued her search. It had always been her dream to one day have her own practice, but she’d gotten sidetracked with the excitement of working for the D.A. Suddenly her vision seemed to be more of a possibility—no, a necessity for survival.

Could moving back to Destiny be the answer to her situation?

In the back of the space, Paige found a storage room and another door. She tugged on the brass knob and it opened to a staircase. When she flipped the switch, a single light went on overhead, and she climbed creaking steps to a large musty-smelling room. Scarred hardwood covered the floors, and a tiny kitchen was tucked in the corner. Chipped cabinets hung open, displaying leftover canned goods from the last tenant. She was drawn to a bank of windows and a long, built-in bench beneath them. On the opposite wall another door led to a bedroom and small bathroom. Everything needed a good cleaning, and some paint.

She returned to the main room. It would take a lot of work, but she could make this livable. A shadow fell over the already dim room and through the windows she noticed dark clouds blocking the sun from the small Colorado mountain town. The wind picked up and it began to rain. Lightning flashed across the sky and seconds later the crash of thunder followed.

Paige turned to leave and noticed a man standing in the shadows of the staircase. She let out a gasp and her heart pounded in her chest. Another flash across the sky illuminated the gun he was holding.

“Sheriff,” he announced. “Stay where you are.”

Paige felt the blood drain from her face as he stepped into the light wearing a khaki shirt and a silver badge. Then a familiar face came into view.

“Reed…” she whispered weakly. She tried to smile, but suddenly everything went spinning and her body began to crumple.

Reed Larkin holstered his gun and rushed to the woman just in time to catch her in his arms.

Not just any woman, but Paige Keenan.

Gently he lowered her to the floor, cradling her in his arms. Her silky brown hair fell away from her flawless, but pale face. He placed his fingers against her neck to find her racing pulse.

“Great job, man, you nearly scared her to death. Paige…” He cupped her cheek. The softness of her skin was nearly his undoing. He knew under her lids were those whiskey-colored eyes that had haunted his dreams for years. His gaze moved to her oval face—the straight nose lightly dusted with freckles, the tiny cleft in her chin. A beautiful package. His attention rested on her full mouth as he recalled how she had tasted…

It had been nearly ten years since he’d last seen her, but he’d never been able to shake the feelings she evoked in him. His pulse went into overdrive, his palms began to sweat. Damn, it was like high school all over again.

“Paige, wake up. Come on, honey. Let me see those big beautiful eyes.”

Finally she shifted, making a soft moaning sound, and murmured the words, “My baby.” Her hand moved across her stomach.

Paige was pregnant? Reed glanced at her ringless finger. She wasn’t married. Before he had the chance to react to the news, her eyelids fluttered open.

“Reed…”

“Hi, Paige,” he managed to say. “I’ve always dreamed of women falling for me, but not like this.” He smiled, but quickly grew serious. “How do you feel? Should I call the paramedics?”

“No! I’m feeling better.” She sat up slowly, avoiding his gaze. “I just forgot to eat…and you scared me to death pointing a gun at me.”

“You are trespassing.”

“The building is for rent and, I might add, the door was unlocked. I only came inside to look around.”

“We’ve had some kids vandalizing.” He frowned. Was Paige moving back to Destiny? “Are you looking for office space?”

She climbed to her feet and brushed her hand on her nicely fitting jeans. “Maybe. Any problems with that?”

He shrugged. Problems? Only about a dozen. “Just surprised that a big-time Denver attorney wants to open an office in a small town. I thought you outgrew Destiny, Colorado.”

Paige straightened slowly, testing her steadiness. What business was it of his now? At one time they’d been friends—more than friends. That was a long time ago.

“I could say the same thing about you. A hotshot FBI agent returns home and becomes a small town sheriff.”

Paige gave him a bold once-over. Reed Larkin was definitely more filled out at thirty than he’d been at seventeen. She examined his developed chest and broad shoulders. One thing hadn’t changed, he still had deep set bedroom eyes, a strong jaw and black wavy hair. He looked pretty good in uniform, too. But then he’d always looked good to her.

His voice broke into her thoughts. “I had my reasons for returning.”

Years ago, Reed swore he’d never come back to Destiny. Never listen to another bad word about his family. Now Paige remembered why he’d returned.

“I heard about your mother’s stroke. I’m sorry. How is she doing?” Sally Larkin had once worked at the Keenan Inn. That had been how Reed and Paige’s friendship began.

“She has her good days, and her bad ones.”

“Is she allowed visitors?”

He nodded. “Your mother goes out all the time.”

“Is it all right if I visit her?”

“She’d like to see you.” He studied her. “So are you going to be hanging around a while?”

“At least until Leah’s wedding.”

He nodded. “Holt’s a nice guy. They seem happy.”

Too bad Reed didn’t seem happy to see her. That bothered her. Over the years, she’d missed their closeness. The way they had always been able to share things. That ended when she’d made a decision…to push him out of her life.

If she decided to come back to Destiny, she would see Reed…all the time. That shouldn’t bother her, but it did.

Right now, she needed her entire focus on one thing. Her baby. Everything else she would deal with later, including Reed Larkin. So she had to ignore the feelings he stirred in her, blaming it on her already jumbled emotions.

“I should get going,” she said. “I’m meeting with Morgan.”

Reed raised an eyebrow. “You mean, the honorable mayor?”

“And your boss.”

“Oh, I’m shaking in my boots.”

His attitude was back and suddenly she was remembering too much…the skinny little boy she befriended when some third-grade kids were picking on him on the playground. But later she hadn’t been able to protect him against the sadness over his father’s desertion.

“I really should go,” she told him, not wanting to return to the bad memories. She turned to leave.

“Paige…”

She stopped at the top of the steps. “What?”

“Have you told your family about…” His gaze went to her flat stomach. “Your condition?”

Paige tensed. How did he know? “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” she denied.

“You murmured the words, my baby,” he told her.

She started to deny it, but he would learn the truth soon enough. Everyone would. “I don’t want to talk about this now.”

He studied her for a few heartbeats. “There was a time we shared…a lot.”

She didn’t want to discuss her private business with a man who hadn’t been a part of her life for years. “No, I haven’t discussed it with anyone…yet.”

“What about the father?”

Now, she was angry. “And I’m not having this conversation with you, Reed.” She waved her hand. “Would you please forget that you even saw me today?”

She swung around to make her grand exit when another wave of dizziness overtook her, causing her to sway.

Reed rushed to her. “Whoa, I’ve got you.” His strong arms went around her back and he guided her down on the top step. “I’m going to take you to the clinic.”

She was very aware of the brush of his arm in the narrow space. It seemed to add to her instability. “No, I’m fine.”

He cursed. “Like hell you are.” He got up and went to the sink and pulled a white handkerchief from his pocket. He wet it under the faucet, then returned to her. He placed it against the back of her neck.

For the past two years and four months, Paige had worked tirelessly for the Denver D.A.’s office where she’d tried numerous criminal cases. But returning home to Destiny had her more nervous than prosecuting a high-profile drug dealer. And Reed Larkin was one of the main reasons. The other was telling her family about her pregnancy.

“I bet you didn’t have much breakfast, either.”

“My stomach is just a little queasy to eat much, but I was going to have lunch with Morgan,” she fibbed, holding the cool cloth against her skin. It felt good.

“I’ll call her,” Reed suggested.

“No! I’m fine, and I can make it across town square to City Hall. So you can stop playing hero.”

He stiffened. “Someone has to rescue you from yourself.” He stood and headed for the door.

Just like ten years ago, Reed Larkin was walking away from her once again. The pain of his leaving this time, surprisingly affected her a lot. She felt just as alone. But just as before, she had to let him go…

Reed berated himself all the way back to the office. He should have just helped Paige out and not asked any questions, and he wouldn’t have learned she was pregnant with another man’s child.

Most guys had that special girl in high school, the one that was out of their league. Paige Keenan had been that girl to him. Pretty, smart and nice to everyone, but she’d dated the popular boys in school, and he was far from popular. Yet, she had been his friend.

The poor kid from the wrong side of town was off-limits. The boy whose father was the impractical dreamer, always looking for the pot of gold. Michael Larkin used to work the mine, had even partnered in one of his own, “Mick’s Dream.” Then one day the man walked out on his wife, Sally, a son, Reed, and daughter, Jodi, and never returned.

And no one had seen or heard from Mick in over seventeen years.

Sally Larkin had to take two jobs just to support her children. Later, Reed helped with part-time jobs, but his mother insisted he stay in high school. After graduation, he’d been offered a scholarship back east. His biggest supporter for going on to higher education had been Paige. He resisted a lot, but it hadn’t been until she admitted that she’d outgrown their relationship that he had been hell-bent on leaving her and the town. After college, he went to work for the FBI, mainly so he could search for Mick.

Reed had always suspected that his father’s partner, Billy Hutchinson, had something to do with his disappearance. But who was to question the richest man in town. Even with the technology available at the Bureau, Reed still hadn’t found any answers, or his father.

Reed had finally put it to rest after a series of things changed his life. The first had been when his partner was killed in the line of duty. He, too, had been wounded, and after his recovery he had gone back to work for the Bureau, but it was never the same.

Then when his mother had a stroke twenty months ago it was the deciding factor. He returned to Destiny. She’d had to go into a convalescent home, and he made the choice to stay in town. For good.

He took a job as deputy, then just last year when the sheriff retired the small community voted him into the position. He had an area to protect, and just two deputies and a daytime dispatcher.

He was making a life here in Destiny. Even though his sister, Jodi, lived in Durango with her son, Nicolas, she was able to come on weekends. He visited his mother nearly every day.

Yes, he was dealing with things…and now, Paige had shown up. For years, he’d managed to keep her out of his thoughts. He now knew as soon as he’d set eyes on her again, it would be impossible to keep her out of his heart.

“Reed Larkin pointed his gun at you?” Morgan gasped as she sank into her chair.

Paige swallowed a bite of her sandwich. She was hungry and the food was actually helping her queasy stomach. “In all fairness to him, I was trespassing.”

Her older sister brushed back her long auburn curls. “And what were you doing in the old Merlin building?”

Paige had arrived home last night, just in time to attend her younger sister’s, Leah’s, engagement party. She had been grateful that all the attention had been on the happy couple, and she hadn’t had to answer a lot of questions. Questions about her career, her future.

She wasn’t sure that she wanted everyone to know about her plans…yet. “Can you keep a secret?”

Her sister’s green eyes sparkled. “Do you want to pinky swear, or would my word as mayor be good enough?”

Paige laughed. She had missed the interaction with her sisters so much. “Your word is good enough. I’m taking a leave of absence from my job. I’m rethinking my career goals.”

Morgan brought her sandwich to her mouth and paused. “Does that mean you’re thinking about coming home?”

Paige’s thoughts turned to Reed. She’d be living in the same town with a man who’s welcome had been on the chilly side. So what! This wasn’t high school. He would just have to deal with it.

“Yes, but please, don’t say anything to Mom and Dad just yet. I have to consider if I can make a living here.” She couldn’t seem to come out with the words, I’m thirteen weeks pregnant.

Morgan still looked skeptical. “What about your work with the D.A.?”

Paige sighed. “I need a change.” And preferably to be far away from her baby’s father. Drew McCarran had made it clear that he wanted no part of her in his life. She should be happy about that since all he’d said since they met had been lies.

She forced a smile. “Maybe I’ll open my own law practice. What do you think?”

“It’s a great idea.” Morgan jumped out of her chair and came around the desk to pull Paige into her arms.

“Oh, Paige, this is wonderful. First, Leah returns home and finds the love of her life. Now, you’re back to open your own practice. Leah will be so excited.”

The phone rang and Morgan reached to answer it. Paige went to the large window overlooking the town square. There was a comfort seeing the three-tiered fountain where birds fluttered around cascading water. A white lattice-covered gazebo brought memories of band concerts on warm summer nights.

As one of the Keenans’three adopted daughters, Paige and her sisters, Morgan and Leah, had been blessed with charmed lives. Everyone in town had embraced the two toddlers and one infant who’d been left with Tim and Claire Keenan twenty-seven years ago.

Destiny’s citizens would be thrilled that Paige was returning home. But what would they think of her when they discovered she’d made mistakes, and now, she had to deal with the consequences.

Morgan walked up beside her. “Sorry about that.”

“Well, you are the mayor.”

They both broke into laughter.

It was Paige who sobered and said, “Why don’t we keep this between you and me? With the wedding in two weeks, I don’t want any attention taken from the bride.” And the news of the baby definitely would do that. “No matter what I decide, I have a month’s leave to investigate my options.”

Morgan nodded. “You’re right. We need to concentrate on Leah’s wedding.”

Two weeks. Paige had a two-week reprieve. Her thoughts turned to Reed. Could he put his feelings aside, and keep her secret that long?

Later that evening, the Inn’s kitchen was buzzing with activity while Claire Keenan prepared the family meal. Paige’s mouth watered when her mother pulled the large rump roast trimmed with red potatoes and carrots from the oven. Claire was easily the best cook in town, and Morgan ran a close second. Even Leah had learned a few things, but Paige was a lost cause in the culinary department. But since her appetite had recently increased with her pregnancy, she’d decided she better learn how to feed herself.

“Would you mind setting the table?” her mother asked as she added flour to the old cast-iron skillet to begin making brown gravy.

Paige’s stomach growled. “Sure. Anything to hurry things along. I’m starved.”

Her mother raised an eyebrow. “Good. You need to eat. You’re too thin.”

Not for long, Paige thought. How would her mother take the news about the baby? She walked back to the cabinets, knowing she had to tell the family and soon. She released a breath. Just not tonight.

Her mother looked away from her task, her gray-blue eyes full of concern. “Are you all right, Paige?”

Paige carried the stack of plates to the large, round table. “I’m fine, Mom. Maybe a little tired. I’ve just finished a difficult case,” she told her. She wasn’t exactly lying. She had finished a big drug case. And she ended her relationship with her baby’s father.

“Well, your father and I are glad you finally took some time off.” Claire smiled. “And we plan to spoil you while you’re home.”

Her mother’s words brought tears to Paige’s eyes. She worked swiftly to set the big, round maple table, then looked out through the large kitchen window to the setting sun. Large pine trees lined the back of the property, where a half dozen cabins had been built along a rocky creek.

Paige had loved growing up here. Any kid would. She didn’t remember much before she and her sisters had become part of the Keenan family, but she knew she couldn’t have had a better childhood, or more loving parents.

Now, with her baby on the way, Paige had questions about her own birth. About where she’d come from. Why had her biological mother left her three daughters on a stranger’s doorstep? Maybe it was time to get some answers.

Paige’s father walked into the kitchen. “It smells great in here,” he said with a big grin and his dark eyes twinkled. But then she’d never known the big, burly Irishman not to be ready with a smile, a hug and a kiss.

“You say that every time you smell food,” Claire said.

Tim Keenan came up behind his wife of nearly forty years, wrapped his arms around her and murmured in her ear. Claire blushed, and looked up at him with such unbridled love that Paige had to glance away.

The two had always acted like this. Paige had taken their relationship for granted. Now, she realized how special it was. Paige envied them. She’d worked harder on her career as a lawyer than on a personal life. Then she’d met Drew. Life had been perfect for a time, then everything came crashing down around her. When she needed him the most he wanted her gone from his life.

The pain Drew had caused her would never compare to the heartache she’d experienced when Reed left all those years ago.

It was an all-too-familiar story.

Back then she and Reed Larkin were friends and it had developed into a crush by the time they’d reached high school. All the girls had been attracted to the rough around the edges guy. Paige knew his tough act had been a shield.

Since Reed’s mother had worked at the Inn, Paige had developed a friendship with him. That was until graduation day and they’d both had decisions to make. Paige had always been college bound and then on to law school.

Reed had opportunity for college, too. To leave Destiny and the stigma of his father behind him. But he was willing to turn down a full scholarship to go with her. Not that she hadn’t cared for him, just the opposite, but she’d wanted him to have a chance. In the process of convincing him to go away to school, she had to lie, causing her to lose the man she loved…and her best friend.

The familiar ache tightened in her chest as the memories flooded her head. She quickly pushed them away and continued to lay out the flatware. She had to stop reminiscing about the past. The future was what was important now. All her focus should be on her baby.

Men were off-limits.

Reed lived in Destiny, but that didn’t mean they had to keep running into each other. It wasn’t as if they moved in the same social circles. Her only concern was that he keep her secret for now.

The sound of voices caused Paige to turn around. Her sisters, Morgan and Leah, came through the door. Her baby sister’s brown eyes were brimming with happiness, and why not? Leah was engaged to a great guy. She and Holt would be married soon, and they were adopting an eight-year-old boy, Corey. A complete family.

“Sorry, we’re late,” Leah said. “But we were busy trying to finish up some wedding plans.” She took both her sisters’ hands. “I need a maid of honor, and I couldn’t choose between the two of you.”

“It’s okay, Leah…” Paige began to say Morgan could have the honor when her sister’s grip tightened.

“Just hear me out,” she said. “Holt and I talked it over. The only fair thing to do was draw a name. I mean, we’ll all be getting married someday, anyway. So we can all take turns. The name I picked was yours, Paige.”

Tears flooded Paige’s eyes. “Oh, Leah, I wouldn’t have been hurt if you chose Morgan…”

“Stop it, Paige.” Leah smiled through her own tears. “Remember you don’t want to upset the bride-to-be. So just say yes.”

She glanced at Morgan. She smiled and nodded. “I’d be honored to be your maid of honor, Leah.”

A tall, good-looking rancher, Holt Rawlins, walked to his bride-to-be and hugged her. His sandy colored hair had been recently cut, leaving a soft wave over his forehead. He had an easy smile and green eyes that sparkled with mischief.

“Boy, am I glad that’s over,” he said. “I’m also glad that I didn’t have so much trouble choosing my best man.”

“Who’s doing the honors?” Paige asked.

“Holt asked me.”

Everyone turned to see Reed Larkin standing in the doorway. He was dressed in jeans and a pale blue, Western-cut shirt, and looked devilishly handsome.

“Isn’t it great?” Leah gushed. “Reed is going to be escorting you down the aisle, and you two get to toast us at the reception.”

“Yes, that’s great,” Paige agreed as she caught the smile on Reed’s face.

So much for not running into each other.

CHAPTER TWO

AFTER dinner, Paige made her way out to the porch. With all the wedding talk it was getting a little stifling inside the kitchen. She also hated the fact that she was keeping a secret from her family. An important, life-changing secret. Even though she’d come home several times since moving to Denver, tonight seemed different. Soon a lot of things were going to be different.

Leah was getting married in a matter of days. Paige was going to have a baby. The Keenan family was growing. In a few months the clan would have added three new members.

She pressed her hand against her stomach protectively, a habit she’d acquired since learning of her pregnancy. This wasn’t the way her mother and father had expected to welcome their grandchild. It hadn’t been how Paige planned, either. She’d planned to bring her special guy home this summer to meet her parents.

How could she’ve been so wrong about a person? She’d believed him when he said he was divorced—that he hated his wife, Sandy.

The day Paige had learned about her pregnancy, Drew announced that he was going back to his wife. In truth they’d only been separated for the past year, and Drew finally admitted that he wanted a second chance at his marriage. What she hadn’t expected was his anger and his threat not to get in the way of his reconciliation. Then he stormed out of her condo and her life.

Paige wiped a tear from her cheek, refusing to cry over the man, or the past any longer. It was all about the future. The Keenans were going to be her baby’s family. She and her child didn’t need any man, especially a man who didn’t want them.

“Would you mind some company?”

Paige tensed and glanced over her shoulder to see Reed. She shrugged. “It’s a free world.”

“Thanks,” he told her, nodding toward the back door. “There’s way too much talk about Gerber daisies and banana cream or strawberry filling for the wedding cake going on inside.”

She raised an eyebrow. “Can’t take it? And you’re supposed to be the stronger sex.”

He cocked a thumb toward the kitchen. “If you think I’m in bad shape, you should see how blurry-eyed Holt is.”

That made Paige smile. Although she didn’t know the groom well, she liked him. “Losing testosterone, huh?”

“Be careful, I’m feeling the urge to spit and find a belching contest.” Reed walked to the railing, sat down.

“I’d appreciate it if you’d resist.”

“I’ll try.” He leaned against the post and looked out at the rows of moonlit pines. “This is nice.”

Paige wanted to ignore the fact that his nearness bothered her. What was wrong with her? She’d left those feelings back in high school. “I know. I’ve missed this place.”

Reed turned to Paige. He could see that she’d been crying. He knew from his sister’s pregnancy that women got emotional. Paige coming home to tell her family about her baby had to be rough. “Your family is going to be happy about the baby.”

She glared at him. “I don’t want to talk about this. And you promised that you weren’t going to say anything…”

He raised a hand. “Hey, you have to know I wouldn’t break a promise to you. I’m just trying to be a friend, Paige.”

She remained silent.

He changed the subject. “Have you seen a doctor?”

She nodded. “Just to verify that I’m pregnant and to start my vitamins.”

“You need a doctor here?”

She hugged herself. “I want an obstetrician.”

“My sister had a good doctor. She’s in Durango.”

She nodded, but looked sad.

“Are you sure that you don’t want to contact the father…?”

“That’s the last thing I want,” Paige whispered as she stared out into the night. Reed felt the familiar ache of wanting to take her in his arms and tell her he was here for her.

Damn, he hated that she could still turn him inside out. She’d come back to town and all he wanted was to be with her.

“I’m sorry…that things didn’t work out for you, Paige.” As much as he wished it, he couldn’t make this right for her. Reed looked over at her and instantly wanted her. He always had, but it wouldn’t work for either of them. They were both carrying too much baggage.

He stood up. “I should be going. I work tonight.” He started to walk away, then stopped. “If you need to get a hold of me for anything, just call the station. If I’m not there, leave a message on my voice mail.”

Paige turned around. “Reed, this isn’t a good idea…I need to stand on my own. I have a lot to figure out.”

He smiled as he reached out and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, grazing her incredibly soft cheek. “I know, I was just thinking that if you needed a friend.”

Her lower lip quivered. “We tried that once.”

“Yeah, we did. Maybe this time we can handle it better.”

He turned and walked away, knowing he was lying through his teeth. When it came to Paige Keenan, friendship wasn’t all he had in mind.

The next morning, Paige woke up about eight o’clock, and made it into the bathroom before she got sick to her stomach. Luckily the family had gone downstairs and she was alone. How would she explain puking her guts out?

Paige showered and dressed in a pair of worn jeans, but had to leave the top button undone. While she put on a pale pink blouse she was unable to stop thinking about Reed. It would be such a bad idea to get involved with him, especially in her condition.

She was vulnerable, and could so easily lean on Reed. And that wouldn’t be fair to either of them, even though he had suggested they could be friends again.

Paige smiled. In grammar school she could be friends with him, but now, the man was too good-looking and sexy not to stir her hormones. Any woman’s hormones. No, she needed to stay as clear of Sheriff Reed Larkin as possible. Of course until the wedding was over, that wouldn’t be easy.

She arrived in the kitchen to find her mother.

“Good morning,” Claire said and kissed her daughter on the cheek. “How about some breakfast?”

No way. “Maybe some toast and juice.”

Her mother put a cup of coffee in front of her. Of course Paige couldn’t have caffeine during her pregnancy. “I think I’ll pass on the coffee. I’m trying to cut back.”

“Good. Your job is so stressful that you don’t need it.”

Paige took her place at the table and her mother brought the toast over and sat across from her. “So what are your plans for today?” Claire asked.

“Nothing until this afternoon when we go shopping for our bridesmaids’ dresses. Until then I could help you here at the Inn.”

Her mother patted her hand. “You’re not here to work. You need this vacation.”

“I don’t mind,” Paige said, needing something to fill her time.

“I have an idea,” her mother said. “I’m going out to the nursing home to see Sally. You could come along.”

Visit Reed’s mother? That wasn’t a way to stay uninvolved. “Sure.” Paige finished with her toast and cleared away the dishes.

The Shady Haven Convalescent Home was about twenty minutes outside of Destiny. It was a fairly new facility with manicured grounds and the mountains as a backdrop. With its brick trim and red cedar singles the two-story building didn’t look like a nursing home, but more like a retreat.

Paige doubted that Sally Larkin could afford this place on her own. Reed had to be paying a lot of the bill.

Claire and Paige walked though the double doors and notice the inside was just as impressive as the outside. A reception area was arranged around a fireplace, and gleaming hardwood floors. In an adjoining room, Paige could see several patients in wheelchairs, sitting at tables, playing cards and other board games.

Her mother approached the front desk. “We’re here to see Sally Larkin.”

An older woman with short gray hair smiled. “It’s good to see you, Mrs. Keenan. Sally looks forward to your visits.” She turned to Paige. “Is this one of your daughters?”

Claire nodded. “Yes, this is Paige. She’s visiting for a few weeks.”

“Hello, Paige. I’m Karen. I guess you could call me the social director around here.”

“It’s nice to meet you,” Paige told her. “You have a lovely facility.”

“Thank you. Our first concern is our residents.” She stood and came around the desk, then motioned for them to follow her down a wide corridor. “Sally finished her physical therapy about an hour ago. She’s doing very well. And she doesn’t have anything scheduled until after lunch, so this is a perfect time for a visit.”

They passed several rooms on the main floor. Most doors were open, revealing accommodations that looked more like mini apartments than hospital rooms. There was nothing generic about this nursing home.

At the end of the hall, Karen knocked on a door, then opened it. “Sally, you have some visitors,” Karen said as she opened the door wider to reveal a small woman sitting in a wheelchair.

Sally Larkin wasn’t as old as Claire Keenan, but the hard years, and a debilitating stroke had taken a toll. When she saw Claire and Paige, Sally’s eyes lit up bringing back memories of the last time Paige seen Sally. Hers and Reed’s graduation day.

Paige touched her hand. “You remember me, Sally?”

“Y…yes…” Tears formed in Sally’s eyes.

“I hope you don’t mind me just showing up.”

The woman squeezed Paige’s hand. “Wel…come.” She struggled with the word. “P…Paige.”

“Thank you, Sally. It’s so good to see you.” She hugged the frail woman, then looked into those eyes that reminded her so much of her son’s. “I’m glad you’re feeling better.”

Claire joined the conversation. “Sally has improved a lot in the past year. She’s talking again.” Her mother smiled. “I’m glad my friend is back and we can share things. We’re hoping she’ll be able to come to Leah’s wedding.”

Due to the stroke, Sally’s smile was crooked, but she was obviously pleased. “Doc…doctor said o…okay.”

“That’s great news,” Claire said and looked at her daughter. “The facility has special vans and attendants that can take her where she wants to go.”

“Who’s taking who where?”

All three women turned to the door and found Reed. He was dressed in a pair of faded jeans and a burgundy polo shirt.

“Hi, Reed,” Claire said and went to him. “The doctor said your mother can come to Leah’s wedding. Isn’t that great?”

He grinned. “Yes, it’s great.” He crossed the room and kissed his mother’s cheek. “Maybe we should get you a new dress.”

Sally frowned and shook her head.

“Oh, Sally, you shouldn’t turn him down,” Paige said.

Her eyes locked with Reed’s, and once again, she was transported back in time to when they were sixteen. He’d driven her to Durango to look for a dress for the prom. She was going with another boy. That had been when he confessed about his feelings for her. He wanted more than friendship.

“We should go,” Claire said, breaking through her reverie. “We need to meet Leah for wedding shopping.”

Paige patted Sally’s hand. “It was good to see you again, Sally.”

“C…come back.”

“I will.” Paige smiled, then looked at Reed to see he was pleased she’d come, too. She walked out of the room and he followed her.

“Paige, thank you for coming by today. Mom loved it. I appreciated it, too.”

“It was no trouble at all.”

His gaze refused to release its hold. “How are you feeling?”

Her mother had already reached the reception area and was out of earshot. “Better. This morning was a little rough. But I’m good now,” Paige said.

He stuffed his hands into his jeans’ pockets. “You look terrific.”

A shiver went through her. She didn’t want to analyze her reaction to the compliment. “I should go.”

“Oh, I got the name of the doctor.” He pulled a card out of his pocket. “KimberlyYork. Jodi said she’s the best.”

Paige glanced down the hall again to make sure her mother was out of earshot. The business card actually belonged to Reed with his private phone number. The doctor’s number was written on the back. “Thank you,” she said. “I’ll call and make an appointment.”

“If you need someone to drive you let me know.”

His offer was so thoughtful she suddenly had the urge to cry. She had to leave. “Thank you, again. I better go.”

When she made her way to the reception area, she found her mother talking with a thin man seated in a wheelchair. He was bent over, with sparse white hair that stood out around his head. His face was weathered and lined with age. She blinked and studied the man closely. It had to be…old Billy Hutchinson.

Memories came flooding back to her. All the trouble he’d caused the Larkin family. And worse. Billy’s manipulation had change the course of her and Reed’s life. It was wrong, no matter if the cause had been a good one. But most of all, she’d always regret the lie…and losing Reed.

She approached them. “Mother…”

Claire turned and smiled. “There you are. Billy, you remember my middle daughter, Paige. She works in Denver now. She’s a lawyer.”

Paige swallowed her nervousness. It had been a long time since she’d seen or talked to this man. She wasn’t eager to now. “Hello, Mr. Hutchinson.”

“Bah, lawyers…they’re all crooks. Give ’em a chance, they steal ya blind.” He peered at her. “Why, you’re that gal who hung around with that Larkin boy.”

Paige’s heart pounded. “That was a long time ago.”

“Everything was a long time ago.” He waved a crippled finger at her. “You should stay away from those Larkins. They’re no good.”

After all this time Paige didn’t want to rehash this, especially not with Reed just down the hall.

“You shouldn’t upset yourself, Billy,” her mother said. “That’s all in the past.”

Abruptly the man’s agitation turned to sadness. “No, we can’t change the past.” His hazel eyes filled with tears. “Can’t change a dang thing…what’s done is done.” He slumped deeper into his chair. “I didn’t mean to…” He looked pleadingly at Paige. “It was an accident.”

“What accident?” Paige asked.

He choked on the next word. “Mick…”

The lawyer in her couldn’t stop asking more. “What about Mick?”

It was as if a curtain fell as she watched Billy’s expression go blank. He stared off into space, not hearing them any longer.

Her mother stroked the old man’s arm. “Billy has Alzheimer’s. He’s been here for the last year. There are days when he talks, then there are days when he just sits here.” Claire sighed. “Billy has talked more with you today than he has in a very long time.”

The attendant arrived and took charge of Billy, pushing his wheelchair down the hall. Paige stared after them recalling the old man’s words. “Mom, what did Billy mean about an accident?”

“I’m not sure,” her mother answered as they walked toward the door. “Billy rambles a lot. It could have been something that happened years ago, or recently.”

Paige knew that Billy Hutchinson had an interest in several silver mines in the area. And it was a fact that he hadn’t always been fair about his business dealings.

“Not only had the Hutchinson family founded Destiny, but they’ve been pretty forceful in their efforts to control it,” Claire said. “Maybe in Billy’s advanced years, he wants to atone for his sins.”

Paige wasn’t the optimist her mother was; she knew the man was a schemer, because she had gotten talked into one of them. For ten years no one had ever known Paige’s connection to Billy. And she wanted to keep it that way. She couldn’t see the man again.

But all the way home old Billy’s words bothered her. Was there more to his ramblings? The word “accident” kept nagging at her brain. Could Reed’s suspicions be truth? Could Billy Hutchinson know more about what really happened the night Mick Larkin disappeared than he previously admitted?

Five hours later, the four exhausted Keenan women, Claire, Morgan, Paige and Leah, collapsed into the chairs at Francisco’s Cantina in Durango. Numerous bags pushed under the table were the result of their shopping labors.

Leah smiled brightly. “Did I tell you this is where Holt brought me on our first date?”

“Yes,” the other three women said in unison.

Leah pouted and her mother patted her hand. “It’s okay, honey, we’re just teasing you. We love hearing about it all. You’ve found a wonderful man and you’re going to be married soon. You should be beaming with happiness.”

Tears filled Leah’s eyes. “Oh, Mom, it’s just that I’m so happy. I love Holt so much.”

Paige had to turn away. She was glad for her sister, but another side of her envied Leah’s happiness. It was something she would never have with her baby’s father.

Paige released a long breath as she picked up the menu and scanned it. That didn’t mean she couldn’t make a good life for her and her child. She didn’t need a man to make a living. She was determined to give her baby enough love to make up for his or her father’s absence. And it was time she started.

Paige closed the menu and placed it on the table. “I have an announcement, too,” she said, drawing the three women’s eager attention. “I’ve decided not to return to my job in Denver. I want to open a law office here…in Destiny.”

“Oh, Paige…that’s wonderful.” Leah jumped up, pulled Paige to her feet and hugged her. “We’ll all be living here.”

Paige caught Morgan’s smile, too. “We’re glad to have you back home. So you’re going to take the storefront in the town square?”

Morgan and Claire exchanged a look. “You knew about this?” she asked.

Paige held up a hand. “When I talked with Morgan yesterday I hadn’t decided yet.” She turned to Leah. “I kept quiet because I didn’t want anything to overshadow your wedding.”

“Oh, Paige. I don’t care. I’m just so happy you’re moving back.”

Paige felt relieved to have shared at least part of her news. “I know. I’ve missed the family so much.”And I’m going to need all of you when the baby comes, she cried silently.

“We’ve all missed you,” her mother said as she squeezed Paige’s hand. “Your father is going to be so happy.”

“What am I going to be happy about?”

They all turned to see Tim Keenan approaching the table. The big man was dressed in a dark blue sport shirt and taupe colored trousers.

Claire slipped her arm around her husband’s waist. “Tim, Paige has some wonderful news.”

Holt walked up behind Tim and went to his excited bride-to-be then hugged her. “What news?” he echoed.

Paige felt herself blush at the attention. She hated that she hadn’t told her family the entire story. Before she could say anything, another man approached the table. Reed Larkin. He was wearing a wine-colored shirt with dark trousers. She’d had no idea he was going to be here, but she was suddenly glad.

Paige gave him a pleading look. He seemed to read her thoughts and went to her side of the table.

“Don’t keep us in suspense.” Reed smiled.

“It’s not that big a deal,” she began. “I’ve decided to try private practice…here in Destiny.”

“Oh, lass,” her father cried and came around the table to hug her. “I’m so happy. Now, I have all my girls home.”

“I love you, Daddy.” She hadn’t called him that since she was a little girl. Tim Keenan had always made her feel so loved…and so special. The last thing she ever wanted to do was disappoint him.

“It looks like we have a lot to celebrate tonight,” he said as he sat down beside his wife.

“Let’s just focus on the wedding for now,” Paige said. “I took a month’s leave from my job so I could think about my decision. I have plenty of time to help Leah with the preparations for her day.”

Reed sat down in the only available seat right next to hers. Paige couldn’t help but wonder if her sisters had arranged for that to happen. She hoped not.

Reed didn’t need to be involved with her and all her baggage. Besides, she’d given up all chances with him many years ago. She stole a glance at him. He was definitely more handsome as a man than he’d been as a boy. Darn her hormones for making her notice, for making her feel something. She didn’t need another complication right now.

But more came when the waiter arrived to take their drink orders. Paige ordered a ginger ale with lime, hoping no one questioned her passing on alcohol. No one did, especially when Reed ordered the same, saying he was on duty later that night.

After the waiter left, her father asked, “Have you decided where you want your office?”

“Yesterday I looked at the vacant storefront next to the real estate office. That’s where I ran into Reed. He thought I was a vandal.”

Everyone turned to Reed. “You can’t be too careful.”

Holt chuckled. “Yeah, we’re overrun with crime in Destiny.”

Before Reed could comment, Tim asked, “Doesn’t Lyle Hutchinson own that building?”

Paige wasn’t surprised. The Hutchinson family owned a lot of property in town square. It was well-known that Billy Hutchinson’s son, Lyle, wasn’t the best landlord.

“If you want any work done on the building,” Morgan said, “you’d better plan to do it yourself.”

“The place isn’t so bad,” Paige said. “It’s a perfect space for what I have in mind, and there’s even an apartment upstairs.” She shrugged. “I don’t mind the work. And I have a lot of family to help paint.” She glanced at Holt. “And a brand-new brother-in-law.”

Holt groaned. “Leah already has me working on the ranch house.” He glanced at his friend. “Reed’s the expert on remodeling. You should see how he’s redone his mother’s house.”

Reed noticed Paige tense at Holt’s suggestion. He didn’t take it personally. What with a new career and…a baby on the way, her life was complicated enough. But he couldn’t help but feel protective of her, wanting nothing more than to get a hold of the jerk that had deserted her. He’d like to teach him a lesson or two.

“Hey,” he said. “If you find you need help, I can paint walls and sand floors.”

She looked at him. “Thank you, Reed. First I have to discuss the rental agreement with Lyle. I might not be able to afford the place.”

Her mother laughed. “If you handle Lyle like you did Billy this morning, he’ll probably agree to your terms without argument.”

Reed frowned. “You talked with Billy Hutchinson?”

“Only for a few minutes,” Paige said, suddenly feeling guilty. “My mother saw him in the lounge when we left Sally’s room. I just stopped by to say hello.”

“Billy recognized Paige right away,” Claire said. “And he just began chattering away. It was more than I’ve heard him say in a long time.”

A familiar sinking feeling overcame Reed as he leaned toward Paige. “We need to talk…later.”

The waiter arrived to take their order. Paige didn’t look pleased, but Reed couldn’t let this go. His only link to his father’s disappearance was Billy Hutchinson. Reed was almost afraid to hope, but this was the best news he’d had in a long time.

Now, if he could just get Paige to help him.

CHAPTER THREE

BY THE end of the evening, Paige was positive that the members of her family were playing matchmakers. Her mother practically insisted Paige ride back from Durango with Reed, and she didn’t protest.

In the passenger seat of Reed’s late model truck, she planned ways on how she’d set her family straight. There was no future for her and Reed. What if she just came out and told them she was pregnant with another man’s baby?

With a sigh, she leaned back against the headrest and closed her eyes, happy that Reed also seemed to enjoy the quiet, too. Drowsiness took over and she let the soothing vibration of the road lull her. All Paige’s problems were temporarily erased from her mind as she recalled the pleasant evening with her family…and Reed.

Paige thought back to the shy, thin boy. How he’d walk her home from school and they would sit at the Keenan kitchen table and do homework while his mother cleaned the guest rooms upstairs. Sometimes they’d go outside and look for toads along the creek. They’d talked sometimes, about how it hurt him when people said things about his father. A lot of people in town had decided Mick Larkin was a thief and had run out on his family.

Besides her sisters, Reed Larkin had been Paige’s best friend. But things changed when they went into high school. Girls started noticing tall, good-looking Reed, and other boys had shown interest in Paige.

Reed didn’t like it and he’d told her so. Then he kissed her for the first time. She’d been surprised by the strong feelings he invoked in her.

No one could kiss like Reed Larkin.

“Paige…”

She heard Reed’s husky voice calling to her. She blinked and finally opened her eyes to be met by Reed’s dark gaze as he leaned toward her. She quickly realized her dream had definitely become a reality. And she couldn’t resist him.

“Reed…” She reached for him.

Then she felt the soft caress against her lips. A too-brief touch of his mouth on hers, but it was enough to send her heart racing. Unable to stop, Paige turned her head toward him and the kiss deepened…grew bolder. She felt the tip of his tongue against her lips. With a whimper she opened and let him slip inside to taste her.

Wanting more, Paige slid her arms around his neck and combed her fingers into his thick hair. She opened to his caresses and returned his fervor as she stroked her tongue against his. It had never been like this before…she’d never wanted anyone like this. She struggled to get closer.

Abruptly he pulled back, looking pleased with himself. “I have to say your kissing skills have improved since high school.”

She shoved at him to see they were parked in the Inn’s parking lot. “Get away from me. You took advantage of the situation. I was half asleep,” she lied.

“You whispered my name. What’s a guy to think?”

Embarrassed, she worked at straightening her clothes. “You’re supposed to be a gentleman.”

She heard his sigh. “You’re right. I apologize.”

He stared out the windshield. “Let’s just say we were both curious as to what it would be like after all these years.”

“Reed, I’m pregnant,” she said, barely holding it together. The last thing she wanted to do was fall apart. “I can’t afford the luxury to be curious…” Tears clogged her throat, but she swallowed them. “My baby is all I can think about.”

“I’m sorry, Paige.” He paused. “So the baby’s father isn’t going to be a part of your life?”

“No. I realized too late, he was never really in my life,” she admitted. “It’s better this way. Look, I’ve got to go in.” She went for the door handle when he reached for her and stopped her. Somehow she ended up back against him.

Reed had never felt anything as natural as having Paige in his arms. “I’m sorry, Paige. Not because the guy’s gone from your life, but because he treated you so badly. You don’t deserve that.” His hand moved soothingly over her back. “It’s going to be all right, honey. Just let me hold you. Nothing more. No pressure…just lean on a friend.”

She finally released a trembling sigh and buried her face against his shirt. Her tough act broke his heart. No matter what had happened to end their relationship, it didn’t change the fact that he still cared about her.

“You’re better off without the guy…and so is the baby. How can I help?”

She pulled back and gave him a little smile. “Some things I have to do on my own, Reed.”

“And sometimes you have to rely on a friend.”

She looked unconvinced. “That kiss—”

“Won’t happen again—not unless you want it, too,” he told her. He straightened. “Look, Paige, I’m content with my job. I came back here to make a life, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy for me to deal with the past.” He saw her surprised look. “And yes, I’m still searching for clues about my father’s disappearance.”

“Reed, it was so long ago.”

“I can’t give up, Paige.” He studied her for a long time. “I need your help. You talked with Billy today.”

She nodded. “But…but he didn’t say much.”

Reed rested his arm on the steering wheel. “Look, Paige, Billy Hutchinson was the last person to see my father the night he disappeared. He also accused Mick of stealing from him. So whatever comes out of his mouth might have meant something.”

Paige nodded, then began to repeat everything she remembered Billy had said to her—that he’d thought all lawyers were crooks, and to stay away from all Larkins.

Even with his FBI training, it was hard for Reed to stay objective. “What else?”

Paige frowned. “Billy looked sad and said, ‘We can’t change the past. Can’t change a dang thing…what’s done is done.’” Paige studied Reed’s face. “His final words were, ‘I didn’t mean to. It was an accident.’”

“What was an accident?” Reed demanded.

“I asked him the same thing, and Billy just mumbled, ‘Mick.’ Then he just stared into space.”

“Damn, don’t you see Paige? Billy had something to do with Dad’s disappearance.”

During the following week, Paige was busy helping with wedding plans, but she had time to think about Reed, and their kiss.

It was a waste of time. She needed to think about her move…her career…her future. That was why she’d made an appointment with the Realtor about the storefront property.

Paige was doing another walk-through of the space, and she was growing more excited about starting up her own law practice.

“So the floors will be refinished and the walls painted by the end of next week,” Paige clarified in her best lawyer tone. “It’s imperative that I move in by the first of the month.”

“There shouldn’t be a problem, Paige.” Kaley Sims jotted down notes on her pad. “Lyle is anxious to have this property rented. He’ll agree to your requests.”

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