Page 7 of Tangled with the Tight End

“I’m sorry I didn’t call last night but things were crazy at home. Angelo was fussing all night, and when he crashed, so did I. I think he was exhausted and fighting sleep. He was fine this morning.” Their son is a doll but when he’s tired or teething, he’s cranky with a capital C. He took after his mom in that, she’s a bear to wake up in the mornings.

“No, that’s fine. I understand. I can be there at 7 o’clock.” Eden’s brother-in-law plays football, which I had a vague understanding about until Eden met Marco. Her husband played the sport until a couple of years ago when he retired.

Now, I have more than a passing knowledge of the game, but I’ve never met his brother. Eden and Marco wed in a small private ceremony at the lodge, but he was out of the country, and he was at a game when Angelo was born. They’ve gone to see him, but he’s never made it out here.

“Thank you so much. I appreciate you dropping everything for me.”

“It’s fine. Remember, my offer is still open. If you and Marco need a break, I’ll gladly take the cutie off your hands for the night.”

“You’re on. We’ll plan it sometime.”

Before I can hang up the phone, the doorbell jingles again. I frown when I don’t see anyone. Then, I look down. The little boy from yesterday.

“Maddie?” I call toward the kitchen. “Can you watch the counter for a few minutes?”

“Sure.” Maddie breezes into the room with a tray of freshly cooked treats: blueberry, lemon strawberry, and raspberry and white chocolate scones. The adorable blonde with a bubbly personality graduated this past year and is taking online college classes. “These just came out a few minutes ago.”

“Thank you.” The lunch crowd is not as bustling as the breakfast rush when I do the most business, but the older ladies enjoy tea and scones each afternoon, especially the G-team–Bernice, Mildred, and Sheila.

“Hey, Gino.” I rush around the counter’s edge while scanning the front window for his parents. Father. “What’re you out doing today?”

“Seeing.” His wide eyes dart from one counter to another as he takes in everything from the cookies to the dipped fruits. My shop at the lodge is small compared to the main operation.

“Sightseeing?”

“Yep.” His chubby cheeks bulge as he grins. “Seeing.”

I grasp his hand. “Where’s your mommy?”

“She left.” Okay. That explains some things. If…he means what he’s saying. That’s always a crapshoot with a toddler. But it would explain why the man is so testy.

“Where’s your daddy?”

“He’s outside.”

“Let’s see if we can find him.” I grab his hand in mine and shove the door open.

When we step out on the sidewalk, the man rushes up to us, snatches Gino off the sidewalk, and shudders while holding him close to his body. “You scared me to death.”

Interesting. He does have a heart.

“I sorry. I saw cookies.” The little boy wraps himself around his father.

“Don’t take off on me again.” His eyes are stern but remain swirling with torment. “Do you understand?”

“Yes, Sir.”

The man stiffens but doesn’t say anything.

“This is a safe town. My shop and all the others are safe havens.” I point to the sign in the window.

“That’s a piece of paper. It means nothing,” he snaps, and I envision squeezing his head until it pops.

“You’re the one that lost your son. You should spend a little more time keeping an eye on him and a little less time snapping on the person who found him and came looking for you.” I spin on my heel and stomp into the bistro. Asshole.

“Are you okay?” Sawyer asks as he stands and walks toward me.

“Yeah, I’m fine. I met this jerk yesterday at the lodge, and that was his kid. This is the second time he’s gotten onto me when he should’ve been focused on his child.” My face heats as anger percolates inside me.

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