Page 44 of Renewal After Dark

“Life does that to ya.”

“When is it gonna do it for me?”

“Seems like it’s happening as we speak, if you ask me.”

“It’s happening since I got lucky to meet Yoda next door.”

Duke threw his head back and laughed as hard as she’d seen him laugh yet, stirring the most intriguing feeling of desire and curiosity to know more about him. She wanted to know whatever he was willing to tell her, and that should’ve scared her senseless.

But because it was him, because he was so wonderful, the feelings she had for him didn’t scare her at all. Rather, she was excited to find out what might happen next.

She no sooner had that feeling—and that thought—than a big black pickup truck pulled into the driveway. A handsome guy with dark hair and blue eyes emerged from the cab. He wore a faded T-shirt, cargo shorts and work boots.

“That’s Mac.” Duke went to shake the other man’s hand. “Thanks so much for stopping by.”

“No problem. Wow, when you said collapsed, you weren’t kidding.”

“Nope. Mac McCarthy, meet Rosemary’s granddaughter, McKenzie, and her son, Jax.”

Mac shook her hand. “Nice to meet you both. What a cute little guy. Reminds me of my Thomas when he was about the same age.”

“How old is he now?”

“Six, which I can’t believe. I’ve also got a three-year-old, an almost-two-year-old and new twins.”

“Holy moly.”

“My wife and I say that every day.” Mac moved around to take a closer look at the damage. “Looks like a total loss. I assume it was insured?”

“Yes,” McKenzie said. “My grandmother paid for three years in advance.”

“Well, that’s handy. You can rebuild to your specs, which is nice.”

“How soon do you think that could happen?”

“I could do it in the next month or so. I’d just need to order materials, and that takes a minute with us being on an island.”

“I thought I heard someone say you’re booked out until the spring,” McKenzie said.

“I am. I mean, I was, but I’m shifting some things around so I can fit in jobs like yours for people impacted by the storm. We’ll get it done for you.”

Once again, the kindness of a stranger overwhelmed her. “I don’t know what to say.”

“Not sure if Duke told you that I married a single mom. Thomas was nine months old when we met.”

“That’s how old Jax is now.”

“I thought so. Thomas and his mom quickly became the best thing to ever happen to me. I’m happy to do whatever I can for you.”

“Thank you so much. I wish there was something else I could say…”

“No need. Glad to help. I’ll get some guys over here this week to get the site cleaned up so you can see what’s salvageable underneath. Give me your phone number so I can get in touch when we’re coming by.”

McKenzie recited her number. “My service has been spotty here, so call Duke if it doesn’t go through.”

“Will do.”

“I, um, I can’t pay you until the insurance settlement comes in.”

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