Page 10 of In the Name of the Father

“There’s nothing at all to tie me here, I promise. Like I said, I only chose this place because it was the farthest away I could go with what money I had to spend and there was a stop here.” He shrugged one shoulder. “To tell you the truth, I’d never even heard of Eugene before.”

Malcolm nodded in a way that seemed to indicate he was satisfied with Seth’s answer. “Good. That’s one less thing for us to worry about.”

Us?

The waitress returned with Malcolm’s credit card and receipt. He put everything away then pushed the containers with the pie slices toward him. “Why don’t you grab these, and we’ll get going.” Malcolm climbed out of the booth. “Do you have a lot for us to pick up from the Cascade Inn?”

The question jarred him.I’m really doing this. “No. Just my backpack and grocery tote.”

A brief flash of pain, perhaps sadness, crossed Malcolm’s features before his expression brightened and he smiled. “That’s perfect. We won’t have to stay long then.”

Seth smiled back and followed Malcolm to the front. As he had before, he gestured for Seth to go ahead of him. They’d almost made it to Malcolm’s vehicle when a horrible realization struck Seth and he froze where he stood.

Oh no.

“What is it, Seth?”

“I…”

His heart was breaking, and he wasn’t sure why such a thing should hit him so hard. Hope could be such a tease. His father had warned him about how God doesn’t like it when his children aren’t grateful for what they have and they wish for more. He teaches them by taking their dream away.

“I already gave the motel manager my two weeks payment today after I cashed my check.” Seth tried to keep the shakiness out of his voice. “I won’t be able to pay your friend.” He drew in a deep breath. “But thank you so much anyway, I really appreciate the offer. If you wouldn’t mind dropping me off at the motel, then I’ll get out of your hair.”

Malcolm sighed. “And I’ll never get any sleep worrying about you, remember? Let’s start with one thing at a time then go from there. You’re not staying at that rathole. We’ll pick up your belongings and you can spend the night at my place like I said. Tomorrow is a new day and we can decide the next move then. Agreed?”

“Are you sure?” Seth hoped Malcolm was sure.

“Very. Come on, let’s go.”

They reached Malcolm’s truck and after they’d gotten themselves inside and situated, Seth couldn’t stop himself from verifying one more time that he wasn’t being a problem.

“Won’t I be interfering with your work or…uh, your…?” Seth folded his hands and tried to will his blush to go away. “I mean, I don’t want to be in the way if you have…if there’s someone…” He couldn’t do it. Couldn’t ask Malcolm about his gay lifestyle.

Malcolm reached across the console and gave his hand a quick squeeze. “It’s all right. I live alone and I’m a business owner, so my hours are essentially mine to do with as I wish.”

“Oh. Okay. I just wanted to be sure.”

“That’s very considerate of you, I can tell how thoughtful of a man you are. But let me worry about the details. I’ll take care of everything—with your permission, of course.”

Seth worried his lip. “Thank you, but…” He should shut up, yet he couldn’t. He wasn’t used to anyone—let alone a stranger—being so concerned about him. “Why would you want to bother with doing any of that? Why do you want to bother withme?”

Malcolm turned on the engine but didn’t put the car in reverse. Instead, he let the truck idle and the cab warm up while he seemed lost in his thoughts. Finally, he turned to Seth.

“Let’s just say that’s how I’m wired.”

“Wired?”

“I’m a caretaker. And it so happens that I’m in a position to help you right now. What sort of person would I be if I didn’t? Wouldn’t it be better if I was like the Good Samaritan, instead?”

Malcolm’s explanation struck home. Seth nodded.

“Okay, now I understand.” He gazed into the striking eyes of his Godsend.Maybe? Maybe God doesn’t hate me after all? “I’m so glad I met you.”

Malcolm’s smile went to his eyes, the corners crinkling. “I’m glad I met you, too.”

Chapter Three

Malcolm stuck the key into the lock of his ranch-style home. His lone sanctuary had replaced the much larger house he’d shared with Everett in the Portland suburb of Lake Oswego. In much the same way that Seth had sought escape from anything that would be too similar to his previous existence, so had Malcolm. He and Everett didn’t share any history in Eugene. When he’d searched for a location that was still within a reasonable driving distance of his vineyard that was also not a city but still had some culture, Eugene had managed to tick all the boxes.

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