Page 25 of Heart of a Hero

“Thank God! Bess kept telling me that she thought you two would be a good match.”

“I have no idea if we’re a good match, but we’ve talked a little bit, and I’m looking forward to getting to know her more.”

Brad pulled the SUV into the parking lot and said, “Happy for you, man.”

“Thanks.”

With that, he walked back into the station, a smile still on his face.

The following day, dew still clung to the grass, and a light mist hovered over the bay as Mark stretched alongside Benji and Scott Redding, one of the other AL running group sponsors. Scott was an accountant in Baytown. Before the first time Benji had come for a run with them, Mark prepared his son for Scott’s prosthesis, explaining he had lost his leg when in the service. He hoped to avoid any innocent, albeit uncomfortable comments from his son. But the moment Benji watched Scott switch out his daily prosthesis for his running blade, Benji’s mouth dropped open, and he’d gushed, “That’s so cool.”

Mark rolled his eyes as Scott laughed, then let Benji inspect the running blade prosthetic and explained how it worked. Now, Benji barely gave it a second thought and stretched along with the two adults as other kids were being dropped off. Laughter and chatter filled the cool morning air.

Mark checked the parental permission forms as they came in, scanning the group with pride. The kids were talking and laughing, naturally falling into age groups. If Benji noticed someone standing by themselves, he jogged over and startedtalking to them. Watching his son move with such kindness and confidence brought a warm swell to Mark’s chest.

As another small SUV pulled up, Mark’s lips curved into a grin. Karen stepped out of the driver’s seat, followed by two girls who could only be her daughters. Both had the same honey-blond hair, though Karen’s was pulled back with clips while the girls wore theirs in ponytails. His gaze lingered on Karen, drinking in the sight of her as she approached.

“Hey, Mark,” she greeted as she neared, her voice soft but bright.

“Karen,” he said, dipping his chin. “It’s good to see you.”

He turned his attention to the two girls standing beside her. The older one had already caught up to Karen’s height, and he figured she’d probably end up taller. She had her mother’s warm brown eyes, while the younger girl, who stood just below Karen’s eyeline, had lighter brown eyes, perhaps more like her father’s. Both girls smiled at him, and he nodded again.

“This is my eldest, Laura, and this is Olivia,” Karen introduced. “Girls, this is one of your running sponsors, Mark Robbins.”

“Hey,” Laura said with a bright smile.

Olivia giggled, a sweet sound as she echoed her sister. “Hi!”

Before Mark could reply, Benji came running over, his energy radiating as always.

“Are we about ready to start?” Benji asked, his excitement evident.

“Almost,” Mark replied, glancing down at his son. “But first, I’d like you to meet a friend of mine. This is Ms. Karen Drummond and her daughters, Laura and Olivia. Ladies, this is my son, Benji.”

Benji grinned and quickly reached his hand out to Karen. "Nice to meet you!" Olivia giggled again, and Laura gave Mark acareful, assessing look before smiling as Benji darted back to his friends.

Mark’s attention was momentarily caught by Laura leaning over to whisper something to Karen. He caught only a snippet of the exchange. “Is he the one you’re going out with tonight?”

Karen’s soft smile widened as she replied, “Yes, that’s him.”

“Cool,” Laura said with a grin before her name was called by a group of girls. She kissed her mom’s cheek and ran off to join them. Olivia followed with another smile.

Now alone with Karen, Mark let out a breath and chuckled. “Well, introductions are over. I guess that went well.”

Karen laughed softly, shaking her head. “I haven’t done this in a while, so I’ll take your word for it.”

Her gaze swept over the group of kids. “You’ve got your hands full here.”

“Scott Redding co-sponsors, and we have a few other adults running with us,” Mark explained. “You’re welcome to wait or come back.”

Karen smiled and shook her head. “I have to hit the grocery store. The girls are having a popcorn, cookies, and ice cream TV night while you and I are out, so I need to stock up on some junk.”

Mark laughed. “Sounds like a fun night. My dad will probably do the same with Benji.” He glanced at the kids lining up, then back at Karen. “I have to go, but I’ll be by around six?”

“That’s perfect,” she said, her eyes twinkling with warmth. “I’m looking forward to it.”

Without thinking, Mark placed a hand on her shoulder and leaned in to kiss her cheek. The moment his lips touched her soft skin, he was overwhelmed by how soft her cheek felt and how delicious she smelled—vanilla and something floral.Holy shit, he thought, startled by his own boldness in kissing her cheek.

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