Page 35 of Home Changes
Seth laughed. “Yeah, Dad, it does. It says you’re one hell of a guy.”
Chester snorted and kept walking, the dog matching his step. It was as if the dog had always belonged to the man.
Seth waited until they were out of earshot, then moved to a nearby window. He watched until his father opened the correct truck door, helped Gomer inside, and settled in to wait. The sight calmed him just a little.
“I have to stay where I can see him,” he said, still looking out the window. “He’s got Alzheimer’s. Sometimes he gets confused.”
Kate sighed softly beside him. “I’m sorry to hear that. I know it’s gotta be hard on you.”
Seth shrugged. “It’s harder on him. What did you need?”
“Do you still have your security clearance?”
“Yeah, I should for at least another six months. They just renewed it before I got out.”
“What level?”
“Top secret. Why?”
Kate gave a small nod. “Well, I know there’s a position for a kennel master here in Hollister.”
Seth’s brow furrowed. “Excuse me? What are you talking about?”
“Have you heard anything about the Marshall Ranch?”
He offered a cautious nod. “Enough to not ask what you’re talking about and not admit knowing about it.”
“Right,” she said, smiling. “Anyway, Mr. Marshall is looking to start a kennel. Some of the work happening at the ranch and elsewhere could really benefit from dogs trained in tracking and explosive detection.”
“That right?”
Kate nodded. “I’ll make a call tonight, but don’t be surprised if Mr. Marshall reaches out.”
“I’m not sure I can take anything on right now.” He nodded back toward the truck. “I’m my dad’s full-time caregiver. It’s only going to get more time-consuming.”
Kate rested a hand on his back. “I understand. But this town … It’s one hell of a community. You don’t have to do it alone. If you need help, just ask.”
Seth smiled and shook her hand again. “Kate, it was good seeing you. I honestly had no idea you were from Hollister.”
“Only during the summers.” She laughed. “I lived with my mom in Colorado growing up.”
Seth nodded. “And I worked out at the ranch every summer. Rarely came into town. That’s probably why we never crossed paths.”
“Well, we’ll fix that now. I’ll talk to Tegan and give you a call. Your number’s in Gomer’s file. I’ll shoot you a text if I hear anything from Mr. Marshall.”
“Sounds good. But as I said, I’m not sure I can commit to anything.”
“Just listen to what he has to say. That’s all. It won’t hurt.”
“That’s true.” Seth turned back to the window. “I’ve gotta go. Chester’s getting out of the truck.”
“Take care, Seth.”
It took a little coaxing, but Seth managed to get his father back into the truck. He reminded him that they were headed to sit with Delbert at the general store. That whittling bench had become Chester’s sanctuary. As soon as he had a piece of wood in his hand and Delbert beside him, it was as if the fog in his mind lifted just a little.
With his father settled and Gomer lying in the shade under the bench, Seth made his way across Main Street to Allison’s bakery. He was looking forward to a few quiet minutes, and maybe a few smiles, with the woman who’d slowly begun to occupy his thoughts during the quiet late at night. Hell, who was he fooling? He wanted to kiss the woman until neither of them could breathe. Shemade his blood run so hot that cold showers were no longer helping. Yeah, they hadn’t made the next move, but God help him, he wanted to, and the way she reacted to him, he could tell she wanted him, too. He smiled to himself. He’d figure out a way to have some quality alone time with her. Somehow, some way, he wanted more than the fantastic conversations, stolen looks, flirtatious innuendos, and cold showers.
He hadn’t made it to the front door before an older man stepped into his path.
