Page 255 of Fury

“There’s just my older sister, but she can’t really…” She shook her head, rearranging the pens on the counter.

“Do you need help with Zoë? You know Lenore would help you in a heartbeat. So would I.”

Gail’s face reddened. “Zoë likes Lenore very much and feels comfortable with her.”

“That’s great. Is there anything Lenore could do for you while you get settled with all this?”

“Oh no, really. Lenore has her own business. You’re getting married—”

“What do you need to make your life easier right now? Gail?”

“I’m not sure what to do first.” She pressed her lips together, swallowing hard. “He has to get more tests done. I have to find a physical therapist and get him settled with Steve, probably hire someone else to help out here at the store. Someone to do the accounting, too. I always used to do it, but now…”

“Okay.”

She leveled her gaze with mine. She was proud, and this was difficult for her, asking for help from me on top of the shock of her family dynamics changing forever. “Maybe if Lenore could help with driving Zoë to her school related activities in Rapid and to her art class in Meager?”

“She could do that.”

“If I know that Zoë is taken care of with someone she likes and knows, and someone I trust, I could better focus on everything else. Zoë’s very independent and can take care of herself, but she still needs guidance. It’s an imposition, I know, especially now. Just for a couple of months maybe, until things settle?”

My heart thudded in my chest. “It’s no imposition. I want to help you and Steve, I really do.”

She tilted her head, lips parted, eyes narrowing. “You know, don’t you?”

My eyes flicked to the photo behind her on the wall that I’d noticed the first time I’d come here. A young Steve, a shovel in one hand and a young Gail at his side, who held a small baby, their Zoë, in her arms right here on their property. Their new, second chance start in life. Huge, happy smiles on their faces.

At the time that pic was taken, I was beating up douchebags in jail, making threats, getting knifed in my leg with a homemade shank, blackmailing, threatening, starting fights, making bets, cutting deals. And Lenore had been on the run out there, somewhere, alone.

“Gail, let us help you. I want to help you. It’s the least I can do for you.”

She stared at me, her neck stiffening at the intensity in my tone.

I took in a deep breath. “Years ago, Lenore and I were together. I’m Zoë’s biological father.”

“Oh.” Her eyes widened. “Oh…I…”

“At the time, me and Lenore couldn’t be together. Things were real difficult, and Zoë deserved more, she needed more.” My throat thickened. “Zoë was born out of love, but she needed you and Steve. I want you to know that I’m real grateful that she has you, and I have no intention of ruining your family in any way. I don’t want you to think that. You’ve been real kind to let Lenore have contact with Zoë. That’s real generous of you. Thank you for that. It’s meant the world to her.”

“I know,” she said quietly, her lips tipping up into a beautiful smile. “I’m real happy for you and Lenore, that you both found your way back to each other.” Gail’s face softened. “Zoë’s never been a flower girl or a bridesmaid before.”

“Oh yeah?”

“She loves surprises. She’ll be over the moon when you ask her not only to be the flower girl but to be the surprise, too.”

I only grinned. I had no words, and I didn’t need any.

Gail cleared the pens from the counter between us. “She should be here in ten minutes. You can ask her yourself.”

“Thank you, Gail.”

Her head slanted. “You’re very welcome.”

“I’ll have Lenore call you about pitching in.”

Gail’s pale hands clasped tightly together. “Thank you. It’ll just be for a little while. On occasion, I might have to take Steve to a specialist out of town, and then—”

“Whenever you need help, we’re here. That’s a fact.” I gave her a nod. “Now, I think I’ll go see if Steve and Tim need anything else moved back there before a fight breaks out.”

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