Uncovering Hope (Uncovering Love Book 3) (15 page)

Tate clears his throat as I lift the gun and aim at the cans we’ve set up as targets.
My intentions.
I’d love to fuck your sister but she won’t let me so now we’re friends. Yeah. Better not lead with that.

“I intend to be a good friend to her.” I pull the trigger.
Pop
. Miss.

“She’s becoming a good friend to me.”
Pop
. Miss.

“She’s an amazing nurse. Kind, loving, and smart. Good to her patients. Generous in how she cares for others.”
Pop
. The can wobbles. Nicked it. Hell, yes!

“And I’ll do anything I can to take care of her.”
Pop. Bang
. “Fu—funky town! I hit that can!” I grin and catch the twitch play at Tate’s lips as if he’s considering a smile. I set the gun on the folding table we’ve brought along and give him my full attention.

“I swear on my life I won’t hurt your sister. And on top of that I’ll do everything in my power to make sure no one else hurts her.”

Tate extends his hand and I take it in my own and give it a solid shake. The concern from yesterday floods my mind.

“Did you find out who cut her battery?” I ask and drop his hand.

“How did you know the battery was cut?” Jon interrupts, then cocks the rifle and shoots three subsequent rounds. Can after can falls over in the wake of bullets.

“I checked. When she asked for a ride I thought maybe I could jump it and just follow her home. But those wires were intentionally cut. And I don’t like that it happened at her work. Do they have a history of vandalism there? It seems they should have better security than that.”

Jon sets the gun down. He studies me before giving a nod. “I agree.”

“And no, to answer your question, nothing like this has happened before to Carly or her co-workers. We called Security yesterday and they were as upset as we are. My buddy checked the entire car and that was the only thing messed with. So that’s good. I think.” Tate rubs his temples with his thumb and index finger.

“You go to the hospital much?” Jon asks.

“Yeah, actually I volunteer there whenever I can.” Jon nods and I don’t really like the way he’s looking at me. Does he think—?

“I didn’t cut her battery if that’s what you’re implying, bro,” I say and his lips pull into a cocky grin.

“I never said that.
Bro.
” He steps closer to me.
Fuck.
This guy is huge. And retired Army. Yeah, like I already can’t tell he’s intimidating as hell. He could probably kill me ten different ways before I even got in a swing.

“Jon, man, chill. The boys,” Tate says. We glance over to find Ezra and Eli staring with wide green eyes. The little one’s lower lip gives a little tremble. Fuck. Now I feel like shit for scaring him.

“What do you think, little dudes? Can Jon beat me in a shooting contest?” I shout over to them with an easy smile. Jon chuckles under his breath but the boys relax and come closer.

“That’s not a good bet to take, Mister Derek. Mister Jon is an Army man. He’s going to win.”

“Da—dandelions! Looks like I’m probably buying ice cream then. Loser has to.”

“Yes!” Eli gives a fist pump and it’s adorable.

Ezra nods to Jon. “You gotta win this. Your rep is at stake. And plus I could really go for some fro-yo.” He’s so serious and it’s hard not to laugh. By the look in Jon and Tate’s eyes they’re struggling to hold back smiles, as well.

“Looks like we’ve got ourselves a gentlemen’s bet!” Tate slaps my back and then Jon’s before waving the boys to his side. “Choose your weapons and let’s get this show on the road. I’m with Ez. I’m ready for ice cream, too!”

WE GET BACK FROM OUR
shopping and lunch and I’m exhausted. Who knew there were so many styles of wedding gowns? And shades of white! I thought white was white. Evie pulls down a bottle of wine from the top of the refrigerator.

“Thank you, guys, for coming with me today. I think we should celebrate all our hard work with drinks!” She opens the cupboard for the wine glasses and Kate turns to me with wide, horrified eyes. Kate loves to drink. I’ve actually never seen her turn down alcohol. Good luck trying to hide this pregnancy much longer. Surely Evie will be suspicious. I bite my lip and try to think of a good excuse.

“Mama!” The kitchen door swings open and Eli and Ezra race inside with ear to ear smiles.

“You’re back! How did it go today?” I kiss the tops of each head as they squeeze me tight. Eli pulls back and Jon, Tate, and Derek enter the room. Jon goes straight to Kate and she pulls him in for a scorching kiss. Evie giggles and Tate holds her hand. Derek stands near the door watching everyone.

“Oh, it was amazing,” Eli says, “Mister Jon is so good at shooting. He shot a bush. You should’ve been there.”

“Shot a bush? Should I be jealous?” Kate quips.

“He exploded the bush!” Ezra shouts with wide eyes. He looks to Jon with respect and admiration. Kate bites back a laugh.

“Exploded?” I contain my giggle and give Jon and Tate a curious stare.

“Yes! He shot it and exploded it. Mister Jon is really good at exploding bushes.”

“I’ll say he is,” Kate murmurs loud enough so we can all hear. Jon’s neck turns a deep shade of pink. Snickers escape from all the adults.

“Give it a rest, woman! There are children in the room,” Jon grinds out.

“You’re the one teaching them how to explode all over bushes.” Kate bats her eyes.

“Okay. Time to go!” Jon waves and pulls Kate by the arm. He smacks her ass on the way out the door.

Evie pulls Tate to the couch in the other room with a glass of wine in hand. Eli and Ezra disappear down the hall to their room. I’m left alone with the man I haven’t stopped thinking of all day.

“So, you survived.” I nod. I’m impressed he made it an entire afternoon without bailing. Derek struts to the table and pulls out the chair next to mine.

“I did. It was quite enjoyable. I like your kids, mama,” he murmurs and leans over to bump my shoulder with his own. I roll my eyes.

“That sounds super creepy and borderline pedophile-like.” His back straightens and his eyes widen as a look of fear crosses his face.

“No. Please don’t say that. Now I need a shower.” He cringes and gives a little shake.

“You can take a shower here!” Eli says as he waltzes into the room with a box of coloring supplies. Derek looks panicked by the suggestion. My lips pull to a grin.

“I think it’s best if Mister Derek showers at home.”

“I agree!” Tate shouts from the living room. Ezra walks down the hall and stops, arms crossed over his little chest, gaze calculating as he watches Derek from just inside the hallway arch. If I didn’t know better I’d think Jon and Tate gave him lessons on how to appear intimidating. Of course, on his scrawny frame it just looks cute.

“Can Mister Derek go trick or treating with us? I want to be a drummer just like him,” Eli declares. He climbs into the open seat next to Derek and begins to draw.

Derek’s face softens to a grin. He leans forward and rests his arms across the table, then leans forward so his chin rests on his hands. He’s eye level with Elijah and taps at the coloring book to the beat of a song inside his head.

“I would love to trick or treat with you, little man. If that’s okay with your mom?” They both look up at me from under their lashes and I swear it’s a move they’ve practiced and choreographed. I couldn’t say no if I wanted to. But I don’t want to.

“Yes, I’m sure that would be fine.” I smirk. “But you have to wear a costume, too.”

“Yes.” Eli nods. “It’s the rules of Halloween, so you better pick a good one. But you can’t be a drummer ’cause that’s my idea.”

“And you can’t be a soldier. Cause that’s what I’m gonna be,” Ezra says, finally joining us at the table. He sits next to me and pulls a notepad and crayon from the box.

“Da—dagnabit! Those are my top two costume ideas of all time.” Derek drops his head and squeezes his eyes shut with a big sigh. I almost believe he’s really upset. He’s always been so good with Luis and I can see the same goes for younger kids. He bangs his head lightly on the table, causing the boys to giggle.

“Shi—shingleberry! I’ll have to give this some thought. I won’t be as cool as you guys, but I’m going to come up with something that’ll make you proud.” Derek stands and gives each boy a high five. The language needs work but I appreciate he’s attempting to censor his potty mouth.

“Well, I better be going now. Thanks, Tate, for your hospitality today.” My brother just nods from the couch. Evie’s settled into his side as they watch the game on TV.

“I’ll walk you out,” I offer.

Outside, the sun shines brightly. Warmth seeps into my skin, deep down into my very being, and my lips pull into a grin. I’m not sure why, but I’m happy, filled with an almost giddy joy. It was a beautiful day spent with good friends. That’s why. Derek flashes his cheeky grin. “Please tell me you’re going as a naughty nurse. Pretty, pretty please.” He clasps his hands together and closes his eyes. I shake my head.

“Oh, my god, give it up, man! It’s a dream that you’ll never realize. Stick with music.” I pretend to be offended and roll my eyes but a smile still covers my face. He laughs.

“I had a fun time with your family today. Thanks for letting me barge into your life. Sometimes it’s just nice to be around normal, happy people. I miss that.” His face is carefree but his words hint at something bigger.

“You don’t have that with your family?”

“Nah.” He bites his lip. “My mom has early-onset Alzheimer’s. She’s actually all right most days. It’s just . . . no, there isn’t any normal, happy anymore. Hasn’t been for a while.”

“I’m sorry to hear that. And your dad?” He shakes his head.

“See, you always pegged me for mama issues, but it’s all daddy issues here. But enough of my sad life. Why don’t you tell me about your baby daddy?”

“What?” I roll my eyes. Nice deflection. I know he didn’t answer my question on purpose. My curiosity about this man grows by the second. He stares and motions his hand in circles urging me to answer his question.

“There’s nothing to tell.” I shrug, “He was a great sperm donor. Moved on with his life. I’ve moved on with ours,” I lie. Derek studies my face and I can’t handle the scrutiny. It seems somehow if he looks long enough he’ll know everything. I push his shoulder and step back.

“Better bring your best with the costume. I want to be amazed!” I challenge. He opens the door to his SUV and climbs inside. The engine roars and he slams the door and rolls the window down.

“Oh, you better believe it! I know you doubt me, but my costume will be so kickass you’ll regret even asking me to come along.”

God, I hope not.

He drives off and I wander back toward the house. I hope it’s a good idea inviting Derek along. I purposefully don’t let just anyone, especially men, into my home. I’m overanalyzing and I need to stop. He’s just a friend and it’ll be nice to have another adult to parade around the neighborhood with.

“Carly. We need to talk.” Tate leans against the kitchen counter and a deep frown etches the width of his forehead. The boys stop coloring; their curious gazes bounce between their uncle and myself.

“Hey, boys, why don’t we go out back and give your mama and Uncle Tate a chance to talk.” Evie sets her wine glass on the counter and caresses Tate’s bicep as she leads the boys out back. Her touch relaxes his stance slightly.

I don’t know what has my brother so upset but it must be big. The vein at his neck pulses as I slide into a kitchen chair. I hope it’s not Derek. I hope they weren’t lying earlier and everything really did go okay today.

“What’s up, Tate?”

“What the fuck is this?” He slams a sheet of letterhead down on the wooden table.
What?
I quickly scan the letter. It’s my loan approval letter.
Crap.
I wanted to tell him but not like this.

“It’s my pre-approval letter. For a house loan.”

“I can see that.”

“Wait? Where did you get this? I didn’t open this.” Tate looks around the kitchen, and slides a matching envelope behind his back.

“Tate Owen Reynolds, did you open my mail?” I shout. His mouth opens but he shuts it instead of speaking. He still won’t meet my gaze. Laughter spills from my mouth.