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Homecoming at Hickory Ridge
Homecoming at Hickory Ridge
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Homecoming at Hickory Ridge
Dana Corbit
All eyes are on Kyle Lancaster. Recently released from prison, he is greeted in town with unease.But not by everyone. Julia Sims is focused on his good heart, his hard work at the Hickory Ridge Community Church and their unexpected attraction. At first, Kyle thinks he's her new pet project: reform the bad boy.Yet he soon discovers how much firsthand knowledge Julia has of family problems, forgiveness and second chances. Maybe he'll get his own second chance in Hickory Ridgeand find a place to call home.




Something about Julia made
Kyle want to trust her.
Maybe it was the fact that her life wasnt as picture perfect as hed first assumed. Shed had more than her share of pain, and yet Julia was still content with her life, even grateful for Gods blessings in it. If only hed learned years ago to be content and appreciative.
If he had any sense at all, he would keep a careful distance. Not only had he filleted himself and spilled his guts to her like a guy who enjoyed sharing, hed almost taken a greater risk and told her the whole story about his arrest and conviction. What had he expected? That she would have believed his side of the story? No one else had.
Yes, he should be wary of Julia Sims.

DANA CORBIT
started telling people stories at about the same time she started forming words. So it came as no surprise when the Indiana native chose a career in journalism. As an award-winning newspaper reporter and features editor, she had the opportunity to share wonderful true-life stories with her readers. She left the workforce to be a homemaker, but the stories came home with her as she discovered the joy of writing fiction. The winner of the 2007 Holt Medallion competition for novel writing, Dana feels blessed to share the stories of her heart with readers.
Dana lives in southeast Michigan, where she balances the make-believe realm of her characters with her equally exciting real-life world as a wife, carpool coordinator for three athletic daughters and food supplier for two disinterested felines.

Homecoming at Hickory Ridge
Dana Corbit


It was fitting to make merry and be glad,
for this your brother was dead, and is alive;
he was lost, and is found.
Luke 15:32
To my sweet aunt, Sharon Hale. Though the miles
separate us, I hold you close in my heart. You will
always be my nother mother.
A special thanks to criminal defense attorney
David Kramer, of the Kramer Law Firm in Novi,
Michigan, for helping me navigate this storys legal
maze. I so appreciate your help and support.

Contents
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Epilogue
Questions for Discussion

Chapter One
Bad habits died hard, that is, if they died at all. Kyle Lancaster understood that intimately after sharing living space with some repeat offenders who made the peccadilloes of his youth seem like childs play. As he stepped through the door of Hickory Ridge Community Church for the second time that day, Kyle needed no further proof that his bad habit of letting others talk him into crazy plans was alive and well.
He was working as a consultant for a new Michigan prison ministrynow that was an idea he never would have pictured. But then he never would have imagined himself inside a cell, either. And now he would never get the stench or the squashing feel of it out of his memory.
Kyle could understand why the Milford Area Ecumenical Council might want input from a real-life ex-con as it built its program, but he knew full well his brother, Brett, had only suggested him for the job to keep him busy and out of trouble.
Beggars couldnt be choosers, and he needed this job, at least for a while.
Halfway through a double-glass door, he stalled as the early May wind swirled past him into the building. Though hed endured the meeting with the two ministers this morning, he wasnt sure he was ready to face the whole church community yet. Hed almost opted to delay the inevitable when a man and three women came up behind him.
Stepping to the side, Kyle held the door open for the other adults. The last one through the entry, the guy, surprised him by patting his shoulder. On instinct, Kyle whirled to face him.
Youth Minister Andrew Westin grinned as he held up his hands in the sign of the unarmed. You came, after all.
Kyle gripped Andrews extended hand. He was uncomfortable receiving help from anyone, but he was trying, with Gods help, to be gracious in accepting it.
There was a break in my social calendar. He didnt need to clarify that his whole calendar was blank.
Well, Im glad you changed your mind. I hope youre as hungry as I am. Its pasta night.
Kyle stomach growled but not loudly enough for the youth minister to hear. Ive never heard of a church having Wednesday-night dinners.
The choir director suggested it about a year ago. With all the church activities on Wednesday nightschildrens choir, adult choir, the Deacon board and prayer meetingsome families were having a hard time fitting in dinner together. Now they can have dinner with the whole church family.
Anyone can come? To the dinner, I mean. Kyle hated the insecurity he heard in his voice. He would have to get over worrying about what other people thought if he ever hoped to adapt to life on the outside.
Andrew studied him for several seconds before he spoke again. Kyle, really, I wouldnt worry about the folks here at Hickory Ridge. This church is filled with sinners, not saints. Just the way its supposed to be.
Thanks for that, but
Everyone deserves a second chance. I know I had one.
That last comment begged for elaboration, but before Kyle could ask any questions, Andrew started down the hallway leading to the Family Life Center. Andrew glanced over his shoulder at him. Arent you coming?
Kyle followed gamely behind him. Maybe now wasnt the time to ask Andrew about second chances, but he would tuck his question away for later.
Loud voices and laughter escaped the gymnasium as Andrew pulled open the heavy metal door that separated the Family Life Center from the rest of the church. The aroma of garlic and oregano wafted along with the sounds.
Inside, a dozen long tables were lined with folding chairs to await the dinner crowd. Along the gymnasiums far wall, about thirty adults and children were in line, heading for the main serving counter with its roll-up metal window. At another table to the side, guests who already had plates of spaghetti or lasagna were serving themselves bread sticks and bowls of fresh salad.
Hey, theres some food left, Andrew said.
As soon as he stepped in line behind a preteen girl with a mass of dark, curly hair, he gave the girls ponytail a playful yank.
She turned around, a frown scrunching her cute face until she recognized the culprit. Daddy Andrew!
She flung herself into his arms. When he set her on the ground again, Andrew turned her to face his guest. Kyle, this is my stepdaughter, Tessa. He gestured with his hand. Tessa, meet Mr. Lancaster.
Hi. She smiled shyly and turned back to her friends.
As they reached the front of the line, Kyle asked for a slice of lasagna and then made his way to the salad table. Only instead of a vat of iceberg lettuce and a pump container of French dressing like he was used to, he approached a spread with carrot shavings, cucumber slices, boiled eggs, croutons and sunflower seeds. Quantity and choices. There were even several dressings. He grabbed a second plate and started to build a salad, resisting the temptation to make a pig of himself.
Excuse me, please. Coming through, a feminine voice called from behind him.
Kyle turned to see a blond pregnant woman holding a tray of fresh fruit. He set down his plates and lifted the tray for her, setting it on an empty spot near the end.
Thanks. The woman grinned at him and then turned to look over her shoulder. Is that the last of it, Julia?
I think so, answered a female voice as its owner pushed through the swinging kitchen door carrying a tray of brownies and cookies.
Kyles breath caught as a raven-haired woman with a porcelain face like Snow White and Catherine Zeta-Jones combined came into view. No, neither the cartoon reference nor the Hollywood one did justice to that kind of perfection. Julia wore a low ponytail that fell in a silken stream to the middle of her back.
She glanced up at Kyle as she set her tray on the table, and her deep brown eyes widened, exaggerating their almond shape. For a moment Kyle thought he saw recognition in her eyes before her lush lashes swept down and she averted her gaze.
At the sound of Andrew coughing into his hand, Kyle started. Snap out of it, Lancaster. He was acting as if hed never seen a beautiful woman before. Well, not up close in a long time, but still
Andrew began introductions, but he indicated the blonde first. Kyle, this is Hannah McBride. You already know her father, Reverend Bob Woods.
He set his plate on the edge of the table again so he could shake her hand. Its nice to meet you.
Hannah indicated the brunette with a tilt of her head. This is my friend, Julia Sims.
He smiled at Julia, balancing on the tightrope between looking and staring. She was attractive but not as perfect as hed first thought. She wasnt particularly tallno more than five foot fourand her curves were more generous than fashion-magazine wisdom demanded. He would have searched for additional flaws, but she smiled and he forgot why he was looking so hard.
Julia, this is Kyle Hannah paused, waiting for him to fill in the blank.
Lancaster, he supplied.
He hated that Julias eyebrow lifted at the mention of his name. He hated even more that her reaction bothered him. Of course, his reputation had preceded him.
Lancaster? Julia asked. Are you any relation to Brett Lancaster?
Brother.
I thought you looked familiar.
So that was it. Shed only noticed a family resemblance when shed looked at him. Maybe the whole church didnt know about his prison record, after all.
You two do look a little alike, Andrew said. Except for Bretts short hair.
You know cops. Kyle shrugged, figuring his hair was plenty short enough. On reflex, his hand went to his neck. His hair barely covered it now, though a week ago it had been long enough to tie with a band.
Julia smiled again, an expression that lit up her whole face. You must be such a proud uncle since Brett married Tricia and got an instant family. Brett is such a proud daddy.
Kyle tried to smile back and hoped he succeeded. I cant wait to meet them.
I didnt know Brett had a brother, Hannah said, tilting her head to the side and squinting as if trying to recall. But Ive met your sister, Jenny.
She works in the hospital obstetrics ward with my sister, Julia added.
He had little time to ruminate on how everyone hed met in Milford seemed to know everyone else, before Hannah posed the question Kyle would like to have asked himself.
If youre visiting tonight, why isnt your brother here to show you around?
Maybe for the same reason Brett hadnt even been by to see him since Kyle had moved into his downtown apartment over the weekend.
Oh, I invited him, Andrew answered, covering the lingering pause. Kyles going to be working with our new prison ministry and helping out with plans for the Homecoming celebration. We want to familiarize him with some of the other church programs.
The celebrations going to be great, Julia told him, excitement clear in her voice. Its like a big family reunion for anyone who ever attended our church. We scheduled it on the same weekend as the Milford Memories festivalthe second weekend in August. That way, former members can make a vacation out of their visit.
One of those cat-just-made-a-snack-of-the-canary smiles appeared on Hannahs face before she spoke again. Andrew, have you told Kyle about all the church programs? What about our singles program? She turned to Kyle. Its called Christian Singles United. Julias a member. You should ask her about it.
Sure, Andrew had mentioned it, and Kyle had been quick to nix the idea. Still, though Hannahs approach had been about as subtle as a two-by-four to the head, Kyle couldnt resist sneaking a peek at Julia.
She rolled her eyes and frowned.
Julia teaches first grade at Johnson Elementary, Hannah continued. Shes a great teacher and a great catch.
Gee, thanks, Hannah. Julia shook her head, looking embarrassed.
No problem. Now, Andrew and I are going to see if anyone needs help in the kitchen. You two enjoy your dinner.
She grabbed the youth ministers arm and pulled him toward the kitchen. Over his shoulder Andrew gave an apologetic shrug and disappeared through the swinging door.
When Kyle turned back to Julia, her light olive complexion had deepened to a pretty maroon, but she was too polite to cut and run.
Sorry about that. Youll have to forgive Hannah. Ever since she got married a year and a half ago, shes been setting up everyone.
Ill remember to keep my distance then.
Julia nodded as though shed received the message that he wouldnt be a player in the local dating game. He had no business even thinking about the opposite gender, anyway. He had so much hard work ahead of him for the next few months. So much to prove.
Well, she began again, we still have to eat. So, do you want to She let her words trail away in an unspoken dinner invitation.
He glanced at his plates, all but forgotten on the salad table. Sure.
As he collected his food, Julia reached for the brownies, placing two on a dessert plate. Get your own, she said when she caught him watching.
He couldnt help grinning at her since she didnt have any dinner and was still making sure she didnt miss dessert. He had to respect a woman who had her priorities in order.
She led him to a long table, set down her plate, indicating for him to take the spot opposite hers. As soon as he took his seat, though, she hurried off to the serving table. When she returned, she was carrying a salad to go with her brownies.
Thats great that youll be working with the Homecoming committee. Do you know which subcommittee youll be working on? Im on the Search and Invitation committee. Well be trying to locate and invite as many former members as we can.
I still dont know what Ill be doing for the celebration. Theyll probably assign me where they need the most help.
She nodded, but he wondered if he saw disappointment in her expression. Instead of saying something more, Julia forked a bite of her brownie into her mouth and then started on her salad.
So, youre a member of the singles group. Kyle blinked. Where had that come from, and how could he take it back?
Julia lifted her head. I guess you could say that. She chewed her lip before continuing. But Im not the best advertisement for it.
Kyle managed to keep his face blank, which was no small feat because in his opinion, a picture of Julia Sims would be exactly the kind of advertisement a singles program could use. If group organizers wanted to attract new singles of the male persuasion, anyway.
Why would you say that? he asked.
Ive been a member for three years and Ive never really, you knowmet anybody.
Youre kidding.
She flitted her gaze his way but looked away again, something in her salad requiring all of her attention.
Sure, Ive met people, she began, still looking at the table, but just no one specialfor me.
I still find that hard to believe. He also found it hard to imagine why he couldnt keep his mouth shut.
She looked up at him with a sheepish grin. There were extenuating circumstances with a few of the men I met. In one case, my friend, a young widow, tried to set me up with this guy, and then she realized that God intended for them to be together.
You mean?
Yes. Tricia tried to set me up with your brother.
You never went?
Julia shook her head but was quick to add, Brett never asked, either.
Oh. His relief was more for Julias sake than his own. His boring Dudley Do-Right brother would never have been a good match for an intriguing person like Julia Sims.
As if you would be.
There were some others, too. Hannah tried to convince me to go out with her best friend, Grant. The only problem was that Grant was more interested in Hannah and hasnt dated anyone else since she got married.
Kyle shook his head, chuckling. Youre making this stuff up. It sounds just like a soap opera.
It gets better. Tricia wanted me to go out with Bretts former partner, but she couldnt even convince him to visit the singles group.
Ouch. It sounded like a comic routine on the trials of dating in the new millenniuma regular comedy of dating-scene horrorsbut he didnt tell Julia that.
Yeah, ouch. She tore a corner off her second brownie and nibbled on it. You see, if the church used me as an advertisement, Christian Singles United wouldnt look too successful.
Those guys wouldnt come off looking too smart, either. The words were out of his mouth before he had the good sense to stop them. He was definitely out of practice talking to women.
Her cheeks reddening again, she glanced at the serving window, the salad table and the other dining tables to avoid looking at him. For such a lovely woman, she wasnt comfortable with compliments. That surprised him, but he suspected there were many surprising things to discover about Julia Sims.
Strange how he suddenly wanted to know more about her. Not the details he might find listed on some dating service data sheet or even the casual information fellow church members might know, but the deeper stuff. What made her nervous around him, especially if she didnt even know who or what he was? What made it so difficult for her to look him in the eye?
He shouldnt be curious. Rebuilding his own life would be enough like an uphill march after an ice storm without adding anyone elses dramas to the mix. But wisdom had never been one of his stronger points. He would have asked her some of his questions if someone hadnt entered the room then, announcing that prayer service would begin in ten minutes.
That announcement must have signaled the church greeters because several approached and introduced themselves, too many for Kyle to ever recall their names. Several asked questions, so he kept his answers vague.
The task would have been easier if he werent so distracted by the woman whod moved across the room to throw their trash away. Maybe he would give the singles group a try, after all. At least it would give him something to look forward to besides meetings with his probation officer.
At the sound of the heavy gym doors opening, Kyle glanced over to see his brother in full Michigan State Police uniform, scanning the room as if hed entered a crime scene. When his gaze landed on Kyle, Trooper Brett Lancaster took several long strides toward his table.
I tried calling you tonight. Bretts words sounded more like an accusation than a statement. That he was staring down at Kyle the way he would a suspect during questioning didnt help, either.
Kyle glanced sidelong in the direction Julia had gone, and, sure enough, she now stood just a few feet away.
I wasnt home.
Id gathered that. I wondered where you were.
Whatd you think, a breaking and entering or a drive-by shooting? He pushed back his chair and stood. With effort, he calmed his breathing as hed done so many times on the inside. He lowered his voice and leaned close to the brother hed once admired.
Im not on a tether. I dont have to check in.
Kyle didnt expect an apology from his holier-than-thou brother, but Bretts stiff stance surprised him. Stepping back, Kyle crossed his arms and waited.
I called Andrew a few minutes ago, and he said you were here.
And you just drove right over?
I didnt figure
What? That I should be here? At a prayer meeting dinner? Kyles eyebrows drew together as he studied his big brother. Though Kyle stood two inches taller than Bretts five-eleven and outweighed him by fifteen pounds, it was hard not to feel outsized by the ten-gallon hat that Brett wore.
Brett shook his head, appearing to search for the right words.
Kyle didnt give him time to find them. I dont get it. You agreed to help me get a job, made a call about my apartment As realization dawned, he stopped himself, the stab of pain fresh though he should have been immune.
He stepped closer to his brother, too angry to be intimidated by the uniform and the badge. He spoke in a low voice. Oh, I get it now. Youre not upset that I work here, just that Im here with these people.
Youre not making sense, little brother. And youre making a scene.
As if you racing in here didnt make one?
Brett gripped Kyles shoulder, but Kyle shook off his hand and backed out of his reach.
Its okay for me to live in town as long as I keep my head low. And it was okay for you to give me a recommendation at your church. I could work here as long as I stayed invisible. I dont know how you expected me to do my job that way, but thats not the point right now. I went too far by socializing here. You dont want your ex-con brother anywhere near your friends.
Trooper Lancasters body became still, but he turned his head from side to side. Dread gripped Kyles insides as he glanced at the startled faces around him. Hed forgotten their audience, and from the way everyone scattered and pretended to be involved in their own conversations he realized hed been overheard.
Brett turned back to him, his eyes narrowed. Youre a one-man demolition team. You destroy everything in your path. Just like always.
Maybe theres a quota. Only one perfect son per family.
Youre not worth it.
It was only a frustrated comment that Brett made under his breath, but Kyle didnt miss it. He lied to himself, saying it didnt bother him. Brett glanced around once more and then stalked toward the door. In his life, Kyle had never followed his older brothers example, but it didnt sound like a bad idea now.
He took two steps, catching Julias image in his peripheral vision. A wave of melancholy filtered over him. It was best that she found out now, before she thought they could be friends or something. She didnt seem like the kind of woman who would be friends with a guy like him, anyway. The people around her probably had award listsnot rap sheets. None of that mattered. He didnt need friends. He didnt need anyone.
Still, one look at her wouldnt hurt. He turned his head toward her, hoping to steal a parting glance. He expected her to look away, to begin a conversation with someone else, to busy herself doing somethinganythingso she didnt have to see him. But as his gaze touched her lovely face, she was doing none of those things. She was staring right at him.

Chapter Two
Julia stared into Kyles wary hazel eyes, and she couldnt have looked away if a tornado had struck the church, collapsing the roof on all of them. The things Kyle and his brother had said to each other caused a powerful ache to build inside her, as if she had been a target of those hurtful words. Destructive words. Phrases that could never be taken back.
Kyle must have worn some protective armor to shield him from his brothers comments. At least it seemed that way since he wasnt watching the door through which his brother had disappeared but instead continued to stare at her as if daring her to look away. Did he think she was the kind of person who would go screaming in the other direction at the word ex-con?
Okay, he couldnt know what kind of person she was, and the term did make the hairs on the back of her neck stand up, but she didnt long for her running shoes. That Kyle worked at Hickory Ridge Community Church made this new information easier to digest. Reverend Bob and Andrew Westin would never have hired Kyle if his crime made him a possible danger to church members or their children.
With a silence in the room so profound she could hear her heartbeat in her ears, Julia waited while those eyes continued to study her. Sage eyes that had probably seen far more than she had in her twenty-seven years. He seemed to search inside her for something more than she could give. She wanted to believe she was above judging a person for his past, but it wasnt as easy as it sounded.
Still, Kyle looked away first. He glanced at the exit and then strode toward it, his hands striking the handle with a bang as he passed through the doorway. The door fell closed behind him.
Glancing around her, Julia found other church members watching the door as if they expected Kyle to reemerge through it. She doubted that would happen. He didnt know many people here. And from the scene theyd all just witnessed, he didnt even have a decent relationship with his brother, the only person in town he probably did know well.
Did he feel alone? She knew what that felt like. After her parents deaths, despite her faith, shed felt adrift while the rest of the world appeared solidly anchored. But Charity had been there for her. The half sister shed barely known had reached out to her, even encouraging her to move to Milford so what remained of their family could be together. Who was there for Kyle? Who would draw him into a circle of friends? The answer was clear: he had no one.
Before her mind had the chance to rethink her plan, Julia hurried to the door. She didnt glance back, knowing curious eyes would follow her. Kyle needed somebody, and it didnt look as if anyone else was volunteering for the job. Even someone as apprehensive as she was had to be better than no one at all.
Her cross-trainers tripping along the carpeted walkway, Julia reached the outside only to find the parking lot quiet, the cars of families attending the prayer meeting and choir practice filling half the spaces.
Disappointment filled her. Maybe it was true what her father used to say about her: hed called her a champion for underdogs, a collector of strays. Injured birds, lost kittens, new kids in townthey all ended up in a warm box inside the door or at their kitchen table.
This time none of that would be enough. Not enough to help a guy as scarred as Kyle likely was behind his armor. Rubbing her bare arms and wishing shed remembered to grab her sweater, she started back toward the church entrance.
Somewhere behind her an ignition turned over, but the vehicle didnt start. Its driver tried a few more times, and the engine roared to life. An older model sedan backed out of its space, rolling toward the exit. As the car passed, Julia recognized Kyle in the drivers seat.
Kyle. Wait. She rushed out so that he could see her waving her arms in his rearview mirror.
When shed decided either he hadnt seen her or was pretending he hadnt, he stopped the car.
She hurried to the drivers-side window and waited until he lowered it. At first he stared straight ahead instead of at her. The breeze lifted a few strands of his tousled deep-brown hair. He wasnt wearing a jacket, and when he rested his elbow on the open window, his bicep strained against the cuff of his royal-blue polo shirt.
Finally he turned to look at her. What do you want?
I wanted to see if you were okay.
Im great. Now youd better get inside or youll be late for prayer meeting.
She brushed away the suggestion with a wave of her hand. I thought you might need someone to talk to.
Didnt you hear enough inside?
She didnt know how she expected him to react, but the hard set of his jaw surprised her. Well, she didnt know much about Kyle Lancaster, but he had a stubborn bent as firm as his jaw.
I guess I didnt, Julia said. She could be pretty stubborn herself when challenged.
His gaze flitted to her face and he pressed his thin lips together. Then you werent listening closely enough.
Julia rubbed her arms again, the chill this time coming from the man in the car rather than the spring breeze, but she refused to take his hint to back off. At least he hadnt closed the car window yet or pressed the gas pedal to the floorboard.
I listened well enough to know that youre not getting much support from your one relative in town.
His hands gripped the steering wheel. Thanks for coming out here, but I dont need your pity.
Julia lifted a brow. Pity? I dont see anybody here pitying anyone else. She braced herself and steadied her voice. Doing Gods work wasnt coming as easily to her as she would have expected. I just thought you might like to go for coffee or something. Youre new in town, and I thought you might need a friend.
He was shaking his head before she even finished her offer. Im not worth the trouble. Didnt you hear Trooper Lancaster?
Im sure Brett didnt mean what he said.
Im sure he did.
His vehemence reminded her how little she knew about this family drama, and she felt properly put in her place. Her need to defend Brett didnt surprise her, as hed always been kind to everyone in the years shed known him. What did surprise her was the sudden impulse to defend his younger brother, as well. She barely knew Kyle, and what she knew for sure about him didnt inspire much confidence.
Still, Kyle Lancaster was a child of God, and he seemed awfully alone.
Im sorry. She rested her hands on the edge of the open window. She would have reached inside and patted his shoulder if she thought he would have let her.
No big deal, he said, though it clearly was. I dont need Trooper Lancaster or any of the Lancasters. He turned his head to stare out the windshield. I dont need
He let his words trail away, but Julia still heard the word he hadnt spoken. Anyone. He didnt believe that, did he? As if he recognized her surprise and saw it as his opportunity, Kyle shifted his car into Drive and settled his hand over the automatic window control.
Taking his hint, Julia lifted her hands away from the window and stepped back from the car.
Good night, Kyle. It was nice meeting you.
Yeah, you, too. Goodbye. He glanced at her once more, a strange expression lining his features, before he pulled the car down the church drive and onto the road.
Julia watched his car, a sense of loss building inside her. I dont need His words invaded her thoughts again, as unsettling as when hed spoken them. Her heart ached that anyone would have let him believe that was true.
Rubbing her chilly arms, she went back inside, but instead of joining the prayer meeting, she retrieved her belongings and headed out to her car. She wasnt in the mood to be in a social setting now.
Only after shed parked in her one-car garage and had headed up the walk to her tiny but wonderful house on Union Street did Kyles words came back to taunt her. He hadnt said Good night as she had. Hed said Goodbye, as if he never expected to see her again.
The thought grated on her. Of course she would see him again. It was a small town. The village covered only a few square miles. And Kyle worked at the one place she frequented almost as often as her classroom at school: her church.
She hadnt planned to return to Hickory Ridge until Sunday services, but she decided as she turned her back-door lock that a visit to the church office tomorrow afternoon just might be in order. If she suddenly took an interest in working with the foundling prison ministry, she would raise a few eyebrows, but no one would be surprised to see her starting her Homecoming celebration work.
Okay, she would be getting a few weeks head start on the search for former members, but it never hurt to be ahead of the ball, did it? If she happened to cross paths with Kyle Lancaster while she was there, then so be it.
Julia didnt want to wonder why she was trying so hard when hed made it clear he didnt want anything from her. She might like to nurture others, but shed never met someone who wanted her help less. He eschewed it and her. There were so many others she could helpher students, her church friends, others in the communityand they might even appreciate her efforts. Most of them didnt have an unspecified criminal record for her to be concerned about, either.
So why Kyle? The question reverberated in her thoughts. But hed given her the answer even as hed tried to push her away. She couldnt turn her back on him now even if she wanted to. Someone who didnt think he needed anyone might just need someone most of all.

Crouched on his hands and knees beneath his new desk, Kyle threaded computer cords through a hole in the back. He reached up to rub his aching neck that had no business being squeezed into that uncomfortable position.
He wasnt sure why Reverend Bob and Andrew had insisted on putting one of the brand-new computer monitors on his desk. It wasnt as if he would be doing computer spreadsheets and video presentations in his job. At least, he hoped not.
For the most part, though, he knew what he was doing with stringing the wires. Hed done his share of troubleshooting the last few years on the dozen or so aged machines in the prisons computer lab. And before that hed had some experience unwiring a few tasty electronics on the sly, but he chose not to remember those times now. Hed tried hard to put that life behind him, and it didnt do him any good to keep ruminating on it.
The cable Internet offered a bit more of a challenge, though. The prisons computer lab hadnt been connected to the outside world, so he was just learning about things like networks.
Even if he wasnt sure what to do with that blue cable, Kyle couldnt help feeling impressed with the quality of his work today. Something had to be said for good, honest work on the outside. His plan involved stepping stones, and this job was a solid first rock. He liked the idea that his work, even if he planned for it to be temporary, would help other prison inmates.
Pulling the excess monitor cable through the slot, Kyle secured it with a plastic tie. Something outside the desk made a loud crack, making him whack his head on the metal above him. Pain pulsed in the back of his head and dots of color danced inside his eyelids as he backed out from beneath the desk.
Oh. Sorry.
The voice caressed his memory before Kyle even opened his eyes, so he had even more to frown about when he did. Julia grimaced as she stared down at him.
You. He rubbed his head where it ached.
With a sheepish grin, she righted the wheeled desk chair that shed knocked over, causing the commotion. An accident. Honest. I didnt know you would be She let her words fall away, indicating with a sweep of her hand the boxes, wires and assorted tools of his project.
Coming up from the floor still rubbing his head, he sat on the seat shed provided. That I was a computer technician? Neither did I.
Looks like youre handling the assignment.
Something like that.
He tried not to notice, really he did, but Julia had this twinkle in her eyes and a smile that was impossible to ignore. As though shed brought the sunshine right inside the building with her. That he could see that sunshine irked him even more. Neither spoke for several seconds, and Julias gaze lowered to the floor.
Gingerly, Kyle came to his feet as the colored spots subsided. May I help you with something? He asked it to end the awkward silence but he still wanted to know. Especially since hed all but waved his arms and insisted that she run in the opposite direction only yesterday.
Uh, no. I just stopped by after school to pick up some things from the church office. Committee stuff for the Homecoming celebration, she was quick to add.
Noting her empty arms, he tilted his head to the side. Did you get what you came for?
She gripped those empty hands together, showing she hadnt missed the double meaning in his words, but she answered as if only one of those meanings had come to mind. No. Not yet.
He leaned back in his chair and waited.
Oh, and I thought I would stop by to see how you were getting on with your new job.
Worried I would make off with the collection plates?
Should I be? She raised an eyebrow as if daring him to come up with another smart-aleck remark. When he didnt, she continued. I know how hard it can be starting a job in a new town where you dont know many people. I did that a few years ago.
It surprised him that he suddenly wanted to hear her new-girl-in-town story, but he didnt ask. Im doing fine, but thanks for checking. He indicated the mess of wires and tools. One of the more glamorous aspects of my job.
I get to convince first-graders not to pick their noses and to wash their hands after bathroom breaks.
Sounds like fun. He almost wished they could stay here a while longer, trading clever comments, but she hadnt said what she really wanted. I didnt expect to see you again after last night.
Why not? You work in my church, she quipped before becoming serious. I thought you might need a friend.
I told you I didnt need
Kyle, everybody needs somebody.
Well, I Realizing how ridiculous he sounded, he stopped himself before saying the word dont. Instead he crouched and started to pick up some of the computer packing material. Maybe he did need someone, but he wished he didnt. It would make his life a whole lot easier.
Will you be working late today?
Instead of answering, he tilted his head to the side, lifted a quizzical brow and waited.
I thought I would try again to see if you wanted to go for coffee later.
You dont give up easily, do you?
My dad always said I was as stubborn as a mule, but Id like to think Ive got the old gal beat.
He had to give her credit: she was tenacious to a fault. If I agree to go later, will you let me get back to work? I want to finish this before I leave today.
Then you might want to plug in the Ethernet cable for the network and turn on the router.
Ill get around to it. And he would after she left because he needed to go ask Andrew how those two particular items worked.
Great. Do you want to meet downtown at about eight? She fiddled with the keys dangling from her fingers.
Sounds good. Dont forget your committee stuff. I didnt think youd be starting on that for a few more weeks.
She shrugged. You know. Early bird and all.
With a wave, she turned out of his office, heading toward the stairs. The paperwork shed come for could probably be found in the main office downstairs anyway.
Kyle went back to work, wrestling a mess of wires into some order. As much as he focused on the task, though, his thoughts kept returning to Julias visit.
He didnt know what to make of that, other than the obvious that she was a do-gooder in search of a project, but he didnt want to think about it right now. Analyzing it would make the whole coffee thing a bad idea. The anticipation flexing deep in his gut should have already given him a warning. Just coffee; it wasnt a real date, though his definitions might have blurred in the last few lonely years.
Those negative thoughts rankled him. Why couldnt he enjoy the fact that he was about to go for coffee with the most beautiful woman hed seen this side of the television in more than three years? Why did he worry about Julias motives instead of just enjoying the moment?
He should have said no when she asked again. It had been hard enough asking his cop brother for a job reference. Now he had a woman turning him into a charity project. How much could a mans pride take?
Yes, he should have turned down Julias offer, and there was still time to cancel, though he wouldnt kid himself by saying he would. A smile pulled at his lips as he realized she probably would talk him into going again, anyway.
The smile transformed into a frown as soon as the next thought crossed his mind. Sure, it was only coffee, only an opportunity to let Julia become the friend she so obviously wanted to be. Thats where the trouble came in. Already, he could picture her sitting across from him with those shining eyes and warm smile. It would be hard to spend time with Julia, a woman who was too good for him on his best day, and not to wish the date were real.

Chapter Three
Julia took her first sip of vanilla latte, closing her eyes and letting the sweet foamy milk at the top rest in her mouth before swallowing. Hmm. Maybe if she focused on the drink instead of the company across the table from her, she could convince her hands to stop trembling. Why had she thought it would be a good idea to invite Kyle out for coffee? Who was she trying to convince that his ex-con status didnt bother? Kyle or herself?
You say that now, but youll be saying grrrr later tonight when you cant get to sleep.
When she opened her eyes, she caught Kyle grinning at her. I ordered decaf, remember? she told him.
Julia attributed her hurrying pulse to nerves rather than that potent smile.
Never understood the point of decaf. Kyle took a long drink from his own double espresso.
Youll understand when its three in the morning and youre wide awake and reading your Bible instead of sleeping. Julia stiffened and looked at him sheepishly. She couldnt go around assuming that everyone got into Bible study, ex-cons or not. Sorry.
Why? Because Ill be missing all those ZZZs? He studied her for a few seconds before adding, Julia, I read the Bible. They allow the Good Book behind prison walls. The wardens think its better than Uzis or machetes.
I didnt mean
But he brushed away her comment with a wave of his hand and took another sip of his coffee.
Julia frowned at the insulated cup in front of her. Great, now shed insulted him by questioning his faith, based only on a criminal record. Kyle probably wished hed stuck with his earlier refusal to go for coffee. She was fumbling for a way to backpedal when he set his cup aside.
There were a lot of people at the prayer meeting dinner last night.
Relief filled her that hed let her off the hook. It was a nice crowd. Reverend Bob seemed pleased. She paused long enough to take another sip.
The door opened then, and a group of teenagers in Milford High School track warm-ups shuffled inside, bringing their rambunctious energy with them. Though the coffee shop offered plenty of background noise now, an uncomfortable silence settled between Kyle and Julia. As always, Julia wished she shared her sister Charitys easy way with people and fearlessness in social situations.
So Hannah said youre a teacher? Kyle said.
Yes. The kids are great. So excited to learn. Ever since I was a little girl, I wanted to be a teacher.
It had to be great figuring out so early on what you wanted to be when you grew up. He shrugged, a charming, boyish smile settling on his lips. Ive always been on the slow track in getting a clue.
But youve figured it out now, right? She sounded like Miss Mary Sunshine, but his words made her uncomfortable, and she wanted to help him see the bright side.
You mean, the job at the church? Helping build the prison ministry is fine work for now. A step in the right direction. But definitely not something I want to be doing forever. I dont need the constant reminder.
She nodded, trying to see the situation from his point of view. She could see how it might be important to him to leave prison life behind him, and no matter how much he wanted to give back, the ministry would trap him in the past.
You have something else in mind? Maybe something at Lancaster Cadillac-Pontiac-GMC?
Howd you know? he began, then shrugged.
He must have understood that information traveled quickly in churches, especially when someone was looking for it. Until today, Julia had never realized that Sam Lancaster, the owner of the Bloomfield Hills auto dealership who used to do his own TV commercials, was Bretts dad, let alone Kyles.
Dad has to retire sometime, Kyle said. And theres something to be said for a job where you wear a suit and dont have to get your hands dirty.
I dont know. I think any job is fine as long as its good, honest work.
Shed only meant to encourage Kyle in his present position, but as soon as the words were out of her mouth, she wanted to cram them all back inside. His tight expression told her hed taken her comment the way shed hoped he wouldnt: as if he were a criminal who needed to find honest work.
Well, are you going to ask? Or have you already heard?
Heard what? she asked, though she could guess since shed led them right to this topic. Charity had given her some details about the Lancaster familys auto dealership and let her know that Kyle was twenty-eight, the youngest of Sam and Colleen Lancasters three children. Even Charity hadnt known the specifics about Kyles conviction, though. Brett always had been tight-lipped about his brothers incarceration.
Because Kyle crossed his arms and waited for her to give him a better answer, she gave up pretending she didnt understand what he meant. I havent heard.
You have to wonder. I might be a danger to society. A murderer? Or terrorist? Youre probably worried now whether you should have met me here.
She bristled that his guess was close to being on target. If you were a danger, you wouldnt be working at my church.
Okay, Ill give you that one. But you still want to know.
After a few seconds under his stare, so intense he could have been studying the capillaries beneath her skin instead of its surface, she shrugged. Im curious. But dont tell meunless you want to.
Kyle picked up his coffee and swirled it around, though he hadnt put anything in it that would require stirring.
Its a matter of public record, but Ill save you the trouble of hunting it down. Felonious assault. Felony possession of stolen property. Felony possession of a firearm. He ticked off his charges on his fingers as if he were used to repeating them. The first two are five-year felonies, served concurrently, but the last one came with a mandatory two-year sentence.
You were in prison five years?
No. Just the mandatory two, plus another one for good measure. Im on probation now, so if I mess up, I get to head back to the lovely Thumb Correctional Facility in Lapeer.
Youre not planning to go back, right?
Nah. Three squares a day were good, but He quit his joke mid punch line, becoming serious. No, I dont want to go back. Ever.
Is there a story that goes along with those charges? She hoped it was a mitigating story. The thought of Kyle holding a gun wasnt making her feel warm and fuzzy inside.
He studied her for several seconds and then shook his head. There is, but its a long one. Another time.
Julia nodded, pleased hed opened up to her as much as he had. He might have wanted to say more, but they didnt know each other well. She would solve that problem by getting to know him better, even if he did make her nervous.
She was relieved when he changed the subject and asked about her sister.
Did you two grow up in Milford?
Charity did. With her mother.
Youre half sisters?
Julia couldnt help smiling as her sisters image filtered into her thoughts. If youd met her, you would have wondered about that. We have different mothers. We look a little alike, but in our hair and coloring, Charitys as light as I am dark.
Like my brother and me, huh?
He was trying to be funny, but his words rang flat in her ears. Hed made several comments like that today, seeming to wield self-deprecating humor like a shield. It bothered her that he thought he needed to protect himself from her judgments.
When Julia didnt make another joke at his expense, as he seemed to expect, he leaned forward. You were saying about your sister
I was in college before I ever learned that my father had an ex-wife and another daughter.
The surprise in his eyes reflected some of the shock shed felt when her father had first told her. She couldnt begin to describe the sense of betrayal that accompanied the revelation.
That had to be a shock, he said. Your mom didnt tell you, either?
Julia shook her head. She always knew, but she thought it was Dads place to tell me. Mom had already been gone a few yearscomplications from diabeteswhen he finally did tell me.
Thats tough. You must have been furious with your dad for keeping the truth from you.
Sure, I was at first. As mad as Charity, though she had more reasons to be angry. Dad hadnt fought harder to find her when her mother had disappeared with her. Charitys mother even told her that her father was dead, so she had that lie to deal with, as well.
Kyle shook his head. How does anyone get past that?
With Gods help, we can get over anything, dont you think? Besides, everyone deserves forgiveness. Everyone deserves a second chance. Im just glad we all started to heal before it was too late.
Too late? His eyes widened as if he could already guess the answer.
Five years ago, just a year after Charity located Dad, he passed away. But at least they had the chance to get to know each other. I got to know my sister, too. We attended Charity and Ricks wedding together, and Dad was so proud.
Howd he
The doctors said it was a heart attack, but I think it was from a broken heart. He never got over losing Mom.
Kyle shook his head, an incredulous expression on his face. And here I figured your life was downright
Perfect? she finished for him. Nobodys life is that. God allows us all to experience trials, but He gives us the strength to survive and even thrive.
He grinned at her. Has anyone ever mentioned that youre a bit Pollyanna?
I prefer to think Im an optimist.
Okay, an optimist. Still, your life hasnt been the stuff of a Frank Capra movie. How did you keep that positive attitude?
I havent always had one, especially on those dark days. Like when Moms blood sugar was so out of whack that an ambulance was always in our driveway. We prayed constantly, but there was nothing any of us could do for her.
His understanding gaze unsettled her, as if hed heard more than shed said out loud. She didnt like being that transparent. She wondered if Kyle could see how conflicted shed always felt over her mothers illnesshelpless to take her mothers pain away, sometimes resentful of the burden her mothers disease had placed on the family and guilt-ridden over her resentment.
Well, as you said, God helped you to surviveno, thrive.
He smiled as he said the last word. The wariness that shed seen in his hazel eyes the other night had been replaced by warmth so pervasive that her cheeks heated under his study. Did he like what hed seen? Did he find her pretty? It shouldnt matter what he thought, but there was no denying that it did. Butterflies seemed to continually take off and land on runways inside her belly.
Thats me, a thriving lady, she choked out.
As he continued to watch her, Kyle tilted his head forward and a lock of his unruly hair fell over his eye. The impulse to reach out and brush his hair aside surprised her so much that she glanced over his shoulder to break the connection. She grasped for the safety of their earlier subject.
About surviving, Ive been blessed to have Charity and Rick around. Theyve helped so much. You know how important it is to have the support of family
Julia stopped herself, but she could see from the way Kyle shifted that it was already too late. How could she have forgotten, even for a second, that Kyle didnt have supportive family members like her sister and brother-in-law in his life? Kyle needed a friendnot a girlfriendto help him readjust to his new life. They were here for that reason alone, and she needed to remember that.
Yeah, I know. He must have read the confusion in her gaze because he continued. I had the most supportive parents who ever lived. Somebody should have given them a few medals for dealing with a son like me. But theres only so many times parents can bail their kids out before they start losing enthusiasm for it.
Have you seen them since youve beenwell?
Out? No. They didnt visit me on the inside, either.
Thats terrible! Julia glanced around the coffee shop that had suddenly become quiet. At least the high school track stars had long since headed home, leaving only a few straggling customers sitting around the room. When she turned back to Kyle, he was shaking his head.
Now dont say that. I deserved worse for all I put them through. Even as a teenager, there wasnt a party anywhere in Bloomfield Hills that I wasnt smack in the center of. Partying, girls, joy rides in borrowed carsyou name it.
Mom and Dad bailed me out each time, hoping it was only a phase. And I promised every time I would do better. After the last arrest, I guess I wore out my last second chance.
They gave up on you?
Wouldnt you have? He moved his paper coffee cup back and forth between his hands.
She mulled over it for a few seconds, but she had to admit the truth. Probably.
Mom still wrote to me every week, but she told me she and Dad couldnt bear to see me behind the glass.
Julia sipped down the last of her coffee that had long since gone cold. It broke her heart to think his parents werent on his side, either. Are you afraid youll never earn their respect again?
I dont know
Youll do it. Dont worry.
At first he looked surprised by what she said, and then his gaze narrowed. I have a lot to prove. To a lot of people. Its something I have to do alone.
Before she had a chance to answer, an announcement came over the loudspeaker saying the coffee shop was about to close. Julia glanced around, surprised to see that the other stragglers had left, leaving only them and a few staff members who looked anxious to get home.
Tossing their empty cups in a trash can, Kyle and Julia stepped out into the main part of the shopping center and started down the stairs toward the parking lot behind the building. After all the details of their lives theyd shared tonight, a strange silence settled between them. Was Kyle sorry hed opened up to her?
After an awkward goodbye, they both climbed in their cars and pulled out of the lot. As Julia drove through the deserted streets toward her house, Kyles words filtered through her thoughts again. Yes, he did have something to prove, and from what she could tell, it would be a challenging job.
But hed also said that proving himself was something he needed to do alone. And he could do it without help from anyone else. She could see that now. He seemed to have an inner strength she hadnt recognized in him at first.
Yes, he could face this challenge alone just the way hed been in his prison cell, but there was no reason he had to be. Alone, that is. He could take a friend along for the ride, and she was volunteering to embark on the journey. She could even help him repair the broken relationships with his family, too, if he only gave her the chance.

Kyle settled back on the well-worn plaid sofa and closed his eyes. Only that dated piece of furniture, a tiny television, a mismatched card table set and a mattress and box springall appreciated gifts from anonymous Hickory Ridge church membersfilled his downtown studio apartment, and yet it still managed to look cramped.
Bigger than a prison cell, he mumbled, reminding himself to be grateful.
He wouldnt have this tiny space and a door that opened at his will if he hadnt received probation, and more than that, he wouldnt have had a chance to close down the coffee shop with Julia Sims tonight. He should have been thrilled on both of those counts, particularly the part about sharing the evening with a beautiful woman. Yet a seed of discontent had been growing inside him from the moment theyd walked out of the coffee shop and hed climbed inside his junker of a used car to drive to his apartment. He couldnt explain it. Theyd had a nice time together, even if hed recklessly shared more with her than hed told any of his fellow inmates in thirty-six months at Lapeer.
He should have known better, but something about Julia made him want to trust her in a way he hadnt trusted anyone in a long time. Maybe it was the fact that her life wasnt as picture-perfect as hed first assumed. Shed had more than her share of pain, and yet Julia was still content with her life, even grateful for Gods blessings in it. If only hed learned years ago to be content and appreciative.
But more than his respect for her, Julias confidence in him appealed to him more than it should have. She seemed confident he would be able to earn his familys respect. How could she be so certain when he was anything but?
If he had any sense at all, he would keep a careful distance from her. Not only had he filleted himself and spilled his guts like a guy who enjoyed sharing, hed almost taken a greater risk and told her the whole story about his arrest and conviction. What had he expected? That she would believe his side of the story? No one else had. And what difference would it make if she did believe him?
Yes, he should be wary of Julia Sims. She was one of those people who needed to fix other people, and shed made him her current project. Though her need didnt offend him anymore because he understood that it came from her own scars, he still had to be cautious.
Frustration filling him, Kyle planted his feet on the floor and leaned forward, resting his elbows on his legs and his head in his hands. Why did he insist on lying to himself? His ennui didnt deal with any of his excuses, though they all contributed to it. Something else entirely had climbed under his skin and refused to budge.
While they were sharing coffee and their sad stories, just for a moment hed been tempted to see more than was really there between them. Hed thought that another time, another place, if he were someone else entirely, he might have had a chance with Julia Sims.

Chapter Four
Kyle closed his office door and started downstairs to the main level on a Friday afternoon more than a week later. This part of the church wasnt newer construction like the vestibule and the sanctuary, but it had its own charm. The two-story section was part of the stately home that once housed all of the churchs programs.
He liked the statement that the structure made: it showed a commitment to the churchs roots even as the congregation grew. Hed found a lot of things to like about Hickory Ridge in his first week of working there, though, admittedly, he hadnt made much progress on the development of the prison ministry. Reverend Bob had assured him they were still working out some final details for joint funding of the ecumenical ministry.
Since waiting wasnt one of his more developed skills, he itched to make some progress. The sooner the program was well established, the sooner he could leave it to more capable hands.
Today would be another day of negative progress toward that goal. He knew that. And it should have frustrated him more than it did, but he didnt bother kidding himself that he minded. She would be there. Okay, he didnt know for sure, but she might.
He hadnt seen Julia at all since Sunday services, and even then they hadnt had time to talk when hed sneaked in late and slipped out right after the benediction to avoid another confrontation with Trooper Lancaster. Hed avoided Wednesday prayer meeting for the same reason, though hed wondered if she might have been there.
So today when Reverend Bob had assigned him to work on the same committee Julia had mentioned before, hed looked forward to it more than he had any business doing. Even lecturing himself about it hadnt stopped the anticipation he felt as he entered the main office.
Hey, Kyle. Hannah waved from behind the counter. Need something?
Just the paperwork for the Search and Invitation committee.
Oh, youll be working with that? Julia took a lot of it home, but there are a few files in the storage room.
Hannah indicated with a tilt of her head a doorway behind her, the smallest smirk on her lips. Kyle moved around the counter and headed in the direction shed indicated.
He couldnt help being disappointed that the room was empty. Just as well, he decided. At least he could focus on this new assignment and not on Julia. On a long folding table, several large brown accordion envelopes had been arranged, one for each of the subcommittees Reverend Bob had mentioned. He claimed the one for the committee hed been assigned to and unwound the string holding its fastener closed.
He hoped Julia had a lot of the materials at home because the contents looked a little sparse. Still, he pulled out a manila folder and tucked the container under his arm. He could do Internet searches from his own desk PC upstairs.
Trying to balance the file with his free arm while opening the folder in his hands, he crossed back through the office and out the door.
Find some interesting reading?
Kyle glanced up toward the voice he recognized, somehow managing to avoid scattering the file over the floor. Julia grinned at him.
Its not The Grapes of Wrath, but itll do.
Their gazes connected the way they had before, but this time Julia was the first to look away.
She looked back at him, or, more specifically, at the labeled file under his arm. Hey, were working on the same committee.
For a few weeks, anyway. Who else will be working with us?
Reverend Bob and Andrew oversee all the committees, but Im doing most of the search work myself.
No wonder they thought you needed some backup.
Its not that bad. Just doing Internet searches for past members in whatever city or state they were thought last to have lived. Members keep e-mailing, too, with updated info.
Sounds like a lot of work to me, but whatever you say. Ill let Reverend Bob know youve got it handled.
She appeared to consider that for a few seconds and then shook her head. I dont mind the help. The searches havent all been as easy as I expected, especially for families with names like Smith.
OrWoods, he observed, supplying the ministers surname.
And Ive discovered that a few of our former members have moved more than once.
What happens if you cant find them? Have you accepted that you might not locate some of them? That some might not even want to be found?
Want to? Her eyebrows drew together. Why wouldnt they want to? We dont have big battles in this church.
Kyle shook his head. Youre right. Forget I said anything.
Good thing she seemed satisfied with his answer because he wasnt sure how he would explain what hed said. Just because there were people in his life who would prefer to stay hidden didnt mean everyone was like that.
How about we divide the list and work individually on the easy searches? she said. Well tackle the tougher ones together.
Sounds good. But no lists were in the file.
She grinned sheepishly. Right. I took the list home to work on in the evenings. Ill get your half to you.
He was marveling again that Julia didnt have more dates to fill her evenings when she snapped her fingers.
I know. Im going to a picnic at Central Park with my sister, Charity, and her family. Why dont you join us? Im sure they wouldnt mind. I could give you the list then.
I dont know. He wasnt even sure why he hesitated when he had to admit hed been looking forward to seeing her.
Still, as tempting as spending an afternoon with Julia sounded, there was something about her invitation that appealed to him more. Julia had mentioned the word that had meant little to him in the past but had become so critical now: family. He wasnt ready to face his judgmental brother again, and he hadnt gotten up the guts up to visit his parents since his release, but he still liked the idea of sharing time with somebodys family.
I guess that sounds all right, he answered.
Oh, good. Its going to be fun.
Your sisters family? Does that include her mother?
At first she looked surprised, but then she must have remembered that shed shared the story because she shook her head. Im sure she was invited, but she tends to decline when Im invited, too.
Her loss.
She smiled at that, but sadness lingered in her eyes until she perked up again. I hope you like cold fried chicken, German potato salad and apple pie. Charitys an amazing cook.
What about you?
If you like boiled water, Im your cook, but otherwise you might want to consider takeout. I usually survive on frozen dinners and canned soup.
Nobody can be everything, I guess. He said it as a joke, but he was serious. A Julia Sims who was also a twenty-first-century Julia Child in the kitchen might be too much for Milford, Michigan, to handlein his part of town, anyway. He didnt mention that or the fact that once upon a time hed been more than competent with a saut pan and spatula.
Fidgeting, she tilted her head to the side. So, well meet you there tomorrow at about noon?
Need me to bring anything?
Just yourself.
Ill be there. Im looking forward to it.
He smiled at her, and she smiled back for several seconds before looking away shyly.
Id better get going. See you tomorrow. With a wave, she started for the door.
Kyle studied her as she left. Why had Julia come to the church in the first place? If shed come for her committee work, she hadnt brought anything, and she hadnt taken anything with her. He didnt mind the idea that she might have come just to invite him to the picnic. It was a kind, Christian gesture for her to include him. It also beat a Saturday afternoon of him sitting around his apartment wishing he had cable.
Anyway, there was something to be said for fun, food and family on a sunny afternoon. Though he realized it was unwise, he couldnt resist imagining himself slipping away with Julia for a romantic walk along the river. And maybe it wouldnt be a bad idea for him to become involved with a woman right now. He was looking forward to tomorrow, all right. He couldnt wait.

Would you stop fidgeting?
At her sisters voice, Julia looked up from her hands that were indeed fidgeting. In fact, the wrestling match of her wringing hands had become downright painful.
What do you mean? Julia asked, but couldnt keep a straight face.
Charity frowned at her, but her expression didnt stick, either. She slipped onto the picnic table bench across from her younger sister. Dont worry. Hell be here. Nobody skips my fried chicken.
Thats not what Im worried about.
Nodding, Charity glanced over Julias shoulder to the parking lot. I wondered about your plan. Itll probably be fine, though. Hell appreciate the effort.
Charitys uncomfortable expression suggested she wasnt as confident as her words. Julia tried not to let her sisters unease shake her confidence, not when she knew she was doing the right thing.
Rick called out to his wife from the blanket just outside the park shelter. Hey, Charity, take a look at this.
Both women looked up in time to see ten-month-old Grace take an unsteady step toward her daddy. The tiny golden ponytail on top of her head bounced with the effort of this new skill, but her eyes shone with excitement. The next three steps came in a rush before she landed on her diaper-padded behind. With a wail, the baby held out her arms for her mother.
When its playtime, she wants Daddy, but when something hurts, its all Mommy, Charity said, already off the bench and gathering her child in her arms.
She just knows which of us gives softer hugs. Rick grinned as he leaned down to wipe a tear from his daughters tiny pink cheek.
Charity glanced toward the parking lot again. Oh, hes here.
Swallowing, Julia looked over her shoulder to determine which he had arrived first. Kyle had climbed out of his car and was reaching back inside it for something.
Julia took a deep breath to steady her nerves, but it didnt help. Somehow this didnt seem as good an idea as when shed come up with it yesterday, and not just the surprise part, either. Shed hoped to develop some immunity to Kyle by now. Shed kept her distance for a whole week, figuring time and space would help her put her thoughts about him into perspective. Kyle was the kind of man she should be willing to reach out to as he tried to repair his life, but he wasnt the type she could ever see socially. Unfortunately, his past did make a difference.
So why, if she realized he was a poor choice for her, couldnt she stop these feelings of attraction she felt whenever she was around him? Even now as she watched him bend to pull several shopping bags from his car, she couldnt help noticing how his polo shirt stretched across his shoulder.
The shirts deep green color would bring out the flecks of green in his hazel eyes. She wished she didnt know that.
Glancing to the side, Julia discovered that Charity had come to stand beside her and now balanced Grace on her hip. Julia could only imagine what shed seen because that knowing smile Charity wore was something only a sister could love.
Julia couldnt meet her sisters gaze. I told him he didnt need to bring anything.
Thats what I told you, too, and look at how well you listened.
The bags of bakery goods from where shed pillaged the local Krogers spoke for themselves, but still Julia explained, I just didnt want us to run out of food.
Kyle started in their direction, his saunter confident and un-hurried. Julia liked seeing this self-assured side of him, so unapologetically male.
Thats unlikely.
Whats unlikely? With effort, Julia drew her attention back to her sister.
Like you said. That wed run out of food. Charity indicated with a tilt of her head the picnic table theyd commandeered and then loaded with enough picnic fare to feed a small armyor at least a start-up militia.
Oh. Right.
Kyle had reached the edge of the parking lot, so Julia waved to make sure hed seen them. His smile was so warm that she felt rooted in place by it with no thought of anything but staring back at him.
Hi, there, he said when he reached her.
Hi.
Kyle looked at the shopping bags dangling from his hands. I didnt want to show up empty-handed.
Thanks. Here, let me get those. Rick stepped forward and relieved him of the bags, setting them on the picnic table bench.
Julia cleared her throat. You met my sister and her husband at church, right?
Not formally.
Charity jutted out her hand. Well, lets fix that. Im Charity McKinley. She paused to grip his hand. Thats my husband, Rick.
The two men shook hands, and then Rick indicated the baby his wife held. And this little mess-maker is Grace.
Kyle studied Grace, who was giving him a stranger once-over. She looks clean to me.
Give her a few minutes, Charity said with a chuckle. We tried to introduce ourselves at church on Sunday, but you were gone so fast. You must have been in a hurry.
The side of his mouth lifted. Something like that.
Charity and Rick exchanged a look, but neither said more. Grateful that they didnt, Julia flitted a look toward the parking lot. Maybe her other guests had decided not to come, after all, and maybe that was just as well. Charity had suggested it might be too soon, and she was probably right.
Rick lifted Grace from his wifes arms and swung her around until she giggled. I dont know about the rest of you, but I hate to see all of this food go to waste.
Go to waste? Are you kidding? Kyle gave her a look of pure incredulity with a touch of mirth. We cant let that happen, now can we?
So let the food frenzy begin, Julia returned.
Julia could feel herself relaxing for the first time since shed pulled into the lot of Central Park. Now she would get the chance to enjoy the afternoonthe sunny day, the breeze off the Huron River, the swings inside the playground. Even the company.
She couldnt help grinning as she watched Kyle, paper plate already in his hand, examine the spread Charity had laid out for them. He fit in so well with her family. He laughed with Rick as if they were old pals. Charity liked Kyle, too, if the way she followed him around the table and plied him with food was any indication. Even Grace had bestowed on him one of her precious smiles, from the safety of her mothers arms.
She could get used to this, even if she and Kyle were only friends. Even if she would have to keep reminding herself that the rest of the day.
Hey, Julia, Rick said in a stage whisper from the corner of the shelter. He mouthed the words Hes here.
This time she didnt even have to look to know which he her brother-in-law was talking about, but she glanced in the direction he indicated, anyway. Her stomach tensed as she caught sight of Brett carrying a covered casserole dish in one arm and a basket of something else in the other. Behind him, Tricia carried Anna, the couples seven-month-old baby, her nearly bald head protected by a colorful sun bonnet. Taking up the rear were Lani, Rusty Jr. and Max, Tricias children with her late first husband.
Brett grinned when he saw Julia. Max waved, causing him to drop the lawn chair he carried. The family laughed as Lani helped her little brother reclaim his load.
Julia knew the instant Brett recognized Kyle because his laughter died and his smile disappeared. He stopped so quickly that Tricia bumped into the basket he carried and then looked up at him, surprised.
Swallowing with difficulty, Julia glanced sidelong at Kyle. He stood frozen in place, his jaw ticking as if he was clenching and unclenching his teeth. Shock and fury clashed in eyes that he trained on his brother. He let the plate in his hand drop to the table.
The children ran up behind their stepfather and then stopped, looking back and forth between the two men. Julia started to do the same thing, but when she looked back at Kyle, he had turned those angry eyes on her.
Julia, would you mind telling me what Trooper Lancaster is doing here?

Chapter Five
Kyle posed the question, but he didnt bother waiting for the answer. He had a pretty good idea what it was, anyway, and he didnt want to hear it. Hed only felt set up like this one other time, and hed had a nice orange jumpsuit and a cell of his own for that one.
But he couldnt think about that, not now when his brother was standing there, looking as furious to see him as Kyle was to be broadsided by Julias meddling. His own anger propelled him toward Brett.
What are you doing here? he asked from between gritted teeth.
Same as you. I was tricked.
Brett looked different out of uniformless intimidatingthough even in jeans and a T-shirt he still had a rigid bearing.
No other reason to be within thirty feet of the family embarrassment, Kyle chided.
Brett shook his head. Lets not go into that again.
Why not? Because your familys here to see it? The family you havent even bothered to introduce to me though Ive been in Milford two weeks.
He stopped and turned to the woman and children standing next to his brother. Oh, hi, guys, Im Uncle Kyle.
No one responded, but Tricias three children stared up at him, wide-eyed. The youngest boys mouth hung agape. Ashamed, Kyle was grateful that at least he hadnt referred to himself as Uncle Kyle the Jailbird or something. These kids couldnt help who their stepfather was, so he shouldnt have involved them.
Brett stepped forward, putting himself between his family and his younger brother. You havent been beating down my door to see me, either.
Why would I? You think I need this abuse?
Well, wouldnt want you to have to put up with any criticism after the perfect life youve led. A real example. Just the person I want around my kids.
Cant you seeforget it. Youll never change.
Thats a laugh, coming from you.
Kyle fisted his hands at his sides, bitterness welling within him. He could have told Brett that he wasnt the same man who went into prison three years before, that hed become someone that just maybe even Brett could respect, but now he was too angry to try.
Glad I could entertain you.
Buddy, your antics stopped being funny years ago.
Enough. Tricia stepped in front of her husband, her presence surprisingly commanding despite her petite size. She raised a hand to stop the conversation. You two have to stop this.
Dont worry. Im done, Brett said with a frown. He looked past Kyle to the Sims sisters. Im sorry about this. Thank you for inviting us, but I think wed better leave.
He stepped to the table, lowered the dishes his family had brought for the picnic and then, lifting the baby from Tricias arms, ushered his family to their car. The children kept peeking back, but they didnt ask questions.
That didnt go well, Julia said as she watched their car pull back out onto Main Street.
Ya think! The words came out louder than he planned, but Kyle didnt care. What shed done was wrong, and she needed to know it. He closed the distance between them. What were you thinking inviting Trooper Lancaster here?
Julia stared at the ground. I just thought if I got the two of you together
That wed start up again in front of my brothers whole family? Id never even met those people before. Well, I hope you got the show you were looking for. He gritted his teeth so hard that his jaw ached.
She started to shake her head. Thats not what I
Intended? he interrupted her again. Just what did you intend when you were sticking your nose where it didnt belong?
I was trying to help.
No, you were trying to fix my life.
I wasnt, she began, but she must have thought better of it because she clicked her teeth shut.
He should have stopped there; he realized that. But Julia had started this, and he just couldnt stop the words from coming. What I dont get is why you go around trying to fix other people when you havent dealt with your own scars.
Confusion and maybe hurt registered on her face, but he refused to let it get to him. Without giving her time to ask what he was talking about, he turned to Rick and Charity, who were doing a poor job of pretending not to listen, and thanked them for the picnic.
After a quick thanks to Julia, he turned and strode across the parking lot. His hands kept fisting, so he shoved them in his pockets. That didnt go well. Julias words reverberated through his thoughts. She could say that again. And again.

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