As soon as they got home, Jeremy flew to the bedroom to put on his cowboy boots. Then he came running down the hall right into Claire’s arms. He hugged her hard, then hugged his dad again. “I’m going out to the barn.”
“We’ll be right there.”
They watched his progress from the back door, not letting him out of their sight. Claire started to follow, but Vic trapped her in his arms and pulled her against him from behind. He’d never done anything like that before. It showed the degree of his happiness, but the contact aroused her desire for him, desire she had to tamp down.
“Thank God for you, Claire. He wouldn’t be home with us now if it weren’t for you. Your inspiration led us to him.”
She turned in his arms and stared straight into his eyes. “We both know that inspiration came from a higher source. It wasn’t meant for you to lose your son. That would have been too cruel after losing the rest of your family. One thing is very certain. The next nanny you hire needs to guard him with her life.”
His hands squeezed her upper arms a little tighter before letting her go. “I’d rather not think about that on this of all nights.”
Maybe he didn’t want to, but when he’d hugged her to him just now, she’d found herself wishing this could go on forever. In truth she’d become way too attached to Jeremy and his father.
She started for the barn ahead of Vic. Naturally he was so grateful for her help, he had to express it in the only way he could. But this moment wouldn’t have happened if his son hadn’t been kidnapped. From here on out, things were going to change in the Malone household.
For one thing, Jeremy would need counseling, too. For another, Vic needed to find a new nanny right away. Now that Jeremy had been found, Claire had to go in for those second interviews that had been set up for her.
The sooner she left their home, the sooner she could carve out a new life for herself. Vic had made his a long time ago. Now it was her turn to get her own life started and ignore the pain in her heart at the thought of leaving them.
After a visit to the horses, they walked back to the house. Jeremy took a bath, and then cuddled next to his father on the couch in the family room. Claire made popcorn, a snack they all loved, while Jeremy talked about his experience. He’d heard male voices once he’d awakened, but he’d been blindfolded. The poor dear had been through a terrible ordeal.
She sat in the chair on the other side of the coffee table. Finally the talking stopped. It was close to midnight when Jeremy fell asleep, safe in his father’s arms. The picture of the two of them looking so relieved to be together brought tears to her eyes. Claire pulled out her phone and took another picture in order to remember this incredible night.
Vic’s eyes opened. “Sorry I fell asleep on you.”
“You need it. Would you like me to cancel your appointment with Dr. Marshall?”
“Thanks, but I’ll do it. I need to make several calls before morning. First, I’ve got to let TJ know he can call off the search for Jeremy.”
Claire nodded. “I’m going to phone my parents and tell them Jeremy’s back home. Before I go to bed, is there anything I can do for you?”
“Get a good sleep. Tomorrow we’ll load the horses in the trailer and drive to Luckenbach.”
“Where your cousin lives?”
“That’s right. Their place is adjacent to the equestrian park, which makes for a fun ride. It’ll be good for Jeremy to be with family.”
“I agree.”
Vic needed his family, too. Clint had given him the address that had led them to Jeremy. She knew he wanted to thank his cousin personally and discuss the case with him. But Claire wasn’t family.
She got up from the chair and started to leave the room. “Claire?” She looked back at him. “I owe you my life and Jeremy’s. I don’t know how to repay you.” His deep voice throbbed.
“I have all the payment I want, seeing the two of you back together. Good n
ight.”
* * *
FINDING JEREMY ALIVE this soon after being kidnapped constituted a true miracle. Claire had been the instrument. The knowledge filled Vic with wonder. If he’d hired any of the other nanny applicants, this case wouldn’t have had the same ending.
He was convinced she’d come into their lives for this very reason. Tomorrow during their ride, he would ask her to stay with them for another year. She could name her fee because he couldn’t lose her. More than ever, Jeremy needed the stability she helped provide.
Vic looked down at his son, whose head rested on his lap with his legs extended. Carefully he slid out from under him and carried him to his bedroom. He’d promised Jeremy he could sleep with him.
After tucking him in, he walked over to a chair and pulled out his phone. He left a voice mail saying he had to cancel his appointment with Dr. Marshall, and then phoned his boss. Though he hated bothering him at night, this was important.
“Vic?” said a voice that sounded more asleep than awake.