“If anyone knew of a place for sale, you’d probably have heard about it. She also said I needed to have one of your husband’s raspberry tarts, if there are any.”
“He’s the new veterinarian, Lola,” Carl filled in.
“Oh, that’s wonderful,” Lola said, glancing back and forth between them. “You’re staying in Stonewall Crossing? And looking for a home. A family home? Or more of a bachelor pad?”
Renata wanted to kick him under the table when he looked her way. It wasn’t just any look—it was loaded with all sorts of meaning.
“Family,” Ash answered, his gaze falling from hers. “I have a son. He’s busy—the sort of busy that needs room to run and play and grow.”
What was his name? Did Ash’s son look like him? Or his mother? Chances were, he was adorable. He was half Ash, after all.
“Oh, I see.” Lola’s smile dimmed. “And when will Mrs. Carmichael be joining us?”
Considering the context of the conversation, it didn’t sound invasive. Except Renata knew Lola Stephens. She had a heart of gold, helping everyone who needed it—while collecting and distributing all the little bits and pieces of information she regularly collected. Like now. Ash Carmichael was a mystery and Lola was about to get the inside scoop on the town’s newest resident.
“My wife passed when my son was born,” he said.
With that sentence, the world fell away. Pain reached inside her chest and squeezed her heart, the edge to his voice slicing deep. If ever there was a reason for a person to hurt, this was it. And there was no denying the pain in his eyes, no matter how hard he tried to hide it. “Ash, I’m so sorry,” Renata murmured, devastated on his behalf. “I had no idea.”
“I don’t talk about it.” His gaze found hers, the haunted torment she glimpsed gutting her. “Tends to make people feel bad. And for long awkward silences. Like now.”
He was doing his best to be blasé, but she saw through it. And she longed to reach for him. His hand lay there, on the table—close enough to touch. It seemed like the right thing to do. Covering his large hand with her own out of sympathy. It was the human thing to do, surely? His hand turned, catching hers and squeezing gently. How could she let go then? When he held on to her?
“It’s just me and Curtis, for now.” His chuckle was forced. “My mother-in-law and mother have been taking care of him and helping out whenever I need. Like now.”
“Sound like good folk,” Lola said. “Family matters.”
“Yes, ma’am. Nothing is more important.” His gray eyes fixed on her. “Family is all that matters.”
“When will they be joining you?” Lola asked.
“Tonight,” he answered, smiling. “It’ll be good to have him with me.”
Tonight she’d meet Ash’s son. Tonight she’d meet the boy that would be her baby’s big brother. And she couldn’t wait to meet him. “At the Lodge?” she asked.
He nodded.
“Well now, tragedy strikes at all ages. You’re young, son,” Carl spoke up. “Good-looking and, if you were hired at the university, hardworking and sharp. You keep your heart open and you’ll find love again.” He draped his arm around Lola’s shoulder.
Lola was watching them again, like a hawk. But the hurt in Ash’s eyes had Renata holding on to Ash’s hand until their food arrived.
* * *
Ash pushed aside his empty plate and sat back, offering Lola Stephens a smile as she placed his dessert in front of him.
“Hope it lives up to Clara’s praise. You sure you don’t want anything, Renata? You barely touched your food.” Lola tsked. “Sugar, you need to eat something or you’re going to waste away. We wouldn’t want that, would we, Dr. Carmichael?”
“No, ma’am,” he agreed, moving the napkin dispenser from the middle of the table and pushing the plate into the middle. “Maybe we can get another spoon?” he asked.
Lola winked and hurried across the diner. But when he looked at Renata, she was glaring at him—blue eyes blazing.
“Don’t like your salad?” He’d watched her poke through the strawberry, chicken and s
pinach salad for the last forty minutes.
With a sigh, she mumbled, “My stomach has been a little unpredictable recently, Dr. Carmichael.” One brow arched high.
“Your father said this was the most stressful time of the year for you. Stress can take a physical toll on the body,” he suggested. “Not to mention it’s not good for a pregnancy—”