Chapter 2
CHAPTER TWO
“I’ll do whatever I can to help.” Brynn studied the weary face of the handsome man sitting on her sofa. He might be physically exhausted, but the way he kept clasping and unclasping his hands told her he still had a lot of pent-up energy.
She needed to distract him, get him talking about something he was comfortable with so he could relax. “How long are you able to be away from work? I know you work for an extreme sports company and are always participating in wonderful adventures, but I’m not sure what your job actually entails.”
“It’s open-ended, for now at least, and I can work remotely on some things. I’ve been with Edge Endorsements since college.” His eyes took on a faraway glow, and Brynn could see he was looking back. “At the beginning, I helped at events and did whatever research I was instructed to do. My reward was a decent salary and the ability to participate in events free of charge.”
“That’s a big benefit.”
“Huge.” His lips quirked upward. “Not only was my entry fee paid, but lodging and food were covered. Of course, when I wasn’t participating, I was working. I didn’t mind. ”
Brynn peered at him through lowered lashes. “I assume your duties have evolved over the years?”
Callum nodded. “I oversee events now. I’m the one who decides if a location is suitable for the specific event being considered.”
Brynn had to admit that she found it all fascinating. And, as he talked, she saw him begin to relax. “Give me an example.”
“Okay, say we’re looking at a large wing-gliding event in a particular location.”
She smiled. “I’m with you so far.”
“First, the altitude and terrain need to be assessed. The launch site needs to be elevated?—”
“Like a hill or a mountain,” she interjected.
“Exactly.” Callum nodded approvingly. “It needs to have clear and accessible ridges or slopes for takeoff. There can’t be any trees, cliffs, power lines or other hazards that could interfere with flight paths. Landing zones need to be flat, open spaces and free from tall grass, rocks or uneven terrain.”
Brynn took a sip of water. “That’s a lot to consider.”
“Oh, that’s just the beginning. The launch and landing areas also need to have enough room to accommodate multiple gliders at once. Spectator areas can’t interfere with flying paths but must still offer good views.”
“I didn’t realize all that goes into it.”
“Then there is road access, transport to launch point, safety provisions, permits and regulations, environmental impact…” As Callum ticked them off one by one, his enthusiasm built, and his body relaxed. He leaned back into the sofa, and his hands stilled, signs that at least some of his worry was easing. “Finding the perfect location and coordinating with all the moving parts can be challenging. It’s that challenge that has kept me there. No event is the same. Even a location that worked two years ago may not work now. ”
“And you can do that stuff remotely?” Brynn kept her tone offhand. “What does that involve?”
“Say there’s a site under consideration in Idaho. We’ve been there before, but it’s been several years. I would check local regulations to ensure nothing has changed. I would also need to ensure that the event won’t interfere with nearby airports, military zones or commercial air traffic. If I need airspace clearance from aviation authorities, I’d get it.”
Brynn sat back. “I bet you’re good at what you do.”
He smiled. “I’m very good.”
No false modesty for this guy. Brynn found his honesty and confidence incredibly sexy.
“It helps that I’ve participated in all these sports. That gives me an appreciation for everything that’s involved.” His expression grew serious. “The safety of the participants is always utmost in my mind.”
It was apparent that he’d found the perfect job for his interests. He’d been happy with his life. Now, he was a single parent. Brynn fought a surge of sympathy. “It sounds like you landed in the right spot. The position is the perfect match for your skills and passion.”
“I felt fortunate.”
She noticed the past tense. “Surely there’s a way you can make it work, even as a single parent.”
Callum was silent for so long that she wasn’t sure he would answer. Finally, he expelled a long breath. “Right now, I’m taking things one day at a time.”
“It will work out.” Brynn glanced at the clock. “You’ve had a long day, and we should probably call it a night.”
“Can we talk a little longer?” The plea in Callum’s voice reminded Brynn of the way he’d beg his mom to let them play outside just five more minutes when they were kids.
“It has been a long day. A long few days, really. But this is the most normal I’ve felt since everything happened.” Callum reached for Brynn’s hand and gave it a quick squeeze. “Tell me about you. Still happy being Good Hope’s star psychologist?”
Brynn smiled. “‘Star’ might be a bit much, but yes, I’m very happy. I mean, it’s still a job, and like any profession, it comes with its own set of advantages and challenges.”
“What kind of advantages and challenges?”
She found the intoxicating scent of his citrusy cologne to be a potent distraction. What was that enticing scent?
“C’mon, tell me.”
Brynn blinked and found him smiling.
At her blank look, he prompted, “The advantages. The challenges.”
“Ah, yes.” Brynn did her best to ignore the heat from his body and the scent of his cologne. She must be more tired than she realized. “Advantages. Well, there’s a high demand, so I had my pick of where I wanted to live and practice.”
The plan had always been to return to Good Hope. While others in her doctoral program had struggled with where they wanted to practice after graduation, Brynn knew where she would settle, and she was now exactly where she wanted to be.
“What else?”
Brynn’s lips curved. There were so many she didn’t know where to start. “The field is constantly evolving, so there are endless opportunities for professional development. Also, being in private practice gives me a lot of independence. For the most part, I can set my own schedule.”
“What about the cons?”
She found having his complete attention to be a heady experience but concentrated on answering the question.
“Many would say the lengthy and expensive education. I was fortunate to have parents who supported me, both emotionally and financially, through all my years of schooling. For me, the cons are the stress of working with challenging clients. I feel a significant responsibility for my patients’ mental health and well-being, and that can cause emotional strain.”
His expression softened. “I bet you’re one terrific therapist.”
“Thank you.” She studied him thoughtfully and saw that the lines of fatigue around his eyes had deepened. How many hours had he said he’d driven today? Fourteen?
Despite Callum’s trust in her ability to help, Brynn knew she wasn’t at her best right now. And neither was he. “What would you think about talking more in the morning once we’ve both had some sleep? I assume you’re staying with your folks while in town.”
Before Callum could respond, Brynn added, “I bet they’re eager to see their first grandchild.”
She did not doubt that Prim and Max had been shocked to discover they had a grandchild. They’d likely expected his brother, Connor, who’d been dating the same woman for the past two years, to be the first to marry and have children.
When he hesitated, she prompted, “How did they take the news?”
Callum’s expression gave nothing away. “They don’t know.”
Brynn blinked. “You didn’t call them?”
The second the question left her lips, Brynn wished she hadn’t been so quick to respond. Hadn’t he just told her they didn’t know?
“I did call them,” he clarified. “But my mom was excited and couldn’t stop talking about their anniversary trip. She was in the middle of packing. They left for Florida this morning. She’d always wanted to go on a cruise, and my dad surprised her with one for their anniversary.”
The puzzle pieces fell into place. “You knew if you told her you were returning to Good Hope with her grandson?—”
“She would have wanted to cancel the trip. My dad, too.” Callum blew out a breath. “Even if I had convinced them to go, they wouldn’t have fully enjoyed themselves. ”
“I assume Addie went with them?” Though Callum’s younger sister was a responsible high school student, she couldn’t see Prim and Max leaving her home alone.
Callum shook his head. “She’s staying with a friend while they’re away.”
There was plenty of room in the Brody house for Callum and his son, but Brynn wasn’t sure that being alone was what Callum needed right now.
“Why don’t you stay here, at least until they get back””
Surprise skittered across Callum’s face. Despite the pallor and the fatigue, the redheaded firecracker had grown into a handsome man. Once skinny, he now boasted a lean, athletic physique. And his face, all lines and angles with a hint of scruff, only added to his appeal.
“With you?” He spoke cautiously, glancing toward the bedroom.
As good friends, they had never had a physical relationship. Still, Brynn had to admit the thought of Callum in her bed had a rush of heat traveling up her spine.
Ignoring the sensation, she pointed to the sofa. “That pulls out.”
“You really wouldn’t mind if we stayed?”
The question told Brynn that her instincts had been spot-on. He didn’t want to be alone.
“I wouldn’t have asked if I minded.” She gestured to the bathroom. “If you want to take a shower, I can get the bed made up?—”
Reaching out, he grasped her hand and gave it a squeeze. The warmth of his fingers around hers had her breath hitching.
“Is that your way of saying I stink?” His lips twisted into a wry smile.
“You do not stink.” In fact, she thought he smelled amazing. “I simply know what it’s like to drive all day. You’ll sleep better if you wash off the road. ”
Brynn winced at her delivery, realizing she’d sounded just like her mother at that moment.
If Callum noticed, it didn’t show. “You’re right.”
They made short work of the sleeper sofa, with Brynn bringing out a light cotton blanket and a couple of pillows.
Callum stared down at the made-up bed and then looked up at her. “Thanks for everything, Brynn.”
She nudged him with her elbow. “What are friends for?”
Despite getting to bed late, Brynn woke at dawn feeling surprisingly refreshed. Her mother was a fabulous cook and had passed those skills on to her daughter, but Brynn had quickly discovered that making anything in the morning beyond an egg and toast didn’t make much sense for only one person.
Still, many of her fondest memories were sitting at the table with her parents, enjoying a big breakfast and talking about the upcoming day.
After scouting ingredients, Brynn realized she had enough to make a family favorite—a blueberry buttermilk pancake casserole.
The casserole was soon in the oven while coffee perked cheerily in an electric percolator that had once belonged to her grandmother.
“Something smells good.” Callum stood in the doorway, his hair rumpled and a sleep crease in one cheek. Other than that, he looked ready to seize the day in cargo shorts and a graphic T-shirt.
“Good morning.” Smiling, she moved over to the percolator. “Ready for coffee?”
“Always.” He stepped into the kitchen. “I can get my own.”
“I don’t mind pouring.” Filling a mug, she handed it to him, then picked up her own. “Parker still asleep? ”
He nodded and took a long sip of the steaming brew. “The traveling wore him out.”
“I can imagine.”
Sniffing the air, Callum paused. “I smell blueberries and cinnamon.”
“You have an excellent nose.” The enticing scent had her own stomach growling. “It’s a blueberry pancake casserole. It’s a family favorite.”
“Smells terrific.” His expression turned serious. “You didn’t have to go to all this work?—”
“I love to cook. You know that. I’m like my mother in that way.” The oven timer dinged, and Brynn set down her cup and reached for the oven mitts. “Making this for you and Parker was fun for me.”
She removed the dish from the oven and set it on a cooling rack, the mouthwatering aroma filling the air.
“Where am I?”
She and Callum turned at the sound of the small voice.
Parker stood in the doorway. He wore the T-shirt and shorts he’d had on last night. His wiry red hair stuck up like he’d put a finger in a light socket.
His eyes were blue, Brynn noted, the same shade as Callum’s, and freckles were scattered across his face like confetti.
Sensing the boy’s confusion, Callum went to his son. “Parker, this is my friend Brynn’s house. We got here late, and she let us stay over.”
Parker’s gaze shifted to Brynn, his expression wary, his eyes appearing too large for his thin face.
Brynn crossed to the boy and crouched down so she and the child were eye to eye. “Hi, Parker. I’m Brynn Chapin. It’s nice to meet you.”
The child blinked. A tentative smile lifted his lips. “Hi.”
Brynn straightened. “Are you hungry, Parker?”
The boy looked at his dad. “Can I have Cocoa Puffs? ”
Brynn had to stop herself from wincing. She answered before Callum had a chance. “Maybe you could save the cereal for another time? I made something special for you and your dad that I think you’ll really like. Why don’t you two wash your hands, and I’ll get it on the table.”
While they were gone, Brynn filled a small glass with milk and set it on the table for Parker. By the time Callum and Parker returned, she’d dished out squares of casserole at each place setting, along with small bowls of mixed berries.
After a dubious glance at the casserole, Parker turned to his father once again. “I really like Cocoa Puffs.”
“His grandmother sent a box with him,” Callum explained. “He had some yesterday?—”
“That was nice of her, wasn’t it?” Brynn took a seat and gestured for them to sit. “You know, Parker, I have two younger brothers. When they were your age, this was their favorite breakfast. They used to beg my mom to make it.”
Parker sat down and studied her, then glanced at the casserole.
Brynn breathed a sigh of relief when he picked up his fork and began to eat.
“I hear you just had a birthday.” Brynn kept her tone easy and conversational. Her first impression of the boy was that he wasn’t much of a talker, but it was too early to know if that was normal behavior for him or because of the strange situation he was in right now.
Parker forked off another bite of casserole and nodded as he chewed. “I’m six now.”
“Wow. That’s cool.” Brynn glanced at Callum, then back at the boy. “Did you attend kindergarten last year? Or will you be starting this year?”
Brynn was aware that some kids with summer birthdays started kindergarten at age five, but a recent trend was to hold them back until they were six .
“I’m going to kindergarten this year,” the boy informed her. “Grammy says—” Parker stopped, tears suddenly filling his eyes.
Brynn looked at Callum for guidance. He lifted his hands as if to say, I got nothin’.
Reaching over, Brynn gave the boy’s shoulder a squeeze. “I can see you’re feeling really sad because you miss your grandma. It’s okay to feel that way.”
Parker sniffled and swiped at his cheeks.
“Do you want to tell me about her?” Brynn asked.
Parker shook his head and stabbed a strawberry with his fork.
“As Brynn said, it’s okay to love and miss her.” Callum cleared his throat. “I just want you to remember I’m here for you.”
The child’s only response was a jerky nod.
Once Parker finished devouring the casserole and fruit, he appeared to steady. Setting down his fork, he glanced at Callum. “Can I play with my toys now?”
“Your toys are still in the car, bud.”
“You could bring them in,” Brynn suggested. “He can play while we clean up the kitchen and talk.”
Parker scrambled out of the chair.
Callum stood and placed a hand on the boy’s arm. “Thank you, Brynn, for breakfast. It was very good. Wasn’t it, Parker?”
For a second, Brynn thought about asking if the casserole was better than Cocoa Puffs, but she refrained.
“It was good,” Parker told her. “I liked it.”
And that, Brynn thought, was one of the nicest compliments she could have received.