Read Online Love Inspired May 2015 #2 by Missy Tippens, Jean C. Gordon, Patricia Johns - Free Book Online Page B

how to protect Abigail.
    Until he heard back from the shelter email, the only thing he could do was to go in person to check it out for himself. Which meant he needed a babysitter for more than the couple of hours Violet could spare.
    He picked up the phone to call Grace Hunt’s number and got an immediate answer.
    â€œMiss Grace, this is Jake West.”
    â€œOh, hello, Jake. How’s that adorable baby doing?”
    â€œShe’s doing better every day. In fact, that’s why I’m calling. I was wondering if I could hire you to babysit for me.”
    The kind, elderly woman let out a sigh. “I wish I could, dear. But I have a jam-packed schedule right now. How long are you keeping the baby for Remy?”
    Now that he’d told Violet and Zeb about Remy’s disappearing act, Grace would soon hear. News traveled quickly in their small town.
    â€œGrace, I don’t know when or if she’ll be back.” He went on to explain the whole situation and about how Violet had shown him how to care for Abigail.
    â€œOh, you poor man. I’m sure you need a lot of help, what with your business to run and all.” She let out a huff. “I suggest you ask that pretty pediatrician to watch the baby whenever she can. Could be God brought you two together for a reason.”
    Jake’s neck radiated heat like a 100,000 BTU gas furnace. “I appreciate your advice.” But if he had to ask Violet for help, it wouldn’t be because she was pretty or that God had brought them together for a reason.
    In fact, he needed to be cautious. The woman might try to insert herself in his family matter. He had to keep her on his side.
    â€œIn the meantime, Grace, can you suggest any young women in the church I could possibly hire?”
    â€œWell, that little Kelli Calhoun is in college now, taking summer classes. And the Brockett girl, bless her heart, works down at the IGA every weekday at 7:00 a.m., sometimes staying as late as 7:00 p.m. Hmm...let me see...” She paused for breath. “The Stephens twins are already babysitting full-time. That cute redheaded Emily is on the swim team, but maybe she’d have a bit of time?”
    â€œShe’s only in middle school. What about some young moms?”
    â€œJust between you and me, Liza could probably use the extra money. But, Jake, honey, she already has four small children, and I don’t see how she could possibly care for another child as young as your Abigail.”
    His shoulders felt as if they weighed a hundred pounds. “And you can’t think of anyone else?”
    â€œNot a single one right now. But I’ll let you know if I do.”
    Jake thanked her and hung up. If Grace and everyone else she knew were unavailable, it looked as if he was going to need Violet more than he’d anticipated. If he called on her too often or let her get too close, though, would she decide he wasn’t capable of caring for Abigail and try to intervene?
    * * *
    Violet approached the homey bungalow with some trepidation on Wednesday just after noon. Could she really babysit Abigail while remaining a neutral bystander, offering assistance as needed without attachment?
    The front door opened, and Jake appeared wearing work-worn jeans and a company-logo T-shirt. His hair stood up as if he’d been jamming his hand through it. And he certainly didn’t look welcoming.
    Maybe it wasn’t too late to back out. “Do you still need me to babysit?”
    â€œI do. I’ve got a situation and need to get to the work site pronto.”
    Assistance without attachment.
“Where’s Abigail?”
    He motioned her inside ahead of him. As she brushed past him and filled her nose with his clean, woodsy scent, she had to admit that he was easy on the nose...and the eyes.
    Every time she entered his house, she felt at home. Comfortable.
    Maybe comfortable was okay. But she shouldn’t allow herself to feel so drawn to