Read Online Second Time Around by Katherine Allred - Free Book Online

been.”
    3“You handled it just right. Well, I’m done in the office. I’d like to start unpacking.
    Are you sure your wife won’t mind me staying in the house?”
    Quinn smiled ruefully. “She’d prefer both of us completely off the ranch and out of the state right now, but it’s not going to happen. Put your things in the room next to mine. I’m going to stay down here for a while.”
    “Okay. If you need me just beat on the wall or something. See you in the morning.”
    “Goodnight.”
    The house grew quiet around him as he examined his son, trying to memorize every minute detail. Zack’s pajamas were soft white cotton, sprinkled with images of horses and dogs. The pants were twisted around his waist, one leg bunched up around his knee to expose a sturdy shin with a small bruise in the middle.
    Even in sleep, the cleft in his chin, a legacy from his mother, was prominent, and Quinn smiled. He’d be willing to bet the boy was just as stubborn as Lanie, too. He didn’t know much about four-year-olds but he suspected Zack was tall for his age.
    Gently, he picked up one small hand and inspected it. The fingers were perfect, long and slender in spite of their babyish quality. A Band-aid with big yellow birds and blue monsters was wrapped around his thumb.
    The sound of the truck returning impinged on his consciousness, and he listened to Lanie’s steps crossing the porch. Had she made a decision? He braced himself as the front door opened.
    She came down the hall and into the room, making it halfway across before she came to a sudden stop, her gaze fixed on Zack. “What happened?”
    “Mr. Jingles couldn’t sleep, so Zack and I had a talk instead.” He was tempted to smile, but a glance at Lanie’s face changed his mind. She was pale and it looked as if she’d been crying.
    “A talk about what?”
    “Why I haven’t been around the last four years.”
    “Oh, God.” She shut her eyes briefly. “What did you tell him?”
    “A short version of the truth. I think he needs to know that I wasn’t just ignoring him, Lanie.”
    She exhaled a short burst of air. “I know. I was going to tell him myself.” Moving closer, she leaned over and reached for Zack. “I’ll take him back to bed.”
    “I’d like to do it, if you don’t mind.” She was close enough that he could see her pupils dilate when their gazes met, close enough to catch the scent of her light perfume.
    “I think it’s my turn,” he added softly.
    The hesitation was scarcely noticeable before she nodded. “I’ll be in the kitchen.
    When you’re done, we need to talk.”
    So the verdict was in. Now it was time for the delivery. Quinn slid to the edge of the couch and stood carefully, disregarding the protest of his leg while he shifted Zack’s weight. “I’ll be right back.”
    3The blankets on the twin bed were still turned back, and he slipped Zack under the covers, tucking them in around the small body. For a moment longer he watched his son sleep, the muted sounds of running water drifting up from the kitchen below. In the dim glow of the nightlight, he brushed the hair back from Zack’s forehead and kissed him.
    The trip back downstairs felt like the longest of his life. When he reached the kitchen he paused in the door before moving to the table and pulling out a chair. Lanie was leaning against the countertop, staring out the window.
    Quinn cleared his throat. “I had Duncan set up a fax machine and another computer in the office. I’m expecting some papers from my lawyer in a few days.”
    She turned to face him, arms crossed over her chest. “You can tell your lawyer not to bother. I’ve decided to give you the three months.”
    Elation surged through him. It was all he could do to remain seated and keep his expression neutral. “The papers I’m expecting don’t have anything to do with a divorce or custody suit.”
    “Oh.” She suddenly became busy taking out cups, adding tea bags, and pouring water. When she was