Their Family Legacy

Chapter Three

Jake stole a glance at Annie and she lingered at her table. Apparently there was no way to avoid Annie Shepherd. Truth was he didn’t want to avoid her. Despite his best efforts to put her out of his mind, she kept slipping back in. He wanted to know more about her. His biggest question was why was she continuing his sentence?

Jake had kept an eye on Annie throughout the meeting, but particularly when Sharee announced the committee teams. The look on Annie’s face had said it all. She was not happy about the assignment. It bothered him more than he wanted to admit that she was uncomfortable around him. He wasn’t the monster she probably had imagined him to be. He hated to think what her aunt had said about him. Unfortunately, they were now neighbors and colleagues. For whatever reason, they’d been thrown together, and the only way to deal with that was to get along.

He approached her as she was gathering up her things. “Looks like we’re partners.”

She shook her head. “This isn’t going to work. We can’t be on a committee together when we have this... I mean, since you’re...because of...”

Jake knew what she was trying to say. She couldn’t see past the accident. “If this is too uncomfortable for you, I’ll speak to Sharee and have her put you on another committee.”

Annie touched her temple as if trying to sooth a headache. “No. That would only create questions neither one of us want to answer.” Her eyes held confusion and doubt. “How much work will this committee require? I have two boys to take care of and a house full of clutter that’ll take a year to clear out.”

Jake sympathized, but working on the carnival was something expected of all the teachers and staff. “This carnival is a big deal around here. Everyone pulls their weight. Unfortunately, the publicity committee is one of the most important and takes the most time. There are permits to acquire, flyers and banners to design, and then we’ll have to canvas local businesses for donations and sell ads.”

Annie sighed, her shoulders sagging. “I had no idea.”

“That’s why everyone laughed when we were put on the committee. We drew the short straw.”

She crossed her arms over her chest. “When do we have to start?”

“Right away. We have to have the permits in place sixty days before the event. That means we’re already pushing the clock.”

She pressed her lips together in a tight line. “All right. Where do we have to go?”

Even irritated to the max, she was a very attractive woman. “The courthouse, and it closes at 4:30 p.m. It’s already three.”

She frowned. “Can’t you take care of that and we’ll tackle the other things in a day or so?”

She really didn’t want to spend time with him. “Afraid not. It takes two signatures on the applications.”

“Fine. But I can’t be late getting home.”

“No problem. It won’t take long. I’ll get the list of the necessary permits from Sharee, then we can get started.” Sharee had everything lying on the edge of her desk. He picked it up and joined Annie in the hall. She stared at the thick stack of papers he held.

“Do we need that many permits?”

He shook his head. “No. These are our committee packets. All the things we need to do our job. You ready?”

“Do I have a choice?”

“Yes, Annie, you do. I told you I can get you onto another committee.” He watched her mull over the idea. Would she seize the opportunity to walk away? The defiant lift of her chin was his answer.

“No. It’s fine. I don’t want to be seen as the new teacher who couldn’t be a team player. Besides, I never walk away from my responsibilities.” She turned and walked ahead of him and out of the building.

This was the second time he’d given her an out and she hadn’t taken it. Why?

Jake walked to his SUV, unlocking the door with his key fob as they approached. He opened the driver’s side door, but Annie had stopped a few feet away, her blue eyes wary.

He stared at her, puzzled. “Something wrong?” It hit him then. She was afraid to get in the car with him. He set his jaw. “We can take your car if you’d rather drive.”

A look of chagrin passed over her face. “No. You know your way around town. I don’t.” Reluctantly she climbed into the passenger seat and buckled up.

Settled in behind the wheel, he cranked the engine, suddenly aware of her sweet fragrance permeating the air. He stole a quick glance. Annie sat pressed against the passenger-side door as if ready to jump out at any moment. He set his jaw. Her aunt had painted him with a very black brush. Suddenly it became important to prove her wrong.

“I won’t bite you. I promise.” Her cheeks turned a very pretty shade of pink and she quickly looked away, though she kept stealing quick peeks at him as he drove. “Go ahead.”

“What?”

“I can practically hear the questions rattling around in your head. Go ahead and ask them before you burst.”

She took her time replying. “You’re not what I expected.”

He uttered a small grunt of amusement. “Let me guess. You expected a tattooed, earring-wearing biker dude with a chip on his shoulder.”

She looked away.

“Don’t feel bad. It’s what everyone expects of a foster kid.”

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to appear so unfeeling,”

The pity in her tone scraped across every nerve. He gripped the wheel a little tighter. “No need.” Jake pulled to a stop in the parking lot of the county courthouse and got out.

Annie joined him, walking stiffly at his side. He pulled open the large wooden door and they stepped from the humid August air into the cool interior. After checking the directory, they took the stairs to the office on the second floor.

Jake requested the permits and took the applications to a nearby table. “How’s your handwriting? Mine isn’t so hot. You should probably fill them out.”

“Okay, but you’ll have to tell me what to put down.”

Jake pulled up a chair as close to hers as he could, leaning toward her so he could give her the information she needed. Too late he realized his mistake. His closeness made him acutely aware of her silky hair brushing her shoulders. Everything about her screamed femininity. Even her handwriting as she wrote was filled with curvy, ladylike strokes. He had a hard time believing she was as vindictive as her aunt. No one who looked like a fresh spring day could have a black heart.

Paperwork complete, Jake returned it to the desk. “Next up, utility permits.”

“Where’s that?”

“Down the hall.” Annie stepped over to the water fountain while he continued on. He inhaled a deep breath, welcoming the brief separation. Being close to her did strange things to his senses, and he didn’t welcome the feelings that stirred up. Women hadn’t played a part in his life since Crystal had canceled their wedding a week before the ceremony.

A man approached him as he neared the office door.

“Jake. Good to see you.”

Jake grinned and grasped his hand. “Same here, Judge.”

“I was sorry to hear your sentence was extended. I’d hoped with Mrs. Owens passing that would all end. I’ve always regretted that arrangement but at the time, well...” He patted Jake on the shoulder. “I’ll keep you in my prayers, son.”

“Thank you, sir.”

Annie met Jake’s gaze and then quickly looked away, but not before he saw the questions flare up in her blue eyes. He pushed open the office door and took care of the permits.

Back in the SUV Annie fell silent again and he noticed her rubbing her thumbnail, a gesture he suspected meant she was either stressed or confused. “I feel more questions coming on.”

“How do you know that?”

“Because you get all quiet and tense and you worry your thumb.” She quickly clasped her hands in her lap.

She was silent a long moment before speaking. “The man you spoke with.”

“Judge Rankin. He worked out my sentence with your aunt and uncle.”

“He sounded like he regretted it. Do you?”

The muscle in his jaw flexed as he tried to form a response. He regretted everything about that night. “It was better than prison.” It was time to turn the tables. He had a few questions of his own. “You’re not what I expected either.”

“Oh. In what way?”

“You’re not like your aunt.” The two women were like darkness and light. Ice and sunshine.

“I’m nothing like her.”

There was an edge to her words. Had he insulted her? “Then why are you continuing her retaliation?”

“I’m not. I’m honoring her wishes. Big difference.”

“Not to me. Do you agree with this arrangement?”

She kept her face averted. “It doesn’t matter if I agree or not. It has to be this way. It’s about family.”

What did she mean by that? Was she saying she’d do whatever her aunt asked regardless of the circumstances? Jake pulled into the school parking lot, stopping near her car. Annie immediately opened her door.

“Wait. I have your committee packet.”

“I’ll get it later. I’ve got to get home to the twins.” She shut the door, not waiting for him to reply.

He watched her hurry to her car like someone was chasing her. Did she fear him that much? What had she meant about it having to be this way? Did she mean his sentence? Or something else?

He waited for her to drive off and then let his foot off the brake. So much had happened today and he had no idea how to deal with it all.

Maybe she was right. Maybe working together wasn’t a good idea. It definitely would create a lot of tension unless they found some common ground. For reasons he didn’t quite understand, he wanted her to see the man he was now—a responsible adult, a productive member of society—but maybe she’d never be able to see beyond the accident.

What would she do if he told her the truth about that night? Would she believe him? Probably not. He doubted anyone would. It’s why he’d kept silent about the accident all these years.

An accident that didn’t happen the way people believed.

* * *

Annie watched her sons enjoying their meal that evening with gusto. Their appetites were growing as fast as they were. Listening to them talk about playing with Denise’s kids helped relieve her stress over the unsettling events of the day. Sharing quiet time with them was a blessing. There’d been precious few of those when their father was alive.

Her conscience rose up and stung her. It wasn’t as if she were glad that their father was gone, but life was so much more peaceful without his drunken rages.

Ryan took a sip of his sweet tea. “I’m glad we moved here, Mom. There’s lots of kids to play with and Coach is awesome.”

Her heart warmed at seeing her boys so happy. Life here was so much better than the harshness of before. They’d talked often of the coach who played sports with the neighborhood kids. She’d been too preoccupied with the house to watch them playing. “He is, huh? Why’s that?”

Tyler nodded in agreement. “He teaches us stuff. He showed me how to hold the football a special way to make it spin when I throw it.”

Ryan giggled. “He’s awesome ’cause he got Tyler interested in sports.”

“I’ve always liked sports.” Tyler glared at his brother.

“Next time we’re going to play basketball. Coach has a goal in his driveway. Can we get one? That would be so cool.”

“We’ll see. So, who is this coach?”

Ryan shrugged. “One of the dads, I guess.”

After clearing the table, the boys went off to the family room. Annie opened her new laptop and clicked on her student roster. She was looking forward to the new job even with Jake across the hall. Logically, there was little reason for them to interact during the day, and after school he’d be busy coaching. When they were at home she simply would keep her distance. The only glitch in her plan was the publicity committee for the carnival. There was no way out of that.

The doorbell chimed and Annie shoved back from the table and walked to the door, anticipating finding Denise on the other side, but Jake stood on her porch with a folder in his hand.

“Sorry to bother you but you left before I could give you the committee information you’ll need.”

She took the folder, a rush of shame warming her veins. She had bolted from his car when he dropped her off without even a thank you. Jake had been nothing but kind and helpful and she’d behaved poorly. “I was in a hurry to get home for the boys.”

His expression showed his skepticism. “I understand.” He pointed to the folder. “Look that over. If you have any questions, just ask. We’ll need to get together soon and design a flyer, but it can wait until after school starts.”

She nodded. “Good. I have a lot to do before then.”

Ryan came up behind her. “Hey, it’s Coach. Tyler, Coach is here.”

The boys crowded around her, smiling up at Jake.

“Hey, fellas.” He smiled at the twins but it vanished when he looked at her.

Annie stared at him. “You’re the coach they’ve been talking about? I thought it was one of the dads from the neighborhood.”

Tyler pushed forward. “We’re going to play basketball soon, right, Coach?”

She saw Jake wince. “Why don’t you two go back inside. I need to talk to Coach for a minute.”

They waved and went back into the house. Jake spoke before she could.

“Sorry. I thought you knew. I hope you won’t let the past prevent you from letting the boys play in the games. They seemed to enjoy it, and I make sure it’s safe.”

What did she do now? The boys knew nothing about the sentence imposed on Jake. If she made too big a fuss about them playing ball in his front yard, they’d want to know why and that would require an explanation she wasn’t willing to give.

“My heart wants to say no, but my head says it’s why I brought the boys here. I wanted them to have the freedom to play they’ve never had.” She shifted her weight. “Since my husband died I tend to be overly protective of the boys.”

“Sorry to hear about your husband. What happened?”

“He was killed in a drunk-driving accident.” Jake’s eyes darkened and his expression turned to stone. Too late she realized that he must have interpreted her remark as a dig about Bobby Lee. She extended her hand to apologize but he stepped back.

“I’d better go. If you have any questions about the committee, just let me know.” He pivoted and hurried down the porch steps and down the side walk.

She hadn’t meant to taunt him. She took a deep breath. It had been a very emotional day with too many adjustments on the fly. She went inside and closed the door. He’d been attempting to reassure her about the boys playing ball games and she’d responded with an unintentional slap in the face. Not her finest moment.

Maybe it was time to let go. Accept that Jake was in her life and deal with it the best she could. She couldn’t continue to live with the tension every time she was around him. Just because he wasn’t what she’d expected didn’t mean he was a bad guy. He’d been kind, helpful and the neighborhood kids adored him. He was well respected at school. Shouldn’t that be a trustworthy endorsement?

But technically Jake was a criminal. Wasn’t he? And what would her aunt think of the boys befriending the enemy? As she walked down the hall toward the kitchen, she passed a large mirror on the wall and glanced at her reflection. Be honest, Annelle. You’re feeling guilty about agreeing to your aunt’s terms. The truth was she was ashamed of her part in the arrangement, but she had to think of her children’s future. They deserved a home and a life without chaos and uncertainty. Didn’t they?

She exhaled a loud exasperated sigh and strode into the kitchen.

Thankfully tomorrow night was her widow’s therapy session. She needed all the advice and support she could get because she had no idea how to proceed from here.

* * *

Jake jogged across the street, his mind choking on the news Annie had revealed. Her husband was killed in a drunk-driving accident. No wonder she had issues with him. Every time she looked at him, she either saw her cousin or her husband.

Annie’s revelation rocked him, unleashing a long-buried need to forget and escape. He needed to get some perspective before he made a very bad decision. Pulling out his cell, he placed a call to Harley. “I’m going to be late getting there tonight. I have a meeting to go to.”

“You okay? You sound strange.”

Harley was not only his friend but his foster brother and his pastor. He knew him better than anyone. Most times that was a blessing, but sometimes it was a nuisance. At the moment he wasn’t sure which was which.

Jake ran a hand through his hair. “Ever have a day when you were blitzed on all sides?”

“Many. What’s going on?”

“We have a new teacher at the school. Annie Shepherd.”

“Whoa. That’s going to be interesting.”

“It gets worse. Her boys are in my class.” Harley made a sympathetic sound. “And we’re teamed up on the same committee for the carnival.”

“Oh man. What are you going to do?”

“Nothing I can do. I’m more worried about what she’ll do.”

“Such as?”

“Tell everyone how we’re connected, for one thing.”

“Would she do that?”

Even in the short time he’d been around her, he knew Annie would never do that. “I don’t think so, but she could say something inadvertently that could jeopardize my job, not to mention my hopes of snagging that high school coaching position.”

“I doubt that. Your records were sealed, and that was a long time ago. We talked about this when you decided to move back here. It’s sad to say few people remember Bobby Lee or how he died.”

“And what if the athletic director at Heritage High learns that the guy wanting to coach the students was driving drunk and killed his friend? How’s that going to look as a job reference?”

“You’re letting Annie’s presence get to you. Or is it more than that?”

He hesitated. “She made a comment today about family and how important it was to honor her aunt’s wishes.”

“Understandable. Family ties are strong.”

Jake pinched the bridge of his nose. “I suppose. I’m probably worrying for nothing. I’ve got to go. See you later.”

He ended the call just as an email popped up on his phone. It was a notice from the Heritage High administration office letting him know his application had been received and was being processed. He wanted that job. It was the next rung on his way to achieving his goal. He only hoped that Annie’s presence at his school wouldn’t put his future plans at risk.

The knot in his chest tightened as he drove to his meeting. The look on her face when she told him about how her husband died was burned into his mind. Was her husband’s death the reason she’d agreed to continue his sentence? Did she believe he should pay forever the way her aunt did? If she didn’t, then why wouldn’t she simply cut him loose? He parked his car and got out. How deep did her animosity run?

Jake strode down the narrow hallway to the small room at the back of the old storefront in downtown Hastings. A dozen or so people were already there, milling around, and a few had already taken a seat in the rows of folding chairs. At the front of the room a man stood at a rickety lectern. He didn’t know anyone at this location but he knew their situation and he knew the routine.

The man at the front called the meeting to order. After a few opening words, he asked if anyone would like to speak. Jake stood and squared his shoulders.

“My name is Jake and I’m an alcoholic.”

Chapter Four

School had been in session for a couple of weeks and Annie had yet to find an opportunity to talk to Jake. Getting her classroom ready for the new school year and starting classes had kept them both busy. With his classroom across the hall she’d expected to see him frequently, but it hadn’t happened that way. She suspected Jake was avoiding her.

Today she’d arrived early at the school determined to find a moment to talk to him. The twins hurried off to join their friends and Annie made her way to Jake’s classroom. She had to set things straight if she didn’t want Jake thinking she was deliberately trying to poke his wound.

She peeked into room 18C but Jake had a student seated near his desk. He glanced up and the slight smile on his face faded. “Hey. Do you need to see me?”

“Yes, but it can wait. I’ll catch you later.” He started to speak but she ducked away, grateful for the postponement. She wasn’t as ready to explain to him as she’d thought. She didn’t have another opportunity to approach him until the end of the day, when he exited the front door as she and the boys were leaving. She hurried to catch up.

“Jake.” He stopped and turned to face her and her heart rolled over in her chest. His serious expression punctured her resolve. Would he accept her apology? Would he understand?

“Boys, get in the car. I need to talk to Coach a minute.” She walked toward him, keenly aware of how imposing he could be with his height and his probing brown eyes, which made you feel as though he could see deep into who you really were. She inhaled a fortifying breath. “I wanted to apologize for the way I told you about Rick, my husband. It might have sounded like I was trying to subtly remind you about...the accident. I wasn’t.” He held her gaze a long moment, raising her discomfort and concern.

“I didn’t think that. I was surprised—that’s all. Losing two family members in the same way must be painful. And unfair.”

The quiet understanding in his deep voice touched her heart. “You and I both know life is never fair.”

He nodded, his eyes locked with hers. “Yes, we do.”

Her conscience burned again. No matter how she looked at things, under it all was her agreement with her aunt’s request, which made her both guilty and ashamed. Why didn’t he get mad or rant about the injustice? It would make things easier for her, but he was stoic and accepting, and that didn’t match her expectations.

The awkward silence lingered. She searched for something neutral to say. “I guess we should get started on making those flyers.”

“We should. When would you like to get together?”

“I’ll let you know. Soon.” Annie hurried to her car. She wasn’t sure she’d settled things with Jake or not. He’d still been cool and aloof. It’s what she’d wanted, wasn’t it? A nice wide emotional distance between them? It was safer that way.

So why didn’t it feel safe? Her encounters with Jake always left her feeling like she was standing on the edge of a cliff. It was scary and exciting at the same time and it made no sense at all.

* * *

Annie gripped the large box with both hands, trying to keep a firm hold on her side. The twins were struggling to control their side. She knew she was overloading the cardboard container, but she’d felt certain with the boys’ help they could carry it to the street for the trash men to pick up later today. The more trash she got rid of from the old house, the better she felt.

Using her foot she pushed the front door open, being careful to watch her step.

“Mom. It’s heavy,” Ryan whined.

“Can we set it down?” Tyler grunted.

Annie ignored the moaning and groaning as they struggled to hold on to the box. “Let’s get it down the steps. Then we can shove it toward the street.”

Slowly she found the top step with her foot. “Be careful on the—”

The weight in her hands suddenly shifted as the boys dropped their end, sending her hard against the brick porch post. The box tumbled down the steps and split open on one side, spilling the contents all over the sidewalk.

Tyler looked at her with apologetic eyes. “Sorry, Mom. It got heavy.”

Ryan stared at the mess and grinned. “Cool.”

Annie sighed and checked the scrape on her arm.

“Everyone okay over here? I tried to get here before you dropped the box.”

Jake.

Before she could speak, he took her forearm in his hand and examined the long scratch from the brick post. His touch was gentle and warm, and she couldn’t take her eyes from the sight of his strong tanned hand resting against her pale skin. Her senses reacted to being so close. Her throat went dry, her palms dampened and her pulse beat erratically as she noticed his intense gaze.

“You okay? It doesn’t look too bad.” He pulled out a handkerchief and lightly dabbed at the scrape.

She looked up into his eyes, caught off guard by the concern in the brown depths. A long-forgotten warmth encircled her heart. How long had it been since anyone had considered her wellbeing and tended to her wounds?

“I’m fine. Thank you. I shouldn’t have packed the box so full. I was in a hurry to get all the junk out of the house.”

The twins looked at each other and nodded. “It was heavy.”

“Well, here’s a thought. Why not call upon a friend and neighbor to help with the heavy stuff?”

A curt reply was on the tip of her tongue, but she clamped her mouth shut when she saw the teasing glint in his eyes.

“Mom, can we go now? You said if we helped with the box, we could go to Steve and Johnny’s.”

There was no reason to prolong their agony. “Yes. Fine. I’ll clean this up.”

The twins ran off and Annie realized Jake still held her arm in his hand. The current coursing through her veins at his touch alarmed her, and she tugged her arm free and took a step backward. “I’ll be fine. I’ve had worse.”

He gave her an indulgent smile, though she didn’t know why.

“Let’s get this mess cleaned up. Do you have another box?”

She nodded, using the opportunity to escape his presence and regain her equilibrium. When she returned with two more boxes, Jake was hunkered down, looking at the papers that had been in the container. He glanced up at her, his brows knitted together. “What is this stuff?”

Annie set the boxes down and then sat on the steps. “It’s all the pictures and drawings my aunt had on her bedroom walls.”

“All of this? It must be everything Bobby Lee ever did since kindergarten.”

She sighed. “Probably. His room hadn’t been touched since he died.”

Jake lowered his head. “I guess I shouldn’t be surprised.”

The odd tone in his voice pricked her irritation. Was he judging? He had no right. “Bobby Lee was Aunt Margaret’s whole life and he was my best friend growing up. We did everything together. He was smart, funny, athletic and a born leader. Aunt Margaret would tell my mom about all his accomplishments. President of his class, football hero, valedictorian. Everyone loved him. I can understand how losing him must have been crippling. My mom was afraid her sister would never recover.” It struck her that her mother had been right. Judging from the things she was discovering in this house, her aunt had never accepted her son’s death.

Annie faced Jake, expecting to find a look of remorse, guilt or sorrow. What she saw was an expression of puzzlement and concern, which didn’t make any sense. What had she expected? A spiritual confession or for him to fall on his knees, begging for her forgiveness?

“Any more boxes you need hauled away?”

“No. I can handle the rest. But thank you.”

Jake quickly loaded the boxes, secured the flaps and placed them at the curb before facing her. “If you have any more heavy lifting to do, call me. I don’t mind.”

She nodded. Fat chance. She’d needed him today, but she could have done it without him. She watched him walk across the street before going back inside. A pile of boxes and bags stared her in the face. It was going to take weeks to clear out the junk and the furniture. Not to mention pulling up the old carpet and refinishing the floors and taking down the old wallpaper.

Suddenly updating the house felt like an impossible task. She was used to doing things on her own and never asking for help. But Jake was right about one thing. She couldn’t do it alone. The boys weren’t strong enough and she lacked the skills. She could afford to hire someone to redo the entire house, but she couldn’t bring herself to spend money on such things even when there was more than enough.

She picked up another box and took it out to the street. Denise crossed the lawn as she was returning to the porch.

“Hey, was that Jake I saw over here a few minutes ago?”

Annie nodded. She’d only told her friend the bare minimum about her relationship with Jake. That they worked at the same school and were on a committee together. The rest was private matter between the two of them. Not for public consumption. “He helped me clean up a mess.”

“That was nice of him.”

“Yes. I guess.”

Denise studied her. “Do you have something against him? You always act weird whenever he’s mentioned.”

Had her feelings been so apparent? “No. Of course not. It’s just that I don’t know him very well.”

“I can assure you, he’s a great guy and a good role model for the kids. You’ve seen how much they all love playing games with him this summer. Most of the parents on the street think he’s a godsend. He keeps the kids entertained and outside instead of holed up inside, playing video games.”

She couldn’t argue with that. “I know.”

“Did I mention he’s also very involved with the youth at our church? Speaking of which, I’m hoping you’ll attend with us this Sunday.”

“Yes. We will. I want the twins to get involved again.”

“Great. The kids will be happy to hear that. I’ll see you then.” Denise started to leave but then glanced back. “Cut Jake some slack, okay? He’s a great guy when you get to know him.”

Annie nodded, unable to speak around the lump in her throat. To everyone else, Jake was a person to admire. They didn’t know what she knew.

How would they feel if they knew the truth? No. She couldn’t do that. Ever. If Jake had been a hardened criminal, she could have explained and everyone would understand her concern. But Jake was the hero of the neighborhood, a good guy with a heart for kids and helping others. She didn’t want to ruin that for him. She might not be able to end his sentence, but she could keep the accident and his part in it to herself. Jake didn’t deserve to have his past dug up and put on display. He’s paid long enough. She tried to imagine being forced to pay a debt over and over for the rest of your life. Her issues with him were her own.