Safe in His Arms Read Online Free PDF Page B

I really do have a lot of experience in taking care of kids, so maybe when we meet again I could give you some tips.”
    â€œYou mean tips about how to bribe kids into behaving?”
    Because her lips had formed a straight line, he couldn’t help grinning at her. She had spunk. “Worked, didn’t it? And it wasn’t that big of a bribe anyway.”
    â€œYou shouldn’t have promised her.”
    â€œWhy not?”
    â€œBecause you won’t be able to keep that promise.” She cleared her throat. “Look, I appreciate you takingthe time to fill in the blanks for me about the accident, but now I have to put that night behind me so Emma and I can get on with our lives.”
    â€œYou could make that life a little easier if you just let me—”
    â€œThank you. But no.”
    He used the lazy grin that usually swayed women to his side. “Okay, then. But remember, the offer still stands.”
    â€œNoted.” She swallowed visibly, but showed no signs of caving. “Thanks again.”
    Lindsay hobbled around the car and climbed in as if she couldn’t get away from him fast enough. She didn’t look his way as she backed out of her parking place and started down the long drive to the park exit.
    He knew he should just let her drive off into the southeast Michigan sunset, but he wouldn’t. Whether she admitted it or not, Lindsay needed his help in figuring out how to handle Emma. He might not be able to do anything about the rest of her problems, might not be able to give Lindsay back her sister, or Emma her mother, but this was one area he could help if Lindsay would only let him.
    Just like he didn’t know her well enough to understand how her faith could have survived such a loss, she didn’t know him, either. She had no idea how determined he could be, whether it was to get into the police academy or to keep a promise. And he was more determined than he’d been about anything in a long time to keep his promise to Emma and in turn help out the child’s aunt. If he helped Lindsay adapt to her new life, then maybe, just maybe, he could escape from the weight of his guilt and get on with his own life.
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    â€œI’m so hungry.” Emma put so much emphasis on “so” that it sounded more like she’d been starving for years rather than minutes.
    â€œBe patient, sweetie. I’m not finished cooking yet.” Lindsay had barely started, but it wouldn’t help to tell Emma that. Lindsay had just changed from her work clothes into shorts and a T-shirt, and now she was banging around in the kitchen, hoping to finish before Emma had a meltdown.
    â€œBut I’m hungry now. ”
    Lindsay glanced down to see that her hand that grasped the saucepan handle was trembling. She squeezed her eyes so tightly closed that her temples ached. Getting out of work late had caused her to be tardy in picking up Emma from the day-care center. Delia had never been late in the three years she’d taken Emma to that center. The director had made a point of telling Lindsay so. Worse than that, the woman had offered her words with a pitying smile.
    This wasn’t working. What made her think she could handle parenting? She didn’t know what she was doing. She’d asked a three-year-old to be patient. Lindsay hadn’t learned that skill, and she was well on her way to thirty.
    â€œLord, please give me patience.” She whispered the prayer as she shoved the broiler pan in the oven.
    Emma was sagging against the doorjamb, as if she were weak from starvation.
    â€œWhy don’t you run into the living room and play with Monkey Man?”
    â€œI don’t want to play.”
    â€œThen maybe you could lay on the couch for a few minutes. Dinner will be ready real soon.”
    Emma looked doubtful, but slumped out of the room for what would only be a short reprieve. Trooper Rossetti would have helped you out. Lindsay shook off