Boxed Set: Intercepted by Love (The Complete Collection): Books One - Book Six by Rachelle Ayala Page B

relatives around.”
    “He’s used to being alone and traveling. Besides, I think he’s more comfortable there.”
    “Okay, well, we’d love to meet him. Maybe he can stop by for dinner?”
    Andie accepted the cup of coffee and stirred sugar and cream into the mug. “When he feels better. He’s on muscle relaxers and heavy pain drugs. Besides, you need a rest. Why don’t I cook and watch Dad tonight and you can go out with friends.”
    Mom squeezed her shoulder. “You’re a sweetie. I’ve been meaning to pay a visit to Fran. I can’t believe she charged us for Gollie’s spaying and never carried through with it. I’m going to ask for our money back.”
    “Maybe she had some unexpected expenses. Times are tough for everyone.”
    Her mother wiped her gray hair from her eyes and sighed. “Tell me about it. Your father’s medicines are so expensive. I hate to have to ask you if you can cover the electric bill. I know you’ve been trying to save a little nest egg for when you move out.”
    Andie set her coffee cup down. “I’ll do it. I don’t think I’ll be moving out any time soon.”
    “Are things okay with Cade?” Her mother gave her a sidelong glance while she stirred milk into her cereal.
    Andie took a deep breath. “He’s wonderful, but I’m trying not to think about what’ll happen when he leaves. He says he’s some kind of celebrity and he travels around the country. I’m not sure he’s the type to settle in this small town.”
    “You’ve just met him. You don’t know what he would or wouldn’t do.” Mom pressed her hand and smiled. “Take it a day at a time and seize every moment. That’s what I’m doing with your dad. Every moment he’s with me is precious. Things could change at any time. But all we have is now, and a life built from nows.”
    Andie bit her lip and nodded. “How’d you get so wise?”
    “I’m your mother, of course. When you’re ready, let’s change your father’s bed. The doctor’s visiting today.”
    # # #
    Andie was ten minutes late when she strolled into the Opp Library. She hurriedly stowed her purse in her desk and booted up her computer to check her emails.
    She’d meant to call Cade. It wasn’t as if she left on bad terms, but time slipped by. Her father was having a difficult morning. He refused to communicate and kept his face turned away from her mother.
    She didn’t know how much longer her mother could shoulder the entire burden, but they had no money to hire a home health aide, and sending Dad to a nursing home or care facility was against her mother’s wishes.
    “Yoohoo, I see you had too much fun this weekend.” Andie’s boss, Margo, sauntered into the office and plopped herself into the guest chair. “Wait till I tell you what I found out about that creeper guy who’s been stalking around.”
    “Huh? What?” Andie brushed the hair from her face and shut her email. “There’s a creeper here?”
    The library tended to draw in people from the community seeking shelter for a few hours. The comfy couches and restrooms provided them with a few hours respite from the cold weather.
    “Yeah, you’ve met him. In fact, I saw you walk off with him Friday evening.” Margo’s eyebrows drew together and her nostrils flared. “He’s not who you think he is.”
    “You mean Cade?” Andie’s nerves sizzled while warning bells flashed.
    “Yep. I caught him defacing library materials.” Margo jutted her jaw with a bulldog demeanor. Her pudgy arms shook with barely suppressed anger.
    Andie’s jaw dropped. “He wouldn’t do that. He knows how precious our collection is and how rare some of our manuscripts are.”
    “I have proof. I caught him in the act. Follow me.”
    Margo marched into her office and picked up a clear plastic unsealed evidence bag. “Sport Holler, the gossip rag of players and playees. Let me pull on gloves before handling.”
    “Gloves? Are you calling the police?”
    “Maybe, maybe not. But look carefully.”