In Shelter Cove by Barbara Freethy

say. I’m trying to protect you and keep you safe. That’s why we have rules. Okay?”
    Lucas nodded. “Okay.”
    Brianna slowly stood up, turning her gaze on Jason. “Where did you find them?”
    “Around the corner.”
    “I can’t believe he went that far on his own. I just went inside the house for a few seconds to take a phone call. I never imagined that Lucas would leave the yard. He’s never done that before.” She cleared her throat. “I can take the dog.”
    “I’ve got him.” Selfishly, foolishly, he wanted to spend a little more time with her, and as long as he had the dog, he had a hostage.
    “He said he knows how to fly a kite,” Lucas said, pointing his finger at Jason. “He said he could help us fix it, Mommy.”
    “We don’t need his help,” Brianna said quickly.
    “But you don’t know how to do it,” Lucas complained. “And I want to win the contest.”
    “I think I can figure it out, and it’s not about winning. Flying a kite is about having fun.”
    “Daddy would want to win,” Lucas proclaimed.
    Jason wondered how much time Lucas had spent with his father. How well could he have gotten to know Derek during short prison visits?
    “Your father would want you to enjoy the experience,” Brianna corrected as she led the way into her backyard. “We don’t need your help,” she told Jason.
    “You might. I don’t think you put the kitetogether right.” Once Brianna had shut the gate, he let Digger down. The dog celebrated his freedom with a sprint around the yard.
    Lucas held up the kite for Brianna’s inspection. “It’s all messed up, Mommy.”
    “Why don’t I take a look at it?” Jason suggested. “It’s a little dark out here, though. Can I come inside?”
    “No,” she said flatly.
    “Mommy,” Lucas wailed in protest. “I want him to fix my kite.”
    “Lucas, please go in the house.”
    “No,” he said, stomping his foot. Then he burst into tears.
    Brianna swung him up in her arms and carried him into the house, and he screamed even louder.
    Jason picked up the dropped kite and followed them inside. He could hear Brianna talking to Lucas in his bedroom while the boy continued to cry, and he felt a little guilty. He could have refused to help and drawn Lucas’s anger, instead of pitting Lucas against his mother. But he was tired of being the bad guy where the Kanes were concerned. Besides, it wouldn’t take much to fix the kite, so wouldn’t that be best for everyone?
    He set the kite on the kitchen table and took a look at its construction. He doubted it would win any contests, even at the preschool level. The contestants took their kites seriously—or at least their parents did—and to compete, Lucas would need a kite with a much more aerodynamic design.
    While he waited for Brianna to return, Jasonglanced around the kitchen. Fresh flowers sat on the kitchen table, and colorful vases and bowls adorned the open kitchen shelves. The front of the refrigerator was covered with photographs of Lucas and childish hand-drawn pictures. He liked the vibe of the room, pretty and warm.
    “You’re still here. Why am I not surprised?” Brianna said when she returned to the room. “Every time I turn around, there you are.”
    “Well, I suppose I could have kept on going and let Lucas find his own way home.”
    She frowned. “I already said thank you.”
    “Actually, you didn’t,” he pointed out. He could see the battle going on in her eyes. She didn’t want to be grateful to him for anything, but her innate politeness eventually won out.
    “Thank you,” she said tightly.
    “You’re welcome. How’s Lucas?”
    “He fell asleep mid-cry. He was exhausted. I shouldn’t have started this kite project today, but he was so eager.” She ran a hand through her hair, her blue eyes weary.
    It couldn’t be easy starting over in a new place, especially a place that held some bad memories. Not that she’d want his sympathy.
    “Just when I think I know what Lucas