Love Inspired May 2015 #2 by Missy Tippens, Jean C. Gordon, Patricia Johns Page A

away from the screen and put on her serious doctor look. “And, like you said, it confirms Remy doesn’t want to come back to get Abigail.”
    Her stern brow and narrowed eyes raised his hackles. “You promised to give me time. The search isn’t over.”
    â€œI’m not going to take any action yet. You’ll get your time.”
    He knew that left unsaid was her suspicion that nothing would change during that time.
    â€œJake, I think you should consider that Remy may be doing the disappearing act to protect Abigail from an abusive father.”
    â€œShe said he died.”
    â€œMaybe that was to keep you from searching for a birth father.”
    He stood and paced across the kitchen. This would all be a bit easier to swallow with a shot of caffeine.
    He grabbed the bag of ground coffee beans. “She seemed different when she was here. I’d like to take her at her word.”
    â€œDesperation will make a person say
anything
—even an outright lie.” A flush pinkened her cheeks, then her gaze dropped to the table.
    Had she lied to him? From the guilty avoiding of eye contact, he couldn’t help but suspect she had, maybe in all the hedging she’d done yesterday about her past. Or if not outright lying, maybe hiding something.
    Once the coffee and water were in the chamber, he jammed the pot in place and hit the button. “I’m not going to drop the search. I’m going to keep the connection open through the shelter director.” He turned and stared into her pretty eyes.
    Greenish-brown eyes that looked so innocent and caring didn’t necessarily mean she knew best in Abigail’s situation.
    Regret filled those same eyes. “Fine, continue the search. But I think it may be time for you to contact your lawyer. If nothing else, maybe he or she could help locate Remy.”
    Violet closed the laptop. She sat perched on the edge of her chair as if expecting him to send her away.
    Why, when she looked so vulnerable, did it eat at him? Make him feel like a big, jerky clod?
    With an irritated huff, he went to get two cups of coffee out of the machine before it was done brewing. Dripping coffee sizzled on the warmer as he quickly poured them.
    â€œWell, you’ve stated your opinion. But I’m willing to wait a little longer to give Remy a chance. If she’s off the drugs, I know she’ll come back.”
    He sure hoped he was making the right decision and wasn’t just acting out of fear of having a baby thrust into his life.
    â€œI’m sorry, Jake. I know this is a complicated family matter for you and your cousin. I’m just trying to focus on Abigail’s welfare.”
    â€œSo am I. So, ultimately, we’re on the same side.”
    â€œYou’re doing a good job,” she said.
    â€œOnly because you’ve shown me everything I know about caring for a baby.” He gave her a grateful smile, glad they’d both shared their opinions without anyone storming out. Simone, the last woman he’d dated, had loved drama. And of course, he’d grown up with Remy’s rebellious behavior, which kept the household in an uproar most of the time.
    He placed a mug in front of her. “I’m sorry I don’t have cream. How about sugar?”
    â€œBlack will be fine.” She held the mug with two hands as if warming them. Then she took a sip. Her eyes darted to his over the rim and his gaze locked with hers. Once again, he felt an odd sense of intimacy. This time over having morning coffee together.
    He must be sleep deprived.
    After a few more drinks of the brew, she stood. “I’m sorry to rush off. I have a patient to check on at the hospital this morning. Will you work today?”
    â€œWorking from home again. Zeb’s keeping me updated. I plan to make an announcement at church tomorrow asking for help with child care.”
    She went to the sink, rinsed her mug and placed it in the