Finding a Hero, page 12
Laughing, she shook her head. “Oh my, someone who didn’t fall at your feet?”
“Come on, Mom. I was never that bad.” Even as he spoke the words, doubt crept in that maybe he had expected Shiloh to be like most of the other women he’d been with.
His mother leaned forward, holding his gaze. “No, I don’t think you were ever bad. It’s just since you were a teenager, you didn’t seem to have a problem getting girls’ attention. And as long as you were always respectful and didn’t lead anyone on, I didn’t think too much about it.”
She pressed her lips together. “I knew Maggie wasn’t right for you. Not because of your youth but because she never had the look in her eye that I knew would hold you for a lifetime. Of course, all those years you were in the Navy, I had no idea who you spent time with, but considering you’re still single, I assumed you never found anyone who held your interest.”
He nodded slowly but remained silent, waiting to see what else she would say.
“Can I ask who this mysterious young woman is?”
He didn’t figure there was a reason to remain silent since even Wyatt knew who he’d been asking about. “Her name is Shiloh. Shiloh Wallen. She works as a part-time server for the Seafood Shack and is also Tori Evans’ housekeeper at The Sea Glass Inn.” Seeing his mother’s lifted brows with unasked questions, he added, “I don’t know what it is about her, Mom. She’s… different.”
“Different how, Son? Besides the fact that she didn’t fawn all over you?”
He caught the sparkle in his mom’s eyes and chuckled. Glancing to the side, he thought about how best to describe Shiloh as she filled his mind. “She’s pretty but does nothing to show off her looks. In fact, I sometimes wonder if she doesn’t try to hide them. She’s timid, or at least I hope she is because if she’s not, that means she’s just avoiding me.”
“I confess, I’m intrigued.”
Shifting his gaze back to his mom, he nodded. He told her what all he’d learned from the others at the AL meeting, then added, “At first, I couldn’t believe that it seemed like so many others knew her, and I was still in the dark. But then I realized how many layers there were to her. Each one is more fascinating than the one before.”
“Well, it sounds like what you were told is right, and there is a story there. But Joseph, I have to ask you. For a man who’s never had to work to get a woman to go out with him, are you up for trying to learn about her and her story? If she’s overcome so much, I’m not sure that she would be amenable to the kind of easy, laid-back fun you usually like to have.”
He jerked slightly, unable to keep the hurt off his face. “Does everyone think I’m just a player? Even my own mom?”
She shook her head emphatically. “I don’t think player is the right word. When I think of the word player, I think of a man who plays with women’s hearts. You know, promising them one thing and then doing another. But I do think that you’re used to having an easy time gaining a woman’s attention, and Shiloh sounds like someone who’s not willing to give into a handsome smile and a cute pickup line.”
“Yeah, I finally figured that out. But then, I’m beginning to wonder what she sees when she looks at me. Maybe I’m really not worth her getting to know.”
That statement brought on a narrow-eyed glare and a loud huff from his mom. “Joseph! You’ve played a part for so many years that I think it’s hard for you to sometimes look into the mirror and see the man I see… the man who your friends see… the man who grew from the boy your father and I raised.”
Her sharp words surprised him, and he wasn’t sure what she meant.
Reaching over, she placed her hand on his, giving it a little squeeze. “You were the middle child. A position that’s always hard. You always followed Wyatt around, wanting to do everything he did. When you had difficulty learning to speak and got embarrassed, you’d pretend it didn’t bother you. But I knew the sensitive child hiding behind the pretense.”
He shifted, his lips pressed together, remembering the days when he’d try to speak like everyone else, and they made sense in his head, but the sounds never came out the way they were supposed to. It was only after a couple of years of speech therapy in elementary school that he finally was able to articulate correctly. And his mom was right… it was easier to pretend that he didn’t care about the taunting names. As long as he could joke and smile, he had friends.
“When your dad lost his job for a while, Wyatt stepped up and took on a responsible role when he was just a kid himself. I hated for him to do that because I hated for you kids to know about our money troubles. Betsy, being the youngest and a girl, was babied by Wyatt and you. She was so young and didn’t realize how tight things were for a while. But you knew. You went to school wearing hand-me-downs, and I think more of your embarrassment led to developing a joking, nothing-bothers-me attitude. By the time your dad was employed again and money was less tight, you were already in high school. By then, the bravado that you always tried to show the world was ingrained. But so was your integrity, your desire to protect, and your true nature of being a good man. I sometimes wonder if those early experiences made it harder for you to connect with people.”
He turned his hand up as it lay on the table and held hers tightly. “I never really thought of it that way. To be honest, Mom, I guess I blocked out a lot of the more negative memories. For me, my childhood memories were always of just home and family. But you’re right— it was easier to let girls chase me to keep me from having to face rejection. Even if it is just based on looks, I didn’t want to get to know them so that it wouldn’t give them the green light to dig too deeply into me as well.”
“That’s exactly what I was talking about. But it seems like something in this woman has struck you. Something that makes you want to know more about her.”
A grimace passed over his face, and he sighed. “Yeah, but I don’t know that she wants to get to know me.”
“Perhaps, she’s just like you.”
His chin jerked back. “What do you mean?”
“Joseph, honey, if she’s had unpleasant experiences, then she’s probably afraid of getting to know someone because that means she has to open up herself also.”
They sat in silence for a moment as he thought over her words, nodding. “You may be right. But I don’t know what I can do.”
She patted his hand and leaned back, crossing her arms over her chest. “Well, if you give up, you’ll never know. Remember, not everything in life is easy.”
She stood, and he took to his feet quickly. They hugged tightly, and even though he towered over her, her embrace was strong and sure.
“I need to get home to your dad, but never forget how much we love you.”
“I love you too, Mom.” He walked her to her car and waved as she pulled down the driveway. Once back inside his house, he grabbed a beer and sat down on his living room sofa, propping his feet up. Thinking of all his mom had said, he knew it was true that his best memories growing up were of home and family. Outside of that, he always felt he needed to pretend everything was fine. He also knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that Shiloh was worth the effort it would take to get to know her. And if she was like him, she put those barriers up and held tight to her fears.
Smiling, he knew he was ready to fight for her.
13
“Shiloh, I’m going to sit with Cindy, okay?”
Rachel bounced on her toes, barely able to stand still as Shiloh laughed and nodded her agreement, watching as the young teen in her new shorts and T-shirt ran off with her best friend. Shiloh glanced down at what she was wearing, the lightweight khaki pants reminding her of what Marjorie had worn the day she met her in the library. She’d also been tempted to purchase a bright red T-shirt to wear, as well, but instead chose a pale pink. She knew it would be hard for most people to understand that after only five years of living under Isaiah’s dictates, she would have immediately cast them off. But change was slow, and she was willing to move at her own pace.
One of the American Legion youth games had already started, and she couldn’t help but look out toward the ballfield where the youngest children were playing. She recognized some of the coaches as men who she’d met in town, husbands of her friends, or others who’d come into the restaurant.
She walked toward the stands already filled with people, some faces she recognized as new friends, having met them through Tori or as customers from the restaurant. “Hello, Shiloh,” someone called out, and she looked up to wave at Sophia. Her husband worked with Callan, and she’d met Sophia when he’d brought her into the restaurant. She wouldn’t have minded sitting next to Sophia, but she was already in a crowded section of the stands. Sighing, she kept a smile on her face, but she felt self-conscious standing.
A pretty woman with a kind face sitting near the bottom smiled at her and patted the empty space next to her. “Would you like to sit with me? I’ve got room here.”
Glad for the company, she agreed readily. She sat quickly, not wanting to be in anyone’s way.
“I’m Sherrie.”
“Hello. It’s nice to meet you. I’m Shiloh.”
“Grandma!”
Shiloh turned to see two little boys racing over to Sherrie as she bent and gave them a hug.
“Uncle Joseph came and got us because Dad was having car trouble. As soon as he gets it fixed, he’ll bring Mom.”
Before Shiloh had a chance to wonder about who their uncle Joseph was, she blinked as her Joseph walked toward them.
“Hey, Mom. Can you keep an eye on these guys while I get out to the field? Betsy will be along in a little bit.”
Suddenly, he looked toward Shiloh, his eyes widening along with his smile. “Shiloh, I didn’t know you’d be here. It’s nice to see you.”
Flustered, knowing that Sherrie was watching, she smiled and nodded. “It’s nice to see you, too.”
“Well, I’ve got to get to the game. I’m supposed to be coaching. Save me a hot dog, Shiloh. I’ll be back.” He turned and jogged away, and she sat, rooted to the spot, her gaze following him.
“I see you know my son,” Sherrie said.
“Yes. Um… he comes into the restaurant where I work. The Seafood Shack.” Once again self-conscious, she turned her attention to the game.
Between the cheers, she met Sherrie’s daughter, Betsy, when she arrived, playfully grumbling about their truck. Sherrie chatted amiably, putting Shiloh at ease, reminding her of earlier years when children in the community would play to the cheers of their parents.
Her gaze drifted over the field, finding Joseph standing near third base. When the next little girl hit the ball, Joseph motioned for the little boy on second base to run to him. He ran as hard as he could, grinning wildly as he landed on the base, then tripped, diving face-first into the dirt. Joseph immediately scooped the little boy up and cradled him in his arms. Her heart melted at the sight of the strong man holding the crying child, brushing the dirt off his face and the front of his uniform, making sure he wasn’t hurt. As soon as the little boy’s tears dried, the game continued.
“Oh, how sweet,” she whispered under her breath.
“Shiloh, I have a confession to make,” Sherrie said.
Twisting her head around, she waited, curiosity filling her.
Sherrie winced. “When I asked you to sit with me, it wasn’t just for you, but for my son.”
“I… I don’t understand.”
“I heard your name being called, and since it is a beautiful and unusual name, I thought it might be you. Joseph had mentioned you—”
A gasp slipped out as her hand landed on her chest. “Me?”
“Yes… please forgive my intruding,” Sherrie begged. “But he talked about you in such glowing terms, and when I discovered you standing in front of me, I wanted to spend more time with you.”
“I see.” Although, in truth, she didn’t. She couldn't imagine why he’d mentioned her to his mother.
“No, I don’t think you do, my dear. What I mean is that he’s never talked about a woman, and to find out that he’s interested in you, well, I’m afraid I interfered by asking you to sit here today. That was underhanded for me, and I hate the idea of getting to know you under false pretenses.”
“I’m not sure what to say, Sherrie. I certainly don’t want you to feel bad. I’m enjoying myself, and it’s always lovely to meet more people in the community. But, I’m not… well, it’s just that—”
“Not everyone is what they seem to be.”
Blinking, she shook her head slightly, staring at Sherrie’s intense gaze.
Sherrie continued, “I have a feeling you have many layers. The same goes for Joseph. Please don’t judge him before having a chance to get to know him.” She patted Shiloh’s leg and offered a warm smile. “Now, how about we go get some hot dogs for my grandsons before they’re sold out. I heard Joseph ask you to save one for him. I know he’d like that. Betsy will save our seats.”
She nodded, but her mind raced as they walked to the concession stand and then came back with hot dogs, bags of chips, and water bottles. The next hour passed pleasantly as she chatted with Sherrie and Betsy, noting the dropped little tidbits about Joseph. He’d served in the Navy. He’d always wanted to protect. He’d grown up on their farm. The more she heard, the more she wanted to know. Her gaze continually moved to the ball field, always searching for Joseph. As other friends passed by and said hello to her and Sherrie, it seemed no one was surprised to see her sitting with Joseph’s mom.
Judith stopped by to ask if they could take Rachel to lunch, and she agreed readily, glad that her niece hadn’t overeaten junk food at the games.
When the games were over and the crowd dispersed, Sherrie hugged her goodbye, whispering in her ear, “I’m so glad to have a chance to get to know you, Shiloh,” before she walked toward the parking lot with her grandchildren.
Turning around, she took one step before bumping into someone. “Oh!”
Joseph’s hands snagged her arms to keep her from falling backward. “Sorry! It seems I keep startling you.”
“I wasn’t watching where I was going,” she admitted. “Um, I have a hot dog for you, but it’s no longer hot.”
“So you just have a dog for me?” he joked, reaching for the wrapped sandwich and water bottle. He opened the waxed paper and took a healthy bite. “Still good,” he muttered while chewing, devouring the hot dog in four bites.
Her hand fluttered in front of her as she searched for something to say, finally blurting, “It was nice to see you coaching. You’re really good with the kids.”
His smile beamed toward her, and she was once again reminded that it didn’t look anything like the smile he threw out casually to others.
“Do you have anywhere to be right now?”
“I was going to walk back to the inn.”
“I’d like to accompany you.”
She started to decline, but then staring at his face, she could swear she was looking at a little boy whose expression of hope was so sincere. “Um… sure.”
He blinked, his chin jerking back slightly. “I can?”
A small giggle burst out, and she nodded. “If you want.”
The smile on his face widened as his eyes lit, and they turned to walk side by side toward town as groups of kids called their goodbyes to him. She let out a long breath and hoped she knew what she was doing because if she wasn’t mistaken, her heart twinged a bit with each smile he gave to the children. And to her.
14
Baytown’s Main Street was crowded with visitors and residents who took the opportunity to shop after the game. Many that Joseph knew called out their greetings, and he felt as though he was a bobblehead doll with each chin lift he offered. He hoped no one would stop to chat, wanting to be alone with Shiloh. Glancing down at her, it was impossible not to notice her rich brunette hair with the auburn highlights glistening in the sun. Or the fact that she was wearing pants today. Or the way the pink shirt made her cheeks seem rosy—
“Hey, Joseph!” someone else called out, waving from across the street.
Sighing, he offered another chin lift.
“You know so many people,” she said softly.
“It’s just that I grew up not too far from here. And now that I work out of the harbor…” He shrugged, never minding the popularity before but now wished for a less public place. A group of vacationers piled out of one of the shops, and his hand darted out to protect Shiloh from being bumped. With his other hand lightly on her back, he guided her around the crowds. Just like the first time he’d touched her, his fingers tingled.
By the time he and Shiloh made it to the road where the inn was located, he wanted to curse at not being able to hold much of a conversation. Now that they were on a quieter street, he glanced down at her, suddenly tongue-tied, feeling as though he was six years old again.
“Your mom is nice.”
A chuckle erupted from deep in his chest at her words as he shook his head. “Yeah, she’s great. But… I have a feeling that it wasn’t a coincidence that you were sitting with her today. I have a confession to make. I told her I was interested in you.”
The blush of her cheeks deepened, and he prayed he hadn’t embarrassed her. The last thing he wanted was for her to shut down on him.
“She told me.”
Blinking, he nearly stumbled. “She told you?” he squeaked, his voice sounding like a pre-teen boy to his ears.
She laughed and twisted her head to peer up at him, her eyes bright. “Yes. She said she heard my name and then asked me to sit with her.”
“She’s normally not so meddling. Or maybe I just haven't given her a chance to meddle.” He wanted to reach down and take her hand but felt like a bumbling teenager. With most women, he could swing his arm over their shoulders, knowing they were ready to plaster themselves against him, but everything about Shiloh threw him off his game. That’s what’s different… with her. It’s no game.
