A Father's Name(31)

“You have your version of events, I have mine. All I know is you hardly knew me, and were there for me. I’m here for you if you need me.”

Laura’s new husband, Seth, came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her. They’d both lost spouses, but had found each other. Laura had once confided that loving Seth had helped her heal. She’d worried it was too soon to fall in love again, but Seth had convinced her that it was never too soon for love. Their happiness was overwhelming. And watching them made something in Tucker twist. She glanced at Tyler, who was still talking to Eli.

“What are we talking about?” Seth asked.

“Tyler.”

The normally easygoing man, frowned. “I know I’m going to sound suspicious and very police-like—”

“You’re allowed to sound coppish…it’s in your DNA,” Laura assured him.

“I heard through the grapevine that he has a record.”

Tucker knew there was no way this was not going to get out, but she felt bad for Tyler, regardless. There was something about the situation that felt off to her, but she couldn’t pinpoint what, and she certainly couldn’t defend his actions. “Whatever he did is in the past. He’s served his time, paid restitution and works for us. He’s been a stellar employee, and he’s been loving to Jace. I’m willing to accept him on those facts. I hope you can, too.”

Seth nodded. “I know better than anyone that you can’t let you past rule your present and taint your future. I’ll give him the benefit, but if you ever need me…”

She smiled at the Erie police lieutenant. “I know how to reach you.”

Seth nodded, then grinned and said, “Rumor has it the dogs and burgers will be done in a few minutes.”



“We’d better help Eli bring out the salads and stuff.”

As if she’d heard them, Eli got up and left Tyler with Jace. She waved at them and joined them.

“He’s a nice guy,” she said to Tucker.

“He is,” was all she said in response.

Tucker glanced back at him, and Seth had walked over and was talking to him. She was about to go run interference, when Colm joined them. The gentle man said something that had both men laughing and Tucker relaxed. It was fine. She’d been right to bring Tyler with her.



THREE HOURS LATER, JACE had conked out in his bed at Tyler’s and they both stood at the doorway, watching him sleep.

“We should think about redoing this room,” Tucker whispered.

“What’s wrong with the room?”

It was barren other than a small dresser and the crib. The walls, while clean, had once been white and had aged into a cream color. The hardwood floor was a bit nicked, but basically in good repair, though it could benefit from an area rug to soften the feel.

“Nothing’s wrong with it, but Jace is going to be living with you, the room should look like a little boy’s, not like some makeshift guestroom.”

Tyler frowned and appeared to be studying the room more critically. Tucker rushed on with her ideas. “Maybe a coat of paint, an area rug, a toy box and…”

He nodded. “Make it a little boy’s room.”

“Yes. I’d help.”

Tyler’s frown deepened.

She resisted the urge to stamp her feet. She’d spent her life in the company of men, but they still could be the most aggravating people. “Stop. I thought that if I took you to the Kellers you’d get it.”

“Get what?” he asked.

“That it’s okay to rely on others. It doesn’t unman you, or make you weak. You’re not losing anything—you’re gaining. That’s what the Kellers are like. They celebrate everything, but more than that, they support each other without question. You talked to Seth, right?”

“Uh-huh.”

Tucker continued. “He spent a few years apart from the family. He didn’t cut them off, but he held them at a distance. I’m not sure exactly what it was all about, but when he got together with Laura, whatever it was got fixed. I saw him before, and I’ve seen him since, and he’s a completely different person. Standing on his own didn’t make him stronger, it made him lonely. Relying on his family, that’s what made him stronger.”

“So what you’re saying, in your own so subtle way, is I should let you help paint Jace’s room?”

“Listen, Bart wouldn’t be who is today if I hadn’t had people to rely on. My dad, Eli, the guys at the shop. That’s what Jace deserves. This is about more than a coat of paint in his room.”