Page 7 of Never Fall Again
Carla paused by Landry and placed one hand on her shoulder. “Take all the time you need. Eliza and I will keep ourselves occupied.” She hurried after Eliza, calling out, “Second door on the right. Yep. That’s it.”
Then Landry was alone with Cal Shaw. He still knelt by her chair. Maisy continued to give Landry the doggy version of a hug. She forced herself to look at Cal. “Is she a therapy dog?”
When Cal hesitated, Landry realized what she’d asked. “Sorry. That’s none of my business. My mouth gets me in trouble sometimes. I’m trying to make conversation and rein in my scattered thoughts, and instead of keeping things light, I ask something personal. Don’t answer. Ignore me. I’m fine. I mean, I’m not fine. But I’ll be fine. I’m going to shut up now.”
Cal didn’t say anything, and she couldn’t bear to look at him. But then Maisy’s body vibrated against her, and she risked a peek—only to discover that Cal had a hand over his face and was failing to hold in his laughter.
“It isn’t funny.”
A chuckle escaped from Cal.
“It isn’t.”
Another chuckle. And she had no idea how it happened, but his laughter must have been contagious because she conceded, “Maybe it’s a little funny.” And then she was laughing.
And for the next thirty seconds, they both tried to stop laughing. And if a few tears escaped from her eyes in the process, well, that was what happened when you laughed through your pain.
Landry Hutton was an attractive woman. Anyone with a pulse could see that. But Cal had seen her true inner beauty in the last two minutes. She was hurting, but she hadn’t lashed out. She was determined to be strong for her daughter. She had the good sense to accept comfort from his dog. And she wasn’t afraid to laugh at herself.
Cal needed to talk to Bronwyn about her matchmaking skills. It was time she put them to use for Landry. It was obvious that she was more than capable of taking care of herself and Eliza. But it was also clear that the monsters under the bed had been real at one time. Maybe they still were. A woman like her should have someone in her corner. Someone who appreciated her strengths. Someone who would cherish her the way she deserved to be cherished. And someone who would adore Eliza the way all daughters deserved to be adored by their daddies.
And the sooner this lucky man came along and made them his, the better.
He stood and returned to his chair. Maisy stayed with Landry. “To answer your question, I had a few difficult experiences while in the military. Maisy isn’t fully trained as an emotional support dog, but she’s quite good at picking up on emotion. Most people find her soothing.”
“She’s wonderful.” Landry leaned down and rested her cheek on Maisy’s head. “Thank you for giving me a few minutes to order my thoughts before I have to talk to Eliza. I’ll be okay now.” She sat up, but her hands continued to smooth Maisy’s fur. “I’ll get Eliza, and we’ll be out of your hair.”
“No need for that. I’m coming with you.”
“What?”
Cal couldn’t decide if Landry’s question held confusion or fear. Probably both. “I’m coming with you.”
“I appreciate that, but Eliza and I will be fine. Thank you.”
“Landry, if you leave, I’ll follow you.”
The expression on her face was disbelief mixed with a gorgeous helping of defiance. She scooted away from Maisy and stood as she spoke. “Mr. Shaw—”
“It’s Cal. And hear me out. I’m not trying to take charge. I’m trying to keep the peace. Bronwyn’s exact words were ‘Don’t let her out of your sight for a second.’”
All the fight seemed to leave Landry’s body, and she lowered herself back into the chair.
Cal had so many questions, but Landry and Eliza weren’t his mystery to solve. “I promised I would stay with you. It will be chaos at The Haven. Bronwyn’s dealing with guests, some of whom undoubtedly think they can fight a fire because they play a firefighter on TV, while still others are convinced this is somehow all about them, and others are packing their bags and fleeing the mountain as fast as their fancy cars can take them.”
Landry huffed out a humorless laugh. “I didn’t think you’d spent much time at The Haven.”
“I’ve only been on the property a few times. But Bronwyn’s like a sister to me, and we sometimes hang out and gripe about our jobs. So I know what she’s dealing with. Making sure you and Eliza make it back safely is the only way I can help her right now.”
She gave him a small nod.
“You heard what I told her. I promised. I won’t break my word. Even though you’re holding up quite well, there’s no way you’re not distracted and a bit disoriented. I would prefer it if you would allow me to give you and Eliza a ride back to The Haven. I’ll make sure we get your car back to you either later tonight or tomorrow.”
“I appreciate your offer.” Landry’s voice was low and husky. “But you don’t know me. It’s Friday night. I’m sure you have plans that don’t involve chauffeuring me around because Bronwyn’s afraid I’ll see the fire trucks and have a panic attack.” She pinched her lips closed.
“Why—” He shook his head. “Never mind. I think we both know you’re going to accept my offer. Not for yourself, but for Eliza.” He forced himself to lighten his tone. “And because I can offer you the company of a not-officially-trained emotional support dog.”
Maisy had her head back in Landry’s lap, and Landry had been stroking the retriever since she’d resumed her seat. “My, um, my husband”—she paused and took a breath—“died in a car accident. Small town. Fire trucks and response vehicles from every corner of the county descended on the scene.” Landry’s skin had turned bright red, and she chewed on her lower lip before she finished in a rush. “I’ve had a hard time with fire trucks ever since. It’s irrational.”