Apprentice Father by Irene Hannon

flown out the door the instant she’d stepped inside. The crisis had kept him busy all morning. But he’d blocked out time to take an early lunch and go fly a kite with them instead of letting Cate put herself at risk.
    As he pulled into the park, he slowed his speed, scanning the grounds. He didn’t see Cate, but the movement of an older man rising from a bench caught his attention. His tense posture put Clay on alert, and he followed the man’s line of sight—to Cate and the children.
    She was holding the kite, and as he pulled into a parking space he saw the children grasp it. They backed up, and a tingle of apprehension raced down his spine. He set the brake and climbed out of his truck, striding toward the small group as Cate started to run.
    Considering her lameness, he was surprised at how fast she could move. His step slowed as his appreciative gaze followed her willowy, jeans-clad form across the spring grass. And the radiant joy on her face took his breath away.
    But in the next moment, what little breath remained in his lungs came out in a whoosh as she stumbled and fell. Headlong and hard. His heart stopped for an instant, and then his adrenaline surged, propelling him forward.
    Seconds later he was beside her, well ahead of the childrenor the older man he’d noticed earlier. She had rolled to her side and lay curled into a ball, cradling her hand.
    Dropping down on one knee, he touched her shoulder. “Cate?” Her name came out in a hoarse whisper.
    She blinked up at him in confusion. “Clay? What are you doing here?”
    â€œI was going to help you fly the kite. I see I’m too late.” She struggled to sit up, but he restrained her. “I’m not sure you should move until we know if you’re hurt.”
    â€œI’m okay.” She shrugged off his hand as she sat. “I just twisted my wrist. I’ll be fine.” She looked over his shoulder and managed a shaky smile. “We almost got it up, didn’t we?”
    He turned. Emily had grown pale, and Josh was huddled beside her. The older man stood behind them, a comforting hand resting on each of their shoulders.
    â€œIt-it flied real good for a minute.” Josh’s words were quavery.
    â€œDid you hurt your leg again?” Emily sounded close to tears.
    â€œNo. It’s okay.”
    She attempted to stand, and again Clay restrained her. “Are you sure you’re okay?” He kept his volume low. Partly because he didn’t want to further distress the children. And partly because he didn’t trust his voice.
    Angling her head toward him, she opened her mouth to speak…but nothing came out.
    Staring into her gorgeous eyes mere inches away, Clay misplaced his voice, too. Fringed by long, sweeping lashes, their green depths were flecked with gold, he realized. And that wasn’t all he noticed. Beneath his fingers, her shoulders felt delicate and soft. A capricious breeze ruffled her hair, and without stopping to think, he brushed it back from her cheek, letting the silky strands drift through his fingers as his mouth went dry.
    The older man cleared his throat, breaking the spell. “You okay, honey?”
    With an obvious effort, Cate directed her attention behind Clay again, a slow flush creeping across her cheeks. “Yes. I’m fine.” Her breathless reassurance, however, wasn’t at all credible. “Pop, this is Clay Adams. Clay, my grandfather.” As she did the introductions, she glanced at Clay briefly.
    Forcing himself to break contact, Clay rose and held out his hand. “Nice to meet you, sir.”
    â€œLikewise.” Pop’s grip was firm, his eyes shrewd and discerning.
    As Cate began to stand, Clay turned to support her. She leaned into him, cradling her wrist, a grimace of pain pulling her features taut.
    â€œWe need to have that checked out.”
    â€œNo. I have some ace bandages at home that will take care of