When Sparks Fly by Kristine Raymond, Andrea Michelle, Grace Augustine, Maryann Jordan, B. Maddox, J. M. Nash, Anne L. Parks Page A

against the railing, her forearms resting on the top. “Joe?” He turned back to look at her, his eyes locking onto hers. There was no way to misconstrue the desire exhibited there, and she straightened slowly, holding on to the rail to steady her quaking limbs. His gaze burned into her, igniting her soul, and she found herself wishing that they were alone. “I… I’d better let you get back to work,” she stammered, bounding down the steps.
    “Monica….”
    Circumventing him, she hurried over to Kimber, stopping to give Leroy a pat on the head. “Come on, honey. We should get going.”
    “But I wanna stay and play with Leroy.”
    Taking her daughter by the hand, she pulled her away from the dog, ignoring her loud protests. “You can play with Leroy later. Joe has to get back to work. We’re distracting him.”
    No lie there, Joe thought. “How are you getting back?”
    His words stopped her in her tracks. “What?”
    “I assume Mom dropped you off since you mentioned the booster seat. It’s a seven mile walk from here,” he squinted up at the sky, “and even though it’s a nice day, that’s a mighty long trek, especially with a little girl.” He struggled to keep a straight face as she processed her dilemma. “It’s time for lunch anyway. Why don’t I give you a lift?”
    Seeing that she had no feasible alternative, she lifted her chin in a vain attempt to reclaim her dignity. “Thank you. That would be very nice of you.”
    “What can I say?” he shrugged, “I’m a nice guy.”
    She burst out laughing, her prim expression melting away. “Modest, too.” Waiting while he gathered up his tools, she walked beside him to the truck. Stowing everything in the back, he whistled for Leroy who came bounding up, Kimber not far behind.
    “Can I sit with Leroy? Please Mommy?” Monica shook her head but Joe intervened.
    “There’s a seatbelt back there,” he assured her. “Technically, it’s safer than her riding on your lap.”
    “Alright,” she agreed. “But you have to stay buckled in, understand? No matter how much Leroy wants to play.”
    “Yay!” Kimber jumped up and down, clapping her hands.
    “C’mere pipsqueak.” Joe lifted her up and settled her into the back. “Good thing I sprung for an extended cab.” Winking at Monica, who had climbed into the passenger seat, he shut the door and walked around to the driver’s side, whistling for the dog. Leroy hopped up onto the bench seat and rested his chin on Kimber’s lap, his eyes half closed in doggie delight as she stroked his ear. “I think you might have to get someone a d-o-g when you get to California.”
    “It certainly looks that way,” Monica answered, a bit disconcerted by the thought of resuming her journey. Hard to believe that one day in Celebration had her second guessing all of her plans.
    “You’re awfully quiet,” Joe remarked as they pulled out of the park, noting the pensive look on her face. “Something I said?”
    “No, everything’s fine,” she answered, looking over her shoulder to check on Kimber.
    He didn’t believe her but thought better than to push the issue. It was clear she had something on her mind and he thought it best to let her work it out on her own. They continued the seven mile ride back to his parent’s house in silence with the exception of an occasional groan from Leroy. He wasn’t sure which would miss the other more – the girl or the dog.
    Pulling up the driveway, he started to get a prickling feeling at the back of his neck. Something was wrong; he could sense it and his heart plummeted when he saw the flashing lights of the ambulance parked in front of the house. “Dad.”

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Chapter Five

    “I’m okay. I’ve told you that,” Bill exclaimed, pushing the oxygen mask away from his face.
    “Mr. Callaghan, you need to keep that on until we get your levels up,” the paramedic patiently explained for the fourth time.
    “Do what he says, Dad,” Joe ordered, trying to pace