sheâd figured out where his argument was headed.
âDoes he ever roughhouse with your brothers or that monster golden retriever, Charlie?â This time, she kept quiet, and he knew heâd made his point. âI promise he wonât be doing anything on his own. But since heâs on vacation all week, I thought he might enjoy making some money while he learns things they donât teach in school anymore.â
âWell...â Her eyes darted around the evolving construction zone as if they were searching for a reason to nix his idea. Finally, they settled on him and to his surprise, she smiled. âItâs a great idea, and I know heâll have a blast. Thank you for thinking of it.â
âNo problem.â That didnât seem like enough, and even though it wasnât like him to be so open with people, he decided to share what he was thinking. âItâs obvious heâs had a tough time, but he really loves you. It canât be easy being a single parent, but youâre doing a great job.â
âMomâs a big help,â Erin said with a fond smile. âAbby started calling him her cousin right off, and the boys have been awesome.â
âBut?â
She gave him a long, assessing look, and he got the distinct feeling that she was measuring him for something. âHe needs a guy thatâs kind of his, like a big brother or an uncle.â
âYou mean, like a father figure?â She nodded, and he frowned. âConsidering the example I had, you really think Iâm the right choice for that?â
âJust because your dad was a failure doesnât mean you will be, too. In fact, I wouldnât be surprised if you wound up being a better father because you know what not to do.â
The gentle sympathy in her voice caught him off guard, and he stared at her in amazement. Since she was from such a tight-knit family, he knew Erin didnât say things like that lightly. âYou think Iâll make a good dad?â
âSomeday,â she added hastily, blushing a little before turning away. âWith the right person.â
Stunned by her comments, he couldnât come up with a single rational thing to say. The awkward silence felt like it was dragging on, and he was desperately hunting for a way to end it when her cell phone rang.
She checked the caller ID with a worried look before answering. âHi, Alice. Merry Christmas to you, too. I didnât think we were going to hear from you until after the New Year. Whatâs up?â
Cam moved away to give her some privacy, gathering up his tools as quietly as possible so he wouldnât distract her from what appeared to be a very serious conversation. He glanced over several times, though, and each time she looked more upset. After several minutes, she ended the call and sank down onto the bottom step as if she couldnât stay on her feet another second longer.
âErin?â She didnât seem to hear him, and he repeated her name a little louder. When those hazel eyes met his, they were filled with something heâd never seen in this brash, forthright woman. Fear.
Hurrying across the room, he settled on one knee in front of her and braced himself for the worst. âWhatâs wrong? Whoâs Alice?â
After a long delay, Erin gave herself a visible shake and glanced up the stairs. âNot here.â
She stood and walked toward the front door. As he followed her, it occurred to him that she was trying to make sure Parker wouldnât overhear their conversation. As upset as she was, it really impressed him that she could put aside her own distress in an attempt to spare her foster sonâs feelings.
When they were standing by the front display window, she answered him in a hushed voice. âThat was Parkerâs social worker.â
He realized she was trembling, and he steadied her with a hand on her shoulder. âWhatâd she