Free The Black Sheep's Redemption by Lynette Eason Page A

your picture back out there on the news one more time and see if anyone steps forward.”
    Grief flashed for a brief moment before she lifted her chin. “We already tried that. In the city where I was attacked. Springfield, Massachusetts. About a hundred miles west of here.” She shrugged and swallowed. “I don’t think there is anyone.”
    Charles felt his heart break for her. He placed his hands on her shoulders and said, “Demi, no one is completely alone in the world. Even if someone is the last surviving member of her family, there are still friends, coworkers, someone who would notice if she were missing.”
    “But no one did,” she whispered. “That’s what I’m saying.”
    “Then the right person didn’t see the picture,” he insisted.
    “Are you always this stubborn?”
    “Always,” Owen said from behind him.
    She glanced between the brothers and then shrugged. “Okay, if you want to try.”
    Charles snapped the picture and sent it to Owen’s phone so that it got displayed on the six o’clock news that night.
    “Owen,” Victoria interrupted, holding out her phone. “Trevor Billings is on the phone. Wants to know if you can fill in and pitch the upcoming softball game. It’s the special fundraiser game for the children’s hospital and Kyle can’t be there.”
    Charles watched his brother roll his eyes and explain to a confused Demi, “Trevor is the team’s manager. He recruits us from church. Kyle is the regular pitcher. I pitched one game for him last season and now they’re determined to get me on that team full-time. I told them I didn’t have time for that right now. That I couldn’t commit.”
    Victoria’s gaze softened as she looked at her fiancé and Charles felt a pang hit him. Would he ever see that look in a woman’s eyes again? He stole a glance at Demi and saw her watching them, a longing also written on her face.
    Victoria said, “You need to take some time for you, Owen. You’re going to burn out if you don’t have a little fun. You can’t spend every single minute working.” Then she flushed and looked at Charles. “No offense, Charles.”
    He smiled. “None taken. In fact I agree with you. It’s for a great cause.” He said to Owen, “Go on, they need you. We may even bring the kids and cheer you on.”
    After another brief hesitation, Owen sighed and nodded his consent, but Charles thought he could see a gleam of anticipation in his brother’s eyes.
    Victoria smiled. “Great. I’ll tell him that you’ll be there.”
    Hours later, as Charles took Demi home, he asked her, “So, did we scare you off?”
    She laughed. “No. You have a wonderful family.”
    “Thanks. I think so. Most of the time.”
    “And you didn’t have to feed me supper. I could have come home long before now.”
    He frowned. “I’m sorry, I should have thought you might have something to do or things to take care of… I didn’t… I mean… Did you want to leave?”
    Another laugh escaped her and he decided that he could listen to that sound all day.
    “No. And I didn’t have anything to do. It was a lovely way to spend the day. Thank you.”
    Relief filled him. “Good. So, I’ll see you tomorrow?”
    “Eight o’clock sharp.”
    “Great. I have a nine o’clock appointment.”
    “I’ll be there.”
    “I’ll let you know if there’s any calls about your picture on the news.”
    “Okay. Thanks.”
    As she started to climb out of the car, he couldn’t stop himself from snagging her hand.
    Startled, her eyes met his and he said, “Thank you for coming today. I’m sorry about the mess at the church.”
    She shrugged. “It wasn’t your fault. And I enjoyed the time with your family.”
    Her hand felt soft, yet strong. And he wasn’t ready to let go yet. But he did because he had to. He needed to keep their relationship more professional than personal. At least right now. He swallowed hard and wondered how he was going to be able to do that when everything in him wanted