Free In His Eyes by Gail Gaymer Martin

cookies but from their camaraderie—filled him with pleasure. Why couldn’t they always be this way?
    Ellene grasped three pieces of paper towel and plopped two soft cookies onto each sheet, then handed one to Caitlin and one to him. They sat at the kitchen table and when Caitlin took her first bite, her face glowed.
    Connor rubbed his belly. “Yummy. These are better than the ones in the store.”
    “You don’t get home-baked cookies from your dad, do you?” he asked Caitlin.
    Caitlin shook her head, crumbs dotting her lips. “But you give me other things. Ellene gives me cookies.”
    His chest swelled, seeing his daughter so happy and normal, and his thanks went to Ellene for making them almost like a real family.
    Real family. The words snapped at him. Don’t fool yourself, Connor. This is no more real than your engagement years ago. At a moment’s notice, Ellene can walk out the door and leave you and Caitlin catching your breath. She did it once, and she can do it again.

Chapter Seven
    E llene woke with Pepper curled up against her chest, breathing into her face. She scooted the dog away from her, but the terrier wriggled back and licked her cheek.
    She sat upright, lifting the dog and lowering him to the floor. She liked animals but getting that personal was a little uncomfortable.
    She swung her legs over the mattress edge and ran her fingers through her tangled hair. She felt a mess without her own clothes, and she knew if this didn’t end soon, she’d have to go into town and find a few personal items. She was grateful Connor’s aunt had given her a toothbrush and loaned her a nightgown and a couple of knit tops.
    How did she get herself into this mess? She shook her head, amazed that somehow fate had brought Connor and her back under the same roof—and stranded, to beat all.
    Or was it fate?
    Yesterday had seemed too comfortable. Her heart went out to Caitlin, and though she knew the child’s reaction to the forgotten cookies was over the top, she understood. Every broken promise felt as if someone were forsaking her—the same way she felt about her mother’s absence.
    But Ellene didn’t want to get caught in the trap. Each moment her concern grew deeper for the child, and Connor was right. The little girl had latched onto her like paste to paper. As soon as the ferry service opened, Ellene knew she would be on her way home.
    Home. She dug into her bag and pulled out her cell phone, then glanced at her watch, surprised at the time. For some reason, on the island, she slept more soundly, but she still woke early. Her father often went into the office early. She turned on her phone and dialed. He answered, as she’d hoped.
    “Dad.”
    “Ellene? What’s wrong?”
    “I won’t be in today.”
    She heard a pause, then his low grumble. “Why not?”
    “I’m stranded.”
    “Stranded?”
    “On Harsens Island.”
    “You’re kidding.”
    She assured him she wasn’t and gave him the details. “I’ll get away as soon as the ferry service opens.”
    “Don’t take chances sitting there in the cold.”
    She was endangering herself more by staying at Connor’s. “I won’t.”
    “Connor’s stranded there, too?”
    “Connor, his aunt Phyllis and Connor’s daughter, Caitlin. Oh, and Pepper the terrier.”
    Her father chuckled. “Are you getting along okay?”
    “With Pepper or Connor?” She grinned at her question. “Pepper’s a bed hog.”
    “Sounds like you’re fine. I’m pleased to hear you’ve forgiven Connor. It’s about time.”
    She winced.
    “Send my best to him and get back when you can. I’ll hold off your clients.”
    “I’ll do as much as possible from the laptop.”
    “Good girl. See you soon.”
    “I hope,” she said.
    After she hung up, she sat a moment, thinking of what her father had said. It’s about time. But she hadn’t forgiven him, and even if she could, she wouldn’t trust him.
    Ellene knew she needed to safeguard her heart. If she spent time at Aunt