Free The Single Dad's Redemption by Roxanne Rustand Page A

afford.”
    “Honestly, I’m swamped right now and he needs a different kind of lawyer. I don’t know what help I can give him.”
    “Please—can you do a little research? Or talk to someone who would know? I’ll...” Keeley took a deep breath. “I’ll come up to Minneapolis and help you with the twins for a whole weekend.”
    “Whoa. Really? ”
    “Promise. It has to be around the end of August, though. There’s a bit of a lull in tourism then, before the fall and holiday seasons start.”
    “Deal. Have him call me this afternoon sometime after three, okay? With a lot of prayer, the girls might be sleeping then. And, Keel? You really do think you’re doing the right thing, having this guy working at the store? Do you honestly trust him?”
    “I saw the newspaper clipping about his release. Better than that, Lorraine at the sheriff’s office verified his story.” Keeley smiled to herself, imagining her younger sister in warrior mode, ready to protect anyone in the family at a moment’s notice. “And, yes, I think he’s a good man. And I like him. A lot.”
    Liz fell silent for a moment. “Oh, sweetie. You like him. As in, getting involved?”
    “Honestly, I wish I could. But don’t worry. He’s only focused on his son and how soon he can fight for custody—and after that, I think he’ll be heading for Texas or Montana. End of story.” Keeley gave a short, deprecating laugh. “Anyway, you know my track record. Relationships never last and I’ve almost given up. They just aren’t worth the heartbreak.”
    * * *
    The bells over the front door of the shop jangled and Millie Ferguson held the front door open as she peered warily into the store. She stepped inside when she saw Keeley at the front counter.
    Keeley set aside the stack of invoices in front of her and smiled. “How are you today, Millie?”
    Millie craned her wattled neck, searching out the corners of the store before coming all the way in. “Is that...that cowboy working here?”
    Keeley rolled her eyes. “As of yesterday morning, yes. He’ll be here for just a few weeks. Can I help you?”
    Millie leaned across the counter and lowered her voice. “Do you think that’s a good idea, dear? I mean, what do you know about a stranger like that?”
    “Enough. Is there something worrying you?”
    “Well, I...I...” She lifted her chin, determination glinting in her faded blue eyes. “I was down at the coffee shop this morning, and Deputy Hansmann was there having breakfast. I overheard him telling another deputy that this new employee of yours is a troublemaker. I just wanted to make sure you knew about it. You can’t trust anyone these days. Especially some stranger who just waltzes into town all sneaky-like, ready to take advantage of some gullib—uh...innocent woman.”
    A sneaky waltzer ? The words conjured up a strange image and Keeley bit back a laugh. The woman could say more without taking a breath than anyone she’d ever met, but she didn’t always make sense.
    “I checked out Connor thoroughly and I believe he’s a good, honest man. There may be a little gossip in town, but I’m just thankful that you’d never be a part of that, right?”
    Flustered now, the older woman bobbed her head and backed away from the counter. “Oh, no. Of course not.”
    Keeley nodded her approval. “I’m so glad people like you still have class. So, are you all set for the Antique Walk next weekend?”
    “Um...yes. I hope so.”
    “I’m sure you’ll draw a lot of business. You’ve done a wonderful job with your window display—very colorful.” Keeley smiled. “Looking at all of those beautiful yarns makes me wish I knew how to knit.”
    “Thank you.” Millie darted another uneasy glance around the shop, her brow furrowed, as if expecting to see Hannibal Lecter ready to pounce. “I— Well, I’d better be on my way.”
    Millie hurried out the door and crossed Main diagonally toward her own store. Keeley watched her unlock the