Light glinted of the edge of the blade. One could become mesmerized by the beauty of it light refracting from such a beautiful instrument.  All too soon the pure unblemished instrument became marred stained with the evidence of his work.

    He felt his heart beating faster with each passing second.  In anyone else it would have been fear that made their heart race. For him it was excitement; excitement over what he was doing and for the discoveries he was making. Like a child making their first joyful discovery he smiled in pleasure.

As the instrument he wielded became less and less pristine and blemished in more ways than one he felt himself changing; becoming something, someone different.

    He was becoming something more.

Chapter One

The Meeting

    Kaelin pulled down the gravel driveway, swinging over to the left side. She looked at the carport dubiously, but drove toward it anyway. Once the front end of her van was a little inside she put it in reverse and swung around so that the nose of the van pointed up the driveway. She thought about trying to back the van into the carport, and then decided against it.

    Kaelin shut the engine off and sat in the van a few minutes. Taking a deep breath she stepped out of the driver’s side and then just stood there looking around. Her gaze finally stopped on her new trailer.

    It wasn’t very big, yet had a decent sized deck built on the side. The deck would need to be redone, but that was a project for another day. Kaelin walked up to the porch and inserted the key in the lock. Once the door was open she stood there, a small smile on her face. To some the place might not be much, but to her it meant a lot.

    It was hers!

    She owned the trailer free and clear. Yes she would have to pay the rent for the lot, but that was cheaper than any apartment she had seen. And here she wouldn’t have to worry about noisy upstairs neighbors, though she might have to worry about noisy next door neighbors.

    Kaelin had moved the smaller stuff in a few days earlier, but nobody had come to say hi to her or anything of the like. Now she was moving the rest of her stuff in. Well the bigger things at least, she was sure she’d have to get some smaller items yet. Things that would make the place hers.

    Kaelin went to the back of the van and opened it up. She took a deep fortifying breath as she looked at all her things jam packed into the van. Not that it was all heavy stuff, but it would have been so much easier, if she had someone to help her.

    However she honestly had nobody to ask for help. She had people at work she talked to, but they weren’t close friends so she would in no way ask for help from them. As far as family went, well that just didn’t bear thinking of.

    Kaelin shrugged as if to say such is life and reached into her van, pulling out the first piece of her new life.

                           *********************

    Jack pulled into the drive and immediately slammed on his brakes. He had almost run into a van parked at the old Summer’s place. He backed up then drove around the van, as he passed the back of it he saw a love seat hanging halfway out of it. He pulled into his parking spot and then got out of his vehicle. He started to take a step toward trailer in front of his then decided to go inside and put his stuff away first.

    He took his shirt off and threw it in the hamper then grabbed a soda out of the fridge and stepped out on his front porch. He had taken a few swallows of his drink when he heard a few choice words coming from the Summer’s trailer, or rather from the van parked there. Curious, he put his soda down then headed over to take a look.

    Jack stopped in midstep when he saw what, or rather whom; had used those choice words. The loveseat was now out of the van and sitting in the driveway. Sitting on the loveseat was a young woman. Though her hair was disheveled and sweat was literally dripping off her, Jack thought she was very attractive. He stared at her a moment before clearing his throat. She looked up at the sound and he found himself looking into bright- if angry- green eyes.

    “I’m sorry if I am interrupting, but I couldn’t help overhearing your…ah…venting a moment ago.” he said, giving her a half-smile.

    “Well this thing here wasn’t living up to its name a few minutes ago. I actually quite hated it.” she joked.

    Jack chuckled. He looked from her, to the half empty van, then back at her. “I hadn’t realized Gwen and Mike had sold the place.” he commented.

    “I see.” the woman replied. She took a deep breath and got up from the loveseat. “Well this isn’t going to move itself so I guess I better get to it.”

    Jack didn’t even hesitate before speaking. “If you need some help I will gladly help you.”

    The young lady raised an eyebrow. “Why would you do that? I wouldn’t presume to impose on you.”

    “You aren’t imposing on me, I offered. As for why I’d help, well for one you will get done quicker that way. For another it’s the right thing to do. Can’t have my new neighbor thinking I am one of those lazy bum types.” he said, this time giving her a full blown smile.

    She returned his smile. “I wouldn’t think that. Thank you for your offer.”

    “You’re welcome….” he left the rest unfinished.

    “Oh….I’m Kaelin Jacobson.” She replied

    “Nice to meet you, Kaelin. I’m Jack Henson.” he told her.

    They quickly shook hands then turned to the loveseat. It was easy going getting it up to the porch, but once they got it to the door they saw it wasn’t going to be as easy to get it inside. Not that it wouldn’t fit; it was just going to be an awkward fit. Jack smiled at the thought of how much of a challenge it was going to be.

    He liked challenges.

                ***********************************

    Kaelin looked at the man on the other side of the loveseat. She had been a little surprised when she had looked up and saw him standing there. He hadn’t actually scared her when he cleared his throat, but had startled her a little. She hadn’t expected anybody to come to her; however she was grateful for the help.

    As they maneuvered the loveseat through the doorway she caught herself watching the muscles in his arms and chest move. She mentally shook herself out of that urge, though she admitted to herself that he was a good looking man.

    Once they had the loveseat in and where she wanted it they then headed back out to the van. Sometimes as they unloaded the van they each took an item, sometimes they both wound up having to carry something in together. What would have taken Kaelin a few hours to do was done in half the time.

    Once the last heavy item was in and the doors of the van were closed both Kaelin and Jack collapsed on the loveseat. Kaelin closed her eyes and briefly rested her head against the back. When she opened her eyes Jack was looking at her.

    She gazed into eyes very much like her own, though Jack’s were a little lighter in color. His black hair was soaked and plastered to his scalp. She was sure she looked affright. Even sweaty and a little dust smeared Jack was still a good looking man. He smiled at her and she smiled in return. It then struck her that she couldn’t pay him for his help. Though he had said it was the right thing to do, she still felt weird about not being able to pay him for his help.

    An idea suddenly came to her.

    “Thank you for your help, Jack.” she said.

    “No need to thank me, Kaelin. I couldn’t see you having to do it all yourself.” he responded.

    “Still you didn’t have to do it. I can’t begin to repay you…”

    Jack interrupted her. “I didn’t do it for payment, Kaelin.” he told her, his eyes narrowing a little.

    “I know you didn’t. However I don’t feel right not doing something. What do you like to eat?” she asked, seeing the surprise in Jack’s eyes.

    “I eat just about anything.” he replied.

    “Is there something you like that you haven’t had in a while?” she questioned.

    “I haven’t had lasagna in a long time. I mean good homemade lasagna.” he told her.

    Kaelin smiled at him. “Great.” She took a good look around the trailer, silently calculating. “Since I know you won’t take payment even if I had the money I am going to make you dinner.” Jack opened his mouth to speak, but Kaelin held her hand up to forestall him. “No arguments. Give me a few hours and I’ll have you a lasagna dinner you won’t be able to believe.”

    Jack smiled. “Well since you put it that way, how can I refuse?”

    “Great. Let’s say sixish, is that ok?” she asked.

    “That’s fine.” Jack responded.

    They both stood up and Jack headed out, calling back that he’d see her in a few hours. Once he was out of sight Kaelin shut the door and cranked the AC on, she wasn’t sure it would help, but she’d try it.

    She smiled when she thought that she had at least befriended her first neighbor. Once she was totally unpacked she would go around and introduce herself, well at least as much as she could without being intrusive.

    Her first day in her new home hadn’t been so bad so far after all.

                               **********************

    Detective Blake Fitzgerald looked at the picture of his daughter sitting on his desk. A small smile played over his lips as he traced her cherubic features with his finger. It was in moments like these that everything seemed to fade, even if only for a little while.

    All too suddenly the real world intruded on his peaceful thoughts.

    A man with red hair, intelligent blue eyes, and a usually gentle smile appeared before him. His lips were curled in anger. Blake raised his eyebrows questioningly at his demeanor. “The son-of-a-bitch.” Detective Sam Blaylock gritted out between clenched teeth.

    Blake’s mouth almost dropped open in surprise, but he stopped himself just in time. Sam was the more mild-mannered of the two of them, so his outburst was a bit surprising. “What is that all about?” Blake asked, gesturing towards Sam’s face.

    “The sack of crap lied to us.” Sam said, darkly.

    “And which sack of crap would this be?” Blake questioned, trying to control his patience.

    “Richard Daniels.”

    “Richard Daniels? What do you mean?” Blake asked.

    “We bit into his story hook, line, and sinker.” Sam responded.

    Blake narrowed his eyes in thought. Richard Daniels had reported his daughter missing three weeks ago. He had come to them, the grieving father, and now Sam was saying that he had lied to them? It just didn’t make sense to Blake.

    “What story?”

    Sam met Blake’s eyes squarely. “His daughter isn’t missing, Fitz, she’s dead. She has been these past three weeks and he’s the bastard that did it.”

    Blake sat there in stunned silence. Blake had believed in Daniels’ grief. Daniels had come in, the grief-stricken father, reporting his ten year old daughter missing. He had claimed that the last time he had seen her she had been going to school. Now Sam was telling him it had all been lies.

    “How’d you find this out?” he questioned Sam.

    “Snow and I ran into each other at Mike’s on lunch. While we were there he got a call saying Daniels had come in and confessed. Nice of him to let me know.” Sam commented.

    “How? How could someone do that to their own child? You know you were too kind calling him a sack of crap.” Blake growled.

    “Yeah, I know, but I really don’t have any words to describe him.”

    “Evil monster.” Blake suggested.

    Sam nodded in agreement hen sat at his desk, he banged his fist against it once then sat back and crossed his arms across his chest. Blake looked at his partner for a moment then decided to let him calm down at his own pace.

    Blake looked at his daughter’s picture again. He just couldn’t understand how someone could kill an innocent child. It was even more unthinkable how a parent could do that to their own child. Blake hoped Richard Daniels got everything he deserved, but when it came down to it no punishment was actually harsh enough for the reprehensible crime he had committed.

    Some days Blake wished he had never chosen the life of a crime fighter.

                             ***************************

    Kaelin opened the door and looked at the man standing on her deck. Unbidden a smile came to her lips. Jack stood there wearing shorts and a muscle shirt. His black hair was now styled and he looked refreshed. She stepped back from the doorway and invited him in. once inside she shut the door and motioned for Jack to walk into the dining room.

    She hadn’t gotten fancy like this was a date or anything, but she had the table set. The lasagna sat in the middle of the table, a basket holding half a loaf of garlic bread also sat on the table. She motioned for him to sit down.

    “Would you like something to drink?” I have water, green tea, milk, or lemonade.” she told him.

    “Water is fine.” Jack responded.

    Kaelin poured them each a glass of water, set one down in front of Jack, put hers down then sat down herself. They both looked at each other, neither one making a move to serve themselves. Finally Kaelin chuckled and held her hand out for Jack’s plate. After she served the both of them they dug into their food, enjoying a companionable meal.

    Jack unashamedly ate three pieces and a good portion of the bread. Once they were done eating Kaelin divided the leftovers, giving Jack the majority of them. She didn’t actually tell him they were his; she’d just spring them on him when he left. She put the dishes to soak, planning on getting them later.

    Jack and Kaelin then went into the living room and sat on the loveseat. “I don’t think I could eat another bite.” Jack said, patting his stomach.

    Kaelin looked at his still flat stomach, then quickly looked away, a blush on her cheeks. “Guess that means I will have to send the cake home with you then.”

    Jack’s eyebrows quirked up. “Cake? You baked a cake?”

    Her blush deepened, but she could always blame it on the heat. “Had the oven on for the lasagna so I figured I would make a cake too. Chocolate with peanut butter icing.”

    Jack stared at her. “You’ve got to be kidding me!!” he exclaimed.

    “No. Don’t you like…”

    Jack smiled at her. “No, I don’t like it. I love it. How’d you know it was my favorite?”

    “Lucky guess?” Kaelin said, chuckling.

    They sat and talked about normal everyday things then. Kaelin told him that if he liked baked goods he was in luck. She was starting her own small business, dealing in baked goods. She planned on selling them at local flea markets and the like for a while and see how it went. If it didn’t go anywhere she would just go back to her old job. Jack told her he worked construction so a lot of the time he’d be gone for days if not weeks at a time.

    Soon they noticed that it was just about half past nine. Jack said that he should be going, he was sure it had been a long day for her. She smiled her thanks, she actually was getting tired. She went out to the kitchen and got his lasagna out. When she went to give him the whole cake he told her to keep some to give to the rest of her neighbors. She cut him some and put it on a plate for him. She then handed him the cake and lasagna. Jack just couldn’t help himself and broke off a small piece of the cake and popped it into his mouth. He closed his eyes and gave a deep sigh of satisfaction.

    “You are too good to be true, Kaelin. I didn’t think anything could top that lasagna.” he told her.

    Kaelin smiled. “Well thank you. I’m glad you enjoyed both.”

    They stepped out onto the deck. “Thank you for a wonderful meal. I could get used to this, but then I guess you’d have to marry me.” he whispered, jokingly. Kaelin smiled at his joke. “But if you won’t marry me I guess I’d just have to kidnap you then.” They both chuckled and Kaelin told him any time he wanted something all he had to do was ask.

    Sometimes people who had no part in the conversation but had ears like a bat listened to things that weren’t meant for them. Sometimes these same people had selective hearing.

New Friends

    Kaelin took the last tray of cookies out of the oven and set the n top of the stove. After a minute she took a spatula and took them from the try to cool. She quickly washed the dishes up then took one of the cooler cookies for herself and went outside.

    She had been living in the trailer park for a few weeks now. Though her neighbors were nice, for the most part they stayed to themselves, except for Jack. Kaelin smiled when she thought of Jack. He liked to joke around with her, but he was always a gentleman. Well at least he was when he was around. In the weeks she had been here he had been gone more often than he had been home. He had told her that though, so now even though Kaelin had made a new friend he was usually gone.

    Kaelin heard gravel crunching and wondered if one of the neighbors had decided to come visit. Maybe Mrs. Billings had smelled her cookies and decided to come ask for some. Kaelin had given an open invitation to all the neighbors to try her baked goods. Mrs. Billings had come twice already. Kaelin just automatically gave Jack something when he was home.

    Kaelin was surprised when she saw a woman and girl walking around her van. They weren’t neighbors; she had met everyone in the trailer park. They stopped at the end of her carport. The three of them looked at each other in silence until the woman spoke.

    “I’m sorry to disturb you, but my daughter and I just couldn’t help but notice that a delicious smell was coming from this area. To be honest we’d noticed it before, but since we were down by the creek today we decided to stop and investigate so to speak.” the woman explained.

    “I see.” Kaelin commented.

    The woman walked a little into the carport and took a deep breath. “Homemade chocolate chip cookies?” she asked. Kaelin automatically nodded. “Been ages since I’ve had good ones.” She raised her had to her mouth as her eyes widened in chagrin. “I’m sorry that was rude of me.” She looked at the deck with a question in her eyes. Kaelin motioned for her to come up. “Thank you.”

    Kaelin shrugged in answer then walked into the trailer. When she came out she had a small plate of cookies. She motioned for the woman and young girl to sit. She set the cookies on the table then sat across from them. Mother and daughter took a cookie and ate them in silence. They both reached for another cookie almost as soon as the first one was eaten.

    “You don’t live here.” Kaelin suddenly blurted.

    Once the woman swallowed her bite of cookie she spoke. “No, we live across the street.”

    Across the street meaning the housing development. “What were you doing over here?” she asked.

    “My daughter and I like to walk along the creek. The landlord doesn’t have a problem with it, I’ve already asked.” The woman gazed at Kaelin and saw the distrust there. “Look just because I live in a big house doesn’t mean I have a big ego.”

    Kaelin looked the woman in the eye and saw she was speaking the truth. “I’m sorry for my presumption.” Kaelin apologized.

    The woman waved it away. “Don’t worry about it. These cookies are more than enough of an apology. They are absolutely heavenly.”

    Kaelin smiled. “Well thank you. I don’t know if I’d go that far though.”

    “Oh I am really being rude today. You’ve given me these wonderful cookies and I haven’t even introduced myself. I’m Sheridan and this is my daughter Becky.” the woman told her.

    Kaelin shook each hand in turn. “I am Kaelin. Nice to meet you.” Kaelin saw Becky look longingly at the empty plate. “Would you like some to take home?”

    Becky looked at her mom. “Can we?”

    Sheridan smiled. “I won’t turn them down.”

    Kaelin smiled then stood up. As she headed inside she decided to invite the two of them inside. The three of them went in and Kaelin went about getting some cookies together for them. As she did this she noticed Sheridan looking at some of her already packaged cakes and banana bread. Once she had the cookies she grabbed a bag and put them in, quickly followed by banana bread and the cake slice Sheridan had been looking at. She then handed the bag to Sheridan.

    “There you go.” she said.

    “You don’t have to do…” Sheridan objected.

    “Hey, it’s free food. You aren’t supposed to argue about free food.” Kaelin joked.

    Sheridan smiled. “But I should pay you.”

    “You already did by calling my cookies heavenly.”

    “But how are you going to make money if you give your profit away?” Sheridan asked.

    Kaelin smiled. “Word of mouth maybe. Besides I’ve not exactly started selling anything yet to worry about a profit. If you decide to share and someone asks who made it just tell them about Wooden Spoon Food. That is if you don’t decide to take credit it for it.” Kaelin joked.

    Sheridan had been going to get upset, but when Kaelin winked she knew she was joking. “Oh, no problem there. Though I don’t know how much I’ll share. I will make sure to mention you though.”

    “Thank you.”

    “You are quite welcome.” Sheridan answered.

    Kaelin noticed Becky had been watching the two women talk. She had also looked around Kaelin’s home, she seemed to be interested. Kaelin guessed it was something new for the girl; she had probably never been in a place like it before.

    Sheridan noticed the clock on the wall and saw how late it was getting. “We should get going. I need to get dinner started. Would you mind if Becky and I stopped over again? Or maybe you could come visit us?” Sheridan suggested.

    Kaelin gave Sheridan a warm smile. “I’d enjoy that.”

    “Great. Your number is on the package right?” Kaelin nodded her head in ascent. “I’ll give you a call then. If we don’t take a walk by the creek I mean.”

    “Ok. It was nice to meet you, Sheridan and you too; Becky.” Kaelin said, looking at the young girl.

    “You too, Kaelin. You’re really nice.” Becky told her, honestly.

    As mother and daughter headed out Kaelin wasn’t sure she would hear from Sheridan again. It had been nice to meet someone new, someone around her own age. Even if Sheridan didn’t call she had at least had the opportunity to try and make a new friend.

    If things went well hopefully she had gained a new friend.

                               **************************

    Kaelin honestly hadn’t expected Sheridan to call. So it had been a pleasant surprise when she had called a few days after their first meeting. Sheridan and Becky had come over a few times; Becky had actually helped her prepare some more cakes. If Kaelin wasn’t mistaken she had seemed to enjoy it too. Kaelin had gone to the Marshall household a few times also.

    A few weeks previously she had met Sheridan’s husband, Benton Marshall. He was a great guy. He was sweet and great with Becky. Where many fathers claimed they didn’t have time to b with their children Benton made sure he spent time with Becky. Kaelin was so glad Sheridan had such a good man for a husband.

    Good men weren’t always easy to find.

    Now about a month after their meeting Sheridan had invited Kaelin to have dinner with the family. However they were going to be having another guest. Sheridan had conveniently forgotten to mention that fact until the day of the dinner.

    Kaelin looked in the mirror for the fifth time then shook her head. What was wrong with her? She wasn’t going to dinner to impress anybody, no matter if Sheridan had that in mind. She was going to spend time with the Marshall’s and get to meet someone new. Sheridan hadn’t mentioned who the guest was though. Kaelin gave her wavy auburn hair one final pat then headed out.

    A small chuckle escaped as she headed up the driveway. Sheridan hadn’t been ling when she said she lived across the street, she literally did. All Kaelin had to do was cross to the sidewalk and follow it around to the front of the house. The Marshall’s lived in the corner house right across from the trailer park. Once Kaelin reached the front door she rang the doorbell and waited.

    The door opened and she was greeted by Becky’s smiling face. Kaelin couldn’t help herself and pulled Becky into a hug. Becky hugged her back then took her hand in hers and walked her into the house. Kaelin heard voices in the kitchen which was where they were headed to. As they stepped into the kitchen two pairs of warm brown eyes swung in her direction.

    “Something smells good.” she commented.

    “Well that’s promising, considering I helped.” Benton joked.

    Sheridan put her arm around her husband’s shoulders and gave him a peck on the cheek. “Don’t listen to him Kaelin, he’s a great cook.”

    “Oh no. I guess I will have to watch out if he decides to start baking.”

    They all chuckled then the doorbell rang. “Saved by the bell. I’ll go get it.” Benton said as he stood up and headed out of the kitchen. Becky soon followed her dad.

    “They’ll hang out for a while so that gives us time to talk.” Sheridan said.

    “Talk? Is there something you need to talk about?” Kaelin asked.

    Sheridan shook her head. “You know what I mean, Kaelin.”

    “Yeah I do. Why didn’t you tell me before that you were inviting someone else?”

    Sheridan stopped what she was doing and stared right at Kaelin. “Why? So you could cancel?”

    “Well it would have given me the option. You know you don’t have to try to set me up with someone.” Kaelin told her.

    Sheridan actually looked surprised. “You think that’s what I am doing?” She shook her head in denial. “Well at least not consciously. I just forgot that Benton and Evan usually get together every third Friday of the month. I had already asked you and I didn’t think Evan would mind. I wouldn’t presume to try and set you up with someone. Unless you asked me to.”

    “Well I am glad to hear that. I just don’t need that kind of complication right now.” Kaelin told her.

    “Believe me I know. Right now you’re too busy with Wooden Spoon Food, which is a good thing.” Sheridan said with a smile.

    Two male voices could be heard coming from the living room and soon Kaelin and Sheridan were joined by Becky. The three of them finished the meal and took everything out to the dining room. Once all the drinks were poured Sheridan went to the living room and got her husband and guest.

    Kaelin watched the two men as they entered the room. Instantly she knew the man with Benton was his brother. If Sheridan hadn’t told her the picture of the two men in front of her told her the truth. They both shared a strong jaw line and many other of the same facial features. However where Benton had light brown hair, the man next to him had almost honey blonde hair. Kaelin noticed the man look at her with eyes widened in surprise, which he quickly tried to hide.

    “Evan, I’d like you to meet Kaelin. Kaelin, I’d like you to meet my old…I mean older brother Evan.”

    Evan held his hand out and Kaelin felt it envelop hers after she put hers out too. “Good to meet you, Kaelin.” he said.

    “Same here.” she responded.

    “Well now that everyone has been introduced, let’s eat. I’m starving!!” Benton exclaimed.

    Everyone sat down and started eating. Becky and Kaelin sat on one side while Evan sat on the side opposite them. Benton and Sheridan sat at the ends of the table. Every once in a while Kaelin felt like she was being watched. When she looked up from her food she found Evan looking at her. It was a little unnerving, but she didn’t feel threatened by it.

    Besides, if she had been interested in finding a man, Evan Marshall wasn’t bad to look at.

                           **************************

    Evan watched Sheridan and her friend Kaelin talking. It had been quite a shock when he had walked into the dining room and saw her. It had almost been like looking back in time, though Kaelin was the only one who had been young in the room, besides his niece of course.

    While they were eating he just couldn’t help but look at her every once in a while. He didn’t want to just outright stare at her. That would be rude and a little creepy, and that wouldn’t be a good way to come across. However he couldn’t stop himself from looking at her every now and then. Like he had thought when he first gazed at her, it was like looking into a mirror of the past.

    That was both a good and a bad thing.

    Sheridan got up from where she was sitting and asked if anyone needed something to drink. Everyone answered in the affirmative so she volunteered Benton to help her. Once they had left the room Evan stood up and walked over to Kaelin. She looked up at him and gave him a small smile; he gave her one in return.

    “I’m sorry if I ruined your evening with Benton.” she said.

    “You aren’t at all. I’ve seen enough of his mug growing up with him.” he joked.

    Kaelin smiled. “I’m sure you still have things you like to do.”

“I don’t come just to see my brother. “ They looked at each other in silence for a few moments before Evan spoke again. “So how did you and Sheridan meet?”

    “She had some of my cookies.” Kaelin told him.

    “I take it you like to bake then.”

    Kaelin chuckled. “You could say that.”

    “I’m glad Sheridan has made a friend of someone around her age.” he commented.

    “Why do you say that?” Kaelin asked.

    “Because most of the people around here are older. Not in their eighties old, but more in their fifties.”

    “So we should have more in common is what you are saying.” she said.

    “Exactly. She must like you a lot, Benton’s told me she’s always talking about her best friend.” Evan told her.

    “Best friend? I never…I mean she’s never told me I was her best friend.” Kaelin admitted.

    “Maybe she figures you just know. You seem pretty close just from what I have seen.” Evan commented.

    “We are.” Kaelin told him without hesitation.

    “Do you live close by?”

    “Across the street.” she answered.

    Evan looked at little perplexed. “There are only two houses across the street and they are already occupied.”

    “The street behind the house.” she clarified.

    It dawned on Evan what she meant then. “Gotcha. That is close by then.”

    “Yes it is.” Kaelin responded.

    Benton and Sheridan returned with their drinks then. Sheridan sat next to her husband which forced Evan to have to sit next to Kaelin. He sat next to her and rested his arm along the back of the loveseat. Not once though did he touch her.

    He wanted to be friendly, but he didn’t want to give her the wrong impression.

                           ******************************

    As Kaelin went to bed that night she wondered over Evan Marshall. He seemed nice enough but when she had mentioned that she lived across the street on the backside of the house his eyes had become chilly so to speak.

    Some people still had the wrong idea of people who lived in trailers/mobile homes. To these people you would always be trailer trash no matter what. Living in a trailer didn’t always mean being poor, sometimes it was an escape. An escape from the so called great city life.

    Well there was no sense worrying over it. Kaelin decided she’d ask him about it if she was ever in his company again. If she wasn’t then there was no point in crying over spilt milk, so to speak.

Bonds

    Kaelin hummed along to the song coming from her stereo. As she whipped icing around on the cake in front of her she did a little dance. She didn’t know why she was in such a good mood, but she had even woken up with a smile on her face.

    After finishing that cake she put it in the fridge so the icing could set a little before she cut it into pieces. She washed up the few dishes she had then rooted through her cabinets. She was in a baking mood for some reason and she knew what she was making would be going to her neighbors and friends. You couldn’t always be working.

    Kaelin had gathered all the ingredients for a few things she had in mind and was about to start mixing ingredients when there was a knock on the door. She went and answered the knock and standing on the other side was Jack Henson. She was in such a good mood she put her arms around him and hugged him without even thinking about what she was doing. Jack gave her a big hug in return.

    When they stepped apart she gave him a chagrined look. “I’m sorry.”

    Jack smiled. “Don’t be, maybe I should go away for another few weeks.” he joked.

    “Why didn’t you let me know you were coming back?”

    “It was late when we got done and it was even later when I got home. I thought I would surprise you.”

    “It was a pleasant surprise.” she told him honestly.

    “Good.” He peeked into the kitchen and saw flour, sugar, and the like sitting on the counter. “Did I interrupt you?”

    “No. This was going to be excess baking.” she answered.

    “Can I help?” he asked, hopeful.

    Kaelin looked at Jack in surprise. She hadn’t expected him to ask to help, but she wasn’t going to turn down his offer. She motioned him to head into the kitchen. She walked in after him and stepped towards one of the drawers. After pulling out an item she handed it to Jack with a mischievous smile on her face.

    Jack looked at the apron she had given him then looked at her with mock angry eyes. Kaelin laughed when he actually put it on. The reason she laughed was because it was one of the older short aprons that only covered the lower half of you. Jack winked at her.

    They then got to work.

                   ********************************

    Jack watched Kaelin pull a tray of scones from the oven. He grabbed the other oven mit and took it from her then took the scones from the tray. He set the tray on the top of the stove then turned to look at Kaelin.

    As he looked at her he felt a wave of longing come over him. He tried to push the thought away but it kept coming back. Her hair was halfway coming out of her bun, some strands hanging around her face. She had flour on her one cheek and instinctively he reached out to wipe it away. Once he wiped it away he cupped her cheek in his hand.

    They looked into each other’s eyes and Jack really wanted to kiss her but he curbed himself. He dropped his hand and turned away from her for a moment. When he turned back he had himself under control.

    Well at least physical control.

                   ******************************

    Kaelin sat in Sheridan’s kitchen, her hands cupped around the glass of iced tea in front of her. Sheridan sat in the chair across from her and just looked at her. She was going to let Kaelin tell her what she wanted to tell her at her own pace. Kaelin took a sip of tea then started speaking.

    “Jack’s back.” she blurted.

    Sheridan raised her eyebrow. “I see.”

    Kaelin looked at Sheridan; a small smile curled her lips. She had never really talked to Sheridan about Jack. “He’s my friend, Sheridan.”

    Sheridan gave her a mock hurt look. “Did I say any different?”

    Kaelin chuckled. “No, you haven’t. I just wanted to get that out there.”

    Sheridan gazed at her. “I assume you pointed that out because you have more to tell.”

    Kaelin’s green eyes met Sheridan’s warm brown eyes. “Well he came over to my place a couple days ago. I had been going to make some more goodies and he helped me.”

    Sheridan ran her hands through her blonde hair, fluffing it a little. She waited for Kaelin to continue, but when she didn’t Sheridan spoke again. “You can’t just stop there.”

    Kaelin chuckled again. “You are right. I thought he was going to kiss me.” she blurted.

    Sheridan looked at her friend in surprise. “What made you think that?”

    “Well things had gotten a little messy and I had flour on my cheek. He wiped it off then cupped my cheek.” Kaelin closed her eyes, when she opened them she was blushing a little. “I don’t know what I’d have done if he did kiss me.”

    “What do you mean?”

    “I don’t like him that way.”

    “Could you?” Sheridan asked.

    Kaelin was a little taken aback by that question. Could she like Jack as more than a friend? Maybe, given time, but she wasn’t even thinking along those lines. “Maybe, Sheridan. But like I told you before I’m not looking for male complications.”

    “Maybe you should let Jack know.” Sheridan commented.

    Kaelin looked at her. “What am I supposed to do? Tell him to stop having feelings for me? What if I am reading things wrong? He could just like me as a friend and if I said something like that I’d look like a major fool.”

    “Maybe I’ll have to meet him and judge for myself.” Sheridan suggested.

                       *********************************

    Jack looked at the blonde haired woman sitting by Kaelin. He had wondered why Kaelin had invited him to join her and her friend. He figured it was bound to happen sooner or later, the two of them meeting. You couldn’t keep your friends apart indefinitely.

    Kaelin got up and went to the young girl that had come along. Jack watched as Kaelin’s auburn head perched next to Sheridan’s daughter’s brown head. Jack knew that Kaelin cared deeply for Sheridan and Becky Marshall. She was such a wonderful person that way.

    A small, fond smile curved Jack’s lips as he watched Kaelin and Becky. He then tore his gaze away from them and looked at Sheridan who was looking at him. She smiled at him and he automatically smiled back.

    As Kaelin stayed talking with Becky Jack started feeling a little out of his element. He excused himself and headed home. It wasn’t that he wasn’t enjoying everyone’s company, but he felt a little like an outsider. There was nothing wrong with Kaelin being friends with all of them, but he would have to be around Sheridan a little longer before he’d be totally comfortable. Becky was a charming young girl; he was in no way uncomfortable around her.

    Jack just wondered what Sheridan thought.

                          *****************************

    Kaelin knocked on Jack’s front door, his favorite cake held in her hands. As soon as he opened the door she held the cake out to him.

    “I’m sorry.” she told him.

    Jack looked at her in confusion. “Sorry? For what?”

    “For last night.” she answered.

    That still puzzled him. “What about last night?”

    “I thought you might want to meet Sheridan and Becky since I talk about them so much. Instead I made you feel uncomfortable.”

    Jack gave her a half-smile. “It was my first time meeting Sheridan. I was bound to be a little uncomfortable.”

    “You left pretty quickly.” she pointed out.

    “I’m sorry, Kaelin. It’s just that you and Sheridan have a bond that you and I don’t.”  Kaelin looked at him, a small amount of hurt in her eyes. Jack sighed in frustration. “That didn’t come out right. Becky bonds you closer than you may realize. That’s a bond we can’t have.” He walked around her and set the cake down on the patio table. He then walked back to her and took her hands into his. “I won’t give up our friendship for anything, Kaelin.” He gave her hands a gentle squeeze. “Besides where would I get all my free goodies from?” he joked, trying to lighten up the mood.

    Kaelin smiled at him, squeezed his hands once then let go of them. “I’m just glad you aren’t mad at me for last night.”

    “I’m not, so stop worrying about it. Did Sheridan tell you anything? I mean what she thought about me?”

    “She can’t stand you.” Kaelin joked. “Seriously she thought you were a nice guy and she’s glad I have you to watch out for me.” she told him.

    “Well I’m glad to hear that.” His gaze wandered to the cake. “I think I need to get that thing in out of the sun. I’ll put most of it away then put the rest in the fridge. Care to join me?” he asked. Kaelin nodded in ascent and they headed inside.

    Kaelin was glad they had gotten over that first small bump in their friendship. It seemed to have been a bigger deal to her than it was to Jack, but she honestly didn’t want to lose his friendship. He was one of the good guys and when you found one you tried to keep them, no matter in what capacity.

    Things sometimes happened though that you had no control over which put a strain on even the best of friendships.