The Summer of No Attachments by Lori Foster

Chapter Thirteen

On a dreary evening one week later, Ivey was outside with the dogs. She’d gotten her stitches out that morning and her arm felt much better, the bruises already fading. For much of the day it had rained, and dark clouds still crowded the sky, making it seem later than it was. With the ground damp, she couldn’t sit in the grass, so instead, she sat on the front step and kept a very close eye on the dogs.

If she was honest with herself, they were more than ready for homes of their own. She also wanted to spay Daisy so the sweet little dog wouldn’t have to go through another difficult birth.

There’d been too many distractions lately, though. Corbin hadn’t yet been able to locate Justin’s mother. He’d checked all over Sunset, and although many people recalled her because of the scene she’d caused, no one knew where she might be. It was possible she was staying outside Sunset.

Until Darcie was found, Ivey feared that Corbin would be tense and Justin would remain wary. She loved them both so much that it made her tense and wary, too.

So many times she considered telling Corbin how she felt, that she wanted more than another day, another month, or even another year. She wanted forever. At a time when she’d thought to expand her horizons, he’d come along and shown her that she didn’t need that.

She needed him.

“Hey.” Stepping out of the house, Corbin closed the door quietly behind him. “They haven’t finished yet?”

“Maybe. But I was enjoying the night air.” And thinking deep thoughts about love and the future. “Is Justin down for the night?”

Nodding, Corbin sat on the step behind her, his runner’s thighs open around her. He kissed the top of her head. “He’s clingier than he was before, and I think he’s afraid to hope that things are settled, but he’s dealing with it all in that silent way of his.”

“You need to find Darcie so he can move beyond this.”

For an answer, Corbin pulled her back to rest against him. “I’m working on it. Without a number to reach her, it’s pretty damned impossible.”

Humid air blew against her face, and she knew it would storm again. “It’s so unfair of her to do this, to disrupt his life even more.”

“I agree. In the beginning, I was angry about it. But now? I realize how much help you and Lang are, how you both made the transition easier, and it makes me...not sympathetic, but maybe more understanding? Little by little, Justin talks about her. He never knew her parents, so it was always just the two of them. I’m not sure she had anyone as backup, and I’m afraid she might have a drug problem, based off what he’s said, what Geoff said and what I saw when she gave Justin to me. All combined, that’s a hard life.”

“I guess.” Loving Corbin and Justin as she did, Ivey really didn’t want to cut the other woman any slack. She had to admit, though, it sounded as if Darcie had some serious personal problems. And because of those difficulties, she’d made many horrid decisions and basically destroyed her own life. One mistake had led to another, until she probably couldn’t see a way out.

It made Ivey admire Hope even more, because her life, too, had been incredibly hard—obviously, in very different ways—and yet her friend had remained motivated, optimistic and caring.

One thought led to another, and Ivey asked, “Do you think you’ll ever want more children?”

His startled gaze shot to hers.

D’oh.She did seem to blurt out the most outrageous things. But she couldn’t help wondering. He was such a great dad.

Looking out at the darkened yard, watching the antics of the puppies, Corbin considered it. “Actually, I’ve wondered about that, too, about all the things I missed. Diapers and formula, first laugh and first steps... I wonder sometimes if Darcie has any photos, and if she’d let me make copies.”

“If you find her, you should ask. The worst that can happen is she might say no.”

“If she’s gone again, I’m not sure if I should contact her or not. Then again, for medical reasons, it’d be nice to have her family history.” A small smile curved his mouth before he slanted her another look. “If I do ever have another child, I can guarantee I’ll be with him or her from the start.”

“I already know that.” Beyond a shadow of a doubt, Corbin had proven that he took his responsibilities seriously.

She’d been thinking about kids recently. Her own.

That was a first. Before Corbin, the idea of kids hadn’t occurred to her. Even when she’d been with Geoff, she’d never pictured them together as parents.

Now, with Corbin? The image was all too clear.

Watching her, Corbin asked softly, “What about you?” As he so often did, he toyed with her hair, teasing it with his fingertips, tucking it back. “Can you see yourself as a mother?”

“Don’t let it freak you out, but I already do.” To keep it light, she tipped her head back to look at him upside down. “I know Justin isn’t mine, but I wish he was. I want to mother him. I want to show him how it should be when decisions are all guided by love, when he can feel that he’s cared for and safe.”

“He adores you,” Corbin said with significance. “It’s a big plus for me. At this point, I’m not sure I’d bring someone into his life who he didn’t like.”

“Then yay for me.” She smiled. “He’s pretty easy to adore right back.”

Behind them, the door opened, and Lang stepped out. He’d walked Hope home a little while ago, and it looked as if he’d just gotten out of the shower. An ominous shadow filled his eyes. “Sorry to interrupt, but your cell phone rang, so I answered it.”

Corbin turned, took in Lang’s expression and went rigid with alarm. “Who is it?”

Jaw tightening, Lang said, “It’s Darcie. She’s waiting to talk to you.”

A sort of suspended dread held them all immobile, then Corbin got to his feet with a rush of determined resolve. “At least she waited until Justin was asleep.” He held out a hand to Ivey, but said to Lang, “You’ll help her gather up the dogs?”

“Sure.” Lang searched Corbin’s face. “I’ll also listen for Justin, just in case he wakes up.”

“Thanks.” Corbin gave Ivey a quick, soft kiss. “Go ahead and get ready for bed. I’ll fill you in when I’m done.”

Her heart beat too quickly, but Ivey hoped she projected an air of calm. “All right.” She stopped him with a touch to his shoulder. “Good luck.”

His brief smile held no humor, then he went inside.

“It’ll be fine,” Lang assured her, but he looked worried, too.

They got the pets inside and settled. Maurice stuck close to her while she showered and changed into a sleep shirt and shorts. She’d left Lang sitting in the great room looking morose while Corbin had carried the phone downstairs, to ensure Justin wouldn’t wake and overhear.

She joined Lang on the couch. The TV was on, but neither of them were watching. They didn’t engage in idle chitchat or try to pretend nothing was wrong. Ivey stroked Maurice, taking comfort in his nearness as always, and Lang occasionally patted her knee.

It was every bit of an hour later when Corbin finally finished his call. Cell phone in hand, he came into the great room and stood facing them both.

After a quick glance toward the stairs, he said, “She’s in the hospital. Apparently she collapsed outside her hotel room.”

“Here in Sunset?” Ivey asked, alarmed by all the complications winging through her brain.

“Next town over.” He took a seat on the ottoman. “I’m going to see her tomorrow morning.” He turned to Lang. “That is, if you can keep an eye on Justin.”

Sitting forward, Lang set aside his beer and nodded. “Absolutely. No problem.” And then, “She didn’t ask to see him?”

“She did, but I said no. There are things we need to discuss first.” Corbin rubbed his mouth. “She didn’t confirm it, but I think she OD’d.”

“Dear God,” Ivey whispered. It was a selfish thought, but she was grateful the woman hadn’t been in Sunset when it happened, otherwise gossip would have run amok through the small town. Corbin and Justin lived here now. This was their home, and Ivey would rather they have some space between problems as serious as that.

“I might be there all day.” Staring into Ivey’s eyes, Corbin said quietly, “She’s getting discharged soon, but she doesn’t have any money, and she doesn’t have anywhere to go.”

Shock stole through her, making her jaw loosen.

Lang gave a muttered curse, then got up to pace.

“You...” Her mouth was too dry. Without giving it a thought, she snatched up Lang’s beer and took a long drink. Licking her lips and drawing a steadying breath, she asked, “You’re bringing her here?”

“Christ, no.” Corbin’s mouth firmed. “I’m going to make her an offer of assistance and hope like hell that she takes it.”

“An offer of assistance?” Ivey repeated.

He lowered his voice. “I don’t think she really wants him. I’m hoping if she gets on her feet, if she has other options, she won’t focus on him. But even if she does, it’d be better if she was stable.”

Ivey stared at him in wonder. “Good God, you are wonderful.”

“A freaking saint,” Lang complained, sounding very unhappy about it.

“No,” Ivey whispered, and she got up to hug Corbin tight. “He’s a man who loves his son and wants the best for him.”

Corbin closed his arms around her, and even after Lang headed off to bed, they stood there like that.

Yes, Corbin would do everything in his power to take care of his son.

And while he did, Ivey would take care of him.

It was late morning by the time Corbin arrived at the hospital. He’d told Justin that he had some business to take care of and might be gone for a while, but repeatedly affirmed for him that he would be back before bedtime. He assuaged his guilt with the reasoning that it was only a small lie to protect his son from anxiety.

Right now, his visit with Darcie was business—the business of protecting Justin’s future.

Making himself smile for Justin, Corbin had done his utmost to treat the morning like any other. Overall he’d been successful, but there had been a few moments where Justin had seemed to see right through his bullshit, as if he knew a lot was on the line.

Someday, with enough love and security, Justin would stop waiting for the worst to happen. What Corbin was about to try was a risk, but Ivey understood that it was necessary. For his son. For himself.

For their future.

He wanted her in his life, now and always. He wanted peace in his household, too. To that end, he would try anything, no matter how difficult it might be.

Walking into the hospital, Corbin thought about Ivey and Lang, about their help during a time of his life that was both jubilant—because he had his son—and the scariest thing he’d ever faced—because his son’s mother was so unpredictable. They were forced to worry right along with him, and even while he regretted that, he was grateful that he had them.

His brother loved him, so his support was a given; he’d had it all his life.

But how did Ivey feel? It couldn’t be easy for her to get involved in his mess. There were so many things he’d like to do with her, and none of it was possible. Yet. Would she still be around when he got things in order? Christ, he hoped so. He couldn’t really imagine life without her.

It was as if he’d met the perfect woman for him, right when he needed her the most.

Dressed in casual tan khakis and a dark polo shirt, Corbin stopped outside Darcie’s hospital room. A heavy weight settled on his shoulders, keeping him from knocking on the door. So much rode on the success of this visit. He knew Darcie’s issues wouldn’t be easily resolved, but at least he had a plan. From there, he could only do his best.

Stiffening his resolve, he knocked on the door and waited.

“Come in,” came the weak reply.

He pushed the door open and came to an abrupt halt. Across the room, lying limp in a white hospital bed, Darcie looked like hell. Seeing her brought on a wave of sympathy that totally took him by surprise. Shaking himself, he continued in and tried for a moderate tone. “Hey.”

Through bloodshot, bleary eyes, she stared at him. “You better not gloat.” Her lips trembled, much as Justin’s did when he was afraid. “I don’t want to hear any lectures.”

The hospital room was as cheery as possible, but it didn’t affect the depressed atmosphere. “I don’t have any to give.”

“Good.”

Darcie was emaciated, her pasty skin lacking any real color, and with the dark smudges under her eyes, she looked as if she’d gone through hell and back. Real concern brought him closer. “You’re doing okay now?”

“Yes, so don’t hold your breath waiting for me to croak.”

“Darcie.” He pulled a chair up near the bed and slowly sat down, giving himself time to formulate the right words. “You’re my son’s mother. I don’t relish interference in his life, but I don’t wish you any ill will, either.”

“Ha!” At the outburst, she groaned, a hand to her stomach, her eyes closing.

Corbin waited, seeing the way she struggled.

“I almost died.” With a caustic glance around at the room, she said, “You think this place is bad, you should see the ICU.”

Bad? He thought the room looked comfortable and convenient, set up for someone who needed a lot of care. “I’m glad you were able to be moved.”

She swallowed heavily. “I looked everywhere for you.” She breathed a little harder. “But you were hiding.”

“Actually, I looked for you as well.”

Her gaze shot to his. “Why?”

“I knew you were in town. Others had...remarked on it. But I couldn’t find you.”

“Because I got dumped here.” Her hand curled into a fist. “Cops brought me in after I crashed.”

“The police were involved?”

Her mouth firmed. “People accused me of harassing them. Cops got there before the EMTs.”

Dear God. “Where was this?”

“Local bar,” she said without any further clarification.

“I see.”

She shook her head as if it didn’t matter. “Guess I had too much to drink.”

If by too much, she meant she’d damned near drunk herself to death, then he’d agree. She still looked two breaths away from death. “It wasn’t only alcohol, was it, Darcie?”

“So? Don’t act like you have all the answers.”

No, he wouldn’t. He couldn’t. There were too many occasions when he second-guessed his every decision. This was one of them.

He reached for patience. “How much longer will they keep you?”

Rolling a shoulder, she said, “They’ll let me out soon, but I don’t know what to do.” Very deliberately, she smoothed the sheet over her chest. “You might not believe this, but I never wanted to hurt Justin. He’s a good boy, just more than I could handle on my own.”

Corbin noticed that she hadn’t yet asked how Justin was doing. Seeing her so thin, more so than when she’d given him Justin, he couldn’t take offense. “I can understand that.”

“I thought Carl was going to marry me, but that fell apart.” Defensively, she said, “That’s the only reason I got so messed up. The damn pills didn’t mix well, I guess.” Tears welled in her eyes. “Now I have nothing and no one. I’m all alone.”

The piteous tone grated. “That’s not actually true.” He hesitated, feeling both compassionate and repelled. To think that his son had spent ten years with this woman, that he’d had no one else around to protect him, made Corbin’s blood burn. “You have your life, Darcie. And if you think you’d like to get things back on track, I’d be willing to help.”

Her eyes, the same shade of blue as Justin’s, took his measure. Miraculously, the tears disappeared. Letting her voice drop, she tried a coy smile that was ludicrous under the circumstances. “Our son could use two parents. It’d be easier together. I bet Justin would like that.”

It took all his concentration not to jolt away from that repugnant suggestion. Him, with Darcie? The things he felt for her, resentment, anger, remorse and pity, were not conducive to a romantic relationship. She was the opposite of Ivey, lacking her vitality, her spirit and her huge capacity for love.

Insulting Darcie in any way wouldn’t help his cause though. “I’m involved with someone else.”

“You’re not married,” she shot back with sharp annoyance.

Her mercurial moods likely explained a lot of Justin’s wariness. It wouldn’t be easy for a kid to never know how a parent might react. “Not yet, no.” He definitely wanted a lifetime commitment, though. With Ivey. “But our relationship is serious.”

Alarm flashed over her ravaged features. “Since when?”

“Darcie,” he chided. “I came here to see if there’s a way I can help you, not to talk about me.”

She eyed him. “So you’ll do what? Give me money?”

Money was what she’d asked for, and initially, even before her call, it was what he’d planned to give. But he sensed that would only make things better for the very short-term. There was also the worry that she’d use cash for drugs.

For Justin’s sake, Corbin wanted to see real, substantial change. “What do you hope to see for your future?”

Her expression made it clear she saw that as a trick question. “I love my son.”

In her own way, she likely did. “I assume that’s why you gave him to me. You knew you needed help, didn’t you? You wanted what’s best for him.”

She jumped on that with desperate haste. “Yes! I knew you could take care of him. It was past time for you to have a turn.”

He’d have been there from the start if she had seen fit to tell him...but he resisted saying so. “I agree. I’ll see to him from now on.”

With belligerence, she argued, “He’s still my son. I have a right to see him.”

She’d signed away her rights, but again, he tried to keep things civil. “I agree.”

That stunned her silent.

“I think you know that it’d be best if you were...in better shape first?” Corbin rushed on before she could take offense. “You spent ten years caring for him on your own.”

“And it wasn’t easy!”

He acknowledged that with a nod. “Now that you know he’s safe with me, you should concentrate on yourself for a while. This could be your turn at a better life. A life that could start right now, don’t you think?” He couldn’t say she looked interested, but at least she was listening. “There are programs, Darcie. I understand they can help. I’d like you to complete one.” He knew it would only work if she wanted it, too, so he needed her cooperation. “What do you say?”

She took plenty of time to think about it. “I’m not admitting I have a problem, because I don’t. Besides, even if I finished rehab, then what? I’m back out on the streets?”

“Not if I repaid you for those ten years of single parenting.”

Stark suspicion narrowed her eyes. “Repay me?”

“Consider it back child support.” After long talks with his lawyer, he was able to drop a number that made her eyes bulge.

Calculating, she licked her lips as she watched him. “I guess that would be a start.”

A start—and a finish. He wouldn’t allow her to manipulate him more than she already had. “After you’ve completed rehab, I’d not only give you that money in monthly payments, but I’d also help you get back on your feet.”

She sat up a little higher in the bed. “Help me, how?”

“I’ll get you set up in an apartment, with several months paid in advance. I’ll also make sure you have reliable transportation so you can hold down a job. But, Darcie? It’ll all be dependent on you staying clean.”

Skipping past his stipulation, she asked, “Why would you do any of that?”

Here was where it got tricky. He couldn’t say she was a problem he wanted to resolve. That attitude would infuriate anyone, but especially someone in her stage of recovery. He’d planned his response in advance, and he hoped it was good enough to convince her. “Despite everything, I think Justin would be happier if he knows you’re okay.”

“Of course he would. I’m his mother. I bet he misses me, doesn’t he?”

Corbin studied her. Already he could see the wheels turning and knew she was making plans of her own. Plans that weren’t about their son. Plans that would do nothing to make Justin’s life easier.

“I’m only doing this for him.” Sitting forward, his elbows on his knees and his fingers laced together, Corbin stared into her still hazy eyes. He needed to make sure that she understood every word. “I’ll only assist you as long as it’s in his best interests. If you can’t be sober, then I’d have to rethink everything.”

Angry color rushed into her pale face. “You bastard. You think you can call all the shots, don’t you?”

“No.” Life was never that simple. He stood to pace around the room. “For now, if you want to see Justin, it would only be through supervised visits.”

“He’s my son!”

Her raised voice didn’t faze him. In contrast, his own was soft with conviction. “You gave him to me. You signed away your rights, remember? I’m willing to work with you, but every decision I make will be centered on whatever is best for Justin.”

“I’ll sue you,” she threatened with heat.

“If you want to take your chances in court, then we will. But if you go that route, I won’t give you a dime.” He looked around the room. “When you leave here, you’ll be on your own. Think about that.” Before he lost his temper, he headed for the door.

“Wait.”

The desperation in her tone tore at him, again causing sympathy to war with resolve. He turned back to face her.

With her gaze downcast, she muttered, “I want to get better.”

Closing his eyes in relief, Corbin nodded. “Then I’ll do what I can.” In that moment, Darcie looked small and afraid. His heart ached, not only for his son, but for her, too. No one wanted a life of dependency. No one made a conscious decision to be weak, to be arrested—or to court death through drugs. It was one of those awful things that happened, and he quickly counted his blessings that his parents had given him such a solid foundation.

Darcie rubbed one eye, making her look very young and frail. “Cops will be in to talk to me today. I... I don’t want to face them alone.”

He stepped closer again. “You want me to stay?” The idea had merit, because it would give him a clear view of what he was up against.

Her chin angled up. “Unless you have something better to do.”

Parenting his son was definitely better, but he shook his head. “I can stay for a few more hours.”

Relief stole some of the strain from her features. “I figure they’ll lock me up this time.”

This time?

She turned to look out the window. “It’s not fair. None of it is my fault and now I have nothing.”

If it wasn’t her fault, then whose? Did she blame Justin for being born? Corbin for not somehow knowing he had a son, even though she hadn’t told him? “Let’s figure out what to expect first, okay? We’ll take it one step at a time.”

Her frowning gaze returned to his face. “You promise you won’t leave me hanging?”

“I’ll keep my word, you’ll keep yours and we’ll both get it worked out.”

Ivey ended the call with Corbin just before she pulled into the drive at his house. God, it had been good to finally hear from him. She’d been so worried, anticipating the worst, wanting to be there with him but knowing that wasn’t a good idea.

He’d be a while yet getting home, but he sounded cautiously optimistic about his visit with Darcie.

The officer who’d talked with her at the hospital had explained there would, in fact, be some jail time, followed by a mandatory program and counseling. Darcie would also have to submit to random drug testing.

Corbin had surmised that she was a multiple offender.

Ivey knew that had to be tormenting him. She, too, was thinking about the things Justin might have gone through.

The rest of Corbin’s trip had been spent learning what he could about his son. Darcie had managed to unearth a few photos off her phone, but the younger ones of him were gone forever when she’d lost an earlier phone.

She’d claimed that everything she owned was stored in her car, now abandoned at the bar. To keep it from getting towed, Corbin had offered to move it for her. She’d readily given him the keys and told him to take anything of Justin’s that he wanted—as long as he planned to help her once she was free again.

Corbin now had a box of items he was anxious to go through, but he wanted to get home first.

To his son.

And to her.

Ivey couldn’t wait to see him. The future looked a little brighter with one problem addressed.

She was smiling as she drove up to the house—until she saw the RV taking up a considerable amount of space in the driveway. She assumed whoever it was had just arrived, since the motor was still running. When she pulled up alongside it, a woman gave her an assessing stare from the passenger seat, then grinned. Ivey watched her disappear into the back of the motor home with someone else.

Unsure who they were or why they were there, Ivey hurried to the front door and poked her head inside. “Lang?”

He came out of the kitchen, drying his hands. “What’s up? Is Hope home, too?”

She almost grinned. His constant distraction with Hope seemed like a very good sign to her. “Probably.” She glanced back outside and saw the two people step down from the vehicle. “You have company.”

His brows came down. “Not...” He looked to where Justin laid on the floor coloring.

“No.” Before Ivey could expound on that, the woman was right behind her.

“Where is my grandson?” she boomed.

Lang dropped his head back and groaned.

The man with the woman laughed. “We just got here, Vesta, and you’re already shouting questions.”

Grandson?Ivey thought. She saw the expression on Lang’s face, which was comically pained, and noticed that Justin was now paying attention, too. He had that alert, guarded posture about him.

Blocking the doorway to give Justin a moment to understand the visit, Ivey turned to face the couple. “You’re Corbin’s mother?”

“And his stepdaddy,” the man said, extending a hand. “Hagan Phillips.”

Ivey accepted his hand. “Ivey Anders. It’s nice to meet you.”

“He’s not their stepdaddy yet,” Vesta said with good humor.

“Not for lack of trying,” the man shot back.

Ignoring him, Vesta opened her arms with a huge smile and grabbed Ivey in for a crushing hug.

Given the woman was nearly as tall as Corbin, Ivey got squashed in her impressive boobs. Laughing, she patted Vesta’s back. “Hello to you, too.” She remembered what Corbin had said about his mother’s propensity for hugging. She supposed she’d passed muster—at least so far.

Thrusting her back to arm’s length, Vesta asked, “Are you here with Lang or Corbin?”

“Let her breathe, Mom,” Lang said, coming to her rescue. He caught Ivey’s arm and pulled her to his side.

It gave Ivey a second to really look at Corbin’s mother. She was...remarkable. Tall, with a stocky, commanding figure under casual but obviously high-end clothes. Bright silver hair in a pixie cut framed her face and contrasted with her light brown eyes.

“Lang!” Vesta cried with obvious glee. “You finally found a good one.” She pulled Lang away from Ivey and gave him the same demonstrative affection.

The difference was that Lang squeezed her right back. “She’s not mine, Mom. Corbin claimed her first.”

Vesta eyed her again while speaking to Lang. “Your brother always did have a lot of sense.”

Lang glanced at Ivey. “What she means is that Corbin had more sense than me.”

“Where women were concerned,” Vesta confirmed. “Now where is he?”

“Corbin?” Ivey asked. “He should be home soon.”

Vesta pressed her way into the house, spotted Justin and squealed.

Justin looked frozen in indecision. All around him, the animals sat in fascinated silence. They all stared at Vesta.

Lang caught his mother before she could move. “Take a breath and let me introduce you properly.”

Coming in behind them, Hagan said, “That’s like asking the wind not to blow.” He smiled at Justin. “Look at that. Such a cute kid.”

Clasping her hands to her chest, Vesta moved in. “So incredibly cute. Oh, sweetheart. I’m your loving grandmother. Now give me a hug.”