“No. Um, thanks.”
“You expecting someone?” she asked.
He stiffened, and hooded, insolent eyes glanced her way then back to the door.
“I saw you earlier, and it seemed like you were looking for someone.”
His shoulders slumped slightly, and he shook his head.
For reasons she could not discern, the young man pulled at her. “Well, I know pretty much everyone in town, so if I can help, just ask.”
Coffee splashed from his cup when he set it down a little too hard. “Um, well, I’m…looking for someone. A man. His name is Max Logan.” His low-pitched voice cracked, then edged higher, and a bright flush covered his face when he glanced up. “Do you know him?”
“As a matter of fact, I do.” She smiled, hoping to put him at ease since he was obviously very nervous. She glanced at the big clock on the back wall. “He should be here shortly.”
He sat up straighter, pulled the cap from his head and placed it on the seat beside him. He ran one hand over his disheveled hair, the other gripped the handle of his mug. “Thanks.”
Sky started to say something else, but his attention was totally focused on the front as Max and Maddie strode in.
“It’s almost time for the parade,” squealed Maddie as she ran up to Sky. “Aren’t you excited?”
Sky laughed and guided her toward the counter. “I think you’re excited enough for all of us.” She helped her to a stool on the end and removed her coat. “Would you like some hot chocolate?”
“Yes, please.”
She turned to Max. “The young man in the back booth is waiting for you.”
He looked toward the boy. “What does he want with me?”
“He didn’t say. He’s been in a couple of times today.”
“Okay. I’ll talk to him.” He looked at his watch. “Parade starts at eighteen thirty. We need to find our spot pretty soon.”
“That means six-thirty,” chirped Maddie, “in soldier talk.”
“I’ll bring your coffee over there.”
He nodded and started toward the stranger.
Sky got Max’s coffee and headed back toward the booth where they sat. She could only see Max’s expression from this angle, and it was dark. Oh dear. Something’s wrong. She was about to place Max’s cup on the table when the young man’s voice stopped her.
“Answer me. Are you my dad?”
Max heard Sky’s gasp but didn’t take his eyes off the boy. He had no idea who the kid was but didn’t for a moment believe he was his father.
“Answer me, dammit,” snapped the young man.
Sky placed the mug on the table, splashing hot liquid on her hand as she hurriedly took a step back.
Max looked up and met her shocked expression. Eyes wide, she swallowed hard, one hand pressing against her throat.
“No,” he snapped, not looking at the boy, “I am not.”
Sky turned and rushed back to the kitchen.
Dammit!
He took a deep breath and refocused on the boy. “Who are you, and what makes you think I’m your father?”
The kid’s hands shook as he pushed his cup toward the center of the table. “Logan Watkins. My mother is Anna Watkins. I found your name in some of her stuff.”
In a matter of seconds, things crystallized in his mind. “How old are you?”
“I’ll be eighteen next week.”
Shit. He’d be the right age.
The boy looked toward the counter where Maddie sat talking with Sky. “I guess she’s your wife, and the kid is your daughter.”
The coldness in his voice didn’t disguise the hurt. Max kept a neutral tone. “I’ll ask again…what makes you think I’m your father?”
Logan shifted in his seat, eyes not quite meeting Max’s steady gaze. “We were moving crap from the attic, and I found a box of stuff I’d never seen.” He paused, then pulled a wrinkled photo from his shirt pocket and placed it on the table. “This was in there.”
Max clenched his jaw when he saw the young couple all dressed up for the prom. On the back, in neat block letters she had written, “Max Logan and me at the prom. I’ll always love my knight in shining armor.”
Suddenly, Max was transported back to that night so many years ago. Anna Sue, devastated by Cade’s sudden indifference, didn’t know at the time she carried his child. Max had no plans for the prom but because she was so unhappy, insisted they go together.
