“Logan, huh?” quipped Cade. “Interesting.”
Max took the boy by the elbow. “Come on.”
Logan had just exited the diner when Max overheard Cade’s vindictive declaration. “Well, looks like all those rumors about him knocking up the Watkins girl are true.”
Sky’s hands shook as she gathered her things from the back, Cade’s statement ringing in her ears. Worst of all, Maddie heard what he said. There was no doubt in her mind that questions would abound. Too bad she’d have no answers.
“Y’all have fun at the parade,” said Ruby when Sky walked back out front. “Eat a candy cane for me, Maddie.”
“I will, Miss Ruby.” She looked at Sky. “I wish Max was going with us.”
“Yeah. Me, too.”
“He was gonna take me to see Santa.”
Before Sky could reply, Cade broke in. “I’d be happy to take you to see Santa, kiddo.” He looked at Sky and winked. “I have a few things I want to ask him for, too.”
“Thank you, Cade but I think we can manage.”
“Nonsense.” He got up and dropped some money on the counter. “Parades are more fun when they are shared.”
Maddie’s expression was dour when she looked at Sky, but thankfully, she didn’t say anything.
He helped Sky with her coat. “Nice coat. That color looks good on you.”
“Max gave it to her,” said Maddie firmly. “He’s her—”
“Put your coat on Maddie, or we’ll be late.”
The child’s questioning glance brought a rush of heat to Sky’s face.
It wasn’t easy evading Cade’s attempts to join them, but she did and selected a spot on the corner near the drug store to watch. Maddie’s excitement was contagious, and she soon found herself enjoying the festive atmosphere as they laughed and grabbed for candy canes being tossed from those riding floats. Several folks asked about Max, and she answered with a simple ‘something came up.’
“Hey, kid,” said Cade, “I’ll take you to see Santa when this shindig is over.”
Sky jumped. She didn’t know he was behind her.
Maddie ignored him.
“Thank you for the offer, Cade,” snapped Sky. “But I’ve got it covered.”
“Aw come on, Skylar,” he said a little too loud, “I’m just trying to help.” He tapped Maddie on the shoulder as the parade came to an end. “What do you say, kid? Want me to take you to see the big guy?”
Maddie turned, and Sky suppressed a groan. Oh, dear. I know that look.
Hands planted on tiny hips, Maddie glared at Cade. “My name is not kid. If you can’t call me by my name, then don’t talk to me at all.” She blew out a long breath and looked at Sky. “Can we go now?”
Face scarlet, Cade straightened. “You need to teach her some manners,” he barked. “Kids shouldn’t talk like that to adults.”
Patience exhausted, Sky took a step toward him, nostrils flared in anger. The man had some nerve. “And adults should know when their company isn’t wanted.” She grabbed Maddie’s hand. “And her manners are just fine.”
Still seething, she joined the throng of people headed toward the community center where the festival continued. The room was filled with booths selling everything from soaps to toys to clothes and all kinds of artsy-craftsy things. The room was filled with the mouthwatering aroma of popcorn and caramel apples mixed with a multitude of other smells designed to tempt the room full of shoppers. Christmas music blared over the din of folks anxious to embrace the holiday atmosphere.
Maddie’s best friend, Bonnie, met them at the door. “Come on, Maddie! We have to get in line now before it gets too long.”
“Can I go, Mama?”
“Okay. I’ll be right there.” She looked around the room, trying to decide which aisle to explore first.
“Guess now you see I was right.”
Cade’s statement made her jerk around. She didn’t know he was back there. Oh, for heaven’s sake. He’s worse than a pesky mosquito.
“Loser Logan is just that.” He hitched up his pants and looked around the room. “How ‘bout we find a quiet spot to talk.”
The last person she wanted any kind of conversation with was Cade Jackson. “I don’t think so, Cade. I need to keep an eye on Maddie.” She turned to follow her daughter, but he grabbed her arm.
“Come on now, Skylar. Don’t be like that. I just want us to be friends.” His smile bordered on a leer. “Good friends.”
It was like he never heard a word she said. She pulled her arm free and didn’t answer as she turned to walk away.
“The kid even looks like him, don’t you think?”
Initial thoughts of how the young man looked familiar slowed her steps.
Cade sneered. “He tell you about Anna Sue? His high school sweetheart? How he left town after graduation to keep from manning up?”
