Tad Read online

  “And so you settled for him.” Tad reached out and placed his hand on the nape of her neck, massaging the tension from her shoulders. “One thing I learned a long time ago is that we cannot change the past. All we can do is make the future new every single day.”

  “No regrets.” She nodded. “If only it was that easy.”

  “It can be.” He looked down at her, staring at her red lips and wanting to kiss them until they were sore and swollen. “Do you regret marrying Andy and having his kids?”

  “I could never regret having my children. Never.” She gave a half-smile. “And I don’t regret the divorce, not now that I’ve met you.”

  “There you are.” He dropped his head and kissed her mouth. “Now, let’s go and open this barn and move on with the next part of our lives.”

  “I like the sound of that.” Heather looked past him to where Rosemary was pretending to be obsessed with the mountains. “I’ve never met Jake. But is he a lot older than you? Or maybe he likes older woman?”

  Tad hugged her close as he laughed. “Rosemary and Jake would be a match made in hell, they’d probably kill each other within a week.”

  “Then we’ll just have to look out for another man for her.” She tapped his chest. “You must have lots of shifter friends.”

  “Do I look like a matchmaker?” Tad asked happily as Heather laughed. He would be anything she wanted him to be as long as the sun shone on their lives.

  “Why don’t we all go and see if there is any champagne left?” Heather asked, linking arms with Rosemary and Tad.

  “That is the best idea I’ve heard all day,” Rosemary said. “But the day is young.”

  “I think our families are going to get along very well,” Tad said as he escorted the two women to the barn.

  “I don’t know, you and your brothers have lived a quiet, lonely life and now you have an extended family or two.” Heather leaned on his shoulder.

  “It’s good to see you so happy after what that asshole did to you,” Rosemary said as the sound of a champagne cork popping reached them. “We’re not too late.”

  Rosemary hurried forward at the sound of a whoop that might have been Lillian. Tad hoped the celebrations were not premature and that the day would run smoothly.

  And that you don’t mess up your speech, his bear reminded him.

  The speech. Tad’s mouth went dry. He’d forgotten all about the speech with the arrival of Rosemary. But as they reached the barn doorway, the sound of another car approaching reminded him the opening ceremony was only half an hour away. People would soon start to arrive.

  “Hey,” Emily called as she came rushing toward them. “Carter Eden tweeted about the craft barn opening and said he would be here. So far a couple of thousand people have said they were coming.”

  “A couple of thousand!” Heather exclaimed.

  That was a lot of people for such a small, local event. Tad wiped his palms on his pants and took a deep breath. He might need something stronger than champagne.

  “I’d better warn Betsy, she might have to send out for more supplies,” Heather said, grabbing her phone from her pocket and turning around to go back outside as the voices in the barn rose in volume.

  “I’ll get Max and Jake to be on standby in case she needs them to go back to town for more stuff,” Tad offered. “Heather, are you okay?”

  Heather stood in the barn doorway staring at the man who was walking down the driveway toward the barn.

  “Rosemary. Here, I poured you a glass of champagne.” Lillian held out the glass to Rosemary, but then her hand tilted, and only Tad’s quick reflexes stopped the contents of the glass being spilled over Rosemary’s dress. “What the hell is he doing here?”

  “Who is it?” Tad asked in concern.

  Rosemary shielded her eyes as she looked at the man. Even before she spoke, Tad knew there was something wrong. “That. That is the asshole.”

  “Heather’s ex-husband?” Tad asked incredulously.

  “In the flesh.” Lillian’s happy expression faded, and if looks could kill, Andy Jarvis would be dead on the spot.

  But since looks can’t kill, maybe we should do the job instead, his bear suggested as he sharpened his claws.

  Chapter Sixteen – Heather

  “Why is he here?” Heather murmured to herself as Andy walked toward her, a big beaming smile on his face.

  “Because he truly is an asshole,” Lillian said bluntly.

  “Why don’t you let me handle him?” Rosemary asked, sharpening her claws, ready for a fight.

  “No.” Heather turned around and faced the others. Although, she couldn’t meet Tad’s eyes. He didn’t deserve to be embroiled in her messy life. “I can deal with him. Why don’t you go and drink that champagne before it’s all gone?”

  “Hang the champagne,” Rosemary spat as she strode forward.

  “Hey, why don’t we go inside, and you can show me your pottery and I’ll show you my sculptures.” Tad caught hold of Rosemary’s good arm and turned her around, guiding her back toward the barn.

  “Aren’t you going to stay with Heather?” Rosemary asked Tad. “You know, since you are an item.”

  Tad glanced over his shoulder at Heather, who nodded her thanks as Tad propelled Rosemary forward. “I believe Heather can look after herself.”

  “Tad is right.” Lillian placed a hand on Heather’s arm. “We won’t be far away.”

  “Thanks.” Heather stood her ground as Andy approached. It was like watching a movie in slow motion as her ex-husband walked toward her with a friendly smile on his face. Friendlier than he’d been in the last couple of years of their marriage.

  “Heather, the mountains suit you, you look quite bohemian.” Same old Andy, a compliment wrapped up in an insult. “Don’t they have hairstylists in Bear Creek?”

  “And good morning to you, Andy.” Heather shook her hair out, which she’d left loose and natural. This jerk was not about to ruin her day. She’d worked too damn hard and so had everyone else. “Why are you here?”

  “I came to cheer you on.” He smiled and straightened his sports jacket, which he wore coupled with a pale blue shirt and slim black pants. The same style of clothes he’d been wearing for the last ten years.

  “I wasn’t aware you were keeping tabs on me.” She bit her tongue but couldn’t keep her next comment to herself. “Since you don’t even seem to be bothered with keeping tabs on your children.”

  He put his hands to his chest and staggered forward. “Ouch, you wounded me.”

  “Seriously, Andy. What are you doing here? You haven’t expressed any interest in the children since we moved.” Or before we moved. She managed to keep that comment to herself. Andy had avoided most of his fatherly duties, blaming work, even though his work always seemed flexible when it was something he wanted to do. Like a Bruce Springsteen concert.

  “Okay.” He held his hands up as if about to push her away. “I admit I had no idea you were opening this craft barn. But then Barry in marketing told me Carter Eden tweeted about Bear Creek Craft Barn and mentioned you.” Andy shook his head. “I had to come and see for myself.”

  “Ah, now I see.” She nodded. “You didn’t come here for me or the kids, you came because you want something.”

  “Yeah, I do. I want to see this craft barn of yours.” He held his hand out, indicating the barn. “It’s so quaint. I would never have thought something like this would be popular.” His eyes became laser-focused on Heather. “I hope you did your market research and worked out all your numbers. I’d hate for you to fail.”

  “Why? Because you would hate to be associated with a failure?” Heather asked. “After all, I’m still Mrs. Jarvis.”

  “Couldn’t bear to go back to Heather ‘Crackpot’ Cornice.” He chuckled. Andy’s disrespect for artists hadn’t changed and went a long way to explaining Zack’s need to keep his own artwork under wraps.

  “I kept your name for the children, no other reason.” Heather groun
d her back teeth together, the tension in her body growing. Not in a good way. This was not the same tension that built when Tad looked at her or his fingertips grazed her skin. The tension Andy created was more of the ‘I want to tear your head from your shoulders’ kind of tension.

  Damn it. She was allowing him to press her buttons. Andy knew exactly how to make her react. And by reacting she was giving him power over her.

  “Well, you’re a little early for the opening, and I have things to do.” Heather backed away from Andy.

  “I can’t come in? I thought I heard champagne mentioned?” Andy asked.

  “You did. But it’s for all the crackpot artists who have come together to celebrate their craziness.” She smiled sweetly. “I hope you enjoy your day.”

  Heather turned on her heel and marched toward the barn, but Andy leaped forward and caught hold of her arm. “Hey, I didn’t mean to offend you.” He sighed. “You always were too sensitive.”

  “Which is why we are no longer together.” Heather peeled his fingers from her arm. “We’re divorced and if it wasn’t for the children, I’d be happy if we never saw each other or spoke to each other again.”

  Andy nodded with understanding. “So that’s it. The children.” He clapped his hands together. “Where are they? I can keep them amused while you enjoy your time in the spotlight.” He waved his hands rapidly to and fro. Jazz hands had never looked so out of place on a man.

  “Bella and Zack are at a friend’s house. They’ll be here in time for the opening.” She walked away from him, wishing the ground would open up and swallow him. Or maybe a bear’s large jaws.

  “Is everything okay?” Tad asked gruffly as she entered the barn.

  Her eyes narrowed. His cheeks were flushed, and his hands were clenched into fists at his side. “Were you listening?”

  “Shifters have heightened senses,” Tad explained. “I couldn’t not listen.” He looked sheepish as she nodded her head at his explanation.

  “And there is no way you could have shut off your senses?” she asked, making a note for her future self to remember never to have a private conversation within half a mile of Tad. Or any other shifter.

  “Not easily.” His mouth curled up at the corner. “Sorry, I’ll try harder next time.”

  Heather glanced around the room, determined not to let Andy’s arrival spoil the opening. “Everyone looks happy. And everything looks ready.” She glanced at her watch. “Nearly time. How are you feeling?”

  “Like I can’t let you down.” He let out a long breath. “With your ex-husband here, the need to get this right for you…” He reached out and touched her cheek. “I’ll be fine. Because you need me to be.”

  Heather leaned forward and kissed his cheek softly, not caring who saw them together. She was ready for their relationship to become public and she was certain Tad wouldn’t mind in the slightest.

  “Thank you for thinking of my needs.” She winked at him as she took hold of his hand and led him toward the other artists in the barn.

  “I have been thinking of all of your needs,” he told her as his hand caressed the small of her back, sending shivers along her spine.

  Heather squeezed his hand. “I look forward to you satisfying them completely.” Tad chased all her worries and fears away. It didn’t matter that Andy was here as long as Tad was by her side.

  “It will be my pleasure.” He leaned closer and his lips grazed her neck. “And yours.”

  “Here, I saved you a glass.” Lillian appeared in front of Heather and thrust a glass of champagne into her daughter’s hand.

  “Thanks, Mom. I was going to ask if everyone was ready.” Heather looked around at all the excited faces of the people she’d grown to know and respect over the last couple of months since she embarked on this crazy, crackpot scheme.

  “I think we are. But first, Edgar has a few words to say.” Lillian positioned herself at her daughter’s side as Edgar moved into the center of the group.

  “So here we are at the beginning of this exciting new adventure. We all know we wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for a special lady who had a vision and wasn’t afraid to follow that vision until the end. We’ve had some ups and downs, but I think we can all agree that without Heather, none of us would be here.” He raised his glass. “To Heather. And to the future of Bear Creek Craft Barn.”

  “To Heather.” Everyone lifted their glasses, even though some were empty of champagne. “And to Bear Creek Craft Barn.”

  Heather took a gulp of her champagne as all eyes turned on her. “I’ll keep this short as people will be arriving shortly.” An image of Andy waiting outside slid into her head, but she pushed it aside. That man would not ruin this for her. “I would like to thank each and every one of you who decided to take a gamble and come along with me on this roller-coaster of a ride. Edgar is right, we’ve had some ups and downs, but we’ve pulled together and we all should be proud of what we have accomplished and what we will accomplish in the future.” She lifted her half-full glass. “To all of us. Because we deserve success.”

  “To all of us.” Glasses were raised before excited chatter broke out and the founding artists of Bear Creek Craft Barn hugged each other and gave themselves a deserved pat on the back.

  “I guess we’re ready.” Heather took a last look at all her new friends. She was truly blessed to have found such a supportive collection of people who all pulled together to help each other.

  “I think we are.” Lillian clasped her hands together nervously. “You don’t think my paintings look out of place, do you?”

  “No, Mom, I don’t. Everyone here brings something unique to the craft barn and that includes you.” Heather hugged her mom. “Dad would be so proud of you.”

  “Not as proud as he would be of you,” Heather replied. Emotions were running high and tears were imminent as mother and daughter hugged. “I love you, Mom.”

  “I love you, too.” She pulled away and wiped her fingers under her eyes, taking care not to smudge her immaculately applied makeup. “I’m going to go check my display over once last time.” Lillian turned and walked away, only to be intercepted by Edgar.

  “Is everything okay?” Edgar asked, but Lillian’s answer was lost to Heather as they kept walking.

  “Edgar will look after her,” Tad whispered in Heather’s ear.

  “Is she okay?” Heather arched her eyebrow at Tad.

  “You mean, did I hear what she said to Edgar?” Tad asked with a small smile. “I’ve corrupted you already.”

  “I shouldn’t have asked. But I just need to know she’s going to be okay through the day. This is a big step for all of us,” Heather admitted as her stomach flipped over with nerves. “I shouldn’t have asked.”

  “She told Edgar she was fine. He asked if she was sure and she got a little teary.” Tad turned Heather to face him. “And he comforted her. She is okay.”

  “He is a good man. I hope. I don’t really know him.” Heather looked at her mom and Edgar. Worry swept over her. She’d been so preoccupied with the opening she hadn’t really talked to her mom about the relationship and what kind of man Edgar was. What if he turned out to be a controlling jerk like Andy?

  “He’s one of the good guys and if he isn’t, I’ll whoop his ass.” Tad lowered his eyes and looked down at the ground. “Just as I’ll whoop your ex’s ass if he’s here to cause trouble.”

  “You might have to get in line. Mom will break her paintings over his head and Rosemary would batter him with her cast. Of course, Edgar’s bronze statues would be much more effective.” She gave a half-smile. “There is nothing Andy can do to spoil today.”

  But as the opening drew closer and her nerves grew, Heather wasn’t sure that was true. Andy was here for a reason and it wasn’t to see his children or his ex-wife or to see the barn opening.

  For Andy to have driven all this way, it must be something bigger. But if he blew this for her, he would regret it. She wouldn’t let him walk all over her hopes
and dreams again.

  Chapter Seventeen – Tad

  And we can’t go and scare him off before the opening? Tad’s bear asked as they stood in the barn doorway watching the man who used to be married to their mate, the man who had fathered her children, the man who had let her down and let her go.

  Nope. We have to play it cool and see what happens. He’s still the father of Heather’s children. Tad ground his teeth together at the thought of this man always being a part of their lives. Although, from what Heather said, he hadn’t been part of their lives since the divorce.

  So why now? Why today? His bear asked the same question Tad had been asking himself for the last twenty minutes.

  At least it’s taken your mind off the speech.

  It had, Tad answered drily.

  His bear guffawed loudly. You are welcome.

  Yet Tad’s fear of making a speech had at least shrunk. Seeing Andy here had given him a new perspective on his fear of public speaking, which had paled in comparison to the fear he felt for Heather. Not her physical well-being, Tad could protect her and her family from any physical threat. However, her mental and emotional well-being was possibly at stake, if Andy had come here to ruin the opening day.

  We’re giving him too much credit, his bear told him. And Heather is strong enough to repel Andy.

  You make him sound like a mosquito.

  He’s more like a small, insignificant bug. His bear stretched and flexed his claws. But if I’m wrong, I will make him pay.

  Tad looked up and stared into the distance at the sound of Josephine’s car approaching. The children. They had been with Josephine since early this morning, now they were here for the opening. This would give Andy his way in.

  Turning around, Tad strode back into the barn in search of Heather. His senses pinpointed her immediately. She was talking to Rosemary about her pottery display.

  “Tad. There you are.” Heather took one look at his expression and said, “Excuse me, Rosemary.”