Submit to His Passion

Chapter 3

The conversation between Nick and Faith weighed in Lindsay's mind for two days. She didn't have the courage to bring it up with Faith. She knew she was naïve to believe Faith didn't notice her father disappeared, but she didn't know how to explain it.

Kevin hadn't called or sent a text message since they moved to Carburg. She sent him a few messages but received no response. Was that even his number? Was he too busy with his new girlfriend? Didn't he care about his daughter at all?

During their marriage she and Kevin discussed conceiving a second child, but the discussion stretched for years. Kevin convinced her that one was the right number. It was easier to avoid arguments with him. She agreed that having one child would allow her return to work sooner and give them freedom to travel.

Then bam! 'I'm in love with someone else.' He moved in with the other woman, and they sold the house because Lindsay couldn't afford the mortgage payments. She put the meager proceeds into a saving account until she found a job. She hoped she'd never use that money, it could be for Faith's college fund or her first car.

Lindsay worried about balancing a job and a child, so she moved back to her parent's house. And now she was stuck here, at least Faith was content to have three adults doting on her. Lindsay pulled herself out of her self-pity to check the time. It was time for the sixty-fourth bedtime since arriving in Carburg. School began in a few days and she wanted Faith to become accustomed to an early bedtime. Lindsay clapped her hands and gave a one-minute warning

"Can Grandpa read me a bedtime story after we brush teeth?" Faith asked.

"You'll have to ask him."

Faith twisted around. "Grandpa will you read me a story?"

"Of course. How about one of your mom's favorites?"

"Yay."

Lindsay brushed Faith's teeth, then passed her off to Grandpa. She went to the front porch and called Kevin again. Nick Matthews, a total stranger, seemed more interested in Faith's life than her own father. Kevin's phone rang three times, same as always, then his voice mail greeted her. "Your daughter thinks you abandoned her. You don't call or even give a fuck about how she's doing. She's doing great. I registered her for school in Carburg. My parents are good, thanks for asking."

Lindsay was drowning. She ended the call. The crushing pain pushed on her chest again. She pulled in just enough breath to keep from passing out. The agony so intense she couldn't even cry.

A walk would clear her head. She wouldn't go to Nick's. Avoiding the warmth in his eyes was for the best. Before she could leave Faith waited for their goodnight ritual. When she entered the house, she headed straight to Faith's bedroom. "I'm going for a walk. Stay in bed okay?"

"Are you going to see that man?"

"What man?" Lindsay's brow furrowed.

"The one who bought us ice cream."

"Why?" Lindsay crossed her arms over her chest. She wanted to take him up on his offer of friendship and a listening ear. Cassie was her only real friend left. The rest abandoned her with Kevin. Cassie was far too busy with her four kids, husband, and sister to have time for Lindsay's problem but Nick terrified her.

"He was nice. He could be your new boyfriend."

Nick wasn't just nice. He was handsome and generous and sweet. And funny. And handsome. That was a repeat thought. She thought of him all the time. The way his eyes sparkled when he smiled, the way his voice rumbled when he teased her. Her insides fluttered constantly as she relived their brief conversations.