A Child's Heart (Trent & Cassie's Story) A River City Novel Read online

  A Child's Heart

  By

  E. Ayers

  ***

  Smashwords Edition

  ***

  Copyright © 2013 by E. Ayers

  All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the author or publisher except for the use of brief quotations in critical articles or reviews.

  ***

  This is a work of fiction. River City is fictional. Names, places, businesses, characters and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, actual events or locales is purely coincidental.

  ***

  Smashwords Edition, License Notes

  This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person. If you're reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

  ***

  Dedication

  To George, who believed in me.

  ***

  Table of Contents

  Click Here

  ***

  When Trent Callahan brings his dinosaur-loving son to the River City Museum, Cassie Jones, curator of the museum, falls head-over-heels in love with the boy and his father. But Cassie's love drags Trent deep into her tangled web of city politics, drives a wedge between him and his mom, and shows him that history is far from boring and dreams are worth chasing.

  Widowed at nineteen, Trent has been a model father to his son, thanks to the help of his mom, but his mother doesn't like the idea of her son falling for Cassie. Determined to break them up, his mom is going to do anything she can to protect her son, grandson, and herself from interference by another woman.

  Does Trent dare to find personal happiness and dream once again? Or is life going to hold him to the grindstone he set in motion as a teen? Except this time, he has a son's heart to consider.

  ~~1~~

  Trent Callahan intended to fill the day with a few pleasant memories of his four-year-old son, and he was not about to have this day ruined over false advertising. He brought his son to see dinosaurs, and the child was going to see them.

  He strode into the room to have a word with the museum curator, but what he saw made him want to gag. Mummified remains of small animals seemed to be everywhere, and in the middle of all of it was an Oshkosh-clad young woman with white-blonde hair. Trying not to stare at the dead creature next to him, he held his son's hand a little tighter as he cleared his throat. "Excuse me. I was told I'd find the curator in here. It's quite obvious that no one in this place seems to know anything."

  The young woman rose from her crouched position and smiled. Her eye color matched the denim blue of her overalls. Pulling a pair of gloves off and extending her hand to him, she politely answered, "I'm Cassandra Jones, the curator. How may I help you?"

  Taken aback, he hesitated, then took her hand. Standing there without a trace of makeup, she looked very young, except for the crinkles around her eyes. He stammered, "You're the curator?"

  "Yes. Again, how may I help you?"

  "We came to see the dinosaur exhibit, and I'm being told we can't go into those rooms."

  "Oh, I'm so sorry. The exhibit officially opens to the public tomorrow. Tonight is the Dino Tread."

  "I can't afford to come back tomorrow. I took today off from work to bring my son. According to the billboard, the exhibit opens today."

  Tears were brimming in the child's eyes.

  "I understand the confusion. The posters are more accurate than that billboard. Give me a moment to finish," she replied with a broader smile, which made the lines around her eyes more noticeable.

  He watched as she returned to what she was doing when he walked into the room. It was as if she were ignoring him, and his blood boiled. He looked down at Shawn, whose eyes were washed in tears that were starting to spill. "Don't cry, Shawn," he whispered. "I didn't pay all this money for you to miss seeing the dinosaurs. You're going to see them."

  "Daddy, I don't like these ugly things." Shawn pointed to a blacken figure. "I don't want to stay here."

  Trent scooped his son into his arms. "It's okay, they aren't going to hurt you."

  The woman stood and then grabbed her keys off a shelf. "Sorry, I didn't mean to keep you waiting." She reached up and touched the boy's arm. "What's your name?"

  "Shawn,” the boy replied shyly.

  "That's a wonderful name for a handsome young man." She gazed up at Trent and blushed. "He's as handsome as his father. Follow me." They walked out of her office and down the hallway. "What's your favorite dinosaur, Shawn?"

  "Tyrannosaurus." The boy bared his teeth and held out his hands to claw at the air.

  She laughed. "That was a mean one, but not the meanest." At the end of the hall, she ushered them through a door marked for employees only. The office was small, and there was an older women sitting behind the desk. "I need two guest passes for tonight's event. Seat them at my table." Thanking the woman for the tickets, she set out on another trek through the museum. She inserted a key into a door. "Please return tonight as my special guests." She handed Trent the two passes. "I'm sure Shawn will enjoy the evening. It's geared for children and their family."

  Trent could feel the anger slipping away as she smiled at him. Those tickets were worth almost as much as he made in a week, and her bright, friendly smile seemed genuine. Suddenly, he felt as if he were being asked on a date, and he knew he had to respond. He lowered his son to the floor, as she opened the door and flipped on some overhead lights. He swallowed and then answered, "Thanks. I appreciate it."

  Shawn's eyes lit up with excitement. "Wow! Real dinosaurs!"

  “You’ll see the whole exhibit tonight. There will be an hour tour of the exhibit and then dinner. Afterwards, we have several special educational events with lots of hands-on fun crafts. It’s all in the brochure with your tickets. If Shawn is allowed to stay up extra late, he can view the dinosaur movie. It starts at eight fifteen and runs for an hour and twenty minutes.”

  Trent smiled at the curator and nodded, but suddenly his stomach filled with butterflies. It seemed as though he was back in junior high, and Cassandra Jones was the prettiest girl in class. He got a grip on his waning confidence and shoved his shoulders back, as he stood a little straighter. “I’ll be here at…” He looked at the brochure in his hands. “Five.”

  “Come a few minutes early. And you never gave me your name.”

  “Trent…Trent Callahan.”

  The woman's eyes grew wide. “Shawn Callahan? This is the famous Shawn Callahan?”

  “I wouldn’t say famous.”

  “It’s your son who is in need of heart surgery, right?”

  “Yes. It’s scheduled for June first.” He could feel the broad smile as it crossed his face. “Riverton Chemicals and Petroleum raised the rest of the money he needed.”

  “He looks perfectly healthy.”

  “It’s a tough battle to keep him that way. The surgery will give him the opportunity to live a normal life.”

  “Do you know Tate Bia?”

  He nodded. “Yes. She’s been very active in helping to raise the money for Shawn.”

  “She’ll be here tonight.”

  “I owe her a huge debt of gratitude for what she’s done. She�
��s a friend of one of my neighbors, and her father is part of the team of doctors who will be doing the surgery.”

  Shawn tugged on his dad’s pants and, in a panicked whisper, said, “I need to tinkle.”

  The lovely blonde gazed at the little boy. “Follow me.”

  “Sorry. One of his meds creates an urgency.”

  “The mens room is right there. I’ll see you this evening.”

  ***

  Trent stood in front of his closet. He didn’t have many choices for clothes. Six work uniforms hung in a row, two dress shirts, two pairs of casual pants, and his one and only suit in dark navy blue. He withdrew the suit and stared at it before laying it across the foot of the bed. “Shawn? Where are you?”

  “In here, on my bed.”

  He grinned as he opened his son’s door. The boy was looking at the pictures of dinosaurs in the latest book he’d borrowed from the local library. “I want you to get dressed in your Sunday clothes. You’re going to see the real things tonight.”

  “I know. I can’t wait. Do I have to take a bath first?”

  “No, just brush your teeth and wash up. We can do it together. You can even use some of my aftershave.”

  Following his dad into the small bathroom, Shawn stood on the toilet and put first one knee and then the other on the edge of the sink so he could reach into the cabinet. It was his job to put the toothpaste on the brushes. Together they brushed their teeth. Then his father allowed him to use a little shaving cream and a razor without a blade. When they were done, they washed their faces and Shawn mimicked his dad by rubbing his fingers over his jaw.

  “I think you’ve got it, son. Doesn’t look as if you’ve left a single whisker.”

  Shawn grabbed his father’s face and inspected it carefully. “How come we have to get all dressed up?”

  “There’s going to be a lot of people there tonight with money. We’ve got to look our best, and we want to look nice for Ms. Jones, being we’re her guests.”

  “I think she’s pretty.”

  “I agree.” Trent put a few drops of aftershave into the boy's hand. "Rub your hands together before you put it on your face.

  A few minutes later, both males were dressed and Trent was trying to decide which tie to wear.

  “Daddy, wear this one. Grandmom gave this one to you at Christmas, and you’ve never worn it.”

  “Guess it doesn’t matter.” He took the colorful paisley tie from his son, wrapped it around his neck, and tied it in a full Windsor knot. “What do you think?”

  Shawn smiled at his father. “You’ll look perfect, once you put your shoes and socks on.”

  Trent looked at his bare feet and then at his son. “I’d say you look quite dashing.”

  “Do I need to wear a tie, too?”

  Trent shook his head. “Nah, you’re fine. She said there are crafts and games for you tonight.”

  “I can’t wait.”

  “I know you’re excited, but try to stay calm. We don’t want any extra strain on your heart.”

  Shawn looked down at his feet, rocked back on his heels, and lifted his toes off the floor. “I know.”

  “I’ll fix you a quick snack so you can take your medicine.”

  “Will I always have to take medicine?”

  “You mean after the surgery?” Trent slipped his sock-covered feet into his dress loafers.

  “Yeah.”

  “I don’t know. We’ll have to wait and see.”

  “Dr. Ramsey said I’ll be able to do everything including soccer.”

  “He also said you’ll be in therapy for a while. Kitchen.” He pointed to his bedroom door.”

  “I know.”

  ***

  Cassie checked everything very carefully. The docents were arriving, and the magician was setting up for his show. The catering company had pulled up to the back door and had begun to bring in their trays of food. She was feeling more like a traffic cop than a museum curator, but the Dino Tread was hopefully going to be the biggest moneymaker for the small museum. Tickets had been sold in advance, and they sold out quickly. She would have found the situation to be almost comical, except that she was still standing there in her overalls, looking more like something that had been dragged from an alley. Surprise and relief flooded her system when she spotted her friend, Tate Bia. “Oh, am I glad to see you. Will you help?”

  “Certainly. That’s why I’m here. What can I do for you, Cassie?”

  “Cover for me. I’ve got to get dressed!” She pulled at the bib of her Oshkosh.

  “Go!” Tate laughed.

  “If you need anything, ask Mrs. Winston.” Cassie called, as she scurried towards her office.

  “I’m fine. Make yourself beautiful for tonight!”

  Cassie vanished behind her office door. I didn’t need those mummies delivered this morning. My own curiosity got the better of me. She flew through her main office and into the private bathroom, where she’d hung her zippered garment bag that contained her clothes for this evening. It only took her a few minutes to put on her China-blue, silk dress with matching heels.

  She pulled out her makeup bag and carefully applied a small amount of makeup. She didn’t like wearing any, but she had to look professional. Her thin blonde hair left her few choices. She dampened her boar bristle brush, ran it though her straight locks, and then pulled it all up into a knot.

  She smiled at the reflection in the mirror. I do hope he comes back tonight. Her thoughts of Trent Callahan were anything but pure. Her whole body warmed. She scolded herself, but she couldn’t help what she was feeling towards the handsome stranger and his son. What the hell is wrong with me? I’m lusting after a married man with a child! I need a break. I need a vacation on some remote island!

  A few minutes later, she joined Tate and together they worked to make sure everything was ready for the evening.

  Exhausted, Tate plopped into a chair. “How do you do it?”

  “I’m a duck.” Cassie sat next to her.

  “Huh?”

  “Ever hear the expression about being a duck?”

  “No.”

  Cassie laughed and pulled out another chair and put her feet onto it. “Ever watch a duck on a pond?”

  Tate stared at her askance.

  “Keep everything that shows looking calm and paddle like hell!”

  Tate fell into giggles.

  “And where is your husband?” Cassie asked.

  Tate glanced at her watch. “He should be arriving any second. He’s got Pamela until his mom comes home.”

  “I don’t know how you two manage with a toddler.”

  “We’ve got lots of help. Plus I’ve put Pamela in daycare two days a week. She loves being with other children her age.”

  “Oh, guess who is coming tonight? Shawn Callahan and his dad. I gave them guest passes.”

  “That is so sweet of you. Shawn is the cutest little boy. He’s smart, too.”

  “How well do you know the Callahan family?” Cassie was hoping for some details, but didn’t want to seem as if she were prying.

  Tate stood, stretched, and rolled her shoulders before straightening her knit dress. “Not that well. I know they live with Shawn’s grandmother. They are friends of a friend. That…and my dad is involved in Shawn’s surgery. The only thing I really know, is that his insurance wouldn’t pay for the surgery because it’s considered experimental.”

  “That’s horrible.”

  “That was my reaction, but if you talk to my dad, he can give you the other side to the situation. It’s a dangerous, delicate surgery. If everything goes well, he’ll be running and playing like a normal kid. If it doesn’t and he survives, he’ll need traditional surgery.”

  Shawn's little face floated through Cassie's mind. “So sad. He’s such a baby. That must be a horrible thing to have hanging over them.”

  ~~2~~

  “We need to get in line. Stay here, because I don’t want to lose you in this crowd,” Trent told his son.<
br />
  Shawn frowned, and stood next to his father until he saw a tall woman with very short, dark hair. “Mrs. Bia!” he called, and then ran to her.

  “Shawn, I heard you were coming. Where’s your father?” Tate asked, as she picked up the child and gave him a hug.

  “Right there.” He pointed, and Trent smiled back.

  She strode over to where the boy's father was standing in line. “I’m so glad you’re here. Shawn is going to have a blast.” She tickled Shawn, making him squirm in her arms before she extended her hand to Trent. “I swear this little guy has grown at least five inches since I saw him last.”

  “Not quite, Tate, but almost. A little over an inch would be more accurate, and he’s put on a few pounds, too. He’s doing much better on his new medicine.”

  “I guess you’re counting down the days until his surgery.”

  “You made it happen.”

  “Thanks, but I had lots of help. Katie Olsen did most of it. Her connection to Riverton Chemical and Petroleum made all the difference.” Tate turned her head and surveyed the crowd of parents and children. “Come with me. You don’t need to stand here.”

  Trent followed the woman through a door, down a hallway, and into the huge room.

  “This is where it will start. Have a seat in the front row.” She gazed at her watch. “The doors will open officially in five minutes.”

  “Daddy?”

  Trent instantly recognized the familiar look. “He needs to use the mens room.”

  “It’s out there to the left.” Tate lowered the boy to the floor. “Come right back here when you’re done.”

  “We will. Thanks.”

  A few minutes later, Trent and Shawn took their seats in the front row as music began to play and the doors opened to the crowd of people making their way to the chairs that had been set up for the occasion. Trent didn’t want Shawn to become spoiled by all the attention, and think life would always be this generous, but he had the feeling that they would both enjoy the evening when he saw Cassandra Jones in her blue dress.