Lakeside Hero

“About time you got here,” Detective Blain Kent said when Alec slid into a chunky wooden chair. “We’re about to order.”

“And he’ll have a fully loaded meat-and-cheese, right?” Rory Sanderson, once an army chaplain and now a minister, said with a grin. “Am I right, Alec?”

The Back Bay Pizza House was famous for fat pizzas that oozed with plenty of cheese and meat—or veggies, if you liked eating produce with pizza dough, which Alec did not.

“Right as rain,” Alec replied with a grin. “And I don’t plan on sharing.”

Hunter Lawson, as always, didn’t have much to say beyond a greeting that consisted of lifting a hand in the air. Former special ops, Hunter came and went so fast, half the time no one even knew he was around. A native of Oklahoma, Hunter hadn’t decided if he liked Florida yet or not. He liked to wander around and sleep on couches. Definitely commitment-shy.

“So how’d it go with Mama Alvanetti?” Blain, a former Marine MP, asked after they’d ordered three loaded pizzas and their drinks.

Knowing that Blain’s detective brain was always in overdrive, especially when it came to the slightly-on-the-right-side-of-shady Alvanetti family, Alec tried to tread lightly. “I finally got a chance to talk to her—after the big wedding yesterday.”

Blain’s blue eyes went dark. “It’s always hard to pin down an Alvanetti. Did she agree to help fund Caldwell Canines?”

Alec nodded and waited for the waitress to pass their drinks around. “She did, but she was just finishing up with her niece’s wedding and right after that, about to turn around and leave town for a while. I grabbed her generous check and got out of there.”

They all laughed and moved on to other topics, catching up with baseball stats and anything sports-related. The four of them had formed a bond right here at the pizza house during a fierce game of darts, and after serving in the military, they’d migrated back to Millbrook Lake. They’d made friendships that would last forever; these weekly meals and the occasional fishing weekend out at the camp house they’d all bought together suited Alec just fine.

That bond extended to their faith, too. When they were about to leave, Rory, often called Preacher, turned to Alec.

“Hey, we’re having this dinner at church Wednesday night. Kind of a singles thing, but more of a business thing. Thought I’d extend an invitation to you—but not for the obvious reason. The theme this week is local businesses and organizations.”

“I certainly fill that bill,” Alec replied, wondering what the catch was.

Rory grinned his boyish smile. “Thought you might bring some of your Caldwell Canines business cards and host a booth with your brochures, maybe even bring one of your service dogs. Good networking opportunities. A lot of other locals from all over the area will be there, and since we have a lot of returning vets around here...”

Alec mock-frowned but realized these kinds of events could help his cause. Plus, he hadn’t been to church in weeks, and he missed the time spent with friends—even if his scar did scare some of the younger children.

“Let me check my busy calendar,” he said. Then he laughed. “Sure, why not? I’m working the rounds right now, trying to drum up support, so it stands to reason that I need to attend an event that will bring Caldwell Canines more exposure.”

“How are you doing?” Rory asked, with the concern only a pastor could exhibit. “You’ve missed a couple of fishing trips recently.”

“I’m doing fine,” Alec replied, glad to have Rory on his side. “It’s been a process readjusting, but the foundation work is keeping me too busy to feel sorry for myself.”

“Good to hear,” Rory said, slapping Alec on the back. “You haven’t been to church in a while, either. Maybe this will get you more involved again.”

Alec rubbed a hand across his scar. “I scare people, Preacher. Especially children.”

“No children at this event. Adults only.” Then Rory leaned close. “I’m not judging, and I’m not trying to force you into anything uncomfortable. I really want you to share your philanthropic work with a few other people.”

Alec thought about that. “I guess it wouldn’t hurt to show people what I want to accomplish by placing disabled vets with service dogs. After all, that is the point.”

Rory’s grin widened. “So you’ll come? Setup is around five. We’ll do a reception type thing, with tables and booths for the vendors, and then we’ll have a good home-cooked meal.”

“I’ll be there,” Alec replied. “Just don’t try to set me up with any women.”

Preacher shot him a pained glance. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

* * *

Marla walked into the fellowship hall of the eclectic Millbrook Lake Church and started setting up the many platters and cake dishes she used to display and serve her cupcakes. Pastor Sanderson had called her last week to ask her about showing and selling some of her baked goods at Wednesday’s single-and-social business-night get-together.

“You’re not trying to set me up with anyone, are you?” she’d asked through a grin.

“Nah, just trying to get some networking going. Word of mouth is the best form of advertising and with your cupcakes, I’d say we’ll give new meaning to that phrase. People will be talking with their mouths full.”

“You are such a cutup, Preacher,” she’d replied. “I’ll be there. Thanks for inviting me. And this batch will be on me.”

After unloading her serving trays and tiered plates she went back to the van to bring the first tray of cookies and cupcakes to the table where a placard read Marla’s Marvelous Desserts. She and her staff had made around five dozen luscious little muffins in flavors ranging from Red Velvet Reality to Vanilla Velocity and Cinnamon Cream Cheese Calamity. She liked to name her concoctions to get attention. She’d even made a batch for Pastor Rory: Preachin’ It Pecan Praline.

“Need some help?”

Marla turned from the creamy beige tablecloth to find Pastor Rory heading her way. The tall, relaxed minister was about as enticing as her cupcakes. He had shaggy sunshine-bleached blond hair, a boyish grin and blue-gray eyes that were always laughing. Most would think he surfed all day but this man did a lot of his surfing in the Bible. He was the best minister in the world. He’d sure helped Marla through some rough patches, but they were just good friends. Preacher liked tending to his sheep as much as she loved tending to her bakery items.

She nodded. “I have three more of these big covered pans out in the van. If you help, I’ll give you a cupcake, no charge.”

“I will accept that offer,” he said, already walking backward toward the open door into the fellowship hall. “Even though I know you’re giving them all out for free anyway.”

She laughed and went back to her work, setting up her cupcakes on the platters and cake stands she’d brought in earlier and marking the flavors with cards one of her employees had printed out. Humming to herself, Marla got lost in arranging her presentation. She liked this part of her job almost as much as she enjoyed baking.

“Where do you want these?”

The deep voice behind her caused her to whip around so fast she almost knocked the whole table over. The man standing there holding a huge plastic-covered container was not Pastor Rory Sanderson.

Alec Caldwell smiled at her over the huge pan of sweets.

“Hello, Cupcake Girl.”

So now she was Cupcake Girl?

Marla regained her equilibrium and smoothed the already-smooth tablecloth before she returned his smile. He really was a good-looking man, and that scar just made him mysterious and...intriguing. “Uh, hi, Soldier Boy.”

He lifted the pan higher.

“Oh, just set it on the end of the table.”

Alec did as she asked, then turned toward her, the clean scent of soap reminding her of wind and water. She noticed his slight limp and wondered if his leg gave him trouble. “So we meet again.”

Alec glanced around the long room. “Yes. Small world.”

Looking uncomfortable, he eyed the grinning pastor standing at another table. “Preacher seemed mighty keen on me bringing this in to you. Right after he told me you’re single and that you’re a good cook. Think we’ve been set up?”

Marla hoped the heat rising up her throat didn’t show. “I don’t know. Are you single and a good cook, too?”

He rubbed a hand down his scar. “Single, yes. Is that important?”

“You tell me, since you look so frightened.”

Surprised that he kept glancing at the door, Marla shook her head and made a note of that panicked look in his amber-gold eyes. “I agreed to this event last week, but I never considered you might be here. And I haven’t mentioned anything about being set up to anyone.” Turning back to her table, she added, “Relax, Soldier Boy, you’re safe with me.”

“I didn’t mean it that way,” he said with a shrug and a sheepish expression. “Just a bad joke. Never mind.”

She felt the heat now rising on her cheeks, the same kind of flush she got when she opened the door of a hot oven. “I mean, why would I mention you to anyone?” Then because that had sounded so very bad, she hastily added, “Not that I would mind mentioning you to anyone. I’ve just been busy. I mean, you’re not on my mind.”

Alec’s brow twitched upward while his frown hardened. “Hmmm. I didn’t tell anyone about our close encounter of the sugary kind, either, so let’s both relax, Sweet Cakes. Preacher told me about this event on Sunday night, but he did remind me a lot of single people would be here.”

Marla wished she could hide underneath the tablecloth. “So the preacher didn’t know we’d already met. We can’t blame him for us running into each other again.”

“Technically, no,” Alec replied. “But you never know what runs through Preacher’s mind. He just wants everyone to be happy.”

“I’m such a ditz,” she replied, wishing she wouldn’t jump to the wrong conclusions all the time. “I’m sorry.”

Alec stood back on booted heels, looking completely out of place with all the daintiness surrounding him. The trace of confusion in his eyes changed into something else...hope? “Maybe it was divine intervention.”

Marla didn’t know how to respond to that. She just stared at him for a moment or two and then said, “Or maybe because we both have kind of unique occupations, he honestly wanted to showcase our endeavors.”

Alec glanced around. “Yep, lots of interesting artists and vendors here tonight. The butcher, the baker and the candlestick maker—”

She added her own nursery rhyme. “And rich man, poor man, beggar man, thief.”

The smile on his face died a quick death. “I get your point.”

Marla was definitely going to hide under the table. “That didn’t come out right. I never was very good at nursery rhymes.”

“It’s okay,” he said with a shrug but the darkness in his eyes told her it wasn’t okay. “I get that this town thinks I was born with a silver spoon in my mouth. But I’m trying to honor my family’s legacy. My mother’s legacy, really.”

“I’m such an idiot,” Marla said. “Forgive me. I’m kind of nervous about this whole affair.”

“I don’t think you should call yourself names.” He stole a cookie off one of her trays. “You are neither a ditz nor an idiot, as far as I can tell. We’re both nervous, but that doesn’t mean we have to avoid each other.”

“I do need to lighten up.” She shook out her hair and took a deep breath. “I don’t want to scare away any customers.”

He relaxed at that, his hand moving over the scar on his face, a habit he probably wasn’t even aware of having. “Yeah, tell me about it.”

“I just did,” she said. “But not in a very nice way. Can we start over?”

He grinned at her sharp retort but held out his hand. “I could use a do-over,” he said. “Hi, I’m Alec Caldwell, Soldier Boy.”

“Hi.” She shook his extended hand, again feeling the warmth that tingled against her nerve endings. “I’m Wedding... I mean Cupcake Girl, at least tonight. Marla Hamilton.”

“Nice to meet you,” he said with a smile.

“So nice to meet you—again,” she said, hoping they could be civil now.

He let go of her hand but kept his eyes on her. “Oh, and by the way, that cake was a-m-mazing. A-plus amazing. I might have to get married just to have that cake at the wedding.”

She grinned at that comment and put images of him waiting at the altar for some happy woman out of her head. “I’m glad you liked it.”

He gave her a thumbs-up and glanced around the room. “Do you think we’re all single? I mean, it is singles night,” he said. “All joking aside, are there a lot of single people in Millbrook?”

“Single-and-social night,” she amended, wishing he didn’t make her so nervous. Her skin tingled with awareness while her nerves seemed to want to dance. “Networking with a spiritual twist—single or not.”

“Then it is divine intervention.”

Marla glanced around and noticed a lot of people. “I think you might be right.” She lifted her hand toward a cute little older woman wearing a full skirt and pretty spring jacket. “Mrs. Braxton looks like a real cougar.”

He laughed at that one. “She’s got her own booth—showing off crocheted stuff from the Courthouse Collectibles. Lots of baby booties and a few nice feminine hats.”

“Some men find that fascinating.”

He shook his head but smiled. “And I guess that gray-haired man over there with the lovely seascape paintings would be just right for her?”

“Boston Bob? Of course. She can crochet him a good fishing cap and he can paint her sitting in the window, gazing out toward the sea.”

Alec laughed out loud. “You have a vivid imagination. But you do have a romantic job.”

“And you seem to want to go with the conspiracy-theory thing. What’s involved with running the Caldwell Foundation, anyway?”

He put his hands in the pockets of his jeans. “Right now I’m trying to raise money for our Caldwell Canines Service Dog Association. We train and supply rescued dogs as service dogs for disabled veterans.”

“Oh, that’s amazing. I mean really amazing.”

“Hey, that’s my word. Find one of your own.”

“Incredible,” she quickly amended.

“You mean you never would have thought a rich-man type like me had a noble bone in my body?”

“I mean—” She stopped and looked at her shoes. “Yes, that’s exactly what I meant, or maybe thought, but not anymore. I’m not doing very well at this networking thing, am I?”

He laughed and glanced around. “At least you’re honest. That’s refreshing.” He nodded toward the other booths. “I guess I should mingle, huh?”

Marla warred with that notion. “I guess so.” Relaxing a little bit, she glanced around. “Where’s your table?”

He pointed two tables over behind her. “Right there. I’d better go finish setting up. Come over and see me when you have a minute. I have a vet coming with his service dog to show people exactly what we can do.”

“I’ll try,” she replied, hoping she wouldn’t have a minute, hoping she’d stay so busy she’d forget Soldier Boy. She didn’t want to like Alec but something about his shyness and his wit made her want to get to know him. When she watched him walk away, his back straight in spite of that slight limp, Marla felt her heart turn as soft as marshmallow icing.

She could deal with the visible scars, but what if that handsome marine had the kind of scars that only came out when he was in a dark mood? And what if being around her brought out the worst in him, in the same way as it had her late husband?

She couldn’t risk Gabby being scared into even more trauma.

And Gabby would always come before Marla’s love life.

Chapter Three

Two hours later, Alec was exhausted but also glad that he’d come to the single-and-social event. He’d handed out a lot of business cards and had fielded a lot of questions about Caldwell Canines. His friend Wilcox had shown up with his service dog—a beautiful Labrador retriever named Rocket—right by his wheelchair. They’d both talked to the people walking around while Rocket stood by and did his job. People asked to pet him and Wilcox let them, but carefully explained how service dogs worked while they got to know Rocket.

“We got some donations, bro,” Wilcox said once the line moved on. “You need to tell them about the school you want to build, too.”

“Working on that,” Alec replied. “Baby steps, Wilcox.”

“I’m too impatient,” his buddy grumbled. “And I’m ready for a good meal.”

“I think it’s about time to eat,” Alec replied, his own stomach grumbling. But he did feel a tremendous satisfaction in seeing Wilcox so content after the turmoil of losing both his legs in battle. Rocket had been a big part of that contentment. The trained dog could fetch anything Wilcox needed, help him remember to take his medication and even alert him and calm him when an attack of posttraumatic stress was about to hit.

Now it was time for dinner and a short devotional.

Preacher walked up and nodded toward Alec while Wilcox trailed behind, still letting people pet Rocket. “I’ve heard only good things about you tonight.” He waved to several others as they headed toward the food line. “You’re using your resources to help others in need.”

Alec glanced back at Wilcox. “Did you see the way Rocket protects him when anyone gets too close? He can bring Wilcox just about anything from a soda to his medicine. I want that for any veteran who needs it.”

Preacher grinned and looked like a fresh-faced kid again. “Now you see what this networking stuff is all about. Like leading troops, but into a very different battle.”

“I sure understand that,” Alec replied. “Just hope I can keep fighting for the veterans who can’t fight for themselves.”

When Preacher got called away, he turned to search for Marla. She’d been pretty busy all night, too. Her display table was almost bare, and Alec didn’t see her. Maybe she’d taken some empty trays out to her car.

“This was kind of fun,” he said to Preacher when he returned. “Hey, where’d you find all these single people, anyway?”

“They’re not all single.” Preacher chuckled but his smile was triumphant. “But I did invite a lot of available people from other gatherings—the baseball park, the grocery store, the soup kitchen. I talk a lot, and single people volunteer a lot.”

Alec shook his head. Rory Sanderson had his dream job. He’d seen death and war, but he’d always kept a positive, faithful attitude.

Alec wasn’t so sure about himself however. “Does that make us generous or pathetic?”

Rory frowned. “Hey—nothing pathetic in lending a helping hand. But from what I’ve seen, when people are on their own too much they get lonely sometimes. It helps to find other people and do something good to contribute to the world around you.”

“I guess I can’t argue with that,” Alec said. “I like volunteering, but I really need to focus on the foundation.” At the look in Rory’s eyes, Alec held up his hand. “I’m not saying I won’t try to get out more, but I have to hit my stride, so to speak.”

Preacher glanced toward Marla’s table. “You might check with Marla about trying to hit that stride. She’s always looking for help around her bakery, especially delivery-truck drivers.” He crossed his arms over his chest and did that calm-and-relaxed thing Alec wished he could mimic. “You might have to get a special driver’s license to make deliveries, but that’s easy enough to do. And if you volunteer, you’ll be helping her without making it look like charity.”

Alec glanced heavenward. Was God trying to tell him something? Or was his friend trying to force him into something Alec wasn’t ready for yet? “I’d have to think about that, Preacher.”

Preacher caught on to his hesitation. “Your therapy seems to be working. The limp is less noticeable these days. The scar is improving every day, too.”

“Yeah, the Florida sun makes the scar more pronounced but also helps it to heal, as long as I wear sunscreen,” Alec replied, his hand automatically moving down the jagged edges of his wound. “I only remember it when I smile.”

Rory punched him on the arm. “If you smile more often, you’ll forget it’s even there.”

Alec doubted he’d ever forget this scar. Shrapnel right in the side of his face. He could still remember the intense, searing pain before he’d blacked out. His broken leg was healing but he’d always have this facial scar.

“Just smile,” Preacher said. “I find a smile can put anyone at ease.”

“I’ll remember that, sunshine,” Alec quipped. “Thanks, though, for being my spiritual advisor.” They walked up to the buffet table. “I’m sorry I haven’t been attending services much. I’ve been on the road a lot and I’m playing catch-up with all the board members and the foundation. I think it’s called putting out fires.”

Preacher waved to some people up ahead. “I know where your heart is, Alec. God does, too. Fellowship can help, but only if you’re willing to let it help.”

“I’m here, aren’t I?” Alec asked, wishing Preacher wouldn’t do so much preaching right now.

Oblivious to Alec’s discomfort, Rory glanced toward Marla. “Listen, I saw you talking to Marla earlier after I sent you in with her trays, so I guess you two hit it off okay.”

Alec didn’t lie. “Yeah, we actually met briefly this weekend at the Alvanetti estate. She baked the wedding cake.”

“Oh, yes, I forgot she baked the cake for the big wedding out there.” Rory shrugged. “They used another minister for the wedding, but I’m cool with that.” He ran a hand through his hair. “So...you met Marla—something you neglected to tell us at the pizza place.”

“I purposely didn’t mention her the other night. Didn’t want to be grilled about it.”

“Like I’m doing right now,” Preacher said with a nod. “Okay, I’ll back off. Anyway, since you two know each other already, would you mind sitting with her at dinner? She’s kind of new to the church and...she’s had it rough lately.”

“How’s that?” Alec asked, glancing over at Marla. She looked cute with her wheat-and-strawberry-colored hair up in a haphazard ponytail, and she seemed content in her own skin. But she did appear a bit standoffish and shy when her green-eyed gaze stared at the floor, instead of at him. Was she fighting her own battle?

“Not for me to tell,” Preacher replied. “But she could use a friend.”

“Are you setting me up?” Alec asked, resentment warring with gratitude in his mind. He didn’t have time to explore a new relationship. Wasn’t even sure he wanted to be in any sort of dating situation. So why was his best friend keeping after him? “You invited me here for more than just networking, didn’t you?”

Preacher made a face and then lifted his hands, palms up. “Me? Never.”

Alec wondered about that, but he couldn’t turn down the request to sit with Marla at dinner. That would be rude—and besides, he did like Marla, whether she liked him back or not. He didn’t want to make her uncomfortable, but...it was just a few minutes eating a meal in a crowded room. Maybe if he sat with his scar away from her, she’d be more relaxed around him.

Taking a small leap of faith and sending a prayer after it, Alec excused himself from the food line and strolled over to where Marla stood tidying her table. He’d keep things light and friendly in spite of the unfamiliar sensations tickling at his consciousness. No use in scaring her away, since nothing could come of this anyway.

“Hi,” he said, his gaze moving over her cute blue button-up sweater and floral skirt. “How’d it go over here?”

“Good,” she said, her eyes sparkling. “I think I drummed up some new clients. A wedding cake, a birthday party and an order of cupcakes and cookies for an entire kindergarten class. Plus, dessert for the Rotary Club meeting next week.”

He liked seeing her smile. “Your treats will draw in a lot of people. I had a great night, too. I’ll tell you all about it if you’ll sit with me at dinner.”

* * *

Marla looked around and then lifted her gaze to Alec. Did she want to eat dinner with him? Or did she want to bolt out the door? She glanced at the door and the buffet line before lifting her chin toward him.