Into the Future: A Callahan Novel Read Free

later.”
    She actually smiled.  “So you’re willing to help.”
    “Yes.”
    “How?”
    “Any way you need me.  If you need me to accompany you to the school on Monday, I can do that.” He knew the CPS didn’t have a leg to stand on, Paul must have a connection with someone in the department. Most likely Paul was trying to use this little maneuver for leverage. 
    “Would you go with me to the meeting?”
    “Sure, if that’s what you need.  I have no problem going.  I can be a character witness for you.”
    “Thank you.  That’s about all I handle right now.” 
    He knew not to force the issue with her.  He should probably cut his losses and get out of her house before she realized what was happening.  “I’ll meet you at the school.  What time is the meeting?”
    “Nine.”
    He rose from his seat.  “I’ll see you on Monday morning.  Don’t worry, Lizzy, we’ll have all this sorted out in no time.”  He walked toward the front door, ready to make his exit. 
    Lizzy joined him at the door.  “Thank you, for helping me, Tristan.”  She kissed him on the cheek.  “And thank you for not taking advantage of my scattered brain tonight.”  This time she kissed him on the lips. It was a gentle kiss, but it shook him. 
    Now he had to stake his claim.  He pulled her closer to his body and he deepened the kiss. He wrapped his arms around her, teasing her mouth open. He didn’t stop until they both needed to come up for breath.
    “Tristan!”  She smiled, licking her lips.  “I was just saying thank you.”
    “I was saying you’re welcome.”  He opened the door and exited before things really got out of control.

 
    THREE
     
    Saturday morning, Lizzy sat on the hard bench at the soccer field, nursing a supersized cup of hazelnut coffee.   After Tristan left her house last night, sleep hadn’t come so easy.  In fact, she barely got any sleep at all.  That kiss was still on her mind as she prepared for the kids’ soccer games.
    “Sorry, we’re late,” Izzy said standing beside her sister.  Cam was carrying a pillow for his wife to sit on while they watched the game. 
    “No problem, the game just started,” she told her sister.  “You look cute.” Izzy was rocking an oversized Callahan’s Bar and Grill T-shirt, maternity capris, and canvas tennis shoes.
    Izzy laughed, rubbing her t-shirt covered belly.  “I don’t feel cute.  I feel like I ate a balloon.”  She grinned.  “I couldn’t be happier.”
    “I can tell.  You guys ooze love.”  She looked at her sister and brother-in-law.  “If I was a jealous woman, I’d be really upset with you.”  She smiled at her.  “But I’m really happy for you guys.  Now I’m just waiting on my niece or nephew to get here.”
    “You and me both.  I can’t wait to fit back into regular clothes again.”  She took a deep breath.  “Now, since we have done the chit-chat thing, have you talk to Tristan?”
    “So it was you,” Lizzy accused her pregnant sister.  “I thought it was Cam.  Yes, he came by last night after the kids were in bed.  He’s coming with me to the meeting.”
    “Good,” Izzy said, leaning on her husband.  “I knew he’d step in.  I can’t believe Paul is being such an ass.  First, he never picks up the kids.  PJ told me it’s been months since he’s seen him.  It’s been his mother keeping them.”
    “I know.  He’s got some kind of plan in his thick skull.  No more being nice, that’s for sure.”
    Izzy nodded.  “Yes, he can pick them up at my place or Mom’s from now on.  No exceptions.”
    Lizzy shook her head.  “You’re such a different person since Cam bulldozed into your life.  I’m glad for the change.  It’s just taking a little getting used to.  The old Izzy would have tried to defend Paul and his antics, but not now.”
    Izzy laughed.  “That’s right.  That was the old me. Once I stared in the face of love, I realized that Paul was being