The Bachelor Boss by Judy Baer Page A

as you did as a boy.”
    “Let me know when. Maybe I’ll join you.” Then they were at his car.
    As Hannah slid into the passenger seat, her mind whirred. What did he mean, he’d join them? Why would he want to do that? Granted, Danny was a fun little boy, but Ty himself had admitted he was swamped with work. Perhaps it was because of his own fond memories? That had to be it. Hannah couldn’t think of another good reason he’d want to come with them to The Farmhouse.
    * * *
    Now where had that offer come from, Ty wondered as he started the engine. He didn’t have two extra minutes in the upcoming days, but he’d offered to go miniature golfing? He must be more exhausted than he’d thought. His mouth was working completely without his brain. Or, a niggling voice said in his head, maybe it was his brain working. Hannah St. James was good for his soul.
    Lily was, as he’d expected, waiting for them.
    “How is she? How’s Clara?”
    He and Hannah glanced at each other. He would have liked to hide Clara’s troubles from Lily, but the truth won out.
    “She’s got a small, crowded room at the back of the house, which faces north. I don’t think a sunbeam could get in there even if it wanted to.”
    Lily’s bright expression faded. “Oh, my.”
    “Her sister’s son, John, is supposed to be taking care of things and driving them places in trade for room and board.”
    “John? I’ve heard about him as a teenager. Clara told me that he was a big loser. She said her sister had a terrible time with him. He was always being picked up for petty theft or starting a fight or vandalism. And he’s the one taking care of Clara?”
    “She says they have pizza or deep fried chicken almost every night, something he picks up at the store.”
    “Pizza? Clara hates pizza!”
    “She loved the cookies, though, Gram. Hannah will bake some more for her.”
    “I can do nutritious trail mix and things with oatmeal and raisins. Maybe I’ll get some meal supplements for her, too. John doesn’t need to know.”
    “I don’t think he’d care, even if he did,” Ty said dryly.
    “My poor, dear friend,” Lily moaned. Energy seemed to bleed out of her. Suddenly, she looked all of her ninety years. “I think I’d like to rest now, if you don’t mind.” She dismissed them with a wave of her hand.
    Outside the door Ty muttered, “I’ve never seen her like that before.”
    “She’s upset. We’ll try to lift her spirits after she’s had some time alone. She and Danny are friends. He’ll cheer her up if I can’t.”
    “Call me if you need me,” Ty ordered.
    “We won’t need you. Just catch up on your work.”
    He nodded absently, still frowning, and disappeared down the stairs.
    Hannah remained in the hallway. What a puzzling, frustrating and delightful day it already had been. Their time at The Farmhouse had been a wonderful respite and Ty’s friendly, practically affectionate, behavior had warmed her soul.
    What would happen next in this day full of surprises?

Chapter Eleven
    H annah was relieved to hear the front door open on Monday afternoon. Danny was home. She’d done all she could to cheer Lily today, but it hadn’t worked very well. Maybe her son could do better. Lily always perked up when Danny was around. No matter what conversation Hannah had started, it always rolled around to Lily’s concern for Clara.
    “Hey, Mom. What is there to eat?” He dumped his backpack on the kitchen table and opened the refrigerator door. It hadn’t taken him long to feel perfectly at home here in this big house. Better yet, he was smiling. That meant no bullies had been after him today. Small for his age, Danny seemed to have more than his share of trouble with bigger, meaner kids.
    “Oatmeal raisin cookies, trail mix, cereal bars and morning glory muffins.”
    “All that? Cool.”
    “I’m baking for a friend of Lily’s. Don’t eat everything.” She put food on a plate while Danny poured himself a glass of milk.