"Sure. Keep whatyou want and ditch the rest." Rooney walked over and patted the bed,sitting down on the floral cover she had loved as a teenager. "Once we getsettled we might be able to change things for you. You know, put up fresh wallpaper and get you a new bedspread if that's what you want."
"I kind of like ithow it is. For now anyway." Tam looked at her mother expectantly."Can I go down to the kitchen and get a biscuit. I'm hungry and thirstyand she said I could."
"Sure, but hername is Essie and remember your manners."
She watched the childskip out of the room and listened as the footsteps sounded all the way down tothe bottom before standing up. Rooney wiped her palms on the legs of her jeansand walked to the door. She walked out into the hallway and took slow stepstoward her mother's room, pausing outside the door before lifting her hand. Thedoor knob was cool to the touch and Rooney turned it, waiting for the smallclick just before it gave. With determination, she pushed the door open andlooked inside from where she stood.
The lingering scent ofold fashioned roses hit her first. The perfume brought back a rush of memoriesthat threatened to drop her to her knees. Rooney grabbed hold of the door frameand gripped it with one hand, the other closing over her mouth to stop thewhimpers rising in her throat from slipping out.
"Hey kid, it'sokay." A hand dropped on her shoulder and she jumped, swinging aroundready to hit out.
Cade grabbed her handbefore her open palm made contact with his cheek. "Shit, calm down. Ididn't mean to scare you like that."
"Hell, I'm sosorry." She hiccupped and wiped her eyes with the back of her hand."It kind of got me, the smell and the memories."
He reached for Rooneyand pulled her against his shoulder. "I don't know why Essie put you inthere. Do you want my room instead?"
She gazed at him,grateful he understood her panic. "No, it's okay, really. I got a bitoverwhelmed. I'll be okay." To prove it more to herself than her brother,she took a step inside the room. It was impersonal now apart from the smell.Her mother's belongings had been packed up and moved, probably into storage.She wondered who had done it, was it Dad or Essie.
The furnishings weren'tthe same as the last time she’d stood in this room. A new bedspread graced hermother's four-poster. The only personal thing left was the smell, and thatRooney could learn to live with.
"Did I hear myniece clomping down the stairs before?" Cade walked in the room behindher.
"Yeah, she's a bitscared of everything but I think Essie has her won over with fresh biscuits.Want to come down and meet her?" Rooney walked over and tucked her armthrough Cade’s. "Where are your crutches?"
"Don't mother henme. They're in my room. I keep tripping over so, when I'm in the house, I usethe wall for support and hop around. Works for me, so don't startnagging." He gave her his trademark grin and she forgot her nerves."I've had enough from Doctor Russ. Now, let me go and meet the kid."
He turned and hoppedout of the room. Rooney took one more glance around the room before shefollowed, keeping close as he worked his way down the stairs. When they pushedthrough the kitchen door, it was to hear the chatter of Tamara talkingexcitedly. stalled when she spotted Cade.
"Tam, this is yourUncle Cade. Cade, my daughter Tamara."
"Hey, Squirt, niceto meet you."
Rooney watched him workhis charm on the girl and glanced over at Essie, sharing looks over the expanseof the kitchen. Could it be her brother had a heart after all? She had yet tosee it but if anyone could change her brother’s arsehole attitude it would beTam.
Chapter Fourteen
Cade held back hissurprise as he looked at his niece. There was no mistaking who her father was,even if he hadn't known the truth. The thick black hair framing her face wasenough of a giveaway without the piercing blue eyes that looked up at him.Where Rooney was almost white-blonde with pale blue eyes, Tam was the spittingimage of her father.
A cough behind him madehim glance up. He’d been staring, and Tam had sidled over to her mother."So, Squirt. How old are you?" Cade rested on the stool and leanedhis elbows on the island counter. He glanced quickly at his sister and noticedthe discomfort on her face.
"I'm going to beeight this year. What did you do to your leg?" She came closer and liftedthe large cookie in her hand, taking a bite.
"Footballaccident."
"Are you bustednow?"
"I hope not. GuessI'll find out next week." He looked over at Rooney and put on his bestsmile. "Fancy passing me a beer?"
"No, but I'll makeus a coffee." She turned and walked to the coffee machine. Taking two mugsfrom the top, she placed them under the spout before putting a pod slot andpushing the start button. Rooney turned to watch him while the machine dribbledout fresh coffee.
"What are yougoing to do if you're busted?" Tam walked closer and looked into his eyeswith the honesty of a child. "You could work for my mum. That's if youknow how to help sick animals."
Cade smiled, hiding thejolt of terror spearing his gut. "Thanks, but I'm sure it will all workout." He met Rooney's gaze. "So you got the old dump then?"
She walked over andplaced a steaming mug of coffee in front of him before taking a stool opposite.Her pale blue eyes were hard and determined as she gazed at him. "Yes, Idid and since I have little or no money and the place is a filthy hole, I'mroping you into help me clean it up so I can set up shop and start work."
"Seriously? Youwant me to clean for you?" Cade roared with laughter.
A small fistthumped him on his sore leg. "Don't laugh at my mother."
He looked down at thechild so like her father. "Sorry about that, Squirt. I can't see myselfwith a bucket and mop in my hand though."
Essie spoke up."Wouldn't hurt you to get
