Southern Comfort - Fern Michaels [89]
Tick stood up, stretched, then sat back down. “Why can’t she simply stay here until a relative is located?” He looked at Jelly, then at Kate. “I know how to take care of a kid. Remember I . . . let’s just say I’ve had a bit of experience.”
Kate’s heart shattered into a million tiny pieces. Tick had had children in another life, as she knew. Did he really believe he could take care of Rosita? He was a recovering alcoholic and a loner who lived on an almost secluded island, plus he talked to that Bird. Kate didn’t think his chances were good if he were to appear in court to apply for temporary custody. She wanted to tell him that, save him from the possible disappointment and heartache, but she didn’t have the heart to break his any more than it had been broken already.
Jelly rubbed his hand back and forth over the stubble on his chin. The sound reminded Kate of sandpaper. “Actually, Tick, that might not be a bad idea. The girl has been through enough as it is. I’ll place a few phone calls. I might be able to get a temporary custody order without all the hassle of going to court.”
Kate looked at Jelly as if he’d taken temporary leave of his senses. “Do you think that’s a good idea? I mean . . . it’s just that, Tick is a man, and—”
“Men can’t take care of children? Or were you going to say alcoholics can’t take care of children?” Tick’s facial expression grew serious. His eyes hardened as he stared at her.
Kate wiped her damp hands on her shorts. She took a deep breath. “I’m not sure what I was going to say, though I’m sure you’re quite capable of caring for Rosita. I’ve seen it with my very own eyes. It’s just, I don’t know if staying here on Mango Key is such a good idea after what she’s suffered over there, at that . . . that hellhole.”
Jelly nodded in agreement. “Kate has a point.”
“Then I’ll rent a house in Key West. With the economy and everything, it shouldn’t be hard to find a place suitable for a child,” Tick said.
“Okay, okay. I’ll keep that thought in mind. She’s fine where she is, at least for now. Kate, you and Sandy can help Tick out. That is, if you . . . can you even take care of a kid?” Jelly gave a short laugh. “Forget I said that. You’re Kate Rush, and Kate Rush can do anything she sets her mind to.”
“You’re right, Jelly, I can. And I can take care of a child. I’ve always wanted a kid . . . well, you know how it is. I’m not getting any younger. I wouldn’t mind caring for Rosita for a while.” She cast a glance at Tick. “Until a proper family can be found.”
“Then I’ll make those phone calls now.” Jelly stood, stretched, then excused himself and walked down the steep flight of steps leading to the beach.
“So you’re saying you’ll come to Key West with me?” Tick asked.
Damn, damn, and double damn. She’d set herself up big-time. “I’ll do whatever is necessary to care for Rosita, even if it means moving in with you and that damned Bird.”
Tick smiled, and this time it definitely reached his eyes.
To quote Bird, Kate was in deep shit!
Chapter 21
Thurman Lawrence Tyler slammed the phone down so hard the handset shattered. Bits of plastic littered the top of his custom-made mahogany desk. His carefully constructed life was about to fall apart, but he refused to let that happen. He’d been in the weeds before and managed to salvage his political career. He could do it again.
“Elizabeth, can you come in here?” He knew his wife was eavesdropping outside the door.
Seconds later, the oak doors parted. “What’s happening, Thurman? I overheard you on the phone.”
Elizabeth Tyler, wife of the esteemed governor of the state of Florida, was dressed impeccably as usual. She wore a white Oleg Cassini shift dress that probably cost more than most people spent on a college education. Diamond studs glittered in her ears. Not a hair out of place could be found on her professionally dyed blond head. Polished, socially perfect was his wife. He expected nothing less of her, and she knew this. Had known this since the day she gave birth to Lawrence, their pitiful son. A day he regretted