Cael_Heroes at Heart Read online

  Cael

  Heroes at Heart Series

  Maryann Jordan

  Contents

  Acknowledgments

  Author Information

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Cael (Heroes at Heart) Copyright 2018

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system without the written permission of the author, except where permitted by law.

  If you are reading this book and did not purchase it, then you are reading an illegal pirated copy. If you would be concerned about working for no pay, then please respect the author’s work! Make sure that you are only reading a copy that has been officially released by the author.

  This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

  Cover Design by: Becky McGraw

  Editor: Shannon Brandee Eversoll

  Proofreader: Myckel Anne Phillips

  ISBN: 978-1-947214-14-9

  Created with Vellum

  Acknowledgments

  First and foremost, I have to thank my husband, Michael. Always believing in me and wanting me to pursue my dreams, this book would not be possible without his support. To my daughters, MaryBeth and Nicole, I taught you to follow your dreams and now it is time for me to take my own advice.

  My best friend, Tammie, who for over twenty years has been with me through thick and thin. You’ve filled the role of confidant, supporter, and sister.

  My other best friend, Myckel Anne, who keeps me on track, keeps me grounded, and most of all – keeps my secrets. Thank you for not only being my proofreader and my Marketing PA, but friend. I do not know what I would do without you in my life.

  My beta readers kept me sane, cheered me on, found all my silly errors, and often helped me understand my characters through their eyes. A huge thank you to Denise, Sandi, Barbara, Jennifer, Danielle, Tracey, Lynn, Stracey, and Jamila for being my beta girls who love alphas!

  Shannon Brandee Eversoll as my editor and Myckel Anne Phillips as my proofreader gave their time and talents to making all my books as well written as it can be.

  My street team, Jordan Jewels, you all are amazing! You volunteer your time to promote my books and I cannot thank you enough! I hope you will stay with me, because I have lots more stories inside, just waiting to be written!

  My Personal Assistant Barbara Martoncik keeps me going when I feel overwhelmed and I am so grateful for not only her assistance, but her friendship.

  Most importantly, thank you readers. You allow me into your home for a few hours as you disappear into my characters and you support me as I follow my indie author dreams.

  Author Information

  USA Today Bestselling and Award Winning Author

  I am an avid reader of romance novels, often joking that I cut my teeth on the historical romances. I have been reading and reviewing for years. In 2013, I finally gave into the characters in my head, screaming for their story to be told. From these musings, my first novel, Emma’s Home, The Fairfield Series was born.

  I was a high school counselor having worked in education for thirty years. I live in Virginia, having also lived in four states and two foreign countries. I have been married to a wonderfully patient man for thirty-five years. When writing, my dog or one of my four cats can generally be found in the same room if not on my lap.

  Please take the time to leave a review of this book.

  Feel free to contact me, especially if you enjoyed my book. I love to hear from readers!

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  Email

  Website

  As an adolescent counselor for over twenty-five years, I had the opportunity to work with many young people. One young man, upset over a poor choice he had made, came to me. As I listened to his story and his confession, I told him that the true measure of a man was not in the mistakes he made, but in how he handled those mistakes. I remember the look on his face when I told him I was sure he was going to be a good man.

  So, this book is dedicated to all the students over the years who allowed me to be a part of their lives.

  1

  Cael Holland was buckled in the back seat of the lady’s car, staring out the window. Clutching his small Teddy bear, he felt sick to his stomach and wondered, if he threw up, would she still take him to their destination? Before he had a chance to ponder any further, the car turned down a residential street, houses standing guard on either side of the sidewalks.

  The yards were trimmed, some with flowerbeds lining front walks. Others had big bushes near their porches. Massive trees were in every yard, some with swings hanging from their lower branches. Curious, he pressed his nose against the window. The car slowed as it approached the house at the end, and his heart began to pound even harder. Swallowing back the tears that threatened to slide over his cheeks, he thought of his sister and their goodbye.

  “Why can’t I live with you?” he had cried, clinging to her legs. She was eight years older than he was and in his mind, she was old enough to take care of him.

  “Oh, Cael,” Kathy said. “I’m just not old enough. I wish I was.”

  “How old do you have to be to keep me?” he whined.

  “I’d have to be a grownup. That won’t be for another two years and then I still won’t be able to take care of you like you should be taken care of. I’m so sorry.”

  “Then why can’t I stay here with you and Granny?”

  A grimace crossed her face, as she admitted, “Granny’s old and says she can only keep me since I’m almost grown anyway and can get a summer job to help out. She says she don’t got no energy to raise a boy.”

  Crying harder, he had clung tightly as she wrapped her arms around him.

  “Cael, don’t cry,” she had begged. “Granny says we can stay in touch.”

  “What if where they take me they don’t let me come see you?”

  “Then I’ll get Granny to bring me to you.” Wiping his tears, she held his hand as the social worker approached. Her eyes had been kind but her mannerism hurried. Putting her arm around his shoulders, she guided him to the car and into the back seat, in one fell swoop taking him away from his sister, the only person he had left in the world.

  Now, she pulled the car to a stop outside the house at the end of the street. Getting out, she opened his door, motioning for him to follow. “Come along, Cael. Let’s go meet your new family.” Bending low, she smiled as she said, “You’re very lucky. Miss Ethel is the best foster mom we have. You’ll like it here.”

  He knew she was lying to him to get his cooperation, but he pinched his lips together, saying nothing. Climbing out of the seat, he clutched his bear to his chest as she grabbed his suitcase. Following her up the front walk, he spied an older woman coming onto the porch. Tall and
thin, she wore a yellow dress with a little black belt, shoes like his granny wore, wire-rim glasses perched on her nose, and her grey hair pulled back in a bun. His feet stumbled and he tripped on the first step, staring up at her.

  She smiled, bending low to greet him. “Cael, I’m so glad to have you come to my home. I’m Miss Ethel.”

  Her smile made his stomach hurt a little less but, as he looked behind her, he spied four little faces plastered against the screen door, all staring at him. His stomach knotted again and he wondered if now was when he would finally throw up.

  Miss Ethel glanced behind her and shooed the other boys away. Turning back to him, she smiled once more, saying, “My other boys are so excited to meet you. Let me talk to Ms. Traynor for a moment and then we’ll go inside.” Patting his shoulder, she stood and took the suitcase from the social worker.

  He looked up at the two women conversing, before sliding his gaze back to the door. He could no longer see the other faces, but he heard the slight sounds of whispering coming from inside the house.

  “Come along, Cael,” Miss Ethel said. “Let’s go in. I’ve got some chocolate chip cookies, fresh out of the oven.”

  As she opened the screen, the delightful scent of homemade cookies wafted by and his stomach growled. Turning, he watched the social worker walk back to her car. Without a way to escape, he took a deep breath and followed Miss Ethel into the house, curiosity taking over fear.

  With her hand on his shoulder, she stepped into the living room, where he could now clearly see the other boys.

  “Boys this is Cael. He’s eight years old and I want you to make sure to welcome him as you wanted to be welcomed when you first came to me. Cael, this is the oldest, Zander. He’s ten years old.”

  Cael watched as a tall, dark blond boy with piercing blue eyes stepped forward. His face, hard at first, broke into a grin. “That your bear?”

  Holding it tighter, in case Zander chose to take it, he just nodded.

  “Cool,” Zander said, his smile still in place.

  Another boy, dark haired, walked up next. “I’m Rafe,” he said. “I’m eight too.”

  Before he had time to process that there was another boy his age, two younger boys bounded up, both so close in appearance, he had to blink to tell them apart.

  “I’m Jayden. This is Jaxon.”

  “Boys,” Miss Ethel said, drawing out the word while lifting her eyebrow. “Behave.”

  Cael looked up at her in confusion, not understanding what they had done that she needed to correct.

  The two boys broke into giggles, before the one who spoke, said, “Sorry, Miss Ethel.” Looking back at him, he said, “I’m actually Jaxon and this is my twin, Jayden.”

  Their snaggle-toothed grins beamed as they asked Miss Ethel if it was time for cookies.

  Laughing, she said, “Bring Cael with you.”

  Grabbing him by the arm, Zander led them into the dining room. The big table had lots of chairs around it and he climbed into the one next to Zander. The other boys quickly scrambled into their seats and eagerly awaited Miss Ethel’s return to the room, her hands full with a tray with glasses of milk and a platter of still-warm cookies.

  Looking at the others, not wanting to be left out, he grabbed two cookies to put on his napkin, licking the melted chocolate from his fingers. It had been a long time since he had had cookies this good. His mom used to make them, but that was before. Before his dad died and his mom became so sad she stopped taking care of them. Shoving one delectable treat into his mouth, the warm flavors tickled his tongue and his stomach stopped hurting.

  Miss Ethel smiled around the table and made sure the milk glasses were refilled if needed. Licking his lips, he stared in unabashed interest at the other boys. They were all laughing and joking with each other.

  Jaxon looked over and cocked his head to the side. “Your hair’s kind of funny.”

  Before he had a chance to react, Miss Ethel’s voice rang out. “Jaxon.” He watched as the boys immediately quieted and he figured that, when she spoke, they listened.

  “I’m sorry. I don’t mean nothing bad. It’s just a different color.”

  He had heard his sister talk about his hair being strawberry-blond but never really knew what that meant. Her hair was yellowish and his was kind of orangey-blond, like their dads’ had been. “I got my daddy’s hair,” he said, his words proud, but his stomach clenching again.

  “I like it,” Jaxon pronounced, an easy grin in place, going back to his cookie.

  By the time they were ready for bed, he had finally relaxed somewhat…at least his stomach felt better with dinner and some games afterwards. When they walked upstairs, Miss Ethel took him to the side and spoke to him quietly.

  “Cael, in my house, the boys share rooms because that way you all get to know each other real good, like brothers. But, I know this is a big change and can be very scary.”

  He looked up at her kind face and asked, “Will I ever be able to see my sister again?”

  “Oh, sweet boy,” she exclaimed, kneeling in front of him. “Yes, of course. She may visit here anytime and I will work with your grandmother to make sure you can visit her there as well.”

  His shoulders visibly relaxed and he offered her a tremulous smile.

  “Cael, remember that nothing’s as important as family. Of course, family is not just those we are born into, but the families that we make as well. Your sister is your family, but then so will we become family too. We have room in our hearts to love lots of people.”

  She cocked her head to the side, peering at him. “Cael. That’s an unusual name. Did your parents ever tell you the meaning of your name?”

  Shaking his head, he peered up at her in interest.

  “The name has a connection to Irish mythology, but is also the name of the archangel associated with the astrological sign of Cancer. From this perspective, Cael is an angel of domestic bliss and nurturing love.”

  He scrunched his nose in confusion, not understanding her words.

  Laughing, she patted his shoulder. “All that means is that you’re a very sweet boy who likes to take care of those around him. We’re lucky to have you with us.”

  With that, she stood, pointing out the three bedrooms, giving him a chance to look inside. “Jaxon and Jayden share this room, but there is an extra bed here also.” Opening up the other door, she said, “This is where Zander and Rafe sleep. There’s a bunk bed in here, so there’s room for another person. I’d like to think that one day, I’ll have a full house with all the beds filled. The bathroom is right here,” she motioned, showing him the big bathroom at the end of the hall.

  “Now, for someone who is more afraid and would like some time alone, I have a smaller bedroom with a little bathroom attached, if you would prefer. I want you to be comfortable.”

  He peeked into that room, a single bed and dresser taking up the space. He could see a small sink and toilet through the door on the other side of the room. Staring, he considered his options. This room would let me be by myself, but… Glancing back down the hall, he spied Zander peering around the corner of the stairs, his eyes piercing but a grin on his face. Zander pointed a finger at his chest, opened his eyes wider, and his smile became bigger.

  Taking a chance, Cael realized he did not want to be alone. Looking up at Miss Ethel, he said, “I’d like to be in the room with Zander and Rafe, if that’s okay.”

  “Of course, it is,” she exclaimed, taking his suitcase into the room.

  He caught Zander’s celebratory fist bump in the air, and his heart lightened for the first time in days.

  As Miss Ethel tucked the twins in their beds across the hall, Cael sat on his bed, already comfortable with Zander and Rafe. Holding his bear, which he was thankful the other boys did not try to take, he listened as Zander read from a large storybook, skipping around to different stories.

  Landing on Snow White, Zander laughed as he read the parts of the seven dwarfs in a silly voice. When he read
the part of the Evil Queen, Cael’s eyes grew wide and he snuggled under the covers. Miss Ethel entered the room, ready to tuck the boys into bed. She smiled widely, seeing Zander reading but, with a glance at Cael, she crossed to his bed, sitting next to him.

  “Remember, sweet boy, fairy tales are wonderful…not because they tell us that evil exist, but because they tell us that evil can be beaten. So, listen to Zander’s stories, but don’t be afraid. For all my boys are brave.” With a kiss each, she turned out the light, leaving on the nightlight.

  He watched her leave, then turned his eyes to Zander, still reading. He listened to the story as long as he could, but exhausted, he soon fell asleep. With his bear tucked close, he slept all night while princes and princesses filled his dreams.

  Sixteen-year-old, Cael stood in front of the mirror, staring at himself. Zander came up behind him and laughed.

  “Damn, you look good in a monkey suit.”

  Throwing a glare his way, he tugged at the tie strangling his neck. The black tux had to be altered because he had left his gangly pre-teen body behind and was now filling out, resembling the pictures he had of his father when he was younger.

  “Now, Zander, leave him alone,” Miss Ethel gently scolded. “He looks handsome.” Cael turned to face her and she placed her thin hand on his chest, smoothing his lapel. “It’s an exciting day for your sister and I want you to have a good time. After her wedding, there will be the reception—”