Read No One But You for Free Online

this. The kids playing, forgetting their troubles for a while, carefree and happy, just the way it should be, heartened him. “I’m glad I skipped that boring meeting. This was better.”
    “At least you got some fresh air.”
    “True. I’ve been trying to ease back on my workload for a long time. Maybe this is the first step in turning over a new leaf.”
    “And what leaf would that be?”
    “A better one, at least that’s what I’m hoping.”
    “What was wrong with the old one?”
    “Apparently I work too much. People tell me I’ve turned into a serious workaholic.”
    “And you believe them? The Wyatt I knew didn’t like listening to anyone.”
    “You wouldn’t be wrong. I didn’t want to at first. I was in denial.”
    “It’s good to know some things haven’t completely changed,” she quipped. Including the goodness in him and that charming sparkle in his eye, Mariah thought.
    “True, but it’s time to take a good look at my life. Bet you never thought you’d hear that from me, right?”
    Humor chased the shadows from his eyes, reminding her of the boy she’d loved. The years threatened to melt away and she could glimpse the girl she’d been, full of hopes and dreams, and innocent love. Had he lost his illusions, too?
    “We all reach the point where we have to look at the truths in our lives,” she heard herself say.
    “After my marriage fell apart I completely buried myself in my work. And before you comment, yes, I’m divorced. My wife found me difficult to live with. You’re not shocked, right?”
    “I am sorry. I know how divorce feels. I always thought our problem was with the combination of us, not with you necessarily.”
    “My ex-wife would disagree.” A muscle jumped along his jaw, and he kept his attention on the players. The game had halted and Jake seemed to be offering advice to the kids as he dribbled, aimed and shot. “Hey, Jake’s really good.”
    “That’s what they tell me.” Pride filled her. “He’s a good kid.”
    “Obviously. And although it’s killing me, I’m not going to mention the summer camp again. I’m keeping my mouth shut.”
    “But you mentioned it all the same.”
    “Okay, I guess I can’t stay quiet. Now, this might make you mad, but I think he’d benefit. I’m just tossing it out there one more time.” Those dimples played at the corners of his mouth. “Go ahead and yell. I can take it.”
    “I’m not sure yelling will work. Why is this so important to you?”
    “He just reminds me of someone, is all.”
    “You at that age?”
    “Now that you mention it…” Something that looked like sadness crossed his face, but he shrugged it away. “I’m just trying to help.”
    “Whether I need it or not?” Mariah arched an eyebrow, not sure why she was amused.
    “See, this is what always got us into trouble. Me wanting to help, and you not wanting it.”
    “That’s not necessarily true. I’m more grateful than you can imagine for the land donation. There is no way we could afford to buy such a prime piece of property, and that check you wrote for the diaper drive was truly generous. I’m grateful for the shelter’s sake—“
    “You don’t have to be. I wanted to do those things.”
    “That’s great. It’s a lot coming from a man new to town. Not that I’m complaining. Just curious.”
    “I have my reasons.” He paused thoughtfully, watching a towheaded boy shooting from the free-throw line. Shadows haunted him. “Someone really helped me once when I was down and I didn’t think I could get back up. I owe him big time, and I’ve been trying my best to pay it back.”
    Mariah had worked with broken hearts enough to recognize a wounded soul. No one was immune to life’s hardships. Regardless of class, race or creed, the human heart hurt the same.
    “I know how it feels, Wyatt. I’ve been there, too.” That’s what Nellie’s had done for her. The amazing people there had helped her get back on her feet, and had shown