He put his arms around her, feeling her misery lashing at his chest. “I’m really sorry. I’ve never had to deal with something like this, but I do know it sucks to be separated from your kid.”

She gently pulled back, visibly gathering herself back together. “I’m sorry, too. It’s just... I don’t have a lot of friends. The people I work for... I’ve managed to keep it from them, but I know when I tell them, they won’t offer to help with André and Angelica.” She dabbed at her eyes with her sleeve and gave a short, humorless laugh. “Their dad’s mother lives in Jersey. But I can’t ask her. I don’t want anyone from that family looking after my kids,” she said. “My lawyer said foster care is good these days. Lots of enrichment opportunities for the kids. But it’s...”

“Foster care,” he finished for her. And then, from a place inside himself he did not know existed, he said, “I’ll take care of them, if it turns out you need someone.”

She fell utterly still. She even seemed to stop breathing. “You don’t mean it.”

“I do,” he said, “completely.” The surprise was not the offer he’d made. The surprise was how clear he was on this decision. He did intend to help her. “Look, you’re probably not going to need my help,” he said, “but if you do, I’m here.”

“Really?” she whispered, still not moving. “Seriously?”

“Seriously. If your kids need to stay with someone, I’m here.”

“An angel, that’s what you are.” Tears rolled slowly down her cheeks. “You’re a flesh-and-blood angel.”

He laughed, trying to lighten the moment. “Don’t lay that on me. Believe me, I’m nobody’s angel.”

Part Three

Part Three

Man Food

A lot of business is done over beer and food. It helps a man think better.

Beer-Cheese-Spread

Beer-Cheese-Spread

1 (2-pound) block sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded

1 small onion, minced

2 garlic cloves, minced

1⁄2 teaspoon hot sauce

1⁄4 teaspoon ground red pepper

1 (12-ounce) bottle amber beer, at room temperature

Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish: thyme sprig

Beat together first 5 ingredients at low speed with a heavy-duty electric stand mixer until blended. Gradually add beer, beating until blended. Beat at medium-high speed until blended and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and chill. Garnish with a thyme sprig. Store in refrigerator up to two weeks. Serve with crackers, or use to make grilled cheese sandwiches.

[Source: Adapted from Southern Living, 2007]

Chapter Four

chapter four

Following through on a crazy impulse was often the right thing to do.

As soon as the workweek started, Logan got together with his two best buddies, Adam Bellamy and Jeff Bailey, Suzanne’s husband. They hooked their mountain bikes on the back of his Jeep and headed up the winding road that curved around the mountain.