Page 7 of Guarding Colton’s Witness

He grinned as he programmed “Witchy Woman” into his phone as her ringtone. A minute later, his phone played the song as her text came through. Smiling like a fool, he showered, then got dressed. He didn’t dawdle as he had a stop to make on the way.

Matti was the first woman to catch his interest since Cassie had ended their engagement two years ago. As he drove to the store, he contemplated the reason for that. She was pretty in a cute kind of way, beautiful blue eyes, a body that turned men’s heads, and a quick smile. He had the impression she would be fun to be around. It was all that, but there was something more, something he couldn’t define yet, and that had him wanting to solve the puzzle of Matti Colton.

His stop at the superstore was on the way to Matti’s, and he went first to the wine section. Since he didn’t know which she’d prefer, he selected a nice bottle of red and one of white. Next, he went to the toy section, found what he was looking for, then made his last stop at the florist department. After debating the choices, he picked a bouquet of wild flowers. Those suited her.

Maybe the wine and flowers were too much considering he wasn’t trying to impress her—or so he kept telling himself—but he was having fun, something he hadn’t had in a long time. Maybe it was time to loosen up a little.

The first thing he realized when he arrived at Matti’s house was that she lived near her father. He’d been to Jonathon’s house, and even though it was close to his daughter’s home, it was two different neighborhoods. The homes where Jonathon lived were large and expensive. Matti’s house was a cute bungalow with a front porch. There was an overhang, and he could imagine her sitting on the swing with a book while it rained.

He gathered the things he’d bought, walked up the porch, and rang the doorbell. When she opened the door, her gaze went to the flowers in her hand.

“Aw, you brought Sam flowers.”

“Silly girl, these are for you.” He handed her the wild flowers. The delighted expression on her face made him glad he’d thought to make the stop.

“Thank you. How’d you know I love wild flowers?”

“I didn’t know, but they made me think of you.”

“That’s really sweet.” She eyed the bottles of wine. “So, the wine’s for Sam?”

He laughed. “Again, wrong. I do have something for Sam, though. Can I come in, or should I just hand you everything and leave?” He couldn’t help teasing her, especially when it made her cheeks turn a pretty pink.

She rolled her eyes. “Of course. I apparently lost my manners somewhere.” She stepped back.

As he passed her, he caught her scent, and whatever it was—apples and cinnamon?—she smelled really good.

“Dr. Palmer, you’re here!” Sam yelled.

“I sure am.” The boy was on the sofa with a pillow behind his back and one under his leg. Ryan held the wine bottles up. “Where can I put these?”

“Here, I’ll take them while you visit with Sam.” She eyed the labels. “You have good taste, Dr. Palmer.”

“Only the best for my friend who won’t let me use her friend name.” He winked, then walked to Sam. Ryan set the box containing Sam’s gift on the coffee table, then sat at the end of the sofa, next to Sam’s feet. He was wearing a different pair of pants and shirt that were a bit too big for him. “How’s the leg?”

“It doesn’t hurt too much.” He glanced toward where Matti had disappeared to. “I’m kind of bored,” he whispered.

“Well, I have something that might help you not be bored.” He handed Sam the box.

“For me?”

“Yep.”

“It’s a fire truck. Awesome!” His eyes scrunched up. “I wish I could read. What does it say, Dr. Palmer?”

“It’s a remote-controlled fire truck. Do you know what that is?” When Sam shook his head, Ryan said, “Open it up, and I’ll show you.” This boy couldn’t read anything and didn’t know what a remote-controlled toy was. That was just wrong.

By the time Matti returned, he and Sam were on the floor, Sam’s leg stretched out in front of him, while Ryan showed him how the toy worked.

“Matti, look what Dr. Palmer brought me,” Sam said.

“Oh, wow. That’s so cool.” She sat on the sofa near Sam. “Did you say thank you?”

Sam squeezed his eyes shut. “No. I forgot. I’m sorry. Are you going to hit me?”

Ryan glanced over Sam’s head at Matti, and what was in her eyes matched his…sadness and anger. He put his hand on the boy’s shoulder. “No, Sam, we’re not going to hit you. I promise you, we don’t hit children. Ever.”

“Even if I’m bad?” He opened his eyes and looked up at Ryan in disbelief.