* * *
After working without a break, Nina checked her watch. One. She needed to pick up Kimmy at school between three and three-thirty. Fatigued again, and not only from the monitor. She felt plain old tired. Her sleep the night before had been restless. She thanked Angie for that. Why had she made a big deal about attending the wedding alone? Yes, she would mess up the table seating. Most everyone attended as couples, so the tables usually seated eight or ten. She’d make it seven or nine. She managed a chuckle. Maybe someone’s maiden aunt needed a seat.
She made her way to the kitchen, longing for something to distract her. The refrigerator didn’t pose any invitation as she gazed inside. The few cookies still in the jar she’d kept for Kimmy. Crackers? With what? Peanut butter, but she ran out a few days before. Maybe a trip to the grocery store would do it.
Instead she opened the back door and stepped outside, her eyes grazing the landscape. She’d done nothing about the perennials, and soon it would be too late. She hurried back in, grabbed her cell phone and purse and slipped into her car, recalling a garden shop not too far away. Soon she was pulling into the parking lot. After studying two rows of flowers, she spotted the coneflowers and hoisted a plant into her basket while her mind slipped to Kimmy. Time was ticking away, and she didn’t want to scare her or disappoint Doug by being late. With time on her mind, she spotted a sales clerk and caught her attention. “I’m in a new house without much landscaping, and I’m checking perennials but I want to make sure it’s not too late to plant. Can you tell me?”
“Sure. You have coneflowers there. It’s a good choice. They’re hardy flowers, and in Zone 5 the fall months are perfect for planting.”
She thanked the salesclerk and then asked directions to find the daisies.
The woman beckoned her to follow. With her guidance, she set three pots of daisies into the basket. Finally she circled back and grabbed three more colorful coneflowers to brighten her garden and her life.
She paid the bill, her mind everywhere but on her purchases. After she arrived home and unloaded, she realized Kimmy would already be waiting for her. Angry at her carelessness, she dashed to her car and headed down Oliver Street.
When she spotted the redbrick building, darkened with age, she slowed and pulled into the pickup lane. Only a few children were outside waiting, a couple others were getting into cars, but Kimmy wasn’t among them. Panicking, she pictured Doug’s frantic face and felt nailed to the seat. She sat a moment deciding what to do. Her only choice was to go inside. She drove to the parking lot and slipped out as her nerves set in. What would she do if Kimmy had been picked up by someone else. Kidnapped? Her carelessness rent her heart.
Breathless, she darted along the inside corridor, following the sign to the office. As soon as she reached the door, she spotted Kimmy. Her legs weakened as relief spread over her.
Kimmy’s eyes widened as she ran to her. “I thought you forgot me.”
“I’d never do that, Kimmy.” The words reverberated through her chest. She gave her a hug, noticing tears on Kimmy’s cheeks. Nina’s heart wrenched. “I’m sorry, sweetie. I would never forget you.” Her throat closed as she struggled to continue. “I went to the nursery for flowers and time ran away from me.” She tilted her head. “But I’m here now.” Thank You soared above her and stopped her cold. Thank You. Had she prayed? Warmth spread through her body as her fears flew away.
She pulled herself from the sensation, noticing a questioning look from the woman behind the counter. “I’m sorry I’m late. Doug Billings gave you my name, I think. I’m here for Kimmy. He had to work overtime today.”
The woman gave her a frown and checked a list near the phone and nodded. “You are?”
“Nina Jerome. Doug and I are neighbors.”
The woman nodded. “We have to be careful, and we also ask that you be on time.”
“Yes, I know. It won’t happen again. I guarantee.” She meant every word.
The woman gave a faint nod. “Kimmy, you can leave now and have a good weekend, okay?”
Kimmy grinned. “Okay.”
“And do you have all of your belongings?”
She nodded to the woman while Nina stepped away, wanting to escape before the woman had her scrubbing boards or banging erasers.
Kimmy caught up with her in the hallway “This weekend I have to find different kinds of leaves and things that grow on trees and bushes.” She adjusted her backpack. “Can we find them in your yard?”
“We sure can.” Nina slipped her arm around Kimmy’s shoulders and guided her outside.
When Kimmy spotted the car, she bolted ahead, and Nina had a hard time keeping up. Like a father, Doug had put the booster seat into the back of her car, and Kimmy slipped in and locked the seat belt. Captured by the image of Doug with his arms embracing a child of his own, Nina’s heart grew heavy. If only... Not wanting the thought to ruin her day, she headed for the driver’s seat and turned the key.
On the way home, she thought about the cookies she’d saved for Kimmy, but other than those, she had no after-school snacks for her. Her mind drifted until Kimmy broke her train of thought.
“Can we plant your flowers when we get back? Carly got to help Angie plant the flowers. She told me.”
Competition. Nina grinned. Though she liked the idea, today it wasn’t practical. “It’s late today, but let’s plan it for another day—maybe tomorrow—and you can tell Carly you helped me plant flowers. Instead, let’s do your homework. That will be fun, but first we’ll stop at the store for a treat.”
Kimmy’s face brightened. “I like treats.”
So did she, except for the calories. Again an image of Doug entered her mind, his smile the best treat she’d had in years.
She shook her head and pulled into a grocery store. Kimmy unhooked her seat belt, slipped outside, and they headed into the store. She guided Kimmy to healthy snacks and was pleased when she thought of string cheese. Kimmy liked those and peanut butter crackers. She selected multigrain. Another good choice.
In minutes, they were back in the car and pulling into her driveway. Kimmy lugged the grocery bag from the backseat, and they hurried inside for the snack and then the homework project.
Once in the yard, Kimmy slowed, her expression thoughtful. “Do you like my uncle Doug?”
Like? The question startled her, and her chest tightened. “I think he’s a very nice man, and I like you, too.” Her heart thudding, she studied Kimmy’s expression. “Why do you ask?”
“He’s happier since he met you. I’m glad you like him ’cuz I think he likes you...a lot.”
Heat rushed up her neck and warmed her cheeks. “Thank you, Kimmy. It’s always nice to be liked. I’m sure lots of people like you.”
Kimmy looked thoughtful. “But I think you make Uncle Doug happier.”
She made Doug happier? He made her happier, too, but this topic had to stop before she lost it. “Look there, Kimmy.” She pointed to the grass, grateful she’d spotted the pinecone. “Do you know what that is?”
“An acorn?” Kimmy eyed the cone a moment before shaking her head. “It’s the other one. A...”
“Right. It’s a pinecone. People make Christmas decorations out of them.”
Her eyes widened. “They do?” She picked up the cone and studied it. “How?”
Her brain went into gear. “I think they spray them with gold paint and tie a red bow on top. They can add artificial holly berries or other little Christmas symbols.”
“Can we make some for Christmas?”
“Christmas?” Nina’s heart weighted, doubting Kimmy would still be with Doug then. The old familiar loneliness spread through her. She drew in a breath. “We’ll have to wait and see. You might be home and busy with your mom.”
A shadow slipped across Kimmy’s face. “But I could
come and visit Uncle Doug.” Hope washed away the gloom. “Then we could make them.”
“We probably could.” Nina stepped away, needing to avoid the emotions barraging her. She’d never given the future much thought, and she didn’t want to start now.
Her mind bogged with Kimmy’s questions and especially her earlier comment. If a child noticed Doug seemed happier when she was around him, wouldn’t everyone spot it? She hadn’t known him long enough to notice a change in his behavior. Her heart pressed against her chest as if it were paper and could tear through. One thing she couldn’t do was offer Doug empty hope. She bit the edge of her lip unable to face her own emptiness.
Kimmy dashed around the yard collecting leaves from shrubs and plants, even two blades of crabgrass that Nina needed to attend to. She watched the girl, caught up in her excitement and energy. Though she was only thirty-four, her energy had dropped a couple of notches each year. She’d be bedridden by fifty if she didn’t perk up and find enjoyment in life.
A sound drew her attention, and she felt her pocket. She dug into it and pulled out her cell phone. This time she recognized the phone number. “Hi, Doug.”
“How’s it going? Did you pick up Kimmy?”
“Sure did.” Her pulse kicked into a high gear. “We had healthy snacks, and now we’re doing her homework.”
Doug chuckled. “What is it this time?”
“Here, you can ask Kimmy.” She beckoned to her, and she bounced forward, a smile brimming on her face.
“Hello.”
Whatever Doug asked or said, Kimmy rattled on about the snacks and homework, along with a list of what she’d found.
Nina’s cheeks warmed again, seeing joy in the child’s face. She amazed her, rolling with catastrophes better than most adults. While her mother was miles away, badly injured, Kimmy had dealt with the situation like a professional, making the best of her time with Doug without complaint. Even without fear.
She longed to cope with upheaval as well as Kimmy. If she’d done so, today she would be ready to make changes in her life, to move on and find happiness once again. Instead, she’d clung to her pitiful past and feelings of abandonment in the way someone would cherish old pictures.
Kimmy returned the phone to her, and she lifted it to her ear. “We’re doing fine, Doug.”
“Good. I hope to get out of here by seven-thirty. Eight at the latest.”
She pictured his face, his eyes crinkling at the edges as he talked, the lock of hair that sometimes dipped to his forehead, the five o’clock shadow she found so appealing. “We’re fine, Doug. Really.”
“I owe you one, Nina. Ask and it’s yours. Anything.”
His offer sent prickles up her arms. “You might be sorry you said that.”
“Never. I’ll see you later.”
They disconnected, and she approached Kimmy with Doug’s offer ringing in her ears.
Angie’s insistence that she have an escort for the wedding had bugged her, and naturally Angie thought of Doug. But Doug had already been embedded in her mind since they’d spent so much time together. Everything had been innocent and mainly involving Kimmy. The wedding didn’t involve Kimmy. In fact he’d have to hire a babysitter. She couldn’t ask him.
I owe you one, Nina. Ask and it’s yours. Anything. Anything. But escorting her to a wedding certainly wasn’t what he had in mind. But...what had he meant? He said anything.
Her mind spun, and she closed her eyes. Truth was, the more she thought of it, she disliked attending the reception alone. A wedding service, maybe, but the celebration? A party? Alone would be a downer. Still asking Doug...that would take gumption on her part and even a bit of faith.
The idea settled in her mind. She’d already talked to God once today. Maybe, just maybe, another little chat might give her unexpected courage.
The whole idea spread through her like puzzle pieces. She’d always been good with them except the puzzles of her life. That was one she hadn’t conquered yet. But maybe, just maybe...
Chapter Four
Doug leaned back in his office chair and eyed the stack of paperwork that he’d nearly conquered. He rubbed the back of his neck, kneading out the knots, and checked his watch with blurred vision. He’d stared at the computer too long, and though he still had portions of the documents, he couldn’t face another moment. He had to consider Kimmy’s needs.
Nina slipped into his mind again, and his pulse snagged. He’d never met a woman so unselfish with her time. Not only had she spent hours with Kimmy already, she had volunteered to spend more. What kind of woman did that?
A grin pranced to his lips. A woman who loved children. He nodded. That was it. He’d watched her with Kimmy, and she was a natural and very creative with her. He loved that. Again, his pulse stumbled as he faced the truth. He liked Nina. Liked her a lot. More than any other woman he’d known. But then she was easy to lov...like.
And now Angie had offered him an opening. Her wedding. He’d never expected to receive an invitation with the stipulation he escort Nina. All he needed now was the nerve to ask her. The wedding would be a way to know her better and to see her in a social setting. The neighborhood outdoor party had been the only social situation where they’d been together, and she seemed somewhat withdrawn. He had so much to learn about her. Only then could he really let his thoughts take flight. He drew in a breath as he admitted his failure. They’d already taken flight without his permission. So unlike him.
He shook his head to clear his thoughts and flicked through the documents, confident he could finish in the morning before his meeting. He riffled the pages and tapped them into a neat stack before slipping them into a folder and dropping them into his work tray. As he logged off the computer, his stomach rumbled, reminding him he’d rushed through a flavorless sandwich at noon, and now eating a good meal sounded great.
Tonight cooking was out of the question, but take-home was perfect, and Kimmy loved Chinese food. Tasty food with no work hugged his thoughts. He grasped his cell phone and located Nina’s number. His heart lurched when she answered on the second ring.
“Nina, this is Doug.”
She chuckled. “I saw your face on my phone.”
His chest tightened. “My face?” He’d seen hers so often in his mind, but on his—
“I snapped a photo of you one day in the yard when you weren’t looking. Now I can see your picture when you call.”
A grin stole to his lips again. “Lucky you.” He hoped he sounded lighthearted. Although in his ears, he sounded breathless. Exactly how he felt.
She chuckled. “How’s work?”
“Done for the night. Did Kimmy eat dinner? I—”
“Doug, I’m sorry. We had a late snack and I haven’t done a thing yet, but I can feed her for you if—”
“Don’t be sorry. That’s good. I thought I’d pick up Chinese.” He hesitated before barreling ahead. “Do you like it?”
“Love it.”
“Great. I always bring home too much for us, and I’d love to share. You won’t have to worry about cooking tonight...unless you need a break from Kimmy.”
“From Kimmy? Never.”
“How about me?”
She laughed. “A break? Not at all. I look forward to seeing you...and the Chinese food, especially egg rolls.”
“Our favorite, too.” Though she’d stumbled over her words, he was glad he’d asked. His shoulders straightened. “You’ll see me and the egg rolls soon, plus a surprise.”
“Surprise? We’ll be waiting. But you’d better hurry. Kimmy overheard me mention Chinese egg rolls, and she’s dancing around the room.”
“What about you?”
“I’m not dancing, but I’m looking forward to the surprise and to seeing you. We’re both anxious.”
“Maybe twenty mi
nutes.” He ended the call and cringed. His surprise comment sounded like something extraordinary. All he had in mind was a couple of their favorite entrées. He shook his head, frustrated with his silliness. Her tone had changed as if she expected something really special. Not entrées. Whatever she had in mind, he hoped he wouldn’t disappoint her too much.
* * *
Nina stared at her phone a moment before slipping it into her pocket. Shocked by her own directness, she steadied and sent up another warning to herself. She knew more about his sister than about him. Why had she admitted that she looked forward to seeing him?
Unable to retract her admission, she stepped around Kimmy and headed for the kitchen. Chinese food didn’t take long to prepare, and Doug would be there before she knew it. She opened a cabinet and pulled out three plates and silverware, unsure of what she needed but it gave her a distraction.
“Nina.” Kimmy’s voice piped into the kitchen from the hallway, and she heard her skipping footfalls as she bounded through the door. “What else is Uncle Doug bringing?”
“Else?” She shook her head. “I don’t know. He only mentioned egg rolls.”
“That’s only a ap-tizer. We like wonton soup and Chicken... I can’t remember the name.”
She grinned at Kimmy. “That sounds like a lot of food.”
“We like it.” She spiraled and plopped into a chair. “Uncle Doug will probably bring too much. He always does, and today he’ll want to make you happy.” She tilted her head. “You know why?”
The child’s expression confused her. “Not really.”
Kimmy giggled. “Because you make him happy.” Her grin sank to a frown. “Did you forget? I told you that he’s happier when you’re with us.”
Nina stopped herself from biting her lip. “I guess you did tell me, but I forgot.” Never. She couldn’t forget that. She ruffled Kimmy’s head and gave her a hug. Kimmy rewarded her with a beaming smile and hopped off the chair. “I’m going to watch for him so I can help him carry in the bags.”
A Husband for Christmas Page 5