Around eight, my phone rings with Vicki’s name lighting up the screen. My heartrate leaps. Did something happen to Sofie?
“Hey, what’s up?” I try to modulate my voice so I don’t sound worried, but I don’t do a particularly good job of it.
“Your daughter wants to speak to you,” Vicki says with a huff. That doesn’t bode well.
“Daddy, I want to sleep in my own bed,” Sofie says in a small voice between sniffles.
I sit up straighter on the couch. “Okay. Want me to come get you, sweet pea?”
When she doesn’t answer, I suspect that she’s nodding. She always forgets people can’t see her over the phone.
“Let me talk to Mommy.”
There’s a muffled noise at the other end as the phone is handed over. “Do you want me to come get her?”
“Yes,” Vicki says in a defeated voice. “I guess I rushed things. Sofie got scared when it got dark outside. And then she didn’t like the bed because it’s too big. And the room’s too dark.” Vicki exhales loudly.
“It’s okay. She wasn’t ready yet.” I try to keep the gloating out of my voice. At least I manage not to say I told you so. “I’ll be there as soon as I can.”
“Thanks, Noah.”
I change from my “Noah time” ratty sweats and baggy T-shirt to blue jeans and a Henley shirt. Grabbing a warm jacket, my keys, and wallet, I jog out to my SUV.
The drive to Trinity takes forty-five minutes on a good day, but I make it in thirty-five. When I pull up to Vicki’s house, all the lights are on. After I knock, a disheveled Vicki answers the door and motions for me to come inside. Sofie rushes over and clings to my legs as if she never wants to let go. I gently rub her head as I speak with Vicki. “Is this everything?” I ask when she hands me the suitcase.
“Yeah, Sofie decided she didn’t want to unpack, so it’s not been touched.” Vicki looks like she’s on the brink of tears, making me feel sorry for her.
“Hey, we’ll try this again another time,” I say in a low voice.
Vicki nods.
“Say goodbye to Mommy,” I say as I nudge Sofie to disentangle herself from me.
She detaches herself from my legs long enough to wave and whisper, “Bye.” I help get her coat on and we walk hand in hand to the SUV. After buckling Sofie into her seat, I hop in the front and drive away.
On the way home Sofie says, “Daddy, I don’t want to go anywhere without you ever again.”
Her words warm my heart because I missed her so much in the few hours she was gone. “Didn’t you have fun with Mommy?”
She shakes her head. “It was too scary without you. I’m sorry.” Her little lips tremble and a tear slides down her cheek.
Her sad expression makes my heart ache. “Sofie, you don’t have to be sorry. And you don’t have to go anywhere without me again. I promise.” I’m sure she won’t feel this way in ten years, but for now I’m happy to be her person—the safe haven she needs.
A small smile lights up her face and she chews on her finger. “Why can’t Mommy come live with us?”
The question hangs in the air, and I hesitate to answer it knowing my daughter won’t like the answer. When one of her favorite country songs comes on the radio, Sofie becomes distracted and we both sing to it. The happy sounds fill the SUV.
How do I explain why Mommy can’t come live with us? I can’t tell Sofie I no longer love her mom and that I’m in love with her kindergarten teacher. The thought hits me like a punch—I’m in love with Rae.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Raelynn
NOAH MUST HAVE HAD A busy weekend because he didn’t call me for our nightly chat. Since the ex-wife entered the picture, our chats have been hit and miss. I want to be an understanding friend to Noah, but after meeting the gorgeous Vicki my confidence in our relationship took a big hit.
Sofie is the most important person in Noah’s life. Would he get back together with his ex-wife just for the sake of his daughter? Doubts swirl, leaving me feeling unsure about my relationship with Noah that hasn’t even had an opportunity to blossom.
Cassie waltzes into my classroom bright and early on Monday morning. She and I didn’t have a chance to talk on Friday, so I know what’s coming.
“What did you think of the ex-wife?” she says as she squeezes her tall frame into one of the small classroom chairs since one of my kid’s rather overweight parent broke the leg off our only adult-sized chair.
“She’s very striking—tall, blonde, and gorgeous,” I say with a sigh. “Frankly, Cassie, I wonder how I compete.” Once I saw Vicki, her appearance just added to my self-doubt.
My friend shakes her head. “You have nothing to worry about.”
I bite my lower lip, but the truth spurts from my mouth. “Noah didn’t call me at all this weekend. He’s so preoccupied with the ex-wife lately. I’m a second thought at best.”
Cassie’s eyes widen. “Well, he was taken by surprise by this turn of events. Give him a little time to adjust, Rae.”
I nod, knowing that I need to be patient and understanding, but the green-eyed monster wants to rear its ugly head.
“You’ll see him next week at the silent auction. He’s helping set up, right?”
“Yeah, as far as I know he’s still helping.”
She stands and gives me a hug. “Hang in there. I know everything will turn out. Remember, May 23 is just around the corner!”
My countdown calendar showed fifty-five days until May 23 as of this morning. Will the ex-wife win Noah back before that and May 23 won’t even matter?
~*~
I call Noah on Tuesday evening after not hearing from him on Monday night either. My poor heart can’t take any more waiting. The phone rings and rings, but he finally picks up.
“Rae, I’m so sorry I haven’t called. It’s been one thing after the other. I feel like all I do is fight fires.”
His friendly voice is encouraging. Maybe I’m just being paranoid, letting all these doubts creep in. “What are all the fires?” I ask, trying to sound teasing.
He sighs. “First fire was on Friday night. Vicki called around eight for me to come get Sofie. She got scared and didn’t want to spend the night.” Well that explains why he didn’t call me that night. “Then all weekend, Sofie wouldn’t let me out of her sight.”
My heart goes out to the little girl and the frazzled dad. I really was worrying about nothing.
He blows out another loud sigh. “She even had a nightmare on Saturday night about not being able to find me. I feel so guilty being part of the cause for her trauma . . . Plus with this being tax season, I’m scrambling to try to get my client’s returns prepared and filed.”
Poor Noah! I shouldn’t be adding to his stress levels. “Noah, you shouldn’t feel guilty. You’re just trying to do what’s right for Sofie,” I say in a comforting tone. I had noticed Sofie wasn’t her usual perky self yesterday. She didn’t talk about the visit to her mother’s house at all, where the week before, that’s all she could talk about.
He lets out a frustrated groan. “Between Vicki and Sofie being upset about the visit, I’m caught in between. I want to protect Sofie while at the same time help her get to know her mother.”
“I’m no expert, but you might want to consult a child psychologist. Get their advice and help.”
There’s a pause and I hear him close a door in the background. “I will. Ellie has a friend whose child goes to one, so I’m going to contact her to see if she recommends the doctor, and then make an appointment.”
Not knowing how else I can help him, I try to make my voice as sympathetic as possible. “I’m sorry you’re going through all this Noah. I hope you know you can always talk to me when you need a friend.”
“Thank you, Rae. I wish we had another project to work on together without breaking the rules. At least I’d see you more than five minutes when I drop off or pick up Sofie.”
I smile, remembering all our fun working on the stained-glass windows
. “You’re still helping with the silent auction setup, right? I’ll see you then.”
He laughs. “You just want me for my muscles.”
“I’ll never admit to that! See you Friday night for setup.”
After he signs off, I feel marginally better.
~*~
Tomorrow’s the fundraiser, and we’re all scurrying around getting everything prepared. The school gymnasium has been transformed into a spring theme with cutouts of tulips and daffodils adorning the drab walls. Long tables, where the silent auction offerings will be displayed, are just waiting to be filled.
Noah, Ellie, and several other parents arrive with the load of auction pieces from Twice Again. I direct them to start filling up the tables and I check off my list as they unload each item. Once everything is unloaded, Noah motions for me to follow him. We walk to the other side of the room so we can talk privately away from prying ears.
“Looks like a great assortment of items,” Noah says as he points to the tables.
“Yeah, I’m excited with the variety. We should raise a lot of money.”
“Sofie’s been talking about this all week. That’s why I wanted to speak to you privately,” Noah says.
My eyes widen wondering what could be up. “Okay?”
“Sofie’s invited Vicki to come to this. I wanted to make sure you had a heads up.”
My heart plummets. I was looking forward to spending the day with Noah and Sofie, especially the dinner for all the volunteers once the auction is over. We hired several food trucks, and I was excited to see Sofie’s reaction to the eclectic foods. And, of course, to spend time with Noah.
I’m trying to be supportive of Sofie re-connecting with her mom, but it’s causing the relationship with Noah to slip further and further away. Plastering on a fake smile and keeping my voice upbeat, I say, “That’s nice that her mother can attend. How are things going after the failed overnight visit?”
A small grimace crosses Noah’s face, but he quickly hides it. What did that mean? “All is forgotten and forgiven with the overnight visit. Vicki hasn’t pushed to try that again and Sofie seems content to have her mother visit here.”
I try to read between the lines. Does this mean that Noah and Vicki are reconnecting as well since it appears that Noah is always present at these “visits”?
Noah’s cell phone rings and he quickly answers it. I try not to listen in on his conversation but can’t help myself. After a few seconds, he hangs up. “Sorry, but I need to go pick up Sofie. She’s at a playdate with one of her friends—you know her, she’s at Angela’s house.”
I silently blow out the breath I was holding, thinking that Vicki was at Noah’s house watching Sofie. “Oh, that’s great! Those two got over their crayon disagreement and are now fast friends.”
Noah chuckles. “Sorry I can’t stick around to help more. See you tomorrow.”
I watch the attractive six-foot man disappear with a sinking feeling that my relationship with him is soon to be over.
~*~
The turnout for the silent auction is phenomenal. Looks like all the parents are here, and we’ve also got great attendance from others in the community. Ellie and Riley are chatting up the potential bidders as they walk around the tables. There’s a lot of interest in the grand prize rocking chair, plus several of the other pieces. I just hope we don’t have any items that don’t receive even a single bid.
Noah, Sofie, and Vicki walk in about an hour into auction. Sofie’s in the middle, and they’re each holding one of her hands. It looks like the perfect family scene. I almost look away, but Noah draws my gaze in his blue jeans and flannel shirt. The outfit plus the sexy scruff on his cheeks makes him look like a hunky mountain man.
Vicki’s dressed to the nines in black figure-hugging pants and what looks like an expensive cashmere sweater, the blue color perfectly matching the color of her eyes. I feel like a country bumpkin in my newer blue jeans and casual pink Henley. Since I’m one of the workers, I wore this outfit for comfort, but now I wish I’d dressed up a bit more.
Sofie spies me and waves, causing them to walk towards me. “Welcome to the auction,” I say in an overly enthusiastic voice. Hopefully, my fake smile hides the fact that my heart is breaking in two at the happy sight before me.
“Miss Dailey, this is my Mommy!” Sofie shouts while hopping up and down, her blonde curls bouncing around her shoulders. I notice that her hair color matches her mother’s.
I extend my hand to Vicki. “We met one time before. I’m Sofie’s teacher. Nice to see you again.”
Vicki smiles and gives me a cool handshake, her smile not quite meeting her eyes. What’s that about? Noah seems oblivious to the bad vibes coming off his ex-wife.
“Please look around and bid on whatever catches your eye. The highest bid wins, and bids are open until noon.” My nervousness loosens my lips and I add, “And don’t forget to enter the cornhole tournament for a chance to win two dinners from Jose’s Tacos. Our school choir is performing in thirty minutes, and after that Principal Marshfield will take requests on her dulcimer from the audience.”
I swear Vicki rolls her eyes as I ramble on about all the exciting activities other than the silent auction, especially when I mention the dulcimer. I’ve been told that the principal is a very talented player and personally I can’t wait to hear her.
Sofie points to the grand prize rocking chair and drags her mom with her to look at it. Noah hangs back for a few seconds. “I don’t want to upset their fragile relationship right now. Thanks for being understanding, Rae.”
I nod, emotion clogging my throat. Noah’s gaze locks with mine and I think he’s going to say something more, but when Sofie calls for her dad, he jogs away. Vicki says something and squeezes Noah’s arm while they all laugh. They walk around, examining other items, and any observer would think they were husband and wife accompanied by their daughter. My heart crumbles and I furiously blink back tears. Fortunately, Cassie calls me over to the other side of the room, so I pull myself together and join her.
The large crowd keeps Cassie and me busy for the rest of the event. At least I don’t have time to stew about Noah. We ring a bell at five minutes to go in the auction, encouraging any last bidders. There’s a rush back to the tables by those last-minute lookers.
At noon, Cassie and I collect the bidding sheets and start calling off the highest bidders to come pay and claim their items. There’s oohs and aahs as the winners are called. When we get to the final item, the rocking chair, my eyes almost fall out of my head. Noah is the highest bidder at $1,000. Wow, that’s an extravagant bid. But his business is doing well and Noah likes to give back.
I call his name and watch as Sofie and Vicki clap. After he pays and collects the chair, I hear Vicki say, “Thank you! That’s going to look great on my front porch.” Cassie can’t help but hear the exchange, and she gives me a sympathetic look. He bought the chair for his ex-wife? I hear the final nail being pounded into the coffin of my relationship with Noah.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Noah
I SAW THE LOOK ON Rae’s face when Vicki blurted out that I bought the chair for her. Truth is, I didn’t need a rocking chair, Vicki wanted it, and it was for a good cause. My feelings of guilt over the heartbroken look on Rae’s face make me wish I’d never purchased it. I guess I didn’t think things through—how it looked for me to buy something for my ex-wife. Afterwards, Ellie told me in no uncertain terms that I’m an idiot. How do I fix this major blunder?
As a fun Easter present, Vicki’s going to take Sofie on an all-day excursion to the Denver Zoo on Saturday—just the two of them. This is my chance to talk to Rae and try to explain, tell her that I still have feelings for her. Ellie says that I need to grovel with flowers which hopefully doesn’t violate Principal Marshfield’s draconian rules. My spies (aka Cassie and Ellie) tell me that Rae is spending Saturday at home alone, with no plans, so I decide to surprise her by showing up at her door.
So
fie’s talked about the zoo trip all week. I took her there last summer and she’s extremely excited to go back. There were baby hippos at our last visit and Sofie wants to see them again.
My phone rings late on Friday afternoon. I just got home from Evans Garage and picking up Logan’s latest box of papers. I can’t talk the guy into doing anything on the computer, so we’re still exchanging papers back and forth. When I see Vicki’s name light up the screen, I swipe and answer.
“Hello, what’s up?” I wasn’t expecting to hear from her again until Saturday.
“Noah, I just got a terrific opportunity to accompany my boss to one of our premier clients. We’re leaving on the first flight out of Denver tomorrow, so I’m going to have to cancel the zoo trip with Sofie.”
My heart skitters to a stop. Sofie’s going to be crushed about this. “Can’t you go on Monday? Sofie’s been looking forward to this for two weeks.”
Vicki expels a loud huff. “I knew you wouldn’t understand. This is a huge career boost for me. I need to show my boss that I’m flexible and that my career is my top priority.”
I pinch the bridge of my nose. The true Vicki is finally showing her stripes. She isn’t ready to do the day-to-day heavy lifting of being a parent. If it’s convenient for her schedule, she’ll make time for Sofie. But Vicki’s career takes highest priority, above her daughter.
I cringe, remembering that was also me just a few months ago. Poor Sofie. “You need to break this news to Sofie yourself. She’ll be home from school in a few hours and I’ll have her call you.”
Silence greets my suggestion. After several long beats Vicki says, “Noah, I need to pack and get ready for the flight tomorrow. I don’t have time to deal with Sofie. I’m sure you can break the news to her gently. Tell her we’ll reschedule for another time.” When the line goes dead, I stare at the blank screen in frustration. This is exactly why I had reservations about letting Vicki into Sofie’s life—is she committed to our daughter or not? And now I’m the bearer of bad news.
A Time for Faith Page 13