A buzz vibrated against his leg just before the faint ringtone sounded in his pocket. He made a half turn and slipped out his cell phone. Glenda. On his cell? Tension knotted his shoulders, anticipating what she wanted. “Excuse me a minute.” He managed a pleasant look and displayed his cell phone. “Business.”
El and Angie nodded, but Angie’s face revealed her curiosity.
He stepped away from the discussion that had shifted to neighborhood events and Rema’s plight. Carly’s attention seemed glued to the child across the street.
When he had distanced himself, he answered. “Glenda?”
“Let me get right to it, Rick. I’ve run into a snag. My plans have broadened and I’ll be staying a bit longer in Europe, which means—”
“What does ‘a bit longer’ mean, Glenda?” He clamped his jaw, fearing his thoughts would break free.
“At least a month. The job is bigger than I expected. Naturally I’ll find a tutor for—”
“But you won’t need a tutor. You have a big job to deal with, and I’ll love having more time with Carly. Your job is important to you. Why not focus—”
“Are you insinuating that Carly isn’t important to me?” Her pitch rose along with her volume.
“I’m not insinuating anything. I’m speaking reality. You’ll be in Germany to accomplish your company’s work. That’s the reason you’re going. Finding child care for Carly means she’ll be away from both of us in a place where everyone is a stranger. It doesn’t make sense.”
“Rick, it will broaden her. Do you want to thwart her chance to grow and learn—”
“She’s five years old, Glenda. Five. She’ll have many years to learn and broaden her knowledge of the world. Yes, I want her to experience new things, but... Listen, I’m with some friends, and this isn’t a good time to discuss this. Let me call you back once I’m alone.”
“Are you evading me? The answer is easy. I need you to approve her passport. Sign it and that’s all you have to do, Rick. Write your name on the form.”
“But that’s approving the trip, Glenda. I don’t approve of that.”
“I’d hoped it wouldn’t come to this, Rick, but if you want to play games, I can get out the big guns. I’ll be talking with my attorney.”
“That’s up to you. I’ve already spoken with mine and Friend of the Court. You need my approval, and you’re not going to get it. I’m going to hang up now and talk with you later. Or maybe our attorneys will talk. Whichever you prefer.”
During her silence, he clicked off the call and turned off the volume button and put it on vibrate. He had no intention of arguing now while he was with Carly and...
He closed his eyes, willing his frustration to die, and when he looked up, El and Angie were still talking while Carly’s interest remained with the girl and their subtle glances aimed toward each other.
As he strode back to them, he glanced at the other side of the street and spotted the child’s uncle at the front door. He pushed it open and stepped to the porch. His daughter bounded to him, her voice pealing through the air but her words unclear.
El gave the man a wave, and the man gestured back before turning his attention to the child.
Rick ambled toward Angie, watching questions flicker in her eyes. He lifted a shoulder to let her know something had happened, but she was wise enough not to ask.
Rick managed to contain his grin when he realized El didn’t give up easily. El raised his hand again and finally got the uncle’s attention. He beckoned the man to join them. After a slight hesitation, the uncle and his young niece followed.
When the family neared, El motioned toward Angie. “I thought you’d like to meet one of our nicest neighbors, Angie Bursten, and her friend Rick and his daughter, Carly.” He rested his hand on the man’s shoulder. “Angie, this is Doug Billings and his niece.”
Rick grasped Doug’s hand while the girls eyed each other. “Nice to meet you, Doug.” He grinned at the little girl. “And who do we have here?”
Doug released an uncomfortable chuckle. “My niece, Kimmy. Kimmy’s six, but she’ll notify you that she’ll be seven in a few months.”
Carly couldn’t let that issue drop. “I’m almost six.”
Rick hid his chuckle, noting Carly’s pride in being almost the same age as Kimmy.
Carly finally shifted her gaze to Kimmy. “Do you like to play?”
Kimmy shrugged. “I play at school and sometimes when Uncle Doug has time.”
Kimmy eyed Carly. “Do you live in that house with the pretty flowers?”
Carly nodded, but faltered as El’s voice cut through her response.
“One of the prettiest houses on the block, I’d say.”
“Thank you, El.” Angie gave him a grin and motioned to Carly. “Kimmy asked you a question.”
Carly lowered her head. “No, but I wish I did.” She paused as if to check Angie’s expression. “I helped plant the flowers.”
Rick’s chest tightened. His apartment wasn’t the best for Carly and he’d always felt bad about that. He had hoped to make a solid down payment soon and buy a home they could be proud of. Divorce, and all that went with it, had cut into his finances, yet he didn’t want to cheat Carly out of a good life. “One day we’ll have a house like Angie’s.” He gave Carly a telling look. “But it’s nice Angie invites us here.”
Carly gave a fervent nod. “I love Angie’s house, but best, I love Angie.”
Angie’s face colored, and her eyes sought Rick’s as mist grew along the brim of her lashes. “I’ve never heard anything as lovely, Carly.” She slipped her arm around her and gave her a squeeze.
A smile lit Carly’s face as she leaned closer and whispered a request. Angie gave her a wink.
Carly’s spirit returned as she eyed Kimmy. “Do you want to come to Angie’s and play?”
The girl gave Doug a plaintive look. “Can I, Uncle Doug?”
“Why don’t you all come down?” Angie spread her arms wide. “We haven’t eaten yet. How about if I order pizza?”
“Pizza!” The response from the two children pelted the air.
Rick shook his head. “That sounds like a rousing acceptance.” He eyed Doug. “What do you say, and you too, El? This is a good time to get to know our neighbors.” Though Doug’s acceptance sounded strained, he agreed to join them and hurried to follow Kimmy already on her way.
El gave Rick a wink. “Thank you, but I already have dinner thawing. Maybe another time.”
“Okay this time, but I’ll remember that.” Rick extended his hand, managing a smile though his mind was heavy with his recent conversation with Glenda. “And by the way, El, it was nice of you to introduce us to the new family. Doug will benefit from making new friends, and the little girl can use a distraction.” He paused, not knowing how to say what was on his mind. “Angie told me you’re a man who has the right things to say and one to talk with in a crisis.”
El chuckled. “Now, that’s a lot of credit to give an old guy like me. My source of wisdom is free to everyone. It’s all in the Good Book, where all wisdom comes from.”
Rick squeezed his hand. “Thank you, El. I need to remember that. I’m always searching for answers to problems and forgetting to share them with the Lord. I’m facing a big one right now.” He stopped himself. If he had the time, he’d spill out his story and listen to El’s kind voice remind him of what scripture said. “But I have a daughter up ahead, so you get a reprieve.”
El grasped his shoulder. “Anytime, young man. I’m here if you need me. Anytime.”
“Thank you.” He gave El a pat. “And that’s from my heart.” With a wave, he managed to move down the sidewalk to join the others. He trudged forward as if his legs were restricted by weights.
* * *
As she neared the house, An
gie glanced behind her, wondering what had kept Rick. Something had happened. The business call didn’t really make sense. And then she had thought about Glenda. Her business seemed to be driving Rick’s life into the pits. He deserved so much more. Each day she viewed him with new eyes. Any woman would love to meet a man like Rick, and here she had known him for years and had never seen him in that light until recently. Now she couldn’t see him without admitting Rick was what women called a keeper. She cringed, fearing the call wasn’t good news, and surrounded by company meant waiting until later to learn what had happened.
After she climbed the porch steps, she pulled open the screen and waved them in.
They traipsed into the living room, while Rick headed for the phone to order the pizza. Carly whispered to Kimmy and then swung around. “Do you have a ball that we can play with outside? Not a little one but a bigger one?”
“A ball? A bigger ball?” Her mind shifted to what she might own.
Carly clapped her hands and cheered. “We can play tag with it.” She gave a little shrug. “Or maybe—”
“Kick the ball or dodge the ball.” Carly’s creativity tickled her and triggered memories from her childhood. “I can show you how to play if I can find a ball.”
“What’s all the cheering?” Rick slipped into the room, and though he wore a pleasant grin, Angie’s heart tugged seeing tension in his stance.
“We’re going to play ball.” Carly’s face beamed.
Angie’s mind whirred. “I’ll have to look for one.” She turned to Rick, longing to be with him. Not only did she want to know about the call, but she missed their time alone together. “Rick, do you want to help? You’re better at digging through my storage cartons.” Images of Rick spilled through her—toting boxes, hanging pictures, locating things she couldn’t find in her moving boxes. It had been the day they’d grown closer. The day that had made a major change in her life.
“I will as soon as I order the pizzas, Ang.” He tilted his head and grinned.
A chorus of pizza choices rang to the ceiling as the girls bounced around eager to name their preference while Angie added two antipasto salads.
Rick chuckled and jotted down the orders.
Angie clapped her hands. “Okay, everyone outside while we search for a ball.” She gave Rick a knowing look and steered Doug and the girls through the back door. Her pride rose looking at the colorful flower beds that she and Carly had created. They added to the warm sunshine and joyful spirit she admired in the girls.
She crossed the yard, opened the garage door and stepped into the shadowed space.
Doug had followed her inside while the girls remained outside, creating what seemed to be a version of tag. “Can I help, Angie?”
“You sure can.” She studied him, noting that his uneasiness detracted from his good looks. “I’m sorry about this mess. I forgot about it, or maybe ignored is a better word.” She grinned and motioned to a stack of boxes. “If you want to tackle those, I’ll look in this pile.”
She heard him tear open a lid as she shifted boxes and read the labels. “How long has your sister been ill, Doug?”
The silence deepened, and finally she heard his sigh.
“About a month and a half.”
She shook her head and faced him. “That’s not easy for Kimmy or you.”
He lowered his head with a shake. “Kimmy gets the brunt. I was ill-equipped, never having kids of my own.”
She thought of Rick and his frustration with sharing Carly. The back and forth from one parent added confusion to a child’s life, but it was a problem that wasn’t easy to resolve. Her shoulders knotted with the situation, yet her heart rose when she knew Carly would be with them. Them? The word resounded in her ears.
“Don’t blame yourself, Doug. No one anticipates serious problems like this. We all want a rosy future. It’s part of who we are.” Though Carly and Rick remained vivid, her thoughts swept back to Cal and the promising future she’d envisioned with him. Her world had come crashing down and bearing with it the bad mistakes she’d made. “But Kimmy seems to be holding up. She looks happy.”
“She misses her mom, but she rises above it better than I do at times.” He lifted his head. “You’d think I’d deal with it, knowing it’s temporary, but Roseanne is my only sibling.”
Life had unpleasantness along with the joys. She’d learned that in her own life, but moving on was an important step to healing. Why couldn’t she cling to that thought? Rick was there and a joy in her life. She had no advantage hanging on to the negatives.
“Don’t be sorry, Doug. It’s natural to care about family.” A mental slap reminded her of her situation with Connie.
Doug returned to searching the boxes and she did the same. The search struck a chord about her new life. She’d never thought about having things around for children. She should have a few outdoor toys for them, but that hadn’t entered her mind. Her niece and nephew always brought toys with them.
Hearing Carly’s giggle sailing through the open door caused her heart to hitch. Times had changed since she’d met Carly. She grinned at the child’s sweet voice. “Any luck, Doug?”
“Not yet, but you have a nice collection of potting soil and indoor fertilizer.”
She chuckled as Rick appeared at the door. “Progress?”
“Not yet.” She gave him a desperate look. “I’m still reading labels on the boxes.”
Rick strode toward her. “Pizza and salad in a half hour, so let’s find that ball.” He broke the tape on the carton nearest him without reading the label and dug into the contents. He pulled out a few small tools, hammer, screwdriver, pliers and tape measure. Pretty feeble but they were tools she usually kept in the house. Her chest tightened as she recalled Rick using a few tools to hang the wall decor. Watching him, her heart flipped in her chest as she thought of so much that had happened since then. It seemed years ago and not just weeks.
“Beach ball.” Rick’s voice broke into her thoughts.
“That’s it.”
He chuckled. “Ang, that’s pretty pathetic, but we’ll live with it.”
She managed a grin. He was right. She needed toys for kids, and she would get them.
Doug moved to Rick’s side. “It’ll work. One thing I’ve learned—a kid can make anything into a toy.”
While the men blew up the ball, she hurried inside to gather plates, silverware and juice boxes for the kids. She’d begun to purchase treats for Carly since she’d become a wonderful fixture in her life, the same as Rick.
With his name in her mind, Rick came through the door. “Ball is ready and Doug’s tossing it while the girls have to dodge getting hit. They love the game.”
Though she wanted alone time, she pointed to the tray. “I’m fine if you want to join them.”
He tapped his watch. “The pizza will be here and I’m waiting to pay.” He touched her arm and drew her around. “And I wanted to tell you about the call.”
Her heart lurched. “Bad news, I’m afraid.”
He nodded. “Glenda’s finally admitted the trip is for a month, but I still think she’s covering the truth. I’m guessing it’s even longer. She can’t obtain Carly’s passport without my signature, which—”
“You’ve refused to sign.” Her throat constricted, imagining the worst.
“Absolutely, but she’s threatening me with her attorney.” He clasped her more tightly. “When it comes to Carly, Ang, I don’t threaten easily. I’ve already talked with my attorney since I fear Glenda won’t give up. I’m so afraid of where this is going to lead.”
Emotion filled his voice while she trembled. “A court battle could involve Carly.”
He nodded, tears brightening his eyes. “That’s the last thing in the world I want. You know that, but I can’t back down on this, Ang. I can’t...even
though I know judges can be biased.”
“Rick, I’m so sorry. I’m speechless. Every thought that enters my mind is useless. Nothing makes sense.”
He rested his head on hers, releasing the pent-up emotion he’d hidden until then. Instead of speaking empty words, she held him close, her own body taut with her concern. What would happen? How would Carly be affected if it became a legal battle? Yet Rick couldn’t bear to have Carly gone that long.
Neither could she. The vision filled her mind. No longer would life be the same without the joy of a child. Marriage. Children. They’d held no attraction, but now? Her heartbeat raced as she imagined life without the delightful child she’d grown to love. Reality swelled inside her. She wanted a daughter, specifically Carly. No going back could happen now. The words had been spoken. She loved Carly...the amazing daughter of her heart.
Chapter Nine
Rick hung up the phone for a second time. The first call had been to Glenda. He’d suggested they get together to talk, but she wanted no part of it. Her pitchy voice had split his ears. “I don’t want to look at your selfish face, Rick.”
Her words dug deep. He’d asked himself if Glenda was right and tried to put himself in her shoes, but he faced facts. If he had to travel for a month in a foreign country on business, he would never insist on taking Carly with him. Dragging her off and then dumping her on a caregiver as if she didn’t matter would have broken his heart. Yes, they had to do it now for a couple of hours, but then they came home and picked her up from the day care. In Michigan, Carly didn’t face a language barrier. She didn’t have to deal with—
He stopped himself. Being in Germany would give her a chance to learn a new language. Carly was smart. Children learned fast. Could he hold her back from the wonderful experience?
The question died even as it rose. His head said one thing, but his heart spoke the truth. He couldn’t do it. He’d lose his daughter. Glenda had something in mind, something she hadn’t told him. He knew her well enough to spot her manner of maneuvering situations. She ended up making him the guilty person. He’d experienced it over and over. But not this time. He’d stick to what his heart said.
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