by Lois Richer
Zac exhaled, shut out the noise around him and concentrated on exactly where he wanted the dart to go. Then he tossed it and heard the resulting thud. At least the dart had stuck. He hoped. He waited for his result. But nobody said anything, which was extremely disconcerting.
“Abby? Did I completely miss?” Zac twisted his head from side to side, trying to catch a whiff of her fragrance so he could figure out where she stood. She didn’t respond. “Is something wrong?”
“Not unless you don’t like a perfect bull’s-eye,” Drew said with a groan. “How am I supposed to beat that?”
“You can’t.” Zac smirked, satisfaction swelling inside. “You never could, as I recall.”
“Don’t look too smug, bro. It’s the best two out of three,” Drew informed him haughtily.
But as it turned out, Zac hit the bull’s-eye two out of three times and ended up with the highest score. Miss P. took great delight in awarding his prize of a free dinner for two at a local upscale restaurant.
“You and Abby will enjoy a nice meal together,” she told him with obvious delight. “Alone.”
Zac felt Abby stiffen beside him. If he could, he would have glared at the former librarian. Instead he thanked her, then asked, “Where are the girls, Abby?”
“Fishing.” Was that relief in his nurse’s voice? If so it quickly disappeared. “Mandy’s with them and they’re having a ball.”
“Good. So there’s time for you to try something else. Name your choice.” He was ready for her protest, but Abby surprised him.
“I found your putting green. It’s set up on the front lawn outside.” Zac doubted she realized how wistful she sounded. “I’ve always had a yen to play golf. Do you think I can try that?”
“Why not? Though it’s probably going to be difficult to play in the dark.” With her arm under his hand he walked out with her. “Like playing blind,” he groused.
“It’s not really dark. Anyway, the streetlight is right above us. Quite convenient.” She paused. “Will you be all right waiting here?”
“Of course. Now go sink that ball.” He inhaled the nuances of her fragrance, even more attractive in the evening air.
“I hope I don’t make an idiot of myself,” he heard her murmur as she removed her arm. “Here goes.”
Abby tried to sink the ball several times and was exceptionally unsuccessful at it, judging by her play-by-play description.
“Well,” she huffed when she rejoined him. “I just saved myself a lot of money.”
“Really?” At her side, Zac returned to the hall. “How?”
“By not investing in golf clubs or the rest of the gear that goes with them. Clearly golf is not my forte.” Her good-natured laugh said she wasn’t bothered by that one bit.
Zac couldn’t help smiling, too. It felt good to forget his worries and relax, even if only for a little while.
“Daddy! Daddy!”
And like that he tensed.
“What’s wrong?” he demanded as Mia’s and Zoe’s hands laced through his, one on each side.
“We’re hungry, Daddy.”
“Oh. Well, that’s easily remedied. Miss Partridge always makes sure there’s a ton of food at these things.” He shifted, suddenly aware of Abby’s absence. Funny how vulnerable he felt without her calming presence.
“I’m here,” she said as if reading his thoughts. “There’s an area to the left where you could sit while I help the girls choose a snack.”
“I want something to munch on, too,” he said, feeling himself relax again.
“Okay. I’ll get you—”
“Chocolate cake,” Zac finished for her, and grinned. “Miss P. always brings a chocolate cake to these things. It will have four layers of white icing with some kind of berries on top. I can’t tell you how many times I fell asleep in Africa dreaming about that cake.”
“I’ll look for it.” Humor laced Abby’s response. “Coffee, too? With cream?”
“Yes, please. And thank you.” It was foolish to feel like an invalid, and yet that was how Zac felt as Abby helped him find a seat at a long table before promising to return with the girls shortly.
Those not involved in a game or conversation stopped by to chat with him. The pastor wanted to know if he was interested in speaking at an upcoming men’s meeting, which Zac declined with a nonchalant, “Later, perhaps.” Even Leo sought him out to comment on his dart-throwing prowess in his slow methodical drawl. Then Zac asked if Leo had won at anything.
“Nah. But doesn’t matter. Great times, these events,” Leo mumbled. “Don’t see our neighbors often enough.”
Zac agreed, frowning as he heard Leo shuffle away. The man still seemed despondent. Were their talks doing any good?
“There were three chocolate cakes,” Abby announced as something brushed his hand. “I brought a piece of each even though everyone is staring at me for my gluttony.” She sounded amused. “Mia will sit beside you while I go back and help Zoe. Coffee is on your right.”
“Did Abby get anything for herself to eat?” Zac asked his daughter in an undertone when Abby had left.
“No. But maybe she will.” Mia pressed something to his lips. “Taste, Daddy. It’s so good.”
“Yes, it is, honey.” Zac bit into a peanut-butter-covered dill pickle and strove not to make a face. He declined a second helping and sipped his coffee to rinse away the taste as he listened to the hubbub around him. He could hear Mandy and Drew teasing Abby as they and Zoe drew near.
“That’s how you stay so slender?” Mandy asked, sounding slightly disgusted. “By eating pie?”
“I like pie.” Abby sounded defensive. She brushed Zac’s arm as she sat next to him. “Besides, someone said there’s line dancing later. I’ll get my exercise then, though I’m not really sure what it is. Dancing in a line?”
Zac hoped she didn’t expect him to make a fool of himself dancing. Ordinarily he’d have gladly taken the floor with her, but with no eyesight he’d be a stumbling, bumbling fool.
“Are we gonna dance, Daddy?” Zoe asked, her mouth full.
“The music’s starting,” Mia added.
“Uh, I—” Zac scrambled for an excuse.
“Let’s enjoy our snack before we decide,” Abby interceded calmly. “Chicken salad sandwiches are my favorite. After lemon pie.”
When the kids’ voices offered cover, Zac leaned near Abby.
“Thanks for getting me out of that,” he murmured.
“Oh, you’re not out of anything,” she said, that ever-present smile in her voice. “You did say I’m in Montana now, and I understand that line dancing is a must for everyone here. So you’re going to teach me. Eat up, cowboy.”
Something in her tone told him she wasn’t joking.
Zac ate his favorite chocolate cake without tasting a bite.
Chapter Six
Abby knew Zac was dreading it, but she felt certain that getting out on the dance floor with everyone else would help ease him out of his self-imposed isolation.
At least, she hoped so.
While he lingered over his coffee, she studied the dancers’ movements. It didn’t look terribly difficult, but then everyone seemed to know exactly which way to turn and move. Almost of their own volition, her toes began to mimic their steps.
“You’re going to insist I get up there and make an idiot of myself, aren’t you?” Zac sounded grumpy.
“Uh-huh. Just like the rest of us, Doc.” She grabbed his hand. “Come on. I want to try. It will be easy for you because you’ve probably line-danced a hundred times before.”
“Never blind,” he assured her dryly.
“First time for both of us, then.” Abby couldn’t explain why she was so excited when the music stopped and folks waited for the next tune from the band on the stage. As they walked toward the dance floor, Zac’s arm
brushed hers, sending a shiver rippling through her. Silly, perhaps, but it felt as if they were building some deeper connection. “Explain line dancing to me, please?”
“You’ve been watching.” Zac shrugged. “And I heard your toes tapping. Line dancing is just people standing in lines, doing the same steps together. Follow everyone else and you’ll get it.”
“Not much help, are you?” She reached for his hand, thinking she’d guide him. Zac started laughing. “What?”
“No touching in line dancing, at least not as we do it here. You’ll just have to endure me stomping on your toes. When I do, remember that you’re the one who insisted I do this.” He snickered when she jerked her hand away. Her breath caught at his relaxed expression. He looked exactly like the cowboy she’d seen in a magazine at the library. “Watch Mandy,” he advised. “Follow her lead.”
Actually, Abby found it much easier to watch Zac. For someone who couldn’t see, he was incredibly light on his feet and seemed to know every move in advance. She felt bad about repeatedly bumping into him, but since other newbies looked just as awkward, she relaxed and allowed herself to enjoy this new experience.
“I’ve got to take a break,” she said after they’d finished the third and most intricate dance yet. “Zoe is watching us. Want to dance with her?”
“Why not? I’ve already embarrassed myself.” That wry curve of his lips was firmly back in place.
“It’s me who’s embarrassing herself. You’re not even winded,” Abby noted in disgust. Funny thing was, she didn’t care. Ken wasn’t here to mock her or remind her of all the reasons she needed to be circumspect. Here, in this place, nobody was making fun of anyone. Everyone was just enjoying themselves. She was, too.
She waved Zoe over and left father and daughter together while she and Mia found cool drinks and a place to sit. Mia proudly displayed the prizes she’d won at the ring toss and the egg race.
“Wow. You did really well.” Surprised Mia wasn’t clamoring to take Zoe’s place she asked, “Are you going to dance with your dad after Zoe?”
“Nope,” the little girl said, ducking her head into her chest.
“Why not, sweetie?”
“’Cause I don’t know how.” Mia fiddled with her glass, a frown marring her pretty face.
“Sweetie, I didn’t know how, either. Neither does Zoe. But we learned. A little bit,” she said, remembering her stumbles. “Nobody cares how well you dance. Everyone’s here to have fun and enjoy themselves.”
“Ella cares. She said she knows all the dances.” Mia’s bottom lip thrust out in a pout. “She knows all kind of stuff.”
“Does she?” Something was going on. Abby had to find out what it was. “What does Ella know?”
“She knows how to ride a bike. An’ she knows about stars and the moon. She knows all the kids who are here. Her mommy and daddy teach her lotsa stuff.” Mia exhaled and then blurted, “Uncle Drew even teached her how to ride horses. Why doesn’t my daddy teach me an’ Zoe how to ride horses?”
“Did you ask him?” Abby asked.
“Yeah.” Mia’s sad eyes met hers. “But Daddy doesn’t like it when me and Zoe ask him about riding Grandpa’s horses. He gets a mad face an’ says we aren’t big enough yet. But we are!”
“Well, honey, I think you are big enough to understand something about your daddy.” Abby swallowed as she searched for the right words, because, despite her belief that the twins were more than capable of learning to ride, she needed Mia to understand Zac’s perspective. “Daddies are very careful about the people they love. Your daddy really loves you and Zoe so he worries about you both. Because your daddy can’t see right now, he worries extra.”
“But—”
“Just listen for a minute, Mia.” Abby saw Zac’s smile flash as he taught Zoe the steps. She prayed desperately for a way to help this sweet girl comprehend her father’s struggles. An idea took shape. She quickly stowed their used drinking glasses in the wash-up bin and then grasped Mia’s hand. “Come with me.”
“Where are we going?” Mia wondered as she followed.
“Here. This is perfect.” Abby chose a vacant spot behind the hall where a wall sconce lit up the area. Then she removed her scarf.
“What are we gonna do?” Mia wondered with a frown in her voice.
“I want to show you something.” She wound the scarf around Mia’s eyes and tied it in the back. “Now, what can you see?”
“Nothing!” Mia said, obviously disgruntled. “’Cause you tied your scarf an’—”
“That’s right. Now listen. Hear the music that’s playing inside? See if you can dance to it.”
Mia tried to shuffle in the longish grass and stumbled. “I can’t do it,” she said indignantly.
“Well, can you walk toward me?” Again Mia faltered. Abby grasped her arm. “It’s not easy, is it? But your dad is dancing and, for him, it’s just the same as if he has a scarf over his eyes.”
“Yeah, I guess. But Uncle Drew could teach us how to ride a horse,” Mia objected as she pulled off the scarf. “He teached Ella.”
“You know, I think it was Ella’s mom who taught her to ride, but that’s not the point.” Abby retied the chiffon around her neck before squatting in front of the little girl. “The thing is, Mia, your dad can’t just take off his eye coverings whenever he gets tired of them.”
“I know.” Mia’s shoulders drooped with disappointment.
“I’m sure it’s very hard for your daddy to wait until the doctor says it’s okay to uncover his eyes.” She searched for a way to help this child understand the pressure Zac withstood every day. “It’s not because he doesn’t want them off. It’s not because he doesn’t want you and Zoe to ride the horses. He does. He wants so badly to see and enjoy all the things you do. He also wants to make sure you girls are all right. So he waits, just like the doctor says, even though it’s difficult for him.”
“’Cause Daddy’s patient?” Mia said thoughtfully.
“Yes, and you and Zoe must be patient, too,” she coaxed. “You will learn to ride, Mia, but for now you have to wait. You can do that, can’t you? Because we don’t want your daddy to uncover his eyes too early.”
“No.” The little girl frowned. “’Cause if he does, then he might not never see us.”
“Right. So no more asking about riding horses for a while?” Abby asked, hoping the little girl had understood.
“Nope,” Mia agreed. “’Cause he’s my daddy an’ I love him, an’ we’re not s’posed to make people that love us be worried.” She paused, frowned. “I want Daddy to laugh and be happy, like he usta before we comed to Grandma and Grandpa’s.”
“He will be, sweetie. I’m sure he will. We’ll pray for that every day.” Abby hugged this darling child, her heart swelling with love.
They returned inside where Mia changed places with Zoe, who left to try another round of the fishing game, hoping to best her sister. With a tart from the dessert table in one hand and a cup of tea in the other, Abby chose an out-of-the-way corner to watch Zac, wishing she had the courage to dance with him again.
“So Zac doesn’t want to let the children learn to ride, hmm?” Miss Partridge’s question broke Abby’s reverie.
“Um.” Since she wasn’t sure how much to reveal, Abby ignored the question. “Join me,” she added, since the lady also carried a steaming cup and a sweet treat.
“Thank you, dear, I will.” Once seated, the former librarian leaned nearer to murmur, “Please forgive me, but I was outside taking a breath of fresh air and I couldn’t help overhearing you and Mia. You handled her issues quite wonderfully.”
“Thank you, but it’s only a temporary fix.” Abby tasted her blueberry tart as she considered the issue of riding. “The girls have asked about it before and they will ask again. It’s totally normal that they should want to ride since they’re so close in
age to Ella and she rides almost every day. But Zac just isn’t ready for them to do it.”
“I suppose he feels he’s missing special moments in his kids’ lives.” Miss Partridge frowned. “You know, it seems to me as if he’s cutting himself off at the Double H.”
Having heard Drew and Zac mention Miss Partridge’s penchant for gossip, Abby was immediately wary.
“It’s difficult for him to get around since he can’t see,” she said in his defense.
“I suppose. That’s why I thought he and Leo both might benefit from their meetings. But maybe it isn’t right for them. I’ll have to pray about it some more.” Miss Partridge was silent for several moments before suddenly blurting, “Would you like to meet for coffee sometime, Abby? Just to talk?”
“That would be fun.” The notion that Miss Partridge might be lonely grew. It was silly. The lady knew everyone, had lived in Sunshine for years and could visit to her heart’s content. And yet, out of all her acquaintances, she’d chosen Abby. “Except, I don’t know when I’d be free to come into town.”
“That’s okay.” The elderly librarian smiled eagerly. “I could come to you. Maybe we could even take the twins for a walk or a picnic if Zac needs the house.”
“I’m sure the girls would love that,” Abby said.
Zac and Zoe had finished dancing, but since Mandy was now drawing them toward a group of what seemed to be old friends, Abby felt no compunction about continuing her visit with Miss Partridge. This woman deeply interested her.
“I love your hair,” she said, obeying an inner nudge to offer encouragement. “You should never cover it. That tone of silvery gray emphasizes the blue in your eyes.”
“Why, thank you, dear.” For a moment Miss Partridge looked totally nonplussed. She blinked as she lifted one hand and touched the few strands that had worked free of her cloche hat. “It’s hard to control with all these curls so I usually keep it under wraps.”
“You know, that’s what our first date should be about,” Abby said as ideas grew. “We should have a beauty date. We can share ideas.”