by Elsie Davis
“Hey, sleepyhead, let’s put you down in your bed.” Talking to a sleeping child. He had to be losing his mind. Garrett shook his head and carried Sandy down the hall, laying her on the bed and pulling up the covers. Unable to resist the urge, he leaned over and kissed her forehead.
Sandy’s eyes opened, and wide blue pools of sweetness stared up at him as she gave him a sleepy smile. “Daddy.” Sandy reached up and threw her arms around his neck, pulling him down to her.
Daddy. Her first word since her parents died. A word that had the power to touch his heart as no other word could have done.
“Sleep tight and sweet dreams, sweetheart.” Garrett smiled as she drifted off to sleep. He stayed there for quite a while, just watching her sleep, before finally going back to the living room. He had work to do and the perfect opportunity to do it.
The dog followed him and jumped on the sofa. “Get off the couch, Rufus.” The sofa wasn’t his bed, but apparently, the fleecy dog cushion in the corner wasn’t good enough. Only Italian designer leather seemed to satisfy the beast.
An hour passed, and so far, Garrett had managed to accomplish zero. The word daddy reverberated in his head. His morning with Sandy had gone fine, more than fine. But Garrett knew better than anyone else, fine was a fleeting thing. There were 364 other days in the year for problems. And problems led to arguments, and arguments led to divorce. But he wasn’t even married!
It was a lot to think about for a man who’d been a bachelor a week ago, coming and going as he pleased, with no one to answer to. One simple word from Sandy, and he finally understood what was at stake. The little girl had looked at him with love shining in her eyes.
Garrett was beginning to see things in a new light, and he had April to thank for the revelations. Without her help, everything would have been a disaster. She’d been working day in and day out to help him and the kids, and she’d be gone next week. Tomorrow was the only opportunity to give her time off to show his appreciation for all she’d done and to explore the city.
There were two problems with the idea. One, April didn’t know the city well enough to head out on her own, and two, Garrett wasn’t sure he was ready to handle three kids, even if only for a few hours.
Jim and Bev.
Garrett hit the speed-dial button for Jim. “Hey there. Got a second?”
“Sure. You at the office? You need to get a life, you know.” Jim had been after him for ages to date and find something other than the office life to pursue. But for Garrett, the office was his life and his love. It was something he could control, and therefore, maintain order.
“For your information, I’m not there. I’m at home watching Sandy while April’s out shopping with the other two.”
Jim whistled. “I’m impressed. What do you need from me? Instructions on how to change a diaper?” The laughter in his voice irritated Garrett. He wasn’t a complete idiot with kids as everyone seem to expect.
“For your information, she’s three and not in diapers. Laugh all you want, but so far, I’ve managed quite well.”
“Give it time. It’s early yet.” Jim kept laughing. “Seriously, I’m just harassing you because I had to find out about the kids from Brooke. What is it you need from me?”
“April hasn’t had a day off since she started taking care of the kids. I thought it would be nice to give her the day off tomorrow, and I could take her sightseeing as a way of saying thanks. And she leaves next weekend. I was hoping you and Bev could watch the kids tomorrow during the day.”
“Say no more. Of, course we’ll watch the kids. Bev will be ecstatic. This is a nice surprise turn of events—you and April on a date.”
“It’s not a date, just a thank-you outing.” He didn’t date. It was too complicated. And April had already made it clear that Hallbrook was her home. His efforts to change her mind had fallen short.
“Sure. Call it what you want, but yes, we’ll swing by and pick them up at ten after church, if that’s okay with you.”
“Perfect, that will work. And Jim, don’t be getting any ideas. It’s just a thank you.” If Bev and Jim started matchmaking, he’d never hear the end of it. Best not to let them get started.
“That’s the third time you’ve said that. Who are you trying to convince? Me or you.” Jim taunted him before hanging up, cutting off any chance for a reply.
* * *
“Hey, Ted.” April raised an arm to wave at the concierge, her hands full with bags overloaded with shopping goodies. Melanie and Bryan trailed behind her, each one carrying what they could to help.
“Here, let me get the elevator for you.” Ted raced ahead of her and pushed the button.
“Thanks. Obviously, we had a successful day of shopping.” They’d bought way more than April had first planned, but she couldn’t say no. Well, there was one thing she’d rejected—the hot pink bra Melanie had tried to convince she needed. At seven. Not on her watch, and she’d seen no evidence to the contrary that it was necessary. Girls wanted to grow up so fast these days.
“I can see that.” He chuckled. “Kids starting school soon?” They were supposed to be. “Garrett’s taking care of getting them enrolled. I think they start Wednesday after Labor Day.”
The elevator dinged, announcing its arrival.
“That’ll be nice for them. Make new friends.” Ted held the elevator door open for them. “Have a great day.”
“Easy for the adults to say. You’re not the one going to a strange school,” Bryan muttered after the door closed and started for the top.
“It’ll be okay. You’ll see.”
“But what if they don’t like us?” Melanie’s eyes were wide and wondering, filled with unease.
“Who wouldn’t want to be friends with two great kids like you guys? Especially sporting your new cool clothes.”
The elevator stopped, and they exited and headed down the hallway to Garrett’s. April prayed the day had gone well for him. There hadn’t been any emergency calls—which was a start—but as to what the place looked like… That might be another story entirely.
April set the bags down and tried to locate the key card. Digging through the bottom of her purse, she finally found it and opened the door. The kids hurried inside, leaving April to follow.
“Mr. Garrett, look at what we bought.” Melanie tossed her bag on the sofa. “I have new leggings, shirts, and shoes. The stores here are to die for. So much to choose from, unlike the stores of Hallbrook.”
“I’m glad you had fun. What about you, young man?” Garrett asked Bryan.
“I got some clothes and a new pair of sneakers. But clothes are kind of a girl thing.” Bryan scrunched his face.
Bryan could say what he wanted, but he’d had fun, and she knew it. She was guessing he was trying to act older, pulling a man-to-man bond with Garrett.
“I tend to agree. Glad I got to stay here. Why don’t you show me what you bought?” Garrett was trying to find a way to share the experience and connect with the kids. Another excellent move on his part.
April glanced around, spotting Rufus sound asleep on the carpet next to his bed. She smiled and shook her head. “Where’s Sandy?”
“She’s still sleeping. I’m sure she’ll wake up soon. It’s been over an hour.” Garrett appeared to have survived parenting 101 with flying colors.
“Kids, try on your new stuff to show Garrett, but be quiet so you don’t wake your sister.”
“You have to show him what you bought, too,” Melanie spoke up. “You have just as much as we do.”
“That I do. But Garrett doesn’t want to see my new clothes.” She hadn’t been able to resist and had gone overboard but. Knowing there were a few extra dollars going into her bank account had let the temptation genie out of the bottle.
Garrett looked surprised; one eyebrow raised in question.
“Don’t worry, my charges won’t show up on your bill. I used my own credit card.”
“I didn’t think you did, although I wouldn’t
have minded. You’ve earned it.” He grinned, the corners of his eyes crinkling. “And then some.”
April was surprised at just how relaxed Garrett appeared to be. “You’re paying me enough for me to afford my own purchases, so in a way, you’re paying. How’s that for compromise?” She smiled, turning back to watch the kids model their clothes.
“Your turn, Miss April,” Melanie crossed the room with her bags and handed them to April. “Fair’s fair.”
She was uncomfortable with Garrett watching, but she couldn’t say no.
“Show him the dress. You gotta see this,” Melanie told Garrett.
He eyed her with interest, smiling.
April wished Melanie had forgotten the dress, but no such luck. When she’d seen it on the rack, she’d fallen in love with it. The long-sleeve dress was made of gauze and lace, the deep-blue coloring almost the same as her eyes. Small wooden beads were sewn into the edge of the V-neckline in a scrolling pattern that matched the belt. The dress landed just above her knees, perfectly showing off the brown cowboy boots the salesgirl had her try on. The minute she’d tried it on, she’d fallen in love with it. It hadn’t come cheap, but then how often did you get to shop in New York City and splurge on yourself? The answer was never.
Her pulse ramped up a notch or two as she walked down the hall.
“Wow! Now that’s what I call a dress.”
April blushed under Garrett’s intense gaze.
“The saleswoman said they just got it in today, and when she showed it to me, I couldn’t say no.” His compliment had flustered her, sending waves of awareness dancing across her skin like a fresh breeze.
“I can understand why. I think you should wear it tomorrow.”
She frowned. “Tomorrow?” Won’t I be a bit overdressed for taking care of the kids?”
“I’m giving you the day off if you want it. I’ve arranged for Jim and his wife, Bev, to watch the kids. I thought before you leave, I should take you sightseeing around the city.”
April’s jaw dropped; her mouth wide open. It took her a moment to recover. “Are you asking me on a date?” Holding her hand the other night had been awkward, but he’d been clear it was by way of thanks. This was an outing without the children—a real date. Like a man-and-woman-who-like-each-other date.
“No, not a date. It’s a way to show my appreciation for everything you’ve done. A thank-you of sorts.” For one brief second, April had let herself imagine. And just as quickly, tamped down her wayward thoughts. Maddison would have an opinion or two, which is exactly why she wouldn’t mention it to her friend.
“It’s still a date,” Melanie chimed in.
Garrett shook his head. “You don’t understand, but April does. Right?” He looked at her for confirmation. “She’s going back to Hallbrook this weekend, and we live here. A date would serve no purpose.”
No purpose. Ouch. But she wouldn’t let it ruin her chance to spend the day alone with Garrett. “He’s right. And, yes, I’d love a tour of the city.”
“What about us seeing stuff? When do we get to explore more?” Bryan asked, not at all caring about her and Garrett going somewhere together alone.
“We have the rest of today. After your sister wakes up, why don’t we check out a few kid-friendly things to do. Maybe we could go to the Empire State Building and check out the observation deck where you can see for miles and miles, or we could rent bikes and ride around Central Park checking out more food vendors.”
“Yay!” Both kids’ smiling faces sealed the deal.
They were acting as though they were a real family. The closeness they shared was more than any bond she’d ever felt with any of her foster families while growing up. It was like looking through a window to see another side of life, one with hope and happiness.
For just a few moments, she let herself imagine what it would be like if they were her family. She loved the kids as if they were her own, and she admired Garrett for trying to make things right and accepting the conditions of his mother’s will. But next weekend her part in it would all come to an end, making her more determined than ever to enjoy it now and make wonderful memories.
“Let me change out of this dress, and then I’ll check on Sandy and get her ready.” Apparently, Garrett had graduated to parenting 102.
Chapter Thirteen
“Does everyone have their book bags packed and ready to go? Jim and Bev will be here any minute,” Garrett asked the kids.
“I do.” Bryan moved to stand next to him. “I wonder what kind of fun we’re going to have today?”
“Jim told me one of his friend’s sons is having a birthday party. They thought you two would enjoy meeting some kids your age. I think Trey, the young boy, is turning nine. And I’m sure Bev will love having Sandy to herself. The kid will be spoiled by the time we get her back.” He shook his head, but truthfully, didn’t mind in the slightest.
“I’ve got Sandy’s stuff packed. Do they have kids of their own?” April asked, her gaze one of concern. “Taking on three kids is a lot of work.”
“Tell me about it. But they don’t have kids. They’ve been trying for years without success. I think that’s why he thought it was ironic that I suddenly have three.”
“Hopefully, there are girls at this party.” Melanie tried to pull her hair back in a ponytail unsuccessfully.
“Here, let me get that.” April fixed it for her, handed her the backpack and helped her to slide it over her shoulder, careful of her wrist.
“Thanks, April. I’m ready,” Melanie announced.
Knock. Knock.
“That must be them now.” Garrett opened the door for Jim and Bev. “Come in. Thanks for agreeing to watch the kids.”
“Anytime. You have no idea how excited Bev’s been since I told her.” Jim winked.
“He’s been just as excited. Don’t let him make you think otherwise.” They stepped inside.
“I’d like you both to meet April St. James, the kids’ temporary nanny. April, this is Jim West, my partner at the firm and his wife, Bev.”
April extended her hand in greeting, but instead of a shake, Jim took her hand, turned it over, and kissed the back of it. “You’re perfect.” His comment made no sense at all.
“Perfect for what?” April had to ask.
His eyes twinkled with merriment. “For Garrett. He’s told me so much about you.”
“You mean as his nanny?”
“Maybe.” He shrugged.
“It’s nice to meet you, dear. But enough chit chat, Jim likes to tease. Introduce us to these precious darlings.” Bev stepped forward, cutting off April’s opportunity to find out what Jim had meant. She reached out to pick up Sandy, who was eyeing her cautiously, half hiding behind April’s leg, as she clung to her.
“It’s okay, sweetheart. Bev’s going to play with you today.” April stroked the girl’s hair, trying to reassure her.
The security hold loosened at first, and then Sandy let go, moving out from behind April.
“Aren’t you a little sweetheart,” Bev crooned, picking her up and hugging her close.
“That’s Sandy. This is Melanie—” Garrett touched her shoulder, “—and this is Bryan.”
“Can we go?” Bryan’s impatience had reached its limit. “I’m tired of only having girls to play with.” He rolled his eyes and headed for the door.
“I don’t see why not, young man. Today will be so much fun. I say let’s get the party started. We can leave these two old fogies to tour the city.” Bev’s hearty laughter rang out in the room, the woman bursting with energy for such an early morning hour.
April handed the diaper bag to Jim. “I know you have Garrett’s number, but here’s mine, just in case you can’t reach him.” She handed Jim a paper with her number on it. “Please don’t hesitate to call for any reason. Sandy can sometimes be a bit anxious away from familiar things. Oh, and she doesn’t like to talk, but don’t let that fool you, she understands everything.”
“Don�
��t you worry about a thing, honey. She’ll have so much fun with me she won’t have time to think of anything else.” Bev was confident of her abilities; sure of herself.
“Perfect. But promise you’ll call if you need anything,” April reiterated. She leaned forward to kiss Sandy on the top of the head.
“Of course. Have a wonderful time on your non-date date,” Bev teased as she headed out the door behind the kids.
“You need to stop telling people your version of today’s outing, Jim. Everyone will get the wrong idea, including the kids.” Garrett shot his friend a pleading look, not that it would do any good. Jim clearly had his own ideas of what was going on, and nothing Garrett had to say would change that.
“Well, from where I’m standing, I’m thinking you two are the only ones with the wrong idea.” Jim closed the door behind him, leaving Garrett and April alone for the first time since they’d met.
Garrett turned to April. “At least you and I are clear.”
“Very clear.” April nodded. “They seem to forget I’m leaving soon.”
“Exactly. Shall we leave?” Garrett was pleased April had worn her new dress. Her raven hair cascaded down the sides of her face, gently moving as she walked toward him. He couldn’t help the excitement he felt, the sensation vaguely reminiscent of the time when he was in twelfth grade and had a crush on Jenny Lou. But then everyone had a crush on Jenny Lou.
This feeling, however, was stronger than he remembered as a kid, whether because he was older or because it was April, he was uncertain. Either way, it was not something he wanted to dwell on. This was two friends on a tour of the city. Not a date. Although it certainly felt sort of date like, information he’d keep to himself.
“Where are we going first?” April asked, the excitement in her voice undeniable.
“It’s a surprise.” He’d stressed over what to do with only a limited amount of time available, finally deciding on a few special treats. Some a little more unique than others.