One of her eyebrows lifted. “Are you and Taylin fighting?”
He did not want to discuss his and Taylin’s relationship with Vivian. “I don’t want to talk about it.”
“Okay.” Pressing her lips together, she fingered the corner of Crew’s blanket. “Don’t get mad, but I need to know how serious you are about sharing custody of Crew.”
“Very serious.” He narrowed his eyes. “I’m planning my life around him, Vivian. I’m not going to be one of those dads who only sees his kids every few months and on holidays. I’m moving back to Montana as soon as I can figure out my job.”
“And what about your girlfriend?”
She just couldn’t leave it alone. “I’m not sure what’s going to happen with Taylin. She’s leaving for Nepal the first of January and will be gone at least six months.”
Vivian’s eyes widened in surprise. “Wow.”
Luke stood up. “Just because she’ll be gone for a little while doesn’t mean you and I are getting back together.”
“Did I say I wanted to get back together with you?”
“You asked to move in with me and then offered to sleep with me.”
“Yes, but I also said you could keep your girlfriend.” She gave him a half smile. “In my world that doesn’t mean we’re getting back together.”
“Then why did you tell Taylin we owed it to Crew to try and be a family and she wasn’t included?”
“I thought you didn’t want to discuss it right now?”
“I don’t.” Luke could feel himself losing his temper. “I think I need to leave.” He turned to go to his room to get his running shoes, but Vivian stopped him.
“Luke, wait.”
“What?” he said as he twisted back around.
“I…” She paused and licked her lips. “I had a weak moment last night and told your girlfriend those things because at the time I wanted it to be like that.”
He searched her face, looking for any hint of insincerity. It surprised him to find that not only was she being genuine, but he also detected regret.
“I was never a good wife. I’m sorry about that.”
The only other time she’d ever apologized to him was when she told him he was Crew’s father. While he knew they’d never be friends, it was a good step in the right direction. He didn’t want their son to grow up knowing his parents hated each other. “Thank you for telling me.”
She nodded once, and then glanced down at the baby. He watched her for several long moments. He would probably never fully understand what made Vivian tick.
Needing some time alone, Luke thought about going fishing, but his favorite pastime now reminded him of the girl he’d almost had, but let her get away. Instead, he went for a long run, keeping a pace that was supposed to drive Taylin out of his thoughts. It didn’t work. The first half of the run he told himself that he would do whatever it took to keep Taylin in his life. But on the way home, Luke knew he couldn’t ask her to make so many sacrifices. She was young and deserved to marry someone without all his baggage. Not that he considered Crew baggage. His son was a gift, but it wasn’t fair to ask Taylin to take on the role of a stepmom. Especially since she’d have to deal with Vivian the rest of their lives.
By the time he got home and had showered, Crew’s fever had returned. For the next three days, he and Vivian didn’t discuss what had happened with Taylin again. They were too busy trying to keep Crew’s temperature under control. Luke was so tired, and he prayed the doctor was right and today the baby’s fever would break.
Sunlight filtered through the blinds in his room, beckoning Luke to get up. Turning on his side, he swiped his phone from the nightstand and tapped on the screen to see the time and date. Taylin was leaving for California this morning. Next he opened his messages, hoping that she’d texted him. There were several from his mom and sister. They both wanted updates on Crew’s fever. But nothing from Taylin.
Sighing, he lay back down on his pillow and thought about her. He was back to wanting to do anything to try and make things work. He missed her. Longed for her. And it hurt.
A small cry from the baby made him get out of bed. Vivian hadn’t wanted the crib back in her room, saying it was good practice for Luke. Since he didn’t have to work this week, he didn’t mind. Besides, she was leaving for Montana on Friday, so he only had four more days with his son. He’d already contacted an attorney and Vivian wasn’t fighting him on how often he wanted the baby. He planned on flying out to Montana the week after Thanksgiving for a visit and to see about getting a job.
“Hey there, little guy. Are you feeling better?” Luke leaned over and picked up the smiling little boy. He noticed a few things all at once. Crew was happy, didn’t have a fever and had soaked through his diaper. Placing him on the bed, he quickly changed the baby’s diaper and pajamas. That’s when he noticed a fine rash all over the baby’s tummy, arms and legs.
He felt relieved, knowing there wouldn’t be any more temperature spikes.
“Want to go for a run with me this morning?” Luke asked the baby. He’d purchased a jogger online and was anxious to finally use it.
Holding Crew, he walked past the guest room and noticed Vivian’s bed was already made. He expected to see her sitting at the kitchen bar, but she wasn’t there. Then he heard the shower running.
“Looks like I get to feed you breakfast,” he said, nuzzling the little boy on the cheek. He was rewarded with a soft giggle. It didn’t take long for Crew to finish off his apple, strawberry, and banana meal. He gave Luke a toothy grin when he wiped the baby’s face clean.
Since he could hear the sound of a blow dryer, Luke figured Vivian wouldn’t be out any time soon. He penned a quick note to her, letting her know he was taking the baby with him for his morning run.
He’d only gone about a half-mile when Crew started fussing, and Luke discovered he’d forgotten the baby’s pacifier. The little boy had grown quite fond of his pacifier over the last few days. Luke knew if he didn’t find it soon, the fussing could turn into a full blown crying session. He thought about texting Vivian to bring it to him, but he’d also left his cell phone. Turning around, he started back for home to get both things.
Ironically, by the time he got home, the baby had fallen asleep. Since he planned on running his usual three miles, he might as well get what he’d come home for. Parking the jogger inside the garage, he engaged the brakes and then propped open the door to the mudroom.
He’d only taken a few steps inside the house when he heard Vivian arguing with someone. He saw her sitting at the bar with her back to him, her laptop open.
“You’re not being fair,” she said to the individual on the screen.
Luke couldn’t see whom she was talking to, but as soon as the man spoke, he recognized Neil Harding’s voice.
“Fair?” Neil laughed. “I’ve been more than fair. I gave you two weeks to have a fling with your ex. Don’t blame me if he didn’t sleep with you.”
“Shut up, Neil.”
The guy laughed again. “Look, Viv, you had your time and now you need to make a decision. The firm wants me in Italy by next week, and I need to know if you’re going with me.”
“I don’t think I can leave him. Don’t ask me to do this.”
Luke froze. Leave him as in him or was she talking about Crew?
Neil swore. “We’ve already discussed this. The kid’s not mine. He’s not coming with us.”
“I know, but he’s mine!” Vivian said angrily. “I can’t abandon him for a whole year.”
“It’s not abandonment when he’ll be with his father. Come on, Viv, think about it. You’ve had the kid for almost a year. Now it’s Luke’s turn. You’ll be doing the guy a favor. Didn’t you say he wants to share custody?”
“Yes,” Vivian said softly. “He’s a good dad, so I know he’ll take good care of Crew until we move back.”
It took every ounce of self-restraint for Luke not to march into the kitchen and smash the computer. H
e couldn’t believe what he’d just heard. Neil was obviously into “open relationships” too, and more of a jerk than he’d ever thought possible. And Vivian. He couldn’t even articulate what he thought about her.
“Great.” A phone started ringing. “I gotta go, Viv. Talk to Luke, get the kid settled and then get back here. I miss you.”
“I miss you too.”
“Bye, Babe.”
Vivian closed the laptop and stood up. She turned around and locked eyes with Luke’s.
“I guess we need to talk,” she said with a big sigh.
Luke narrowed his gaze. “I guess we do.”
Chapter 29
Taylin sucked in a quick breath as the ocean water rushed over her bare feet. Even though the California temperature was as warm as Georgia in late November, the Pacific Ocean was much cooler than the Atlantic. The sand beneath her toes shifted as the water receded, and she glanced down to see if the incoming tide had brought in any treasures. She’d been here for a week, and so far all she’d found were shattered pieces of seashells. She imagined if she could look inside her chest, she’d find her heart as broken as the seashells. And without a whole heart, it made it nearly impossible to find any joy in her training. Any joy in life.
“Taylin?”
She recognized the baritone voice of one of the doctors going to Nepal. Brett Johnson was tall, dark and handsome. He was also single and had made it quite clear he was attracted to Taylin. Before turning around, she bent down and scooped up a handful of the broken shells.
“You okay?” he asked, stopping a few feet away from her. The pant legs to his dress pants were rolled up, and his feet were bare. With the setting sun bathing him in its golden light, he looked like a movie star.
“You okay?” he asked again.
No, she was devastated and didn’t know if she would ever feel whole again. She thought about lying, but decided she needed to be completely honest with him so he knew she wasn’t available. “No.” Her voice came out all gravelly, and she gently cleared her throat. “I’m not okay.”
He moved toward her, so close that she caught the scent of his cologne. While it smelled nice, it wasn’t the same thing as Luke’s spicy cologne. “Is there anything I can do?”
“I don’t think so.” With her palm facing up, she opened her hand to reveal the broken pieces of shells. “You need to know this is basically what my heart must look like.” She dumped the shells onto the ground. “You can’t fix it. No one can.” That is, no one but Luke.
Understanding flickered in his caramel colored eyes. “Who is he?” He gave her a half smile. “And do I need to hunt him down?”
That made her smile. “No, my daddy probably already has.” She sighed and looked over at the vast water. “It wouldn’t do any good, though. It’s not Luke’s fault.” She’d come to realize that it truly wasn’t Luke’s fault. Forgiving someone over and over should never be considered a weakness. He was a good man and had tried his best to keep his marriage together. “It’s not mine, either. It just isn’t meant to be.”
“Luke, huh?” he asked, making her look at him again. “Maybe you should tell me about him so I’ll know what I’m up against.”
For some reason, Taylin did tell him. They sat in the sand and she told him the whole story. When she finished, the sun had disappeared from the horizon, and the full moon provided just enough light for her to see Brett’s face. He didn’t stand a chance with her and he knew it.
“Want my advice?”
She shrugged. “Sure.”
“Don’t let him go. You’ve found something all of us search for, but rarely find, so do whatever it takes to keep it.” He reached out and wiped a tear from her cheek. “I had it once, but a drunk driver stole her from me. I guess I should say them. My wife, Elizabeth, was expecting our first baby in just a few weeks. A little girl. Both of them died on impact.”
“Oh,” Taylin said, pressing a hand to her heart. “I’m so sorry.”
“Thank you.” He smiled softly. “It’s been nearly five years, and wouldn’t you know, the first woman I’ve found attractive enough to pursue is already taken.”
“I’m sorry, Brett.”
He nudged her in the shoulder. “It’s not your fault. The heart is an amazing thing.”
“Until it shatters. Then it just plain hurts.”
He shook his head and groaned. “Aside from you being gorgeous, I really love your Southern accent.”
That made her laugh. “There’s plenty more women where I come from who talk like this. I even have a twin sister.”
He lifted an eyebrow up. “Identical?”
“Nope. I think she’s prettier.”
“Oh really,” he said. “I may have to come visit Georgia one weekend before the group leaves.”
Taylin pulled out her phone and showed Brett a few pictures of Ashlee. “She’s playin’ the role of Cinderella and Rapunzel, in Disney World right now.”
Brett whistled. “I think I’m going to Disney World.”
“I reckon I should warn you that Ashlee falls in love very easily, but it doesn’t last long. She’s been in love with our older brother’s best friend since she was twelve.”
“You Nichols women like to be difficult, don’t you?”
“That’s what my daddy says.” A breeze had kicked up, and Taylin shivered. “Wow, it’s gettin’ a little chilly. We should probably go inside.”
“If any other woman said that to me I’d think it was an invitation to see your room, but I know better.”
“Even if it was an invitation, my daddy would definitely hunt you down if you accepted.”
“Duly noted.” He got to his feet and held out his hand to help her up. “I’ll let the director know we need to find an alternate to take your place,” he said, holding onto her hand.
“You don’t want me to come?” What would she do back home? It would hurt too much to be there, especially if it took a long time for Luke to make the move to Montana.
“No, but you don’t want to come.” He dropped her hand and put his arm around her shoulders and started walking toward the hotel. “Go home and tell Luke how you feel. Work out what needs to be worked out. If it really is impossible, then shoot me an email and I’ll pull a few strings to get you back into the group.”
“Thank you, Brett.” She leaned into his arm. “You’re a good friend. I hope you get a second chance at love.”
“Me too.”
They walked in silence the rest of the way. “Take care, Taylin.” He leaned forward and pressed a kiss to her forehead. “And be happy.”
The flight home the next morning had been quick, and now Taylin found herself a few miles outside of Mitchel Creek. She desperately wanted to drive straight to Luke’s house, but didn’t want to have another confrontation with his ex-wife. Vivian was also the reason Taylin hadn’t dared text him either. The last time hadn’t worked out so well. Besides, Luke hadn’t made any attempts to contact her. It made her think that maybe he didn’t love her as much as he’d claimed.
Her phone buzzed, and she glanced at the caller ID on the dashboard display. Rachel Matthews was calling. “Hey, Rach,” Taylin said when she answered. “How was Tennessee?”
“Fabulous, but that’s not why I’m calling.”
“Oh?” Taylin knew Rachel and Luke’s sister were still good friends. She wondered what the McKay clan had heard about their breakup. Did they blame Taylin?
“Are you still in California?”
“No, I just got back this morning. I’m actually almost home.”
“Thank heavens!” Rachel said. “Luke is looking for a nanny and has already interviewed several women who are more interested in him than they are in baby Crew.”
Taylin’s stomach dropped so fast it felt like she’d jumped out of a plane. Why was Luke hiring a nanny? Not sure it was safe to drive with her head spinning like it was, she pulled over onto the side of the road.
“What did you just say?”
�
��Luke needs a nanny. His mom can only stay through Thanksgiving and then she has to go back to teach school. He has to find someone to watch Crew while he’s at work.”
“Rachel, I’m so confused. I thought Luke was moving to Montana? And where is Vivian?”
Taylin was speechless as she listened to all of the drama that had taken place the week she’d been in California. Not only had Vivian left the baby in Luke’s custody, she’d also moved to Italy with her boyfriend. With everything that had happened to him, she could now understand why Luke hadn’t contacted her. Still, if Vivian was no longer in the picture, and he wasn’t moving to Montana, why hadn’t he called her?
She must have asked the question out loud because Rachel was giving her an answer.
“Diane asked him the same thing, and he told her that he loves you too much to take away your dreams. That you’re young and deserve to find someone whose life isn’t so complicated. He’s vowed not to call you until you return from your overseas assignment.”
Luke loved her. Out of everything Rachel had just shared, that was the only thing that mattered. Luke loved her and she loved him. Warmth surged through her, as if her broken heart was mending and had started working again.
“So what do you think? Are you on board?”
Taylin blinked. “Sorry, I zoned out for a second. What am I supposed to be on board for?”
Rachel sighed dramatically, and then laid out the plan she and Diane had come up with. At first, Taylin told herself this was the craziest plan ever and there was no way she was going to do it. But then she thought about Brett’s advice to do whatever it took to be with Luke and how he’d lost his wife unexpectedly. Taylin didn’t want to live with that kind of regret.
“Wish me luck,” she said before hanging up.
With hands shaking, Taylin punched in the number Rachel had given her. The conversation didn’t last long, but it had gone well, considering what she was about to do. Next she called her parents and told them she was going to Luke’s house before coming home and why. Her mama, a Southern woman through and through, was completely supportive. Her daddy grumbled at first, but then told her he was proud of her.
Just a Kiss in the Moonlight: Georgia Moon Romance Book 2 Page 29