With her eyes clouded with tears, she drove past the sheriff’s office and the pizza parlor. Places where she’d had fun with Rachel. Where she’d been with Matt and Sam.
She made her way through town en route to the highway. The truck in front of her slowed and Dani caught a glimpse of a commotion up ahead. Cars were scattered across both lanes. Emergency lights flashed, and people gathered in small groups.
Dani cursed under her breath. The road was blocked. Was there a parade? A car accident? Either situation meant there was the very real possibility of Matt being on the scene.
The traffic stopped, and Dani pulled out her cell phone. Hopefully, GPS would give her an alternate route to the highway. She used a fast-food napkin to swipe at her eyes and nose. Heavy footsteps sounded on the asphalt right outside her window. She glanced away from her phone.
The deputy who had given her the parking ticket on her first day in town stood with his thumbs tucked into his utility belt a few feet away.
Too bad for him that she wasn’t in the mood to deal. She shoved her door open, then stomped over to stand in front of him. Arms crossed over her chest, she looked at him through narrowed eyes.
“Don’t get your panties in a knot.” She waved a hand in the direction of the barricade. “Obviously, I’m not parked here. No ticket necessary.”
“Roadblock ahead, ma’am.” He looked like he wanted to smile.
She fought the urge to kick him in the shins. “You looking for somebody armed and dangerous?”
He seemed to think about that for a second. “Doubtful.”
“Well, you and your cop friends are blocking my way out of town.”
“Yes, ma’am. Orders of the sheriff.”
She clenched and unclenched her hands. Took another step closer to the deputy. “Really. Well I’ve got a message you can give him.”
“No need, ma’am. You can tell him yourself. He’s standing right behind you.”
Dani did an about-face.
The deputy was dead-on. Matt stood there with a dimpled grin.
She tensed, her breathing momentarily halted. “How the hell can I leave when you’ve set up a roadblock?”
He crossed his arms and leaned against her car. “Guess you can’t.”
“I’m not in the mood to play games, Sheriff.”
“Neither am I.” He looked past her and winked at someone.
“Dani?”
Sam. She squeezed her eyes shut and bowed her head. It wasn’t possible for her to see him or talk to him; it would mean saying good-bye again, and she’d never survive another farewell. She sent Matt a pleading look.
“It’s okay.” He placed his hands on her shoulders. “Turn around.”
Her heart kicked up a beat. Both Sam and Matt were here. To ask her to stay? No. She refused to listen to her pitiful heart. This time, her head was in charge, and it told her Matt just wanted to make sure she left town, and he wanted to make sure it hurt.
With a guarded motion, Dani turned around. She slowly lowered her eyes to Sam. She swallowed hard, feeling like a rock was stuck in her throat.
Sam wore freshly pressed khakis and a short-sleeved, button-down shirt, and he sported a recent haircut. In his child-sized hands he carried a huge bouquet of summer flowers. Larry was by his side, a bright red kerchief tied around his neck.
Tears burned her eyes. This would be the picture of him she’d keep in her heart for the rest of her life.
Sam offered her the bouquet. “My dad says moms like to get flowers from their little boys.”
She drew in a ragged breath. Sam knows. He knew she was his mother. The realization brought her to her knees. She crushed Sam and the flowers against her. Larry stuck his nose in the blooms.
Matt had given her the gift of a lifetime.
She couldn’t think straight, couldn’t catch her breath. Was this real? Had she heard Sam correctly? Dani’s gaze shot to Matt. He nodded and smiled at her.
“If you don’t like the flowers, we could get different ones,” Sam said.
Dani laughed out a sob. “Oh, honey, they’re the most beautiful flowers I’ve ever seen. Thank you.” She pulled back and laid a hand on his cheek. “Sam, I love you. I always have.”
“I love you too…Mom.”
Road gravel bit into the skin of her knees, but her mind was so full of happiness, she didn’t care. She rested her hands on his shoulders. “I can’t believe it. Oh, I can’t believe it.” Once again, she pulled him in for a hug. Dani’s heart soared. “I’m so sorry I didn’t tell you who I was right from the beginning. I wasn’t being honest with you and your dad, and that was wrong of me.”
“I’m like my dad. We believe in second chances.” Sam attempted a wink, which looked more like he had something in his eye. “Plus, I like that you’re my real mom.”
“And I’m proud that you’re my son, honey.”
“Can I tell the guys I’ve got a mom?” Sam flashed her the grin—only half-filled with teeth—she’d committed to memory.
Matt stepped up behind Sam. “If it’s okay with Dani, it’s okay with me.”
She nodded.
Sam took a few steps away, paused, and turned back to Dani. “Sons give their moms kisses.”
She smiled through her tears. “I can’t think of anything more wonderful.”
He gave her a peck and then took off running. “Hey guys. I’ve got a real mom!”
Dani looked in Sam’s direction. A huge group of people stood off to one side. It looked like half the town was here.
She turned to Matt. His eyes gleamed with amusement. “Word got out about my plan. Nobody wanted to miss the action. I figured since I was using taxpayer money for the deputies and roadblock, I couldn’t tell them to stay home.” He helped her to her feet.
“I’ll never be able to thank you enough. What made you decide to tell him who I was?”
“I know how much you love him. Every child deserves to know a parent who cares so much.” Matt took her hand. “I don’t believe that you came here to take him away from me.”
“No, I’d never do that. Never.”
“I know. I trust you. And I won’t stand in your way if you want to have a relationship with Sam. I’m not quite ready for him to go out of town. If you visit here—or maybe want to live here—you can see him as much as you’d like.”
She raised a shaky hand to her forehead. “Thank you.” Her voice choked with tears.
He guided her off the highway to stand by the brim of the road. “There’re a few more things I need to say.”
“Matt—”
“No, it’s my turn. You talked yesterday. Today, I want you to listen to what I have to say.” He moved closer. “Dani, sweetheart, you told me that I pitied you. You’re wrong. I don’t pity you. I admire you. You’re a beautiful, intelligent, funny, passionate woman, and I’m thankful you came into my life. You’re a gift to me and Sam. I know I can be a good father without a woman in my life. But that’s not the life I want.”
Dani swiped at her eyes.
“I had it wrong. Some lies of omission are meant to protect rather than to hurt. You loved your son enough—and respected me enough—that you didn’t want us upset at your identity. I get it.” Matt’s voice was hoarse when he spoke. “There are so many emotions I feel for you. There’s lust and passion, but also love so powerful that I can’t imagine living the rest of my life without you. No woman has ever meant as much to me as you, and I’d be a fool to let you get away.”
Dani opened her mouth to speak, but Matt didn’t give her the chance.
“I know I’m capable of being an idiot.” He flashed her an apologetic look. “I’ve proved it several times to you. But the things we did were all because of the love we feel for Sam. For that, I think we can forgive each other and move forward. What do you think?”
Dani bit her bottom lip. Her heart kept up its irregular beat. “I think we were in a terrible situation neither one of us asked for. I’d go through everything again
—even the horrible things—because it all led me here to you.” She reached out, finally touching him like she’d wanted to.
“I’m a firm believer in fate. It’s brought me here to you. I love you, Matt. No matter what happens, no matter where I go in life, I’ll love you every day.”
He reached in his pocket, pulled out a folded piece of paper, and handed it to her. “I wanted to get your opinion on a recipe I created.”
She swiped at another tear and smiled. “I’m pretty much done with A Taste of Bliss. Did you want this included in the cookbook?”
“I’ll let you decide.” He nodded his head in the paper’s direction. “Go ahead, see what you think. Sam helped. Larry, too.”
She opened the paper and began to read.
Recipe For A Lifetime of Love
Recipe yields one happy family. Serves three or more.
Ingredients:
One amazing woman I can’t live without
One man who loves you with his entire heart and soul
Fold in one lively eight-year-old boy who loves his mother and father
Add one stray dog
1 Tbs. of sassiness
Kisses to taste
Dash of humor
Two bands of gold
Directions:
Combine all ingredients until blended to become one. Heat thoroughly with passion. Love and nurture for an eternity.
Optional: Additional ingredients when desired.
Dani focused on the man in front of her. He wanted to marry her. Wanted the three of them to become a family. She sniffed a couple of times. His thumb whisked away her tears. “I think it’s the best recipe I’ve ever seen.” With her fingertip, she smoothed the worry lines from between his eyebrows. “Everything I’ve ever wanted, ever needed, is wrapped up in you and Sam.”
Matt bowed his head and took a stiff breath. “I look at you, Dani, and see all that you’ve been through, all you’ve become, and I can’t help but to be moved by you. In my heart, I know it doesn’t get any better than this.” He nodded toward the recipe. “What do you think, Ms. Sullivan? Feel like you’re due for a name change? Dani Reagan sounds pretty sexy to me.”
“I do like the sound of it.”
“Marry me, Dani. Let me make you happy every day for the rest of my life.”
Her summer had started right here at the lake, with her only hope to catch a glimpse of her son’s life. Who would have thought a few months later, she’d be receiving a marriage proposal and the chance to be a full-time mother to her son? Of course, she’d need to check out the positions at the hospital Matt had mentioned, but she still had enough savings to hold her over if there weren’t any immediate openings.
“You’ve got yourself a deal, Sheriff. Now…let’s go home.”
Matt stood and punched his fist in the air. “She said yes!” he yelled to the town.
Sam shouted, Larry ran around barking. And the crowd went wild.
About the Author
Jenna Rutland writes contemporary stories of love, laughter and happily ever after. Her days are spent working as a medical transcriptionist, while her nights are filled with wreaking havoc on her characters before giving them their walk-into-the-sunset moment.
Jenna lives in a small Michigan community with her husband, son and senior cat. Her daughter and son-in-law have recently given Jenna the awesome title of grandmother!
She is a member of RWA and is active in her local chapter.
In addition to spending time with her family, Jenna enjoys reading and gardening, and loves the challenge of a new recipe.
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