He stepped on the back porch and pulled his cell phone from his pocket, then punched in her number.
“Hello?” Her soft voice immediately erased some of the stress of the day.
“It’s David. How was your day?” He eased into one of the deck chairs.
“It was okay?”
“You sound a little stressed. Would ice cream help?”
She giggled. “It might.”
“How about meeting me and the boys at the parlor on Main Street in an hour?” Please, say yes.
“I’d like that.”
“See you then.” They disconnected, leaving him to stare across the lawn toward the lake he shared with other homes in the subdivision. As a mortgage broker, he sometimes saw wonderful homes selling for a reasonable price because of nonpayment. He’d snapped up the old Victorian house at a steal right after he’d married Mandy. She’d fallen in love with it at first sight.
What if David did marry again? Could he part with the house if his new wife didn’t want to live where his previous spouse had? He wouldn’t mind if they redecorated, but he didn’t want to uproot the boys. It was something to think about if things progressed with Tina.
“Dad?” Luke poked his head outside. “It’s ice cream night.”
“I know. We’re leaving in a few minutes. Do you mind that I invited Miss Johnson?”
“Nah. We like her.” He slammed the door.
David chuckled. They might like her as a teacher, might even hint at her being their new mommy, but how would they really act if he someday proposed marriage? He heaved himself out of the chair and moved inside.
The boys sat on the bottom stair that lead to the second floor and shoved their feet into sneakers. He loved them enough that he’d step away from romance if it was something that bothered them. He hoped it wouldn’t come to that. He really liked Tina.
Luke slipped his hand into his. “Why do you look so sad?”
“I’m just thinking.”
“Do you miss mommy?”
“Yes.”
“Then you should marry Miss Johnson. She already likes us.”
David smiled. Question answered.
6
Tina squirmed under the admiring glances David kept sending her way at the ice cream parlor. Whether or not she liked him, wasn’t the problem. The problem was how Mr. Green would react if he discovered they were seeing each other. With Seth back in her life, did she really need another complication?
“A penny for your thoughts?” David said.
“You can’t buy anything for a penny, Dad,” Mark said. “Give her fifty cents. Then she can get something out of the Gumball machine.”
Tina laughed. Children always had a way of lightening a persons’ load. “My thoughts aren’t important. I’m sorry if I seem preoccupied. Ice cream and good company were exactly what I needed.”
“Then let’s not cut the evening short. Do you mind going with me to take the boys to the park for an hour?”
She shouldn’t, but her traitorous self answered yes. The park was a busy place. It was likely they would run into one of her students’ parents. No matter. She’d deal with the problem if it arose.
David nudged her with his shoulder and leaned close. “I’ve done a bit of research. The idea of a teacher not dating her students’ parent is old school.”
Her heart leaped. How could she not have known that? Oh, because she rarely dated, that’s why. Her face warmed. One problem solved. Now, to get rid of Seth. He’d left three messages on her cell phone in the hour before she left to meet David, and her phone had vibrated several more times since arriving at the ice cream place.
“Still keeping Mondays as ice cream night, I see.” A thin, overly made up woman stood by their table. She fixed an icy glare on Tina. “I’m Marilyn, David’s sister-in-law.”
“Oh?” Tina smiled, despite the feeling of spiders crawling up her spine. “It’s nice to meet you. I’m Tina Johnson, the twins’ teacher.”
“Really?”
“Don’t start, Marilyn.” David stood and started cleaning up the cardboard ice cream bowls and napkins.
Tina sensed a lot of tension between David and Marilyn. The boys stared with wide eyes at their aunt, their heads going back and forth between her and their father. There wasn’t a lot of love lost there, either.
“Maybe I should go home.” Tina hooked her purse over her arm and stood.
“There’s no need.” David motioned for the boys to get up. “Marilyn doesn’t eat ice cream, do you?”
“I could start, I suppose.” She tilted her head. “If it’s important to you.”
“It’s not.” He put an arm around each of the boys’ shoulders and headed for the door.
Tina rushed to follow. Behind her, the clip-clop of stiletto heels rang on the tiled floor, muffled a bit when Marilyn reached the asphalt of the parking lot.
“I’ll stop by tomorrow,” she called out. “We have some things to discuss.”
David sighed and put the boys in his jeep before glancing at Tina. “Meet you at the park?” He asked quietly.
“Are you sure?”
“Her showing up doesn’t change my plans.” A muscle ticked in his jaw.
“Then, yes.” She slid into her own car and waited for him to pull out.
Marilyn waited next to a silver Mercedes. When she caught Tina looking, she gave her a chilly smile and waved. Tina shuddered. Through no fault she could think of, she’d made an enemy.
She followed David to the park where they found parking spots side-by-side. The boys bounded from the jeep and dashed toward the playground. David took Tina’s hand and led her to the path that encircled the playground.
“Let’s walk,” he said. “I owe you an explanation.”
“You don’t owe me anything, David.”
“I feel as if I do.”
They settled into a comfortable walk. They began with their hands linked, but it wasn’t long before David’s arm was around her shoulder. She breathed deep of his woodsy aftershave, no longer caring who saw them. She had a wonderful man who enjoyed her company. She was content.
“Marilyn seems to think, now that Mandy is gone, that she and I belong together. That is the furthest thing from my mind.”
“She definitely doesn’t seem your type.”
He stopped and gazed into her face. “No, my type is someone like you.”
Her pulse raced. She ran her tongue over dry lips. “What is my type?”
“Sweet, beautiful.” He cupped her face. “Loves my boys.” His head lowered as he talked until she could feel his breath on her lips. “Someone who enjoys simple things like walks and ice cream.” He kissed her, sending her blood pressure through the roof. His hands tangled in her hair. Her knees weakened.
Someone cleared their throat, pulling them apart like guilty teenagers. Tina turned and stared into the curious face of Mr. Green.
*
“It seems as if two rowdy boys might have had a hand in the two of you getting together.” Mr. Green grinned. “Just keep it professional at work, Miss Johnson.”
David felt Tina relax as her boss strolled away. “See? I told you it wouldn’t be a problem.”
She leaned into him. “Don’t be a know-it-all, Mr. Larson, or I’ll have to assign you after school detention.”
“With you, I hope.”
Her face reddened. “I’m sure that could be arranged.”
He led her to a bench where they could keep an eye on his boys. “Now, tell me what’s been bothering you today?”
“It’s my ex.” She folded her hands in her lap. “He approached me at work yesterday, first via email, then I found him waiting by my car after my meetings. He seems to think I want to see him on the side.”
David frowned. “Do you want me to speak with him?”
“That wouldn’t do anything but fuel the fire.” She shook her head. “I made a mistake with Seth, not waiting for marriage. I never expected it to result in something like th
is.” She raised tear-filled eyes. “Do I strike you as that type of woman?”
“Not at all.” He pulled her close, putting her head on his shoulder. “Everyone makes mistakes, Tina. We shouldn’t have to pay for them for the rest of our lives.”
“I suppose. Did you sleep with Marilyn? Is that why she thinks she has demands on you?”
“Nope. I told you she isn’t my type.” He’d honestly thought he’d remain alone for the rest of his life after Mandy died. That was, until he met Tina. She felt so right in his arms. “But I wasn’t exactly a saint before meeting Mandy. I don’t care about your past, only what might be our future.”
She made a contented sound against his chest. “Maybe we should hook Seth and Marilyn up.”
He laughed, drawing the attention of Mark and Luke, who dashed to them. “Ready to go, boys?” Although David was reluctant to release Tina, there was school tomorrow.
At the cars, he planted a quick kiss on Tina while the boys climbed into the van. His sons made kissing noises and tossed out words like ‘eew’ and ‘gross’, bringing that delightful shade of red to Tina’s cheeks.
“Call me tomorrow,” she said, sliding behind the steering wheel of her Nissan.
“Definitely.” He tweaked her nose and loped to his jeep.
“You shouldn’t kiss in front of little kids, Dad,” Mark stated.
“Why not?”
“It might give us ideas.”
“Like what?” David glanced in his rearview mirror.
“We might want to kiss girls now,” Luke said.
“Not for a few more years, boys.” David grinned and headed for home. “Then, I think you’ll find it quite nice.”
“No, we won’t. Girls are mean.” Luke said.
David was fine with them thinking that for a very long time. As for him, well, he liked girls, a lot.
They pulled into the driveway of their house to see Marilyn sitting on the front porch swing. David sighed. What a way to ruin a good evening. “You boys head into the house and get ready for bed while I talk to your aunt.”
He’d rather chew glass. He shoved open his door, then went to unlock the front door so the boys could go in. He took a deep breath and turned to Marilyn. “Go home.”
She had her long legs crossed, one foot bouncing. “I’d rather talk to you. So, do you love her? Are you ready to shove my sister aside for the next flavor?”
“Mandy has been gone for two years.” He leaned against the porch railing. “There is nothing wrong with me dating again. Why do you have to sound like one of my mom’s old, scratched records and repeat yourself?”
“You’re making a mistake. What can a simple teacher offer you?” She unfolded herself and stepped closer, one finger toying with the buttons on his shirt.
“Love.”
She cocked her head. “I can give you that and so much more.”
He put his hands on her shoulders and gently pushed her back. “What you’re offering is not enough to base a marriage on. Find someone else, Marilyn. There are plenty of guys who would go for a girl like you.”
Her eyes narrowed. “What is that supposed to mean?”
“You want money? Find a guy with money. Heck, you don’t even have to marry him. Just leave me alone.” He swiped his hand across his face. “I’m tired of going over this every few months.”
“It isn’t just the physical relationship and the money I care about.” She stepped away. “I love you, in my own way. More than any other guy I’ve been around. We could be successful.”
“You make marriage sound like a business proposition.”
“So? Is that so bad?” She picked up the small purse she had set on the porch floor. “Think of the boys, David. If you marry me, their new mother would have the same blood as Mandy. If we had a child, it would be the closest thing to a full sibling as they could get. You have my number if you want me.” She stepped off the porch, hips swaying, and headed for her car.
David doubted she’d get the hint unless he put a ring on another woman’s finger. What would Tina say if he proposed to her after knowing her only a few weeks? They wouldn’t have to get married right away, but an engagement might get Seth off her back and make Marilyn realize he truly had no interest in her.
He went in the house, making sure all the doors were locked for the night, and checked on the boys. They giggled under their sheets, the glow of flashlights illuminating the room.
“Lights out, boys.” He whipped off the sheet.
They were looking at the women’s underwear section of a sales flyer. David shook his head and took it away. “Really, boys?”
“We’re just curious,” Mark said. “Grown up girls sure look different than the ones in our class.”
“Yes, they do. Now go to sleep.” He kissed each of them on their forehead, and left the room, taking the flyer with him. There was never a dull moment with those two around.
He tossed the flyer in the recycling bin and went to his room. He toed off his boots and stretched out on his bed before dialing Tina’s number.
“Hello.”
“Hey, gorgeous.”
She laughed. “It’s kind of late for the father of two little boys to still be up, don’t you think?”
“Yes, but I have a solution that might fix both of our’s problems. Tina Johnson, will you marry me?”
7
After stuttering around after David’s unexpected question, and managing to blurt out that she would think about it, Tina managed to ignore his calls through the rest of the week. Now, Thursday night, she found herself preparing for her second red hat club meeting. She stood outside the library doors with a newly crocheted baby blanket in her arms.
What was she going to say to Betty? Surely, David had told his mother he intended to pop the question to Tina. Pop it, he did, taking her completely by surprise.
“Let me get that for you.” Seth reached around her and opened the library door, his chest brushing against her.
Her skin crawled. “Are you stalking me?”
“No. Of course not.” He grinned. His overly sweet cologne stung her nostrils. “I happened to be driving by and saw you. Kind of late for a visit to the library, isn’t it?”
“It’s none of your business.” She shoved past him and immediately became swarmed by the red hatters, all of whom stared at him.
“Congratulations on your engagement.” Betty wrapped her in a hug.
“You’re engaged?” Seth’s eyes widened.
Tina sighed. How was she going to get out of this mess? “It’s … complicated.”
“Complicated is good.” He flashed another dentist-whitened smile and strolled to his car as if he didn’t have a care in the world.
Must be nice. Tina forced her own smile and accepted the congratulations of the other women.
“This was easy,” Mrs. Spencer said. “We hardly had to do any work at all.”
“I haven’t said yes.” Tina escaped the throng and placed her blanket on a back table in the meeting room. Two beautifully crafted wooden cradles sat against the wall.
“What do you mean?” Betty paled. “Don’t you like my boy?”
“Of course I do, it’s only that this is all so sudden.”
She patted Tina on the shoulder. “It’s only an engagement, dear, not a ceremony. My son made those cradles. Doesn’t he do good work?”
True, but she wasn’t convinced that a ring on her finger would make Seth leave her alone. “I suppose. I said I would think about it, and yes, David’s work is gorgeous.”
Winnie Barton took her place at the front of the room and clapped her hands to get everyone’s attention. “Take your seats, please.”
Tina found herself between Betty and Iris again. Iris leaned close. “They don’t mean any harm.”
“I know. It’s just that I haven’t decided what to do.” Tina cut her a sideways glance. “Could we have coffee after the meeting? Maybe you could help me see things more clearly.”
“I
’d love to. Us pink hats have to stick together.”
Pleased with the fact she may have made a close friend, Tina sat back and listened as Winnie told of how they’d gathered ten baby blankets so far and collected several grocery size bags of toiletries.
“We’re making a difference in our town, ladies. We have a lot to proud of. Now,” Winnie rubbed her hands together, “let’s decide what we’re going to do to get Tina hitched to David Larson.”
Tina’s breath left her as if she’d been punched in the gut. She gave Iris a startled glance. Iris shrugged and mouthed that they would talk about it later and for her to play along.
“What is your reluctance in saying ‘I do’,” Winnie asked. “David is handsome, wealthy, and kind. What more do you want?”
Tina wasn’t prone to anger, but her blood pressure spiked a notch or two. “I believe that the fact we barely know each other is reason enough.”
“Pshaw,” Betty said. “Don’t you believe in love at first sight?”
“No.” Which wasn’t true in the slightest. Tina already loved David, what woman wouldn’t? She’d known from the moment she’d spotted a shadow of sorrow cross his face over the death of his wife, and the way he worked to make a good life for his children. But, she wouldn’t marry a man she’d just met unless she truly believed he loved her in return.
“Of course, you do,” Viola Peters, one of the sisters said. “Every woman does.” She peered around Betty. “Unless you’ve been burned. That must be it. Some man has broken your heart.”
Lucy, the other sister, nodded. “Now, she has trust issues. What can we do about it?”
Tina looked from one woman to the next so fast, she feared her head would fall off. Were they actually talking about her as if she weren’t sitting right there? It was the longest two hours of her life.
When the meeting ended, she grabbed her purse and rushed from the room, Iris close on her heels. “I’ll meet you there,” Iris said.
Tina nodded. Maybe she’d skip next week’s meeting. If she was going to always be the topic of conversation, it wasn’t worth it.
Within twenty minutes, she and Iris sat at a round table outside the coffee shop. Tina twirled her cup in her hands. “Tell me how you got through it.”
Love Draws Near Page 10