“Your curls are gone,” Jade said.
“It was time for a professional look.”
“He works at the hospital now.” PJ handed her sisters their drinks.
“Corporate Compliance Officer, my official title.”
“Yikes,” Jade said. “Is that as boring as it sounds?”
“I don’t know.” Cody laughed. “You tell me.”
“It sounds like a challenge,” Jade said.
“It is, and I’m up for it. Now, who’s up for a little eight ball?”
Daniel entered the pizzeria, welcoming the air-conditioning. His stomach rumbled at the tempting aromas. He scanned the crowd, spotted Sarah Murray in a corner booth, and headed that way. A reporter for the Gazette, Sarah wanted to interview him about the new statue in the city park.
On his way to the table, he spotted the McKinley girls in the poolroom. PJ waved Daniel over and, after greeting Sarah briefly, he excused himself and joined them in the back room.
Cody Marquart greeted him with a handshake. “How you doing, man?”
“Cody. When did you get back in town?”
“Just in time for your Fourth of July speech. You rocked it, Mr. Mayor. Heard you were gearing up to run for Congress. Like father, like son, eh?”
They caught up for a couple minutes while the game continued.
Jade leaned over the rails for the winning shot. “Eight ball in the corner pocket.”
Cody’s eyes slid south to her denim-encased derriere and hung there for a long second.
Daniel clenched his jaw, fighting the urge to block his view. The black ball dropped into the pocket.
Her sisters groaned as Cody high-fived her. “Way to go, Jade. We make a great team.”
Daniel nearly rolled his eyes.
Jade finished her soda, announcing she was done in, and her sisters gathered their purses.
“I should get back to Sarah,” Daniel said. “See you all later. Cody, nice to see you.”
“You too, man. Let me know if I can help with the campaign.”
Daniel turned to leave, but not before he heard Cody’s parting words to Jade. “We should go out sometime. Catch up.”
Daniel slowed his steps to catch her response.
“Sure, that’d be great.”
Daniel could think of all kinds of adjectives to describe the idea. Great wasn’t on the list.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
“YOU WENT TO THE MOVIES SATURDAY WITH CODY?” DANIEL took 62 north toward Chapel Springs.
Her doctor’s appointment had gone smoothly—all was well with the babies. She smoothed her hand over her stomach. Her babies.
“I see the rumor mill’s working fine. However, the data is incomplete. We also went to an outdoor concert yesterday in Columbus. How’d your date with Sarah go?” Jade had seen them in a corner booth as she’d left Cappy’s. It had bothered her a little at first. But only because Sarah wasn’t good enough for Daniel. Not even close.
“It wasn’t a date. She was interviewing me about the new statue.”
“Yeah, right. She needed to meet you at a restaurant for the two quotes she used in the article.”
He shot her a look.
“If she’d been leaning any farther over the table, she would’ve fallen into her salad.”
“It was noisy.” He slowed for a car that pulled out in front of him. “So you still want me to hook you up with that friend of mine?”
“Let’s wait on that.” She’d decided to put the dating plan on hold when she’d found out about the twins. And she hadn’t expected Cody to pop into her life.
“Because of the twins or because of Cody?”
“Little of both, I guess.”
She felt Daniel’s eyes on her. “You think this thing with you two will go anywhere?”
“I don’t know. We’re going out again this weekend.” He was taking her out to eat in Louisville. She hadn’t figured out how to handle him dropping her off after the date. She’d driven herself on Saturday, and yesterday she’d had him drop her at the store, saying she’d had some work to catch up on. He’d given her a warm hug and kissed her on the cheek.
“You like him then?”
She thought over the weekend, the easy conversation, the pleasant kiss. “Sure, he’s great.” She spared Daniel a look. “And he meets all the criteria.”
He had a nice family rooted in Chapel Springs. His dad was a widower, and he had two married siblings. He planned on staying now that he’d found a job in the area, and he’d already mentioned his love of his nieces and nephew.
“What about . . . you know, the babies.”
“What about them?”
“I don’t know, I just—well, you’re having twins. Seems like he should know that.”
“Well, I can’t tell him until my family knows.” It wasn’t like she enjoyed withholding information. It was hard keeping this from her family, never mind Cody.
“I know, it’s just . . .”
“Just . . .”
Daniel shifted. Turned up the air. “It’s pertinent information, that’s all. If you’re dating seriously it seems like—”
“We’ve had two dates.”
“But there’s history. Things could advance quickly.”
“Because we were friends in high school?”
“You said you like him.” Daniel gave a humorless laugh. “And we all know he likes you.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Please. He couldn’t keep his eyes off your butt at Cappy’s.”
She gaped at him. “Whatever. Besides, you didn’t seem too worried when you were setting me up with James.”
“I didn’t know you were pregnant then. And what if Cody doesn’t want kids either?”
She almost brought up Cody’s nieces and nephew, but then . . . James enjoyed teaching children. That didn’t necessarily equate with parenthood.
“Very unlikely,” she said. Even so, maybe she should feel him out a little on their next date. Or maybe she should slow things down until she could tell him.
“A guy should know about something like this before his feelings get involved—all I’m saying.”
Great. He thought she and her babies were like a disease you didn’t want to catch. The fact that he had a good point only irritated her more. “You mean he should know he’s about to get saddled with two kids who aren’t his.”
“I didn’t say that, Jade.”
“It’s what you meant.”
He sighed, staring straight ahead. “How would you feel if some guy sprang something like that on you after you were crazy about him?”
“I know, I know. One baby would’ve been hard enough, but now . . . I was going to stop dating after I saw the ultrasound, but Cody just came along, and what do you want me to do? I can’t tell him yet.”
“I don’t know. Maybe slow things down or something.”
Maybe she should. She’d be able to tell everyone about the pregnancy in a couple weeks. Dread washed through her at the thought. She wasn’t going to tell them about Nick. She was still trying to forget, and she couldn’t do that if everyone knew. She’d tell them the father was no longer in the picture. True and easier.
She hated the way that made her look, like she’d hooked up with a random guy. Or like she’d been dumped by some loser. Her parents loved her unconditionally, but they’d be disappointed. She dreaded seeing her dad’s brows furrow, the light snuffed from her mom’s eyes. But that was still better than telling the truth. Of having the constant reminder of that night reflected on their faces. Better than stressing Mom out over everything she’d gone through.
Something fluttered inside her stomach, stealing her thoughts.
The doctor had said she’d feel the babies move soon. Was that what she’d felt? She set her hand on her belly, going still. Is that you, little ones?
“What’s wrong?” Daniel braked for a stoplight as they passed through a four-corner town.
“Nothing,” she
said softly, waiting for another flutter.
It came a few seconds later. She inhaled, holding still, afraid it would stop if she moved.
He frowned at her. “Something’s wrong.”
She looked down at the curve of her belly. “The babies are moving,” she whispered.
The fluttering continued another few seconds, then stopped. “That was amazing.”
“What did it feel like?”
“Like—like a butterfly fluttering around.”
She held his gaze, a smile breaking out on her face. The corners of his mouth tipped up.
A car honked behind them and Daniel accelerated.
Somehow feeling them move made them even more real than the ultrasound had. Made her realize anew she’d better get her act together and soon. It’s going to be okay, little ones. I’ll take good care of you. You’ll see.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
DANIEL TOOK A BITE OF RISOTTO AND SIGNALED THE WAITER for a refill. His dad was sharing some fund-raising advice. Daniel traded a smile with Courtney, hoping they weren’t boring her to death. His mom had invited her along.
His trip to DC couldn’t end soon enough. Something about dinner with his parents made him want to hop on his johnboat and escape to the open water of the river.
He checked his watch, wondering how Jade was faring with Cody. If she was having a good time. If he would kiss her good night.
His heart twisted at the thought. He wondered if the guy had any idea how lucky he was.
“Daniel.” He could tell by Mom’s tone it wasn’t the first time she’d addressed him.
“Sorry, what was that?”
“Darling, where are you tonight? Your dad just had a fabulous fund-raising idea.”
“Backyard barbecues,” Dad said. “It’s all about grassroots these days. You’ll capitalize on the hometown mayor, volunteer fireman angle. People are going to eat that up. You have that down-to-earth quality the constituents are craving right now.”
Mom raised her glass. “And don’t forget the Harvard education.”
Dad chuckled. “My wallet sure hasn’t.”
“I like that idea, Dad.”
“Daddy’s always saying that,” Courtney said. “You have a great small-town vibe. You should play that up. Between that, your charm, and your good looks, you’re a shoo-in.”
His mom’s blue eyes lit up as they toggled between him and Courtney. He could see the wedding wheels spinning.
The waiter set his refill down and Daniel sipped it, listening as they tossed out ideas. He’d always known what his future held. Dad had followed in Grandpa’s footsteps, taking family politics all the way to the Senate floor. When his mom had begun traveling with him much of the time, they’d sent him back to Chapel Springs to live with his grandma.
Daniel had always known he was expected to follow in his father’s footsteps, from the Harvard education straight to DC. His run for mayor had been a calculated move on his parents’ behalf, but it was a labor of love for Daniel. He loved the town, he loved the people, and he loved being in a position that allowed him to better people’s lives.
He loved serving the community, both as mayor and fire fighter. They’d balked on the last one until he’d convinced them it would benefit him politically.
“—Like the McKinleys.”
“What?” Daniel said. “Sorry, I missed that.”
Mom’s perfectly pink lips dipped at the corners. “I was saying that perhaps the McKinleys could host your first local barbecue. They have that sprawling old farmland—just the sort of middle-class image you want to project.”
“I don’t think so,” Daniel said. “Mrs. McKinley’s recovering from a heart attack, remember?” He was careful not to call her Mama Jo. The one time he’d let that slip, his mom had snubbed him for weeks.
“Well, it wouldn’t be anytime soon,” Mom said.
“The McKinleys are farmers,” Dad added for Courtney’s benefit. “It doesn’t get more down-home than that. Your mom’s right, son. The farming community is important in Indiana. Get their support, and you’ve a good start.”
“I’m not using my friends to further my career.”
Mom chuckled. “Oh, honey, you’d better get used to it.”
“If they’re friends, they’ll be happy to help,” Dad said.
“Right,” Mom said. “I’m sure the McKinleys would be honored to host. Mrs. McKinley could whip up a big old batch of potato salad or something.” Her eyes twinkled.
“Doesn’t one of her brood do catering or some such?” Dad asked.
“PJ’s in culinary school.”
“Perfect.” Mom dabbed her mouth with the linen napkin, her eyes lighting up. “And one of them plays the guitar. Bluegrass music, right?” Mom silently clapped her hands. “She could be the entertainment for the evening. I can just see her now, sitting on a tree stump, picking away in a straw hat.”
Daniel clamped his teeth together, setting his napkin on his empty plate. “Her name is Jade. And she plays blues, not bluegrass, Mom. You make them sound like hillbillies.”
Mom’s laugh twittered. “Oh, honey, don’t be silly. They’re lovely farming folk. Perfect for—”
“Let’s talk about something else,” Daniel said. “I’m sure Courtney gets more than enough talk of politics.”
“How are things going in town with tourism?” Dad asked, not exactly a change of topic. “I know things have been slow the last few years.”
“Still slow. I’ve been meeting with the transportation department. We’re considering the idea of a ferry to draw tourists from Cincinnati and Louisville.”
“That’s a great idea,” Courtney said.
“You remember the Allen family?” Dad asked. “Father and son, representatives from District One in Ohio?”
“Sure. We met at a party last year.”
“Their family owns a ferry service on the Ohio River.”
“I wonder if they’d be interested in sharing some business,” Mom said.
“Not a bad idea, Dad. Too bad it doesn’t run to Louisville.” Still, one city was better than none.
“Maybe not, but getting in with the Crawfords would be a smart move. Let me do some checking, and I’ll get back with you.”
Dad swiftly turned the topic to Courtney’s job. She was working her way up at Regal, Stallings, and Landry law firm, hoping to make partner by the end of the year.
After sitting at the restaurant until he was stiff, Daniel said good-bye to his parents, finalizing plans for their upcoming visit to Chapel Springs.
When they reached Courtney’s door, she turned on the porch. “You know, Daniel, I think you have a bright future ahead of you.”
“Think so?”
“You have all the right qualities to go all the way.” She tilted her head. “The question is, do you have the support you need?”
“What do you mean?”
“Behind every great politician stands a supportive family, a supportive wife. You’re about to embark on a challenging journey.”
She ran her hand down his lapel. “I know we haven’t been dating long, but I think we make a great team, and I sense something holding you back. Or someone. Either way, some people in your life won’t be suitable for the challenge. They won’t understand what you’re about to undertake.” She reached up and set her lips on his. “Those are the people you’ll need to leave behind.”
“Maybe you’re right.”
Her words lingered in his mind as he turned toward Dulles where he’d return his rental and fly home. Home. Sometimes he felt so confused after coming to DC. Like he was split in two. Courtney’s words hadn’t helped matters.
Trying to shake the feeling, he checked the time again, wondering if Jade was back at the store. He hoped she wasn’t anxious about her safety anymore. He sure wasn’t sending another stupid note.
He thought of Monday when Jade had felt the babies move. He’d itched to set his palm on her stomach. After the doctor’s appointments, he fe
lt like he was in this with her. He held her hand during the ultrasound, reminded her to drink water and take her vitamins.
It didn’t help that her doctor thought he was the father. A part of him liked it, and God knew, he wished it were true. He could wish all he wanted, that didn’t make it so. There was no future for them, not the kind he yearned for. He could hardly count the obstacles.
Even without the problem of his parents, there was his future. He was planning to become the next District Nine congressman, and he knew better than most what that meant. His parents had been gone more than they were home, distracted more than they were present. Jade deserved so much more. Her children deserved so much more. His grandma had been a great surrogate, but no one could replace an absent mom and dad. Not even the McKinleys, though they’d tried.
His future would consist of weeks away from home, publicity, glad-handing, fund-raisers, and interviews. He couldn’t see Jade wanting any part of that. Even if she were interested. And she wasn’t.
The biggest obstacle of all.
Despite his conflicting feelings, he’d had to be there for her. The problem was that all this extra time with her had only made his feelings grow. Had made him want things he’d resigned himself to never having.
Because if he were honest, he’d begun to tell himself little lies. When she lay on the examination table, he’d let himself imagine she was his wife, that the babies were his. When she looked at him, he’d convinced himself there was more than friendship in her eyes. It had seemed innocuous at first. Just a little make-believe. Just a little pretense to ease the pain of reality.
But somehow the pretense had gotten out of hand. What would Jade think if she knew? She’d be horrified.
He gripped the steering wheel as reality hit him with the force of a head-on collision. He had to stop lying to himself. She’d tell her folks next week, and once she did, he had to let them take over her care and support. It wasn’t doing him or anyone else any good to believe the lies.
Maybe Courtney was right. Maybe Jade was one of those people he had to leave behind. Maybe he had to step back, cut ties. Maybe he had to let Jade go once and for all.
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