Suddenly, the food didn’t look as appetizing. “I’m afraid it has.”
“They can’t lay you off.” Kerry paused with her fork in midair. “The district has to notify you the previous spring if that’s a possibility.” Preliminary layoff notices—usually more than necessary, just in case—had to be sent by March. Budgets were firmed up in May, except when the legislature kept changing its allocations...like this year.
“My job’s safe, in a sense.” Peter had enough seniority to survive the cuts. But not enough to keep his favorite classroom. “However, the principal has reassigned me to teach physical education.”
His parents sat stunned. They knew how much he loved biology. Even though he had his P.E. credentials, that had always been a secondary field for him.
“When?” Rod asked.
“I got the news two weeks after classes started. What a mess.” Peter took a swallow of orange juice before continuing. “The state cut funding, the high school dropped its Japanese language program and that teacher had seniority over me.”
“And a biology credential, I assume,” his father muttered. “I hope he or she has kept up-to-date.”
“She’s been teaching one freshman biology class,” Peter confirmed. “But she doesn’t especially like the subject. How she’s going to do a full slate of the classes, including Advanced Placement, I have no idea.”
“Meanwhile, you’re running around like crazy figuring out new lesson plans,” Kerry summed up.
Peter appreciated that, as retired teachers, his parents understood what he had to deal with. Maybe it was fortunate that, thanks to them, he had only this year before his departure for Maryland. Yet he regretted not being able to put in more time with some of the students he’d been mentoring. The outstanding kids would adjust well; they had their inner drive and usually support at home. His concern was for a group of struggling kids who, last year, had begun to blossom with his encouragement and extra tutoring sessions.
He hated leaving them. He’d been counting on having at least one more year to bring out their potential.
“You must be frustrated,” his father said.
“And exhausted,” Peter admitted. “On the positive side, I put together a proposal for the picture book and sent it to a couple of agents.” When he ran out of patience with lesson plans, he’d found the project a welcome relief. And he felt closer to Harper when he was writing it. “Maybe I can have a second career earning—what do children’s book authors make? A few thousand bucks a year?”
“But I’ll bet it’s fun,” his mother said.
“There’s that.” He returned his attention to the meal. No sense letting his other problems spoil his appetite. “You’ve outdone yourself, Mom.”
“Just something I whipped up.”
“Right.” He grinned.
After they’d cleaned their plates and his father had served the coffee, Kerry gave a little cough. It sounded like a signal to his dad. Now what? With so much on his mind, Peter had forgotten his earlier impression that his parents were hiding something.
It reminded him of the evening they’d revealed his sister’s pregnancy. Now what?
His father spoke up. “We have a little news.”
“It can’t be good, or you’d have told me sooner.” Peter rested his elbows on the table.
“It’s not that bad.” His mother’s frown lines hinted otherwise.
“We have a strong bid on the house,” Rod said. “The sold sign goes up on Monday.”
They’d only had the place on the market for a few weeks. “That was fast.”
“The agent says we priced it right for the market,” his father noted.
“How long...?” He couldn’t finish the question.
“Sixty-day escrow.” His mother watched him closely.
Then this home would belong to someone else. Peter tried to stay positive. “Have you found a place in Maryland?”
“Not yet.” His father went on talking, with his mother adding a detail here and there, as they outlined their plans. Next week, they’d fly there to tour listed properties. If they didn’t find a place right away, they’d rent short-term.
By Thanksgiving, they’d be gone. It was only a few months sooner than expected. Yet despite his decision to relocate, Peter saw, he hadn’t truly prepared emotionally. Now the future was arriving with lightning speed. Should he leave earlier than planned? Betty’s mother-in-law had emailed him not only about preschools but also about the private high school her son had attended, where she served on the board. Just last week she’d mentioned that a biology teacher was leaving midyear, due to her husband’s job transfer. Peter had set the information aside without paying much attention.
If Vanessa didn’t get pregnant, he’d have no reason to stay in California. Even if she did, he could fly in to see her like the French couple had done.
No reason to stay. Peter’s gut tightened. No reason except...
He’d see Harper at the wedding today for the first time since they parted company last month. Her quick laughter, her sharp sideways glances, her soft mouth. Would he encounter welcoming warmth, or had she pushed him out of her thoughts as easily as she’d ejected him from her life?
Not easily. That was unfair.
As he took his leave of his parents, Peter didn’t know what he hoped would happen between him and Harper at the wedding. Something to help him make up his mind.
Or maybe a reason to stay.
* * *
“PETER’S HERE!” MIA raced into the bride’s room, her hair ribbon askew. Harper reached down to straighten it and check her daughter’s dress. Despite Mia’s running back and forth to the wedding chapel foyer, the little girl looked lovely, if a little out of breath.
“Who’s Peter?” asked Ellie. The bride’s sister, wearing her blue-and-purple matron-of-honor dress, peered up from the curling iron that she was applying to Stacy’s hair. Instead of a veil or a hat, the bride had chosen narrow crisscrossed golden headbands set with pearls and rhinestones, a style that suited her Grecian dress and left most of her hair loose.
“He’s, uh...” Mia turned to Harper.
“A friend,” she said.
In the mirror, Stacy rolled her eyes.
“More than a friend?” Ellie guessed.
“Long story.” Harper surveyed the bride, who was standing up to avoid wrinkling her gown. With her bulge becoming more pronounced every day, Stacy could have passed for a fertility goddess.
“I’m going to sit with him,” Mia announced.
“You’re going to sit with Adrienne and Reggie, as we arranged,” Harper corrected. “Besides, he probably brought a date.” She tried to ignore a twinge in her chest.
“He’d better not,” Stacy said. “I invited him as your plus-one.”
“This is getting more interesting by the minute.” Ellie finished her ministrations. “Tell me more.”
“I don’t know what it said on his invitation. It came from you, not me.” Harper was about to remind her daughter again to follow their seating plan, but Mia had already scooted into the hall. “Oh, for heaven’s sake!”
“Somebody’s got a crush,” Ellie said.
“I do not!”
“I meant your daughter.” Stacy’s sister smirked.
Stacy was fighting a smile, too. Well, never mind what they thought. Never mind what her heart told her, either.
In the wide mirror, Harper studied her reflection. She’d curled her hair, now chin length, into a pageboy. The blue-trimmed lavender dress suited her figure, which had lost the extra pounds she’d put on while taking hormones. As for her cheeks, they were pink from embarrassment.
“You certainly don’t need any blusher,” Ellie teased.
Harper glared.
“Okay, that expressi
on might work on me if you weren’t my kid sister’s buddy, but you’re out of luck,” the other woman announced. “So, is this Peter cute? I hope Mia does sit with him so I can pick him out when we’re up front.”
“No ogling the guests.” Stacy slipped her feet into strappy high-heeled sandals. “Has anybody seen Cole? I can’t believe he scheduled surgery this morning.” The last operation had been due to end three hours ago, but might have run long. He hadn’t stopped in to announce his arrival since, according to tradition, the groom wasn’t supposed to see the bride before the ceremony.
“It never occurred to him that cutting people open wasn’t appropriate on his wedding day?” Ellie asked.
“Guess you have a few things to learn about your new brother-in-law,” Harper said. “And I’m sure he’s here. Cole’s head over heels in love. He’d never be late.”
“I just hope he doesn’t lose the ring.” Stacy grinned. “Oh, who cares, as long as we both make it to the altar.”
“With Dr. Tartikoff as best man, the ring wouldn’t dare disappear.” Harper gave a start as someone rapped on the door.
She opened it to admit Stacy’s parents, Ellen and Alastair Layne, who strolled in holding hands. After struggling with marital problems, the couple had recently attended a marriage renewal weekend. Since then, according to Stacy, they’d been acting like newlyweds.
“How’s it going?” Ellen asked.
The bride’s father beamed. “Honey, you look incredible.”
Stacy took a deep breath. “Thanks, Dad.” She and her father had quarreled after he learned about her unplanned pregnancy, but that was in the past.
Tears pricked Harper’s eyes. Pleased as she was for Stacy, she missed her own parents. And having a husband who loved her, someone to hold on to and cherish. A man who, on her mental screen, resembled Peter more than Sean.
This isn’t about me. It’s Stacy’s day, and she deserves the most wonderful wedding in the world. Don’t you dare act gloomy.
Under the guidance of the wedding planner, the small group assembled in the empty foyer. Belatedly, Harper wished she’d checked on Mia. No help for that now.
When the processional music began, Harper went first, as they’d rehearsed. Clutching her bouquet, she took measured steps, keeping pace with the music.
Ahead of her, at the altar, Cole fidgeted in anticipation as he gazed past Harper. Beside him, the fertility department chief waited with a confident tilt of the head. Dr. Tartikoff’s usual sardonic expression had morphed into an almost goofy grin. As for the other groomsman, Lucky Mendez, whose tux hid his tattoos, he appeared braced to leap to the groom’s rescue if needed. Just what Harper would expect from Cole’s ever-efficient office nurse.
Vaguely, she noted that the chapel was nearly full. Most of the guests were hospital staff, she presumed. Harper didn’t dare sneak sideways glances and risk tripping.
Reaching the altar, she took a position that left space for Ellie. The bride’s sister approached gracefully down the aisle.
Now that she had the chance, Harper zeroed in on her daughter and the man beside her. Mia had found a place with Peter, after all.
In a dark suit and gray striped tie, the man took Harper’s breath away. Across the rows, he met her gaze with an openness that sent warmth simmering right down to her dyed-to-match blue shoes. Had he longed for her, too? Was she insane even to speculate about that?
He hadn’t brought a date, she saw with relief. On his right sat an elderly couple she didn’t recognize.
Mia gazed joyfully up at him. “Someone has a crush.” The remembered comment brought Harper up short.
On Mia’s other side, Adrienne gave Harper a resigned shrug. As for Reggie, he wiggled around and knelt backward on his chair as the music shifted into the bridal march. His aunt had to grab the seat back to prevent it from tipping.
Stacy appeared in the entry, aglow with happiness. The chapel seemed to brighten as she stepped forward between her mother, elegant in a golden dress, and her tuxedoed father. Harper’s heart lifted, sharing this magical moment. Blinking back tears, she watched the Laynes hand their daughter to Cole.
“I do!” the groom announced, although no one had asked him anything.
Chuckles ran through the crowd.
Stacy squeezed her husband-to-be’s arm. “Not yet,” she said.
“Soon,” the minister assured them, and began the service.
Chapter Fifteen
Another wedding. Another happy couple. Another pregnant bride. Finishing his meal in the banquet hall, Peter was grateful to have been invited, even though Harper and Mia were placed at the head table and he was out in the boondocks. A sense of good fellowship filled him, just as it had at his sister’s wedding last month.
Since the people at his table included several hospital staff members along with Una and Jim Barker, who were having twins using the bride’s donated eggs, the conversation featured babies, pregnancies and the fertility program.
Peter kept quiet about his personal situation, given the uncertainty regarding Vanessa’s possible pregnancy. He’d hate to be asked what he’d do if the eggs failed to implant, because he didn’t know.
As the bride and groom claimed their first dance, he tried to picture his wife on their wedding day. What kind of gown had she worn? For heaven’s sake, he had a DVD and a keepsake book, not to mention the dress itself preserved in an acid-free display box. He could take them out and look at them anytime. Perhaps he’d do that tonight.
Plenty of people had told him that two years of mourning was enough. That anyone who clung to a deceased spouse for so long must be weak in the head, or morbidly self-indulgent.
Peter shook off the idea. He wasn’t clinging to anyone. He had room in his heart for feelings, just not the same kind.
As if on cue, he spotted Harper wending her way to the dance floor on the arm of Cole’s male nurse, a muscular fellow with a military-style haircut. As they walked, they didn’t sway toward each other, or bend their heads together as if sharing a private word. There was nothing special between them, Peter reflected with relief, and then dismissed his flash of jealousy as unworthy of him, and Harper.
A waving motion caught his eye. At the head table, Mia was signaling him. Peter grinned. What a sweetheart.
About to wave back, he realized she was nodding along with the music. Well, why not?
Excusing himself from his table, Peter went to join her. Catching a curious glance from the matron of honor, he gave her a polite nod before turning to Mia. “Would you care to dance, young lady?”
“I thought you’d never ask!” With that grown-up remark, she jumped to her feet and darted toward the dance floor.
Heaven help the local boys when she reached her teens, Peter thought in amusement. She should have a father to protect her from them, too.
Following a lilting opening song for the bride and groom, the disc jockey shifted to a fast number. Mia gyrated merrily, her blue dress swirling. Peter took her hand and helped her spin, to her delight and that of the guests around them.
He caught Harper’s gaze. What a sweet, wistful expression.
The music changed. Time to switch partners. Peter made eye contact with Adrienne at a nearby table, and nodded toward Reggie, who was bouncing in his chair. She grabbed her nephew, said something in his ear and propelled him in Mia’s direction.
“Look who’s cutting in,” Peter told her, and yielded his spot to the little boy. Jacket rumpled, tie crooked and a spot of food on one cheek, Reggie began to jump about enthusiastically. Although Mia’s nose twitched, she didn’t object.
Where was Harper?
He saw her dancing with a guy Peter didn’t recognize and wished would disappear. Out of courtesy, he waited a few minutes until the tempo slowed, then cut in.
“You look be
autiful,” he told Harper, taking her in his arms. What inadequate words to describe her vivid expression and the sensual way she glided against him, her heels putting them at almost the same height.
“You should wear a suit more often.” Her breath tickled his ear.
Intoxicated by her fragrance, Peter had trouble responding coherently. “To play soccer and coach wrestling?”
“In the shower would be fine, too.” Her cheek brushed his, and she stumbled a little as he steered her around another couple.
“Too much champagne?” he murmured.
“Only half a glass,” she replied. “I’m driving.”
“Not right now, you aren’t,” he said, and gripped her more firmly around the waist.
Harper yielded readily, her body generating heat against his. For Peter, the room faded until there was no one but the two of them and nothing but their natural, tantalizing connection.
“I’ve missed you,” he murmured.
She caught her breath. “Oh, Peter.”
“I...” He broke off as, from the corner of his eye, he saw a painfully familiar figure in a lacy white dress. There was the scooped, beaded bodice he’d forgotten earlier, the ivory skin and slender neck, and Angela’s wounded gaze trained on him.
Startled, Peter regarded the woman directly. It was only Stacy, and she didn’t appear distressed at all.
“You’re acting like you just saw a ghost,” Harper said.
He didn’t attempt to cover his reaction. “I think I did.”
“You mean that ghost?” Harper drew back. “I should have expected it.”
The music stopped. The deejay invited them all to a corner table, where the bride and groom were about to cut the cake.
Peter caught Harper’s arm. “What did you mean, you expected it?”
“Never mind.” She withdrew from his grasp.
“We should finish this conversation.” A dance floor might not be the best place to discuss sensitive matters, but he hadn’t meant to disappoint her. Or to drive her away.
“I think it’s finished.”
“Harper...” Peter didn’t dare say any more, because here came Mia. She’d shed Reggie and acquired a slightly older girl as a companion.
His Baby Dream (Safe Harbor Medical) Page 15