Pinky Promise (Riverbend Romance 2)

by Valerie Comer

  “You can ask Jesus for a daddy.”

  “Will He give me one?”

  Kelly lifted a shoulder. “I don’t know. Sometimes He says yes to prayers, and sometimes He says no. And sometimes, like Mommy, He says to wait a while. Like when you wanted Sophie to come visit, and I said not until Thursday.”

  Elena nodded thoughtfully. “I’ll ask Jesus lots.”

  A vision of Elena running around the playground at school and shouting out her prayers popped into Kelly’s mind. “There’s another rule. I’ve told you that you can talk to Jesus anytime, anywhere, and He’ll always hear you. But this is a special kind of prayer, and you’re only allowed to pray it out loud at bedtime. Otherwise it has to be a quiet prayer in your head.”

  “Why?”

  “It just does. And one more thing.”

  Elena sighed. “What?”

  “Remember when we talked about pinky promises?” Kelly held up her hand and stretched out her little finger. “I want you to pinky promise me you won’t talk to Sophie’s daddy about it. That you won’t ask him to be your daddy.”

  “I don’t want to pinky promise that.”

  “I need you to.”

  “But—”

  “Elena, please obey me.”

  How could such a small body come up with a sigh the size of an elephant? Elena twined her finger around Kelly’s. “Pinky promise.”

  ~*~

  “Elena is my bestest friend in the whole world, Daddy.”

  Ian smiled at his daughter as they walked toward the Jeep. “I’m glad you made a friend so quickly, Sophie. I know you were sad to leave Willow behind.”

  “I like Willow, but Elena is my twin.”

  Who could argue with that logic?

  “Can I really go to her house every day?”

  “During spring break, yes. I couldn’t find anyplace else for you to go, so I asked her mom.”

  Sophie clung to his hand and skipped. “I’m glad. I don’t want to go anywhere else, except maybe heaven.”

  Ian’s heart clenched. “We can’t visit heaven. When we move there, like your mommy did, we can’t come back here and visit.” Sophie was only two when her mother passed away. She didn’t even remember Maria. Only a few photos tied them together. If Ian could help it, it would be a long time — if ever — before Sophie found out her mother had left them months before she died in the plane crash.

  “Can you get me a new mommy?”

  He’d bet anything Kelly and Elena were having a similar conversation. Those little girls were both plenty determined.

  “Maybe someday. It’s not quite like going to the store and picking out a new pair of shoes. It’s more complicated.” Although, he wouldn’t say no to a few dates with Kelly to see where things might lead. Wasn’t that like seeing if the fit was comfortable?

  “Why?”

  He blinked and shook the vision of dating Kelly out of his mind. “Why what?”

  “Why is it com-pul-cated?”

  “It’s a grown-up thing, Sophie.”

  “Everything grown-up is com-pul-cated.”

  He chuckled. “You got that right. But I’m glad you made a friend. How about the other kids in your class?”

  “There’s a boy who makes faces at me and sticks out his tongue.”

  Aw, young love. Ian bet Sophie didn’t see it that way. “Any other girls?”

  Sophie shrugged. “Gracie is nice, but Elena is my twin.”

  Ian would like to sit Miss Jamieson down and talk to her about putting ideas in these kids’ heads. Did the teacher have any idea what she’d turned loose with her simple words?

  “Is it a long time until my birthday, Daddy?”

  A calendar blinked into his mind. “Uh, not very long. Not quite two months.”

  “And then I’ll be seven? And my twin will be, too?”

  How the years had zipped by. He shook his head. “Seven. Yes, I guess you will be. You’re getting so big.”

  She giggled. “That’s because you feed me good, Daddy. And I eat my veggies.”

  “That’s right.” He grinned down at her as he opened the Jeep door for her.

  “When I turned six you took me and my friends to the zoo. Can we go again?”

  “No, I’m sorry. We moved, remember? There isn’t any zoo nearby that we can go to. We’ll have to think of something else.”

  “I’ll think hard.”

  “You do that.” At least she’d forgotten her quest for a mother, if only for a moment. He’d have to be careful not to ask her what she wanted for her birthday, at least in public. He could just hear the answer now.

  “Did you have fun at work today, Daddy?”

  “I did. I had a meeting and talked to all the people who work in my new office.”

  Sophie snapped the buckles on her harness. “A meeting doesn’t sound fun.”

  “A meeting is fun if you like the people who are there with you.” And he did like one of them quite a lot for someone he’d just met. He already knew he wanted to get to know Kelly Bryant much better. If only he could do that without planting ideas in Sophie’s head.

  The kid was too observant for her own good.

  Chapter 4

  Elena and Sophie ran off down the sidewalk, holding hands, leaving their parents to walk along behind, not holding hands. Of course they weren’t. But this was weird. More purposeful than when they’d gone for ice cream on Monday.

  When was the last time Kelly had invited a man over? Never since Elena’s birth, that’s how long. Telling herself this was a daycare arrangement wasn’t helping. She knew that wasn’t why her heart was skittering and her hands clammy. She was far too aware of the tall, good-looking guy beside her. Having his child in her home — getting to know and love Sophie — was only going to compound the problem.

  If only a certain handsome man hadn’t kept her awake the past few nights. She needed all her wits about her to keep from saying the wrong thing, and lack of sleep wasn’t helping.

  “Tell me about your church.”

  Kelly blinked. Not the question she’d expected, but she’d rather talk about that with him than work. “It’s great. Pastor Davis has a way of making the Bible interesting and practical. There’s a broad range of ages, too. Lots of young families, teens, middle-aged folks, and seniors.”

  “Sounds good. I think Sophie and I will give it a try Sunday.”

  “It starts at ten thirty, and there’s children’s church during the service. Elena loves it.”

  “Then I’m sure Sophie will, too.”

  Because the two were practically joined at the hip like real twins. Whatever one voiced, the other immediately approved, like an echo. Was Kelly really up for this?

  The girls waited at the street corner. “Can I push the crosswalk button, Mommy?”

  “Hang on a minute.” Kelly glanced up at Ian. “Waiting is not Elena’s strong suit.”

  A dimple creased his cheek as he winked at her.

  “She has strong opinions. About everything.”

  He bumped her arm. “Does she get that from anyone I might have met?”

  Kelly’s face flushed. “Maybe. I guess I should ask my mother how she taught me tact. And appropriateness.” Given with whom she was speaking at the moment — and what they were saying — maybe her mom hadn’t managed to teach her anything at all.

  “Kelly, we don’t need to let those kids bully us into anything. They’re just being children and don’t understand what they’re asking.”

  Did that mean Sophie was begging him the way Elena was begging her? Oh, man. How embarrassing.

  They arrived at the corner, Elena pushed the button, and the girls dashed across and down the block, once again leaving Kelly with Ian.

  “I guess what I’m trying to say is, all they see is their own wants.” He shrugged. “They aren’t bad wants, of course, but the girls are only six. They don’t understand the entire scope of what they’re asking.”

  Kelly wasn’t so sure about that. “I
t’d be easier to derail them if we could convince them their schemes had no hope.” She felt his gaze on the top of her head, but no way was she looking up. It wasn’t a lack of interest, but it was too much, way too quickly, and he knew nothing about her. She’d always thought this impulsiveness in a relationship was in her distant past and that she’d learned her lesson. That one day, maybe, she’d meet a wonderful man and he’d court her and shower her with gifts and sweet words and eventually they’d marry. By the lack of her daughter in that daydream, she’d obviously assumed it would happen after Elena left home.

  Elena and Sophie skipped around the corner at the end of the block, holding hands.

  “This is a nice established neighborhood,” Ian said. “I can’t wait to get Sophie and me into a house again. I rented an apartment as there was no time to look before our move.”

  As they turned the corner into the cul-de-sac, Kelly pointed to the blue and white bungalow a few doors down. “That’s where we live.”

  “Nice!”

  Once again, she could feel his gaze. Once again, she didn’t look up. Time for full disclosure, lest he think she was richer than she was. Though of course he could look up her salary with just a few clicks at the office. Maybe he already had. “I rent the basement suite from an older lady. She’s happy to let us use the backyard, so it works out well.”

  “Sounds good.”

  She tried to see the 1960s-era neighborhood through his eyes. Obviously he was used to something nicer. Newer. Or maybe she was inventing thoughts for him.

  The girls ran up the empty driveway and through the gate at the back of the house.

  “Where do you park your car?”

  Kelly took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “I don’t have one.” This time she sneaked a peek. “That’s one reason we live in this part of town. Close enough to walk to work, school, shopping.” Everything but church, really. That was clear across town.

  He looked thoughtfully around.

  “Look, if it’s not a good enough neighborhood for Sophie, I understand.” Or if I’m not good enough.

  Ian touched her arm. “Kelly, I wasn’t thinking any such thing. I’m not a snob.”

  She looked up into his brown eyes, bracing herself for pity, but it wasn’t there. He was looking at her, not her house. Not her lack. Both his hands rubbed her upper arms.

  Kelly pulled away. Not in the middle of her street, where any of her neighbors might be peering out from behind their curtains — and probably were. Like Mrs. Consuelo across the street. Yep, her drapery shifted a little when Kelly glanced over.

  Awkward.

  If Kelly hadn’t planned to stay on the straight-and-narrow before, the realization that every single neighbor would know exactly when Ian came and when he left would keep her there.

  ~*~

  Ian followed Kelly into the backyard where both girls, squealing with glee, already played on a swing set reminiscent of his own childhood. The lawn, still brown with a few lumps of snow in shaded areas, looked well tended. A flowerbed along the patio was thick with green shoots and the fuzzy heads of developing crocuses. Looked like Kelly worked in the right department with the town.

  “Want coffee or tea?” Kelly clicked the gate behind her. She headed down a set of steps that descended from the patio to a blue door.

  “Sure. Whichever you’re having.” Should he follow her or not? The patio contained a small round table with two chairs. Maybe that’s where he should wait, where he could keep an eye on the girls.

  She paused with a key in the door, glancing up at him. “It’s okay to have an opinion.”

  He grinned. “Is it equally okay not to have one?”

  “Men.” She rolled her eyes. “Tea it is. Just for that, I should serve yours in an antique porcelain teacup.” She opened the door before seeming to realize he hadn’t followed her. “You’re welcome to come in, if you like. The girls will be fine. Elena knows not to open the gate without asking.”

  A quick glance was hardly needed, as both girls were singing Jesus Loves Me at the top of their voices, not quite in time to the creaking swings.

  Ian hoped that old set was well anchored, but he couldn’t see any of the six legs lifting off the ground, so he had to assume someone had installed it well. He followed Kelly down the stairs and into her home.

  The walls were covered with 60s-style wood paneling sheets, but someone — maybe Kelly? — had painted them a pale blue. The entry immediately opened up into a kitchen with the living room beyond. A vintage table and vinyl-covered chairs separated the area. Although nothing was new, the space seemed incredibly welcoming, and even homey with a stack of magazines and a child-size easel. Nothing like his bare space.

  Kelly pulled an electric kettle from a lower cupboard, filled it with water, and plugged it in. Then, leaning against the sink cabinet, she turned to look at him.

  “This is a great apartment you have here. Did you paint the walls?”

  She nodded, still seeming wary. “It was beyond dingy when we moved in two years ago. I could barely stand it.”

  “Then why choose this place?” He probably shouldn’t have asked.

  “Limited budget.” She shrugged. “The owner is a friend of my grandmother’s, and she’s given me a good deal. And location, like I said.”

  “Makes sense. It sure isn’t dingy now. It has a lot of personality.” Kelly’s, no doubt. A personality that exhibited itself all across the space, from the robin’s egg painted cupboards with crisp white trim to the white TV stand and bookshelf combo running the length of one living room wall. No, it wasn’t as tidy as his place, but maybe he shouldn’t have aspired to sterile.

  “Thanks. I love fixing up old stuff. Paint is my best friend.”

  He quirked a grin. “Not Vanessa?”

  Her face flushed. “Not so much, no. She’s a fine person to work with, but we don’t hang out after hours.” She glanced at him then away. “There’s not a lot in common besides landscaping.”

  “Where do you find your projects? Kijiji? The antiques mall?”

  “More like garage sales or people emptying basements.” She opened an upper cupboard, revealing a jumble of boxes and tins. “What kind of tea? Black? Green? Herbal?”

  “Uh...” He’d been going to say, whatever she wanted, but she probably didn’t keep any varieties she didn’t care for. He crossed the room as Kelly started to step out of his way, but he braced his hands on the counter on either side of her, hemming her in. The top of her silky hair came nearly to his chin, and her back warmed his chest. He shifted slightly closer, reveling in the fruity fragrance of her shampoo. He could definitely be interested in this woman.

  “Ian?” Her voice sounded a little strained, but she did not turn to look at him.

  He slid his hands a bit closer together, so his arms brushed hers. “Hmm?” The impulse to gather her up, turn her around, and enfold her in his arms was nearly irresistible.

  “What kind of tea?” But her voice was faint, breathless. Maybe the attraction was mutual.

  “How about this?” Ian plucked a box of chai out of the cupboard and set it on the counter, his hands daring to meet in front of her, not quite cradling her. “Do you like it?” She could answer that any way she pleased.

  He heard her swallow hard and felt a deep, shuddering breath through the contact. “Maybe?”

  “How about this?” He set his hands on her arms and slowly turned her to face him.

  She stared at his shirt. “I’m not sure?” she whispered.

  Ian tucked a finger under her chin and raised it until her gaze bounced off his. “I’m not trying to rush you,” he said quietly. Although he could certainly see where it might come across differently. “I’m attracted to you, and I’m thankful to two little girls for introducing us.”

  She sucked in her lips.

  “All I want to know for now is, do you feel the same way? Or do you think I’m some weird guy you can’t wait to get rid of, but are too polite to tell me b
ecause I’m your boss?”

  “Not that weird.” Her gaze flicked to his eyes then away.

  Ian fanned his fingers across her cheek. “Can we see where this attraction goes?” Why he needed to know today, right this minute, was beyond him. But somehow it was all that mattered. A chance to win her.

  If he hadn’t been touching her face, he might have missed her nod, it was so tiny.

  “Thanks,” he whispered, sliding both hands around her back and tugging her just a little closer. He became aware of silence from out in the yard just as it was broken.

  “Hey, Sophie! Your daddy is hugging my mommy. Want to come see?”

  Uh oh. Ian was pretty sure the girls couldn’t see the quick kiss he planted on Kelly’s hair. He took a step back and rubbed his hands against her arms. “Guess I’ve given them fuel. Sorry about that.”

  “Coming!” called Sophie, her footsteps skittering down the concrete steps.

  Kelly shook her head, but she was smiling. “Secrets are impossible around here.” She met his gaze for an instant. “It’s time for tea and cookies.”

  Chapter 5

  Years of starting work early meant Kelly slept in but still had time for a shower and her quiet time before she heard Ian’s SUV in the driveway. “Elena! Time to get up. Your friend is here.”

  Elena emerged from her room rubbing sleep from her eyes just as the knock sounded.

  Kelly opened the door to see Sophie yawn. She squatted in front of the little girl. “You must have stayed up too late last night, like Elena.”

  Ian chuckled as he set down her backpack. “She was too excited to sleep. All she could talk about was playing with her twin and how much fun they’d have.” He bent and helped Sophie with her jacket and shoes.

  “We’ll have so much fun!” Elena took Sophie’s hand. “Come see my room.”

  “Make your bed,” called Kelly as the girls disappeared. Now she had no excuse not to look at Ian.

  “Thanks so much. This means a lot to me.” His brown eyes searched her face.