by Iris Abbott
“Thanks Neil,” the sarcasm in her voice was evident. “Couldn’t you have given me a little hope?”
Abigail heard the breath Neil expelled down the phone line. “You pay me for the truth Abigail, no matter how ugly. I suggest you get another job, married, or both fast.”
“Great, not you too,” Abigail gritted out through clenched teeth. “Are you sure my mom or Aubrey didn’t pay you a bonus to say that?”
Neil chuckled despite the levity of the conversation. “I’m on your side Abigail, and I’m telling you what you need to expect with this latest development. It’s not good news for us, but there are circumstances that could negate it.”
“Namely a better job, marriage, or both, all right as usual your honesty is appreciated Neil. I’m working on the job problem, but don’t expect me to be walking down the aisle anytime soon no matter how much my mother or Aubrey might want it to happen.”
Five
At exactly seven o’clock on the dot Abigail rang the bell on Mason’s front door. She was too angry to appreciate the gorgeous sprawling cedar home with wraparound porch and inviting swing or the large two hundred acre wooded lot complete with large moss-filled oak trees and pond. She only spared an inquisitive glance at the neat and well-kept horse barn and fenced in pastureland behind the house. This was her children’s future at stake here and she didn’t have time to be playing around. Mason had better not be wasting her time. She was going to make him sorry if he was. She didn’t know how, but she would.
Mason opened the door and smiled. Even in a temper Abigail was gorgeous. Mason felt his body respond to her presence. He turned sideways to let her in the door and to hide his body’s reaction to the sight of Abigail finally on his home turf. Whether either of them would admit it, they’d been building to this point ever since they’d met. “Welcome, Abigail. Come on inside and make yourself at home.”
She reluctantly agreed and stepped past him into the foyer. It was a tight squeeze and her body brushed against his. She could feel the blood rush to her face. She took out the frustration of her body’s unwanted response on Mason. “I’m here just as you demanded and I certainly hope you have an idea that’s going to help me Mason. Otherwise I should be out looking for a job not enjoying dinner with a member of the opposite sex.”
“Don’t worry about finding a job or your ex-husband. I think I have the answer to all your problems, Abigail,” and maybe even mine too he thought. He certainly hoped so anyway.
Abigail’s shift in mood was instantaneous. “You found another job for me in the school system,” an excited Abigail practically threw herself into Mason’s arms. “Thank you so much, Mason. Am I still going to be a teaching assistant, and what school will I be working at?” she asked in a rush.
Mason was purposely vague as he retained his hold on Abigail to guide her inside before firmly shutting the door behind them. “Don’t worry about your new role in life just yet, Abigail. I promise we will sort it all out after dinner. All you need to know for now is that I will take care of everything, if you’ll let me.”
Abigail wondered about his strange wording, but she brushed the odd feeling aside and concentrated on her host. She followed Mason into the kitchen. “Need help with anything,” she volunteered. “I love to cook. I even took a few gourmet classes when I was first married.”
Mason frowned at the reference to her former marriage, but didn’t comment about it. “I don’t cook a lot, but I can grill a mean steak and I make a wonderful garden salad.”
Abigail’s mouth watered at the mention of food. She’d been so distraught about losing her job and so intent on confronting Mason that she hadn’t taken the time to eat lunch. And breakfast had been a small yogurt and banana. She’d have to be more conscience of her eating. She couldn’t afford to fall into any bad habits. “Yum,” she made an appreciative noise. “That sounds great, Mason. Sure you don’t need any help?”
“The salad’s in the fridge. Why don’t you take it out, add the cheese, and toss in the dressing. The freshly grated cheese is in a container next to the salad, and the dressing is behind that. It’s a honey and mustard based vinaigrette. I hope that works for you.”
“It sounds great,” Abigail agreed as she began assembling the tossed salad.
Dinner was a quiet affair. Mason seemed preoccupied with his inner thoughts and Abigail was too nervous to initiate conversation. Finally when Abigail could take the silence no more she asked about the barn she’d noticed while driving down the lane to his house. “You’ve got a lot of acreage here. Do you have any animals to go with the barn and stables?”
“I’ve got a stray cat that’s taken up residence in the barn and the stables are for my horses.”
Abigail was surprised by this information. “I had no idea you liked horses, much less owned any.”
Mason was pleased that Abigail was showing interest in his home and his life. It was a step in the right direction. “I’d hazard to say there’s a lot you don’t know about me Abigail. The horses are a carryover from my life in Texas. I let them wander around the pasture while I’m at work, brush them and put them in the barn at dusk, and ride them on the weekends. ”
“Horses are such beautiful animals. Emily who loves all animals has wanted to learn to ride forever, but I never had the extra money for riding lessons. I have to admit that they are such large animals, even though I think they’re gorgeous, I’m a little afraid of them. How many horses do you own?”
“I only have two right now. I couldn’t take care of any more than that, not by myself. That however could change in the near future.” Mason could tell Abigail was curious about his remark, but she didn’t ask and he didn’t expand. There would be time for explanations soon enough.
“So since you don’t cook all that much do you grill a lot or just dine out?”
“Actually I have a housekeeper that comes in for a couple of hours every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. She normally puts together a casserole for me and all I have to do is pop it in the oven when I get home.”
“Lucky you,” Abigail exclaimed! “A housekeeper would be heaven. Helping mom with the housework was something all us girls did when growing up. Now that it’s just me and the kids living with her, and she’s older, I do most of the housework. I have to admit I don’t mind helping my mother and doing my part, but it’s not my favorite way to pass the time.”
Damn! Mason thought to himself. Her mother would be alone if Abigail and the children moved in with him. Obviously Abigail took her family responsibilities seriously or she wouldn’t be there with him right now. He wasn’t fooling himself. He knew it was her desire to maintain full custody of Emily and Jay, and not any deep-seated love for him that got her in his door tonight. She had made her reluctance to be involved with him more than clear.
Abigail stood up and looked pointedly at their empty plates. “It seems we’re both done here. How about we clean up real quick so we can talk about my new job?”
Mason noted her enthusiasm and hoped she still felt the same when she found out exactly what her new position would be. The word position put all kinds of thoughts in his head and he shook it slightly to reign in his wayward thoughts. He had to stay focused on convincing Abigail that his plan was the best solution for both of them.
Mason put away the leftovers while Abigail filled the dishwasher. The two worked together side by side quickly and in a companionable silence. When the kitchen was clean, Mason led Abigail into the living room and onto the couch.
Abigail sighed when after five minutes Mason still hadn’t told her about the new job. “Mason you seem almost reluctant to tell me about this job offer. If you aren’t going to be able to help me with the custody problem my ex has created, just say so. I’ll go home and stop wasting our time.”
Mason stiffened just a bit. “Oh I can almost guarantee you will keep custody of your children Abigail, but I don’t know if you going to be willing to make the sacrifices necessary to carry out my plan.”
Mason found himself tensing. He sincerely hoped that was the case. The more he thought about it the more he wanted Abigail in his life, any way he could get her. He was almost ashamed to admit that he was not above manipulating the situation created by her ex-husband to his advantage. “It’s really simple Abigail. I think we should marry as soon as possible. Your job would be here in my home as my wife.”
Abigail looked at Mason as if he had lost his mind. “I’ve already told you Mason, I don’t want a more intimate relationship with you. So why do you think I would agree to marry you?”
Mason was a little miffed at the way she continued to deny the attraction that sizzled between them. What was her problem anyway his ego demanded to know. Most women considered him an excellent catch. Of course his body and mind would be in lust with the one woman who didn’t want to have anything to do with him. “The way I see it,” Mason responded, “you don’t have a choice. You’re a single parent that doesn’t even have a job at present. And with the economy the way it is right now finding a decent job isn’t going to be a piece of cake.”
Abigail had to force herself not to run out the door screaming. She had to make Mason see sense. “What are you thinking Mason and why are you doing this? Have you even thought this wild plan of yours through? There is no way a spur of the moment marriage between us could work.”
“It could work if you wanted it to Abigail, and for the sake of your children, trust me, you want it to work. We’ve known each other a long time. We have a lot in common and we have always enjoyed each other’s company. What little intimate contact we’ve had proves there’s chemistry between us. I want you and I know you want me. You just have to admit it.”
Abigail snorted. “Chemistry, a marriage does not make. I’ve tried that and trust me when I say it was a dismal failure. Let’s say I consider this crazy idea of yours. Theoretically let’s assume I get to keep custody of Emily and Jay. It’s obvious what I would get out of this arrangement. What’s not so clear to me is what you would get out of this marriage of convenience?”
Mason decided he had nothing to lose, so he might as well be blunt. “You know I have a high profile public job. The school board has been pressuring me for a while to settle down. Now they have even started throwing single women at me. I don’t need or want the distractions. Besides I’m thirty-eight years old. Now is as good a time as any to settle down. But I want someone of my own choosing and I choose you, Abigail. I think we wouldn’t have any problems satisfying each other in the bedroom. I am very demanding, but I’m sure you can keep up with me. Obviously you have calmed down since you became a mom, but I’ve lived in this town long enough to have heard all about your wild youth.”
Abigail shot out of her seat and grabbed her purse. “I have to think about this.”
“Don’t take too long Abigail. We need to make this marriage happen as soon as possible. The sooner we are married, and you and the children are settled here, the better it will be for your court case.”
Abigail chewed on her bottom lip, something she did when vexed. She wasn’t going to admit it to Mason, at least not right then, but his plan had merit. Right now it was starting to look really good to Abigail. She was desperate to shore up her chance at maintaining full custody of Jay and Emily. “That makes sense, but this a lot to absorb Mason. I need some time to think about the repercussions. This is a life altering decision not just for you and me, but my children as well.”
“It’s not like I’m a stranger to them or you, Abigail. I’ll give you until Friday night. The Tigers have a home football game. If I haven’t heard from you by noon Friday, I’ll plan to pick you and the children up at five-thirty. I’ll take us out to dinner and then to the football game. That way Jay and Emily will get used to being around me and other people will see us out together.” Then it won’t be such a surprise or a stretch of the imagination when we turn up married.”
Abigail nodded and let herself out the door. She was halfway down the front porch steps when Mason called her name. She turned and literally bumped into him he was so close. He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her against his body. Then he lightly brushed his lips across hers. At first she resisted, but he persisted and she opened her mouth with a moan.
Mason finished the kiss and lightly moved Abigail away from him. “Just a little something to think about,” he called to her as she almost ran to her car.
Abigail got in and slammed the door behind her. She looked in the rearview mirror and caught a glimpse of Mason still standing on the porch. “It’s not like I don’t already have enough to think about!” She glared at his reflection as she pulled out of the driveway.
****
Abigail let herself in the house and went straight upstairs to check on her children. Emily was already asleep, but Jay was reading a football magazine. Abigail walked into the room and sat on the edge of the bed.
She needed to make a decision about Mason’s off the wall proposal soon. It didn’t just involve her though. It also involved Jay and Emily. “You’ve got school tomorrow. Lights out as soon as I leave all right,” she ruffled his head. “So what do you think about going to a Tiger’s football game Friday night with Mr. Blake?”
Jay perked up right away. “That would be awesome mom! I like Mr. Blake. Sometimes I wish I had a dad just like him. You know a dad that spends time with me and takes me to all the football games.”
“Well let’s just settle for one game for right now. You can finish your magazine tomorrow. Get some sleep, so you can have a great day at school tomorrow.”
“Goodnight, mom, and remember what I told you before. As a family, we could do a lot worse than Mason Blake, just look at my real dad.”
Abigail got ready for bed a few minutes later, but instead of turning in she opened the hope chest at the foot of her bed. She dug through the contents until she found what she was looking for. She pulled out a pink and blue photo album and began thumbing through the pages. There were a few pictures of Roger, but even when they had been married he hadn’t been around much. He was a horrible role model for both Jay and Emily, but that didn’t mean all men would be. And didn’t her kids deserve to have a positive male influence in their life? Of course Jonathan and Matthew were there. But uncles weren’t the same as dads, now were they? Plus both her brothers-in-law had their own children to take up their time and affection. And Matthew didn’t live just down the street. Savannah was several hours away.
Abigail finally ready for bed put away the album and settled in under the covers. She thought about asking her mom or sisters for advice, but decided against it. If she agreed to go through with this marriage of convenience she didn’t want her family to know all the details. There was no need for them to worry about things that couldn’t be changed, and they would worry. The Montgomery family always took care of their own, blood or not. She would have to trust that her family and friends would be there for her if this blew up in her face.
Six
Mason’s phone rang and he visibly jumped. Every time he heard the sound of his phone he cringed thinking it was Abigail wanting to turn down his offer. He picked up the phone and was relieved to recognize his aunt’s voice. That was until she lit into him like a lioness defending her own cub.
“Mason Lee Blake, tell me the latest gossip going around church is completely off base. Please tell me that Abigail Montgomery did not lose her job with the school system.”
This was one conversation Mason had not been expecting, though he should have known better. News traveled fast in their community. Mason took a deep breath and waded into battle. He was prepared to verbally defend himself even from his own flesh and blood. “Aunt Linda, I’m afraid it’s true. The economy being what it is has caused every school in the count
y to make cutbacks. Abigail…”
“I don’t want to hear any excuses. You’re the superintendent. That means you’re the ultimate boss. The buck stops with you, Mason Lee Blake. Get her job back for her and do it as of yesterday,” the elderly woman huffed into the phone.
Mason bit back a sigh. He didn’t want his aunt to think he didn’t care about Abigail, but he couldn’t give away his intentions either. He couldn’t afford for his Aunt Linda or Abigail’s mom Joyce to interfere with his plans.
“It’s not that simple, Aunt Linda. What’s done is done. I’m not going to challenge her principal’s decision. It’s not like she is the only one that lost her job. Several sacrifices had to be made throughout the school system. I checked with her principal. She was the last one hired out of several excellent employees, so it’s only right she be the first one let go.”
“Well,” his Aunt Linda sulked on the other end of the line. “What good is being in charge if you can’t right a wrong such as this?”
“Aunt Linda, I know that you and Joyce Montgomery are really good friends and that both of you are concerned about Abigail. But trust me when I say that things will work out. They always do. Now I need to get back to work or Abigail won’t be the only one out of a job. I’ll talk to you later,” with that parting shot he hung up the phone and leaned back in his chair. He looked at the clock. It was fifteen minutes past noon. Abigail hadn’t called. He could breathe a little easier now.
Abigail put the phone back in its cradle. She had picked it up to call Mason four times now and each time she had lost her nerve and hung up. Who was she kidding? She knew she was going to go through with this crazy scheme of his. She had to do it for her children. She just hoped it didn’t backfire and cause problems for them later on. They had been far too young to understand exactly what divorce meant when she and Roger split up. They were both older now, and they both liked Mason, especially Jay who craved a father figure. There would be no way for her to insulate her children from the pain of divorce if this marriage of convenience fell apart.