“Vincent is ready to come get his kids. He’s wanting to make up for lost time.” Hollis spun on his heel and stalked from the playground.
Mustering the brightest smile he could manage, Dean waved at the kids, silently encouraging them to continue playing. They returned his wave and went back to what they were doing. He sat down beside Shannon and pulled her close. Her shuddering gasps told him she was fighting off tears—hard.
He raised his head and checked out the direction he’d seen that detestable man head off in. Across the street, he spotted Catherine and Roger. Her lips were pursed and she was staring at Shannon. She must have seen what had happened. He wanted to be able to smile off her worries, but he knew better. Catherine was a mama bear and he almost felt sorry for the man if she decided to go after him.
• • •
A summer squall had everyone dashing down the street for the minivan. Dean held out his hand for the keys and Shannon didn’t even have the strength to argue. She slid into the passenger seat and left Dean to make sure the kids were all buckled in. It was taking everything she had to keep it together.
They drove through town and then continued on toward the beaches, missing the turnoff for the harbor and Shannon’s cottage. Dean turned up the heat and flashed her a bolstering smile. She held her hands out to the vent and swallowed a sob when they wouldn’t stop shaking. Her breaths were slow and measured.
“Don’t let him win. This is what he wants. He wants to see you rattled, miserable. Don’t give him the satisfaction.”
“Please just take me home.” She wouldn’t even look at him.
“I will, eventually. But right now it’s lunchtime and I think today is a great day for pizza. Who’s with me?”
The triplets hollered their approval from the backseat. Shannon hugged her arms against her body and shook her head hard. “We can’t. It’s not . . . I can’t afford it, Dean.”
“And that’s totally fine, because I wasn’t asking you to pay. I brought it up and I plan to treat.”
The windshield wipers slapped rhythmically as they continued the trip in silence. Everyone seemed to have long since taken cover, the sidewalks and the road strangely deserted. Shannon slowly began to relax. Dean was right. If she had gone straight home, she would have put a movie on for the kids and then given in to a major tear fest under cover of the shower.
“Fine. I like pepperoni and mushroom.” She spared him a half smile.
Dean pulled the van into the half empty parking lot of Polly’s Pizzeria. Shannon was mildly surprised that he had discovered this place on his own. It was well off the main drag. But then again, he was a guy . . . and a single guy at that. They had a built-in pizza and beer radar.
She was actually grinning by the time she got out of the car and helped the triplets down. They raced to the front door and out of the rain. Shannon waited until Dean caught up to her and then silently mouthed “thank you.” His expression unreadable, he nodded.
Since it wasn’t very crowded, Shannon let the kids get their own table. She left Brenna refereeing an arm wrestling contest between her brothers. She sat at one of the tall tables, where she could keep an eye on her brood. Dean put in their order at the counter and then joined her at the table.
The rain was no longer coming down in buckets, but it wasn’t ready to pack it in either. Shannon watched a rivulet of water snake its way down the window, passing through both the P’s in Polly and Pizzeria. She turned away from the window to see Dean studying her.
“How are you doing?”
“I’m okay. More pissed than anything else. No one threatens to take my kids away from me.”
“That’s my girl.”
Shannon blushed at the remark. She knew he hadn’t meant it that way, but a tiny part of her couldn’t help but wish he had. She bit her lip and darted her gaze elsewhere.
“Shannon? Shannon Fitzgerald?” The waitress had brought their food out already.
“Hey, Megan James, right? How have you been?”
“I’ve been getting old in my parents’ pizza joint, that’s what.” She giggled. “I haven’t seen you in ages. Are you living in town?”
“Yep, moved back to have the triplets.” Shannon nodded at the table they sat at.
“Oh, goodness, yes. My mom told me you’d had triplets. And don’t they look just like you! So, Vince, are you the big doctor you said you were going to be when we graduated?” The waitress clapped a hand over her mouth, her eyes gone wide. “I’m so sorry. You are not Vince.”
“I lost touch with Vince after our divorce.” Shannon’s apologetic smile encompassed both Megan and Dean.
“Okay, so we know I’m still working here and living with the ’rents. How about you? Did you get your teaching degree? You had a scholarship, right?”
Shannon snorted. She had been awarded a scholarship that would have paid for her textbooks that first year. She’d hardly call that a scholarship.
“Nah. The triplets keep me hopping. I’m the caretaker for one of the manors up on the Bluff. Pretty sweet deal.”
Megan set down their pizza and drinks. She set the tray on her hip and gave Dean a saucy wink. “Well, Vince’s loss. I’d say you’ve traded up, girl.” She gave them a short wave and spun on her heel.
This time it was Dean’s turn to blush. He coughed, presumably to hide his embarrassment, and reached for the same slice of pizza as Shannon. As their hands touched they locked gazes, just for the briefest of moments. Her breath hitched in her throat as she watched his irises darken with lust. She had to fight the urge to lean in just a little closer and see what might happen.
“Mommy, I brought our plates. Fill ’er up please!” Brian’s carrot top only came up to her knee in these tall chairs. He held a stack of paper plates up so she could reach them.
“Go back and sit down. I’ll serve you guys.” Shannon began to load plates and slid from her seat to deliver them.
“Hey, bud, go long!” Dean held a small paper carton of milk and let it fly before Shannon could squeak out a protest. “What?” His face a portrait of childlike innocence, Dean held his hands up, palms out.
Brian had caught the milk, thankfully, but now his brother and sister were lined up waiting for their milks to be delivered in the same method. Dean looked over for her approval, grinning devilishly when she rolled her eyes and shrugged.
Shannon turned to see if their waitress had seen how close they had come to a major spill. Megan was grinning behind the counter, flashing a thumbs-up sign when they made eye contact. Shannon chuckled. Her stomach rumbled as the garlic, oregano, and tomato sauce assaulted her senses. Diving in, she pulled a slice from the pie, licking her lips as the cheese clung stubbornly to the rest of the pizza, stretching in long strings.
“Good call, Neighbor. Good call.” She groaned around the first bite.
Chapter Fifteen
Dean snapped his laptop shut with a little more force than necessary. He slid it back on the desk and made room for his elbows. Groaning, he massaged his temples with his fingertips.
His lawyer was pushing for a court date on the paternity suit. Dean was still holding out hope that this woman would drop the charges when she realized he wouldn’t settle. She didn’t have a chance in hell. Her kid was only a year old. Since Dean had given up sex over two years ago, her case was groundless.
But just like the rest, she had to try. She wanted a piece of his money, his fame. Why should he have to prove his innocence, time and time again? If anyone should be proving anything, it was that woman.
Dean pushed out of his chair and stalked toward the kitchen, his goal the last cup of coffee in the pot. Most people would be kept awake, drinking coffee this close to bed. But the warmth of the liquid sliding down his throat soothed him, smoothed out his frayed nerves.
He carried his favorite mug, a Kermit one his mom had given him for Christmas years ago, out to the deck. The humidity wasn’t bad after dark, and the night was still warm. Dean listened to the crickets
in the grass and the soft sound of the waves hitting the bluff. His nose picked out the lingering scent of charcoal and burgers. Shannon had barbequed for dinner.
As he closed his eyes, the steam rising from the coffee tickled his nose. He took that first sip and felt it all the way down to his stomach. Yes, coffee had a calming effect on him. He smiled. Shannon had suggested this local brand. Logan’s Bakery carried it by the pound. Cady Eaton, the manager, had definitely snagged a lifelong customer in Dean.
Shannon consumed his thoughts, yet again. A piece of Dean understood that she was part of what calmed him, what redirected his focus from upsetting things. But he wasn’t ready to admit that. She scared him. Okay, to be more precise, his feelings for her scared him. She made him want things he had no business wanting. She made him want to trust again.
He set his mug down on the patio table and slumped into the chair. He couldn’t ever tell her who he was. It would kill him, the changes he’d see in her. He knew she and the kids were hurting for money. He’d be more than happy to help out where he could. But if she knew who he really was, what kind of bankroll he came with, she’d look at him differently. She’d start wanting things.
Would it be so bad if she wanted things? Was it possible that there was a woman out there that Dean would willingly give everything he owned just to be with? He thought about his old band member, Toby. Toby was married now, had a little boy. No, things were different for Toby. Vanessa wasn’t a fan that he’d met out on the road. She and Toby had known each other since they were little kids. She’d been there to support him right from the start of his career.
Dean glanced at the house, thinking about another email he’d read that evening. Some stupid reality show wanted to reunite all the boy bands from years past. This was what Jax had been trying to talk him into. Jax missed the fame, the women, and all their attention. Dean would be happy if he never had to step into the spotlight again. Couldn’t they do this without him? Wasn’t there always one difficult band member who went into seclusion and refused to be bothered? That was him. Please just let that be his role.
He was really starting to enjoy life in Scallop Shores. At first, he had intended to really live the hermit’s life, only coming out for provisions when he absolutely had no choice. But Shannon had convinced him that he couldn’t live that way. Once he realized people weren’t going to attack him in the streets for autographs and pictures, he began to explore.
It was a beautiful, old, historic town. Someday, he was going to have to take the historical society’s tour of the tavern, the old Gaol, the schoolhouse, and the wharf. But since he’d arrived just in time for tourist season, he was getting to know the beach areas before they closed up for the winter.
Then what? If he was going to put down roots, stay in Scallop Shores permanently, he had to find something to do with his time. Dean got up and began to pace the length of the deck. This was his thinking pace—head down, concentrating. Not to be confused with his stressed pace—agitated and faster, treading just a little bit harder across the smooth wood boards.
Would it tip people off if he were to give guitar lessons? He was proficient in all sorts of music and instruments. Did he qualify for a teaching position at school? Forget it. That was probably locked in by some old guy who wouldn’t give it up until he croaked. Besides, he’d have to let the school in on his background. He couldn’t do that, could he?
Dean’s pacing led him to the door and back into the house, his Kermit mug abandoned on the patio table. He’d been writing songs, even sold a few. But what could he do that would ensure that he didn’t slip back into his hermit shell? Something that got him involved in the community.
Shucking his jeans and t-shirt, he slipped under the covers with a notebook and pen. Propped up against pillows, Dean jotted notes and made lists until his yawns nearly cracked his jaw. He tossed the writing supplies onto the pillow beside him and wriggled his way to a prone position. Just can’t let Shannon figure out my other life, was his last thought before succumbing to slumber.
• • •
“Oh my goodness, you look so adorable!” Shannon hugged her friend Quinn, smiling wistfully at the woman’s huge belly.
“Counting down the weeks now. Only four more to go until these two make an appearance.” She rubbed her rounded tummy with one hand while reaching for her glass of lemonade with the other.
“So does Jonah still want to name them Luke and Leia?” Talia asked.
“Yes, and Lily wants to name them Mickey and Minnie. You see what I’m up against?”
The women all laughed.
Talia and Jeff were hosting a barbeque and had asked Shannon to bring everyone—her mom, Roger, and even Dean. The kids had raced off to play with the twins and their friend Lily. The men were clustered around the huge gas grill having a serious discussion—about meat? Sports? Who knew? She was happy to see that Dean looked at ease. He usually seemed to be on edge around Talia, but today he was fine.
“How did you know you wanted to open your own business, working with kids?” Shannon posed her question to Talia.
“Why? You thinking of taking on entrepreneurship?” Her friend cocked her head to the side.
“No, not really. Well, I don’t know.” Shannon trailed off, her brow crinkling.
Catherine scooted her chair closer so she could get in on the conversation. Quinn was leaning forward as well. She’d gotten their attention.
“I was thinking about college—finally starting, you know? But that seems so daunting. I’m not eighteen anymore. I don’t even know where to begin.”
“But you’re thinking about it.” Catherine’s eyes were shining. “Do you know how long it took me to get to where you are now? My baby was all grown up before I started to think about having a life, a goal.”
“Mom, it’s no big deal. I’m still thinking about the kids. I’m thinking about their financial future.”
“But you need something for you, something that’s all your own. It’s what gives your life purpose.” Talia was nodding excitedly.
“Well, I guess that’s the crux of it, right there. Only I don’t know where to begin.”
“You wanted to teach, right? Do you still want to do that?” Catherine asked.
“I do. But a four-year degree, and then student teaching and . . . it’s so overwhelming. When would I find the time to go to school? Who will watch the kids while I’m studying?”
“There’s a teacher’s aide position opening up at the elementary school. One of my clients teaches first grade. She told me the number of incoming students this year is much higher than last year. She’s put in for an aide to help with the child to teacher ratio, and she isn’t the only one.”
“Don’t I need a degree for that?”
“You need a high school diploma, for sure. I think they ask for some college credit, but it can’t hurt to try. Especially, if you let them know that your ultimate goal is to become a teacher.”
“Life experience goes a long way, my friend, and when they know you are single-handedly raising triplets, they will beg you to take the job.” Quinn patted Shannon on the knee.
Pulling her lip between her teeth, she thought about working at the elementary school. She wouldn’t have to quit her job managing Ms. Sheffield’s estate, because her boss very rarely needed anything after Labor Day. A good thing, too, because Shannon and the children lived rent free in her cottage. She didn’t know what they were going to do when she did, finally, decide to give up this job for something more permanent.
“I’ve been so used to spending every waking moment with them. If I have to rattle around that big manor house all by myself while they’re in kindergarten, I’d go insane.” She took a deep breath. “I need this.”
Dean’s laughter rang out from the other side of the deck. Shannon turned her head, their gazes colliding. He held on tenaciously, like he was daring her not to break eye contact. Then he winked. Incorrigible! A small smile on her face, she refocused on her own con
versation, hoping the other women hadn’t noticed.
They had. Of course. Shannon’s mother was beaming, her approval of Dean and a possible relationship readily apparent. Talia was flashing her a “just do it” grin. Shannon rolled her eyes and tried to keep the blush from taking over her whole face.
“Bright Starts has openings for before and after school care, if you need them. They’re right across the street from the school. Lily loves it there and her teacher is the sweetest thing.” Quinn’s smile was encouraging.
“Oh! And they run on the Scallop Shores school district schedule. So they’re closed on the same days you’d be off,” Talia added.
Well, she certainly had a lot to think about. Shannon tucked her legs beneath her in her chair, and reached for her beer. She took a long sip, cradling the bottle in her hands while she played casual observer.
Her mom had gotten up from the table to join Roger, the two drifting off to enjoy a quiet conversation away from the rest of the group. Talia had left for the kitchen, tossing the salad and getting ready to serve dinner. Jeff flipped steaks, burgers, and hot dogs. Shannon could see that most had been taken off the direct flame. They’d be eating soon. She chuckled when her stomach rumbled loudly enough to be heard the next town over.
The boys were all wrestling on the grass and it took Shannon a moment to spot Dean. He was sitting beneath a shade tree. He held a clutch of dandelions and sat patiently while Brenna and Lily tucked some more behind his ear. He looked so ridiculous and so . . . hot. Shannon groaned.
When the triplets were really little, she’d tried to imagine what Vince would have been like with them. But that had just been a depressing reminder that her children didn’t have a father figure in their lives. Their father hadn’t wanted them. He hadn’t wanted her enough to stay.
She had tried to be everything to her kids: mother, father, doctor, and teacher. By this point she’d gotten so good at being everything to them that she hadn’t stopped to wonder if they really were missing something. Watching Brenna chattering away as she decorated Dean, she worried that her daughter was pining for a father.
Hearts Are Wild Page 34