“Thanks again for having us.” Mike laid a gentle hand on his daughter’s shoulder. “We didn’t want to be alone tonight. Right, peanut?”
She nodded. “My mommy died. She’s in heaven now.”
Bernie knelt down and enfolded her in her arms. “I am so sorry,” she whispered against her cheek. She pulled back and searched her adorable, freckled face. “Are you all right?”
Her little chin quivered, but she gave a decisive nod.
Noah pounded down the stairs and ruffled Maddie’s hair. “Hey.” He glanced at Mike and did some macho chin lift thing. “What’s up?”
Mike returned the head bob. “Noah.”
“My mommy’s in heaven,” Maddie repeated.
Bernie cast a sidelong glance at Mike. Her heart ached for him as he gazed down helplessly at his daughter. She knew exactly how hard it was to watch your child suffer. And the sad irony of their situations wasn’t lost on her.
“I know. Sorry. Mine is, too,” he shared, though Bernie was pretty sure Mike would’ve already told her.
“Do you think they’re together?”
Her son’s brow creased as he considered that. “I doubt it. I mean, they didn’t even know each other.”
“Oh.” Her face fell. The chin quiver returned.
“Though, you never know,” he quickly added, earning Bernie’s gratitude—and no doubt Mike’s as well. “My mom had a million friends; everyone loved her. I bet they’re getting to know each other right now.” He smiled.
Maddie’s eye’s brightened. She nodded, her shoulders drooping with relief.
“C’mon.” Noah gestured for her to follow him as he headed for the stairs. “There’s something I want to show you.”
Maddie raced off after him.
Mike chuckled softly. He strode up and stood before her, toe to toe. “Hi.”
Her pulse sped up as his hand settled at her waist. She wasn’t sure who leaned in first, but suddenly their lips were touching, the kiss turning passionate within seconds as she got on her tippy toes and twined her arms around his neck while he crushed her in his arms. Their mouths moved together with urgent need.
He picked her up off her feet and started toward the couch, until the pounding of feet on the stairs stopped him in his tracks. With a softly muttered curse, he set her down and stepped back, his face taut with repressed need. Bernie knew the feeling.
“Daddy, Daddy, look what Noah gave me!”
As soon as Maddie hit the bottom step, she ran up and waved what appeared to be her son’s stuffed frog, Mr. Croaky. Natalie had given him the plush for his first birthday, and he’d carried the thing around with him until he’d started school.
Noah descended the stairs and walked up beside her.
Mike gave the faded, mint green frog a head pat. “That was very thoughtful. Thanks.”
Noah shrugged. “I’m too old for it. Figured Maddie would take good care of him.”
She bounced with excitement. “I will, I promise! He’s my new favorite stuffed animal. He’s going to sleep in the cradle with Polly and Mrs. Beasley. Those are my favorite dolls,” she explained.
Noah chuckled. “I’m sure he’ll like that.”
Her son was showing a level of maturity she hadn’t realized he possessed. The knowledge warmed her heart.
Bernie gave him a quick hug before announcing, “Dinner’s ready. Hope everyone is hungry.” She led the way into her small dining room off the kitchen.
“Starving,” Mike and Noah said in unison.
“Me, too!” Maddie declared.
Mike plucked Maddie up and slid her onto one of the mahogany, ladder back chairs as his gaze followed Bernie’s movements in the kitchen. “Can I give you a hand?”
She waved him off. “Noah can help me. You and Maddie are our guests.”
Noah, who’d started to sit, stood back up with an eye roll. Bernie glanced at Mike, who caught the gesture and grinned.
She watched with pleasure as everyone enjoyed the meal she’d prepared. The first ten minutes were eaten in silence as they all ate their fill. Under the circumstances, Maddie ate very well, and Noah’s appetite knew no bounds as he scarfed down his fair share of pot roast and mashed potatoes. Once they slowed down, Noah cracked a joke, and a pleasant conversation opened up.
She met Mike’s gaze, and warmed under his smiling perusal.
“Everything was delicious. You’re an amazing cook.”
“Almost as good as your mom,” Noah chimed in, while Maddie nodded furiously.
She chuckled, knowing they’d truly meant it as a compliment. “Thank you. I hope you all saved room for dessert. Cherry cobbler with—”
A knock at the front door surprised her. She frowned. “Noah, would you mind getting the ice cream out of the freezer, please? I’ll be right back.”
Mike watched in curious anticipation as Bernie hustled off to answer the door. He stood and said to Noah, “I’ll clear the table. Least I can do after you guys fed us such an amazing meal. Right, peanut?”
Maddie nodded, grinning, her mouth full of mashed potatoes.
He had all but Maddie’s dish scraped and stacked on the counter next to the sink when he realized the voice of Bernie’s caller sounded familiar. Then recognition clicked—Marone.
Mike’s jaw clenched. What the hell was that idiot doing here?
Since Noah was busy dishing out the cobbler, Mike decided to go investigate. He slipped into the living room, unsure whether he should interrupt them, or listen in for a minute. Okay, he knew he was an ass for doing the latter, but he didn’t trust the guy. And yeah, he knew it was probably jealousy over their past relationship, which he and Bernie hadn’t had a chance to talk about yet.
John’s voice raised slightly, as if irritated, and Mike crept closer, praying Noah wouldn’t come to investigate.
“Look, I know I screwed up, and I know you’re afraid to give it another chance because of what happened at my parents’ place. But I swear to you, it was a complete accident. I never meant to hit you.”
A haze of red blinded Mike as he absorbed Marone’s last statement. He stormed into the living room and stepped between them.
“You hit her?” He spun to face Bernie. “He put his hands on you, and you didn’t report it?”
“It’s not what you think, he—”
“This is none of your business, Donovan! What the hell is he doing here?” John barked at Bernie.
Mike grabbed the asshole by the collar of his shirt. “You don’t say another word to her, you got me?”
Bernie clutched his arm. “Mike, please, let him go.” She leaned in to whisper, “The kids are watching.”
Mike swung around and met his daughter’s wide-eyed, fear-filled gaze. His heart plummeted. He let go of Marone’s shirt, reined in his anger, and forced a smile. “Noah, would you mind taking Maddie back into the kitchen, please? We’ll be right in.”
Noah nodded, his gaze curious, though, thankfully, he ushered Maddie back down the hall into the kitchen without question.
Mike turned back to their unwanted guest and pointed a finger at the front door. “Get the hell out of here, and don’t even think about coming back.”
Marone swiped his fingers through his hair, his gaze shooting back and forth between them. “I’d like to hear it from Bernadette.”
She moved to stand beside Mike; he hooked an arm around her waist in a clear message.
“John, I’m truly sorry. You’re a great guy, but…we’ve been over for months, and I have no interest in rekindling things.”
He cleared his throat and shot another look at Mike. “So, you and Donovan…it’s true?”
She gave an affirmative nod. “We’re seeing each other.”
He digested that bit of info for a moment while staring hard at Bernie. Mike almost—almost—felt sorry for the guy.
“Then I wish you both well. I’m…I’m just so sorry.” With that, he turned and walked out the door, closing it behind him with a soft click.<
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Bernie stepped forward to lock it, then turned and crossed her arms over her chest. “You had no right to eavesdrop on our conversation.”
“Maybe not. But what the hell was I supposed to do when I heard your ex’s voice? And can you please tell me when the hell he hit you? I swear, if the kids hadn’t come in here…”
Rage still simmered just below the surface, but he suppressed it with a slow, deep breath. Never in his life had he felt such a visceral need to beat the living shit out of someone.
She took a few steps into the hallway and craned her neck to, he assumed, check on Noah and Maddie. “I’ll explain everything, but we’d better go talk to the kids first.”
She strode into the kitchen, and Mike had no choice but to follow.
Noah had bowls of cherry cobbler already served up, vanilla ice cream melting on top. Maddie, surprisingly, hadn’t touched hers yet. Mike sat down beside her and gave her a quick hug.
“I’m sorry I lost my temper. I hope you weren’t scared.”
Her little brow furrowed. “Why were you so mad at that guy, daddy?”
He shared a quick glance with Bernie, who gave him a ‘you’re on your own’ brow lift. He cleared his throat and shot a look at Noah, who clearly wanted to know the answer as well if his crossed arms were any indication.
“I did something I shouldn’t have done, which was listen in on Bernie’s conversation, and I…heard something that upset me.”
“What did you hear?” Noah demanded, frowning.
“I’ll explain later,” Bernie assured him in a low tone with a meaningful glance in Maddie’s direction.
He opened his mouth as if to argue, but, thankfully, slumped back and refrained from further comment. He picked up his spoon and dug in to his dessert.
Mike returned his attention to his daughter. “It’s just silly adult stuff. I shouldn’t have gotten mad, and I’m really sorry I upset you.” He glanced at Noah, who’s eyes were narrowed as the wheels of curiosity turned in his head. “Both of you.”
Bernie moved to the table and picked up the last two bowls of cherry cobbler. “Mike and I are going to have our dessert out on the patio, if that’s all right with you two?”
Noah made a funny face at Maddie. “That’s adult code for they need to talk.” He picked up his bowl and stood. “C’mon. Let’s go eat this in the den. I’ll let you watch whatever you want.”
“Yay!” Maddie practically leapt off the chair, grabbed her own bowl, and followed Noah downstairs, without so much as a glance in Mike’s direction.
“She’s really crazy about him,” Mike said. He met Bernie’s gaze, and the emotion swimming in those gorgeous amber depths took him by surprise. “You all right?”
“Fine. I just…why don’t we head out back.”
Mike let out a silent sigh as he followed her outside onto the back patio. She set the bowls down on the umbrella-covered table and sat in one of the cushioned chairs. Mike took the seat across from her and scooped up one of the bowls. “This looks delicious.”
“Thanks.”
After a few bites, Bernie set her bowl down and folded her hands on the table. “I want to be angry with you for losing your temper like that. I understand what you heard…how it must have sounded. But what happened was an accident. John never raised his hand to me.”
Thank God, because he didn’t know how he was supposed to work with the guy if he’d purposely put his hands on Bernie. “I’m all ears.”
Once she explained to him everything that had happened that night—including why John’s marriage ended—Mike’s anger gave way to sympathy. No one deserved to go through what Marone had with his wife and brother. Though he still felt a small measure of anger over the thought of Bernie taking a shot to the jaw over it, he knew he had no right to judge John, or anyone else.
“I can’t believe this is the first I’m hearing about his wife and brother. I’ve spent the last couple of years holding a grudge against Marone because of his past with you. And now…I feel like kind of an asshole.” He set his bowl down and leaned back into the chair. Last thing he wanted to do was apologize, but it appeared as if he probably owed the guy one.
She came around the table and straddled his lap. “It happened shortly after you moved back to town, and it’s not exactly common knowledge. The only reason I know is Greg showed up at my door a couple weeks later and told me. I guess he was feeling guilty for what had happened, and figured I’d take his brother back if I knew the whole story.”
Mike grasped her by the waist as he contemplated that. “Can I ask you something?”
“Shoot.”
“Why didn’t you and John get back together once you found out the truth? Don’t get me wrong, I’m grateful you didn’t,” he quickly added. “I’m just surprised you couldn’t…get past it.”
“I…wasn’t in love with him. We’d only been dating a few months, and I kind of knew, even before everything happened, we didn’t have a future together. I guess it just seemed cruel to get his hopes up when I knew it could never lead anywhere serious.” She crinkled her nose. “I hope that didn’t make me sound like a horrible person.”
“Not even close.” He pulled her down for a gentle kiss. “And I’m very glad you weren’t in love with him,” he added in a near whisper before reclaiming her lips.
A soft moan escaped her as she wrapped her arms around his neck. Mike crushed her to him, wanting nothing more than to carry her inside and disappear into her bedroom for a couple hours. But the kids were there, and as much as he wanted her, he reined in his libido and settled for whatever stolen kisses they could manage before—
“Oh, come on!”
Bernie slid off his lap with a comical squawk as her brother’s voice doused them like a bucket of ice water. Mike grinned as he stood and helped her to her feet.
“Maddie, you better cover your eyes,” Noah advised as he shook his head in what Mike hoped was mock disappointment. The kid did seem to have a dry sense of humor, which he could appreciate. Reminded him a bit of Gracie.
His daughter stood next to her new best friend, her little hands pressed over her eyes as she chuckled gleefully, the sound warming Mike’s heart. There was such great comfort level between them already, and though he didn’t want to get ahead of himself, he couldn’t wait for the day he’d make Bernie his wife, and the four of them a family.
Chapter 18
Bernie hummed softly as she took one last look in the hallway mirror. Mike had asked them to meet at the pet store at five, which was perfect since she’d planned on taking Noah for dinner at Nino’s tonight, and the shop was just down the road from the restaurant.
“You about ready to go?” she asked him.
“Yep.” Noah grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge, then turned to face her, his expression thoughtful. “I’ve been thinking. Since I gave Mr. Croaky to Maddie, I’ll need to replace him.”
“Really? You want me to buy you a new stuffed animal?”
He rolled his eyes. “I was thinking maybe a puppy?”
She laughed. “Nice try.”
“A kitten?”
“Uh, no. I’m not getting stuck cleaning a litter box every other day.” She grabbed her purse and keys, and gestured for him to precede her from the house.
Undaunted, he stepped out onto the front porch and suggested, “A snake? Ooh, what about a bearded dragon?”
“No, and hell no.”
“Well, what about a tarantula?”
She cast him a sidelong glance. “You have a better shot at getting a snake.”
“Really? ’Cause I’d take good care of him. My friend, Devon, has a ball python, so I know all about them—how to feed ’em, what kind of tank they need, everything.”
Not wanting to completely sour the kid’s mood, she offered, “I’ll think about it.”
As soon as they crested the hill on Main, she saw Mike’s truck coming from the opposite direction. She pulled into the parking lot just behind him, and parked
a couple spots over. Her pulse picked up speed at the sight of him, like a giddy schoolgirl, and she silently chastised herself. Good Lord, woman, get a grip.
Mike got out and opened the back door to unbuckle Maddie from her booster seat. Her eyes lit up when they landed on Noah, and she rushed forward to meet them.
“Hi Noah!”
“Hey, Red. I hear you might be getting a surprise today.”
Red? A surge of emotion expanded her chest. It warmed her heart to see such a strong bond forming between brother and sister.
Maddie’s head bobbed with excitement. “I’m getting a kitty! My mom sent it from heaven.”
“Really? That’s awesome. I might be getting a pet, too.” Noah chanced a glance at her after his announcement.
Bernie cocked a brow, not sure whether to be angry at his obvious manipulation of the situation, or impressed by his cunning.
“C’mon, let’s go see my kitty!” Maddie demanded, grabbing Noah’s hand. “I’m gonna name her Delilah.”
“Cool.”
Mike placed a hand at the small of her back, sending a frisson of awareness up her spine. It had only been a couple of days since she’d seen him, but her body reacted as if it had been weeks. She took a deep breath to refocus as he escorted her into his mother’s shop, Bev’s Pet Emporium & Grooming.
Once inside, Bernie instantly morphed into a little kid again. Those familiar sounds and smells assailed her, and she gazed around, smiling in remembrance, as the barking of puppies and the bubbling of the many fish tanks filled the large store.
Bev came out from behind the counter and raced straight for her granddaughter, who barely raised her arms in time before being swept up in her grandma’s embrace.
“How are you doing, sweetheart?”
“Good. I’m gonna name my new kitty Delilah.”
“Well, I think that’s perfect. A pretty name for a pretty little girl.” She set Maddie back on her feet and turned to Bernie. “It’s so nice to see you. We didn’t get a chance to talk at the Labor Day barbecue. I’m so sorry about your father.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Donovan. It’s great to see you, too.” A surprising rush of nerves assaulted her. She’d seen Bev many times over the years, but it somehow felt…different now that she and Mike were dating again.
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