“After saving Ruffles I’m sure she’d agree to anything.”
“I’m going by the music store this afternoon and picking up a small guitar just to sweeten the deal.”
“I may have to volunteer to help out just so I can see you two onstage.”
“There’s one more thing I wanted to run by you.” Gil quickly outlined Julie’s suggestion about a face-to-face meeting with Al Thompson.
“That’s a great idea. Dad and Al were always close. If we reminded him of that relationship, explain that a change in management is often rocky, he might come around. When do you want to go?”
“As soon as possible. You’ve worked with him more than I have. Will you set it up?”
Linc pointed at him and winked, then walked out.
Gil breathed out a slow sigh. Maybe his life was finally falling into place. He’d made progress with Abby, and there was new hope for the future of the company. That left only one big hole in his life. Someone to share all this happiness with. Someone like Julie. For a moment he allowed himself to imagine a future that included a family. One where love ruled, honesty existed and problems were discussed and resolved together.
He wondered if Julie weren’t leaving for Paris, if there might be a future together. He shrugged off the thought. He was moving too fast and in the wrong direction. He had Abby, and their relationship was all that mattered.
He pushed back from the desk, closed the computer and headed out. He had a small guitar to purchase before he went home. He wondered if they made them in purple.
* * *
The sound of Gil’s vehicle pulling into the driveway sent Julie’s heart tripping. Knowing he was home, that they would be sharing the evening meal, filled her with sweet contentment. In her heart she knew she was playing a dangerous game of pretend. Her dream of living in Paris, of exploring the most romantic city on earth, was beginning to lose its appeal. What she wanted to do was stay here with Gil and Abby and be part of their world. That would be the greatest thing she could imagine. But it was also her greatest nightmare, because if the truth ever came out, she’d lose them both and she would never recover.
She noticed the guitar the moment Gil stepped through the door into the breakfast room. She grinned. “Where did you find that? It’s precious.”
Gil held up the small instrument. “You think so? I’m hoping it’ll encourage Abby to say yes to being in the talent show.”
“Oh, good. You’re going to enter. I’m so glad.”
“Unless she says no.”
“I don’t think she will. She told me today that one of the girls in her class was excited because she and her daddy are entering. I think she’ll be thrilled.”
Ruffles skidded to a halt and placed her paws on Gil’s shin, begging for attention. Abby followed close behind, stopping and staring at the small guitar. She looked at her father for an explanation.
“I thought maybe you’d like to have a guitar of your own. One more your size that would fit your hands better.”
Abby’s smile widened, and she reached for the gift. “It looks like yours.”
“Yes. It does. I couldn’t find a purple one, but I did get you a purple strap.” He handed the small bag to Abby. She pulled out the multihued purple strap and giggled.
“I love it. Thank you, Daddy.” She went to him and hugged his waist. “Will you teach me to play?”
“I will, but first I have a question. What if you and I entered the father-daughter talent show at church? We could play our matching guitars and sing.”
She nodded. “Carrie Sue and her dad are going to play the piano. Now I can tell her I’ll be in it, too.”
Gil rested his hand on her head. “But we’ll have to practice hard. It’s not that far away.”
Julie’s heart was overflowing. Seeing Gil and her daughter growing closer, sharing things, making memories, exceeded her expectations.
“Why don’t you get started on the lessons and I’ll get supper on the table.”
The sounds of Gil’s deep voice as he instructed Abby drifted into the kitchen and lingered in her heart. This was a perfect moment. Taking care of the people she loved. She closed her eyes, sensing her emotional roots burrowing deeper into the Montgomerys’ world.
The moment dinner was over, Abby darted back to the family room and picked up her guitar. Gil hurried to join her, the joy on his face a beautiful sight to see. Julie longed to stay and watch the lessons, but tonight was another committee meeting and she needed to be there. Stepping into the family room, she heard Abby ask Gil who taught him to play the guitar. The sadness that passed over his features gripped her heart.
“My daddy taught me the way I’m teaching you.”
“Where’s your daddy?”
“He’s in heaven.”
Something in Gil shifted, a darkening that troubled her. She wondered if he’d ever grieved for his father. From what she could piece together, Gil had been hit with the loss of his dad, then the problems with his ex-wife a few weeks later. She wished there was something she could do for him.
Julie said goodbye, reminding them of her meeting, then went to her car. She might have trouble concentrating this evening. She couldn’t shake the deep look of sadness she’d seen in Gil’s blue eyes.
Thankfully the meeting went quickly. Everyone agreed to use the VFW hall since the entries to the talent show had grown. Gil had checked out the facility and had reported that putting in a subpanel should provide the extra power needed.
She debated whether to check on Gil before she went up to her apartment. She’d been unable to forget the look of profound sadness on his face when he’d spoken of his father. Perhaps she should maintain some distance. If he needed to talk, she felt sure he would seek her out.
After preparing for bed, she slipped on her favorite baggy sweater and stepped out onto the small balcony off the bedroom. The weather had warmed the past few days, and a hint of spring was in the air. In a few weeks the azaleas would start blooming. The yellow jasmine bush at the side of the garage was already budding.
She looked forward to seeing what spring would bring to the Montgomery yard. The bushes were all old and established and would offer a riot of color. Movement from below drew her gaze. Peering through the darkness, she could make out a figure sitting in one of the patio chairs. Gil. He leaned forward, elbows on his knees, his head cradled in his hands.
Alarm lanced through her and she started to call out. The broad shoulders started to shake. A deep groan rose on the night air. She sucked in a deep breath. Finally he was grieving for all he’d lost. She longed to go to him, comfort him, but this was a private moment.
Slowly she turned and went back inside, careful not to make any noise. Gil’s grief triggered long-buried emotions of her own. He’d lost his father. She’d lost both of her parents, not to death, but to rebellious pride. Being Abby’s caregiver had opened her eyes to things she’d not understood before. She’d been able to maintain a safe emotional distance with her students. Even though she became overly involved in their lives at times, they weren’t her flesh and blood.
Her gaze landed on her smartphone sitting on the end table. Maybe it was time to reach out. Her mom had called twice during the time Julie had been at the Montgomerys’, but she’d ignored the voice mails. Seeing Abby and Gil draw closer filled her with an ache to reconnect with her family. It was a situation she’d ignored far too long.
With a shaking hand, she pulled up the call list and touched the number labeled Mom. She fought the urge to hang up three times before a soft familiar voice answered. Tears burned her eyes. “Mom, it’s me. J.J.”
Her mother’s voice cracked as she spoke. “Oh, my sweet girl. It’s so good to hear your voice. I’ve missed you so much.”
The words broke the barrier around her heart, releasing a flood of e
motions. “I’m sorry, Mom. I’ve missed you, too.”
* * *
Gil poured a second cup of coffee and carried it into the family room. He rarely had time for more than a gulp each morning. Today he relished the extra time. His gaze fixed on the backyard beyond the French doors. Spring would be here soon. He was ready. The off-and-on cold weather dampened his mood. He preferred warm weather any day. He looked forward to watching Abby play on the swing. Maybe he’d build her a playhouse if she wasn’t too old for that kind of thing. So much he wanted to do for her, so much to make up for.
The back door swooshed opened, which meant Julie was probably here. He met her in the kitchen.
“You’re still here? Is everything all right? Abby okay?”
He held up a hand to forestall her concerns. “Everything is fine. I’m going to a job site this morning and I don’t need to be there until nine.”
“Oh. Good. I was worried.”
Something in her tone caught his attention. Her usual smile was missing, her brown eyes lacked the sparkle that he found so appealing. “Now it’s my turn to ask. Is everything okay?”
“Sure.”
Gil tilted his head. “I know a fake smile when I see one.”
She moved away, going to the coffeemaker and pouring a cup. “I’m just tired. I didn’t sleep well last night.”
“Want to talk about it?”
“Not really. It’s just family stuff.”
He joined her at the counter, resting his hip against the edge. “I’ve never heard you talk about your family. Why is that?”
“We’re not close. I haven’t seen them in years.”
He held her gaze, waiting for further explanation. She resisted but finally exhaled a small sigh.
“I have an older sister. She was a competitive diver. She had an accident during practice one day that left her paralyzed from the neck down. She needed round-the-clock care. It changed my family. Maryann took all their time and money and attention.”
“And you were shoved aside.”
She lowered her eyes and nodded. “I understood. I knew my sister needed them more than I did, but I realized I needed to strike out on my own. They had their hands full. So I went off to college, and we drifted apart.”
He touched her cheek. “I’m sorry. You must have felt abandoned.”
“At times, but I’ve managed.” Gil pulled her into his arms. She didn’t resist. He knew she needed comfort right now. She rested her head on his chest, and he felt her relax against him.
“But when someone you love shuts you out of their lives, it’s hard to come to terms with. Leah started pulling away long before she left me. I tried everything to make her happy, but it was never enough. Abby wasn’t enough. I wasn’t enough. She walked out as if I didn’t matter.”
“I know. That’s how I felt, too. Thankfully I met DiDi and she’s become my best friend, my lifeline. I don’t think I’d have survived without her.”
“For me it was my parents. I wish they were home now. I could use their advice and support. Which is ironic since the one time I ignored my father’s advice, and my attorney’s, it led to the mess I’m in now.”
“What do you mean?”
“He told me not to give Leah full custody of Abby. My lawyer warned me that I could lose all access to her. But Leah assured me I could see her anytime. I thought I was doing what was best for Abby. But it only made things worse.” Julie stepped out of his arms, leaving a chill on his skin. But the tenderness in her eyes when she looked at him quickly warmed him again.
“No. From what I’ve learned about bipolar disorder, nothing you could have done would have changed anything. You shouldn’t blame yourself for things you can’t control.”
“What about things we can control? Like the way we feel?” He took her arms in his hands and drew her close again. “The way people can change our perspective on things, make us look at life differently.” He placed his palm against the side of her face. His pulse raced as he saw her reaction. She’d come into his life and changed everything for the better. He couldn’t deny being drawn to her.
She met his gaze, looking deep into his eyes, and stirring feelings he’d long ignored. She placed her small hand over his.
“Gil, I think—”
“I’m ready, Miss Julie.”
Gil dropped his hands and quickly picked up his coffee cup. He’d forgotten Abby was still in the house. He’d have to be more careful. He tended to lose his train of thought when Julie was close.
Julie grabbed her purse and tugged the car keys from the front pocket. “We’d better get moving. Don’t want to be late for school.”
Abby gave him a quick hug, patted Ruffles’s head then scooped up her backpack on the way out the door. Julie caught his gaze before she pulled the door closed. Her brown eyes held understanding. They’d found mutual ground. Maybe sharing their feelings would help them both move forward.
But forward for him meant staying in Dover. Forward for Julie meant moving to Paris. His good mood sank.
* * *
Julie’s eyes filled with tears of joy as she looked at her little princess Thursday afternoon. Abby stood awkwardly on the platform as the seamstress, Mrs. Fodor, finished pinning up the hem of the pale lavender and white dress she wore. “You look beautiful, Abby. Like a real princess.” Abby smiled but fidgeted, earning a calm reminder from the seamstress to remain still so she wouldn’t be stuck with a pin. “It was nice of your aunt Gemma to invite you to be part of the wedding.” Abby had been reluctant to participate, but they’d been practicing walking and tossing fake petals and now she was looking forward to it. Having Evan to walk with helped.
Abby nodded, holding the skirt out to admire the frilly fabric. “I’m glad she picked a purple dress for me to wear.”
“Me, too. It’s a perfect color with your dark hair.”
Mrs. Fodor stood and stepped back. “All done. I’ll have the alterations ready by the end of the week. You can stop by Friday.” The woman removed the yellow measuring tape from around her neck. “She’ll be an adorable flower girl. I’ve enjoyed working on this wedding. After what Gemma did with our Christmas celebrations, the whole town loves her. And she’s marrying one of our favorite sons.”
Julie handed Abby her coat and helped her slip it on. “The Montgomerys are much admired. I’m looking forward to meeting all of them.” Julie thanked the seamstress again, then said goodbye. Cold wind assaulted them as they stepped outside. The week of nice weather was gone, pushed aside by a cold front bringing rain and chilly temperatures. Typical Mississippi weather.
She took Abby’s hand. “As soon as we buy a chew toy for Ruffles, we’ll go home and fix some popcorn and watch a movie. Which one should we watch today?”
“Annie.”
Purchase completed, they hurried back down the block toward the car. The wind had picked up, and Julie quickened her pace. Abby stopped in her tracks, jerking Julie to a halt. She looked at the little girl, her heart thudding in her chest at the look of terror on her child’s face. “Abby? Sweetie, what’s wrong?”
Julie turned in the direction of Abby’s gaze, but saw nothing but shoppers and cars passing by.
Tears spilled down her cheeks. “I thought I saw my aunt.”
“Gemma?”
She shook her head. “Aunt Pam.” She threw her arms around Julie and held on for dear life. “Please don’t make me go back with her. I want to stay with Daddy.”
“You will, sweetie. Your daddy won’t let you go away ever again.”
Abby sniffled. “Are you sure?”
Julie squeezed her hand. “I am.” Abby started to shake, her little face pale and scrunched up as she began to cry harder. Julie searched for a way to reassure her. “In fact, why don’t we go see him right now and he can tell you himself.�
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“He’s at work.”
“I know, but I don’t think he’ll mind if you visit. I’ve never seen where your daddy works, have you?”
Abby stared out the window of the car as Julie followed her GPS directions to Montgomery Electrical. She’d stopped crying but withdrew into silence. Julie prayed that Gil would be able to reassure her and ease her fears.
Pulling into the parking lot, Julie was surprised at the size of the building. The two-story brick facade gave the impression of a solid, respectable business. Extending behind was a large metal-roofed structure she guessed was the warehouse. The parking area to the side was filled with a variety of pickups, vans and bucket trucks.
Julie held Abby’s hand as they entered the building. Only then did it occur to her she should have called first. Their sudden appearance might alarm Gil.
A young woman in jeans and a knit top sat behind a small reception desk. “I’m Julie Bishop, and this is Abby, Gil Montgomery’s daughter. We need to see him right away.”
The woman made a quick call before smiling and directing them toward the stairs. “He’ll be waiting.”
Abby held tight to Julie’s hand. She prayed that Gil could ease the child’s fears because her eyes were still big as saucers, and her hands clammy. She needed the reassuring presence of her daddy. And she knew Gil wouldn’t disappoint.
Chapter Eight
Gil stopped at the top of the stairs, his mind flashing through all the reasons why Julie would bring Abby to the shop. None of them good. One glance at his daughter’s face as she topped the stairs and his heart seized. He looked at Julie for an explanation. “What’s going on?”
“Abby needed to see you.” Julie released Abby’s hand, and she came to him, wrapping her arms around his waist. The gesture shot his concern a level higher.
Inside Gil’s office he led his daughter to the small seating area in the corner and pulled her down beside him on the sofa. “What’s wrong? Are you hurt?”
Abby looked up at him, her brown eyes troubled and her lower lip puckered out. “I saw my aunt.”
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