Gil thought she was honest and truthful, when she was actually no better than his ex-wife, hiding her real reason for being in his home and her real relationship. Thankfully, in a few weeks her assignment would be over. She’d be at peace with Abby’s future, and she could arrive in Paris ready to start a whole new life.
Who was she kidding? She might be moving to the city of her dreams, but her heart would remain in Dover. Forever.
Until then, she’d add as many memories to her mental catalog as she could. Moving to the family room, she curled up on the couch, chuckling as Ruffles raised her front paws against Abby’s guitar as she tried to strum the strings.
“No, Ruffles. Down. You’ll scratch it, and then I won’t be able to play with Daddy.”
“Ruffles, come.” The pup whirled, wagged its tail then vaulted into her lap, wiggling and attempting to lick her face. The obedience classes had been helpful, but Ruffles was still a puppy at heart and until she got a little older, she was unpredictable. But Julie would miss the playful exuberance the little dog displayed now.
The knock on the back door shattered her good mood, knotting her stomach. Had the aunt come back to demand to see Abby? Gil had given her strict instructions to call the police if she showed up again. Stomach swirling, she stood and went to the door. The woman outside the window wasn’t Pam. She was older with gray hair, a trim figure and a pleasant friendly face. She opened the door and noticed the cobalt blue eyes. The same as Gil’s.
The woman’s smile widened. “You must be Julie. I’m Francie Montgomery. Gil’s mother.”
Relief whooshed out in a quick breath. “Hello. Please, come in. I’m so glad to meet you, Mrs. Montgomery.”
Francie stepped into the kitchen and glanced around. “Please call me Francie. Something smells good. Gil told me you had started cooking evening meals.” She met Julie’s gaze. “He’s enjoying coming home to a nice dinner.”
Did Gil talk about her to his mother? “Oh, well, that’s nice. I enjoy cooking for them.”
Ruffles loped into the kitchen and sat at Francie’s feet, bushy tail wagging. “You must be the new member of the family. What a cutie.” She scooped up the pup and held her close. “I’m glad to see you, too, but I really came to see my granddaughter.”
“Oh, of course. She’s in the family room practicing. I had no idea you’d come home.”
Francie met her gaze again. “I asked Gil not to tell you I was coming. First impressions can be important, don’t you think?”
A twinge of discomfort touched her nerves. “Yes. I do.” Was Francie trying to imply something with her comment? Probably not. Merely her guilty conscience at work. Julie followed Francie into the family room. “Abby, look who’s here to see you.”
Abby glanced up and smiled. “Hi, Grandma. You came back.”
“I did. Did you miss me?” Abby set her guitar aside and came into her grandmother’s arms.
Julie’s heart warmed at the sight. Francie exuded warmth and caring. It was easy to see why she’d made a connection with Abby so quickly. On the heels of that thought came the realization that with Francie back in Dover, her job as nanny was at an end. Her throat compressed. It was for the best considering her precarious situation, but she wasn’t ready to leave. She wasn’t sure if she’d ever be ready.
“And I taught her a few tricks. Do you want to see them?”
“Of course.” Francie glanced over her shoulder at Julie. “Excuse me while I admire the accomplishments of my grand-dog.”
She watched through the window as Abby put Ruffles through her paces in the backyard. Since it was a chilly day, Julie put on the kettle in case Francie wanted a cup of tea. She’d seen several packages of loose tea in the cupboard and assumed Francie had kept them there, since she’d never seen Gil drink anything but sweet tea and coffee.
Chilly air accompanied Francie and Abby as they came into the house. Francie joined Julie in the kitchen. “That is one cute puppy Abby has lost her heart to. Gil tells me that was your idea, too.”
“Oh, not really. Abby told me she’d had a dog once, and I thought it might help her feel more at home here. Would you like a cup of tea?”
“That would be nice.”
Julie carried the tea set to the table and joined Francie, her probing blue gaze a match to her son’s.
“I appreciate you convincing my son to enter the talent show with Abby. It’s been too long since he’s picked up his guitar. I think all he’s been through in the last six months stole much of his joy. Sharing his love of music with Abby should help them draw closer.”
“That’s what I was hoping.” Uncomfortable with the topic, Julie attempted to change the conversation. “Gil told me about your daughter’s accident. How’s she doing? I thought you’d be in London longer.”
Francie set her cup in the saucer with a shake of her head. “She is bullheaded and determined. Just like her father. We flew back to New York last weekend. She decided to stay and work with a physical therapist who specializes in dancer’s injuries. Though I’m not sure it will change anything. I’m afraid her professional career is over.”
“That’s too bad.”
“It breaks my heart. It’s all she ever wanted to do since she was five years old. I honestly don’t know how she’s going to cope with losing her dream. I’m praying the Lord will open up some new opportunities for her, but she’ll resist with everything she has. It runs in the family. Once my children set their mind to something, they don’t change easily.”
“I’ve noticed that trait in your son. Gil has never wavered in his desire to reconnect with Abby.”
“He’s been lost without her. It’s such a blessing to have her here with us.”
Julie cleared her throat. Might as well get to the heart of her concerns. “Now that you’re back, I’m sure you’re eager to start taking care of Abby again.”
“Actually, I was hoping you’d stay on for a few more weeks. You’re doing a wonderful job here. You obviously care a great deal about my son and granddaughter, and they like you. I see no reason to mess with a good thing. Besides, I’ll be going back to New York in a few weeks.”
“Oh?” Julie hoped her immense relief wasn’t visible on her face.
Francie nodded. “That’s about how long it’ll take for Bethany to figure out she can’t bury her head in the sand any longer, and she’ll need me to help her move back home.” She paused and stared at her teacup a long moment. “It’s the hard part of being a mother.”
Julie pressed her lips together. Leaving her family had taught her self-reliance and courage. “Sometimes, failing is the only way to learn the lessons of life.”
Francie met her gaze. “That’s what I told Gil. He was too quick to protect Abby from any bumps and bruises.”
“I think he was afraid of pushing her further away.”
“I agree, but you’ve helped him get past that. You’re a very wise woman for one so young.”
“Not really. I just have a lot of experience with children.”
“Which is fortunate for my granddaughter. I volunteered to help in the kitchen so I could be there to see the talent show this weekend. I wish Dale could have been here to see it. He’d be so happy to know Abby is home again.”
“I was sorry to hear about your husband.”
“Thank you. It’s been a difficult time for the family. The children adored their father. Gil suffered multiple losses. I worried that he would never be himself again. Of course, none of this would have happened if Leah had been truthful with him from the start about her illness.”
Julie’s throat burned. Did Francie know about her deception? Impossible. For some reason she felt compelled to reply. “Maybe she felt ashamed. Maybe she feared he wouldn’t love her if he’d known the truth.”
“If she loved him, she should have trus
ted him. I know my son, and he would have stayed by her side no matter what. He’s devoted to those he loves. Secrets never serve a purpose. Don’t you agree?”
Something in Francie’s penetrating gaze pricked her conscience. It was as if she was speaking on a different level. But how could that be? A cheery sound came from her phone, alerting her to a text message from the director of the International School. “Excuse me for a moment. This message is from overseas.”
She slipped away from the table and read the text. They were asking if she could come to Paris a few weeks early. Julie bit her bottom lip. This could be her out. A way to extricate herself from the Montgomerys without creating any hurt feelings. But the thought of leaving Gil and Abby before she was ready twisted her heart in knots. She tapped a quick, noncommittal response and returned to the table. “Sorry. The school I’ll be working at in Paris would like me to come a few weeks early.”
“Oh, yes. Gil told me you would be moving overseas. So will you be leaving soon?”
“I’ll have to think about it. I’m not sure.”
Francie tilted her head and studied her. “Because you found something here you don’t want to leave behind?”
Julie met her gaze, and the knowing look in Francie’s eyes sent a chill down her spine. Julie knew without a doubt that Francie had guessed the relationship between her and Abby was much more than nanny and child. Before she could comment, Francie stood and called to Abby.
“Come give me a hug, Abby.” She faced Julie. “I’d better go. I promised my soon-to-be daughter-in-law that I would give her my opinion on the wedding cake.”
After getting a warm hug from Abby, Francie said goodbye. Abby asked to go to Hannah’s to play, and Julie quickly gave permission, eager for some time alone. She couldn’t shake the feeling Francie had somehow discovered the truth. Was her secret written on her face? Of course it was. Abby looked like her. Anyone could see that.
Nancy had commented about the resemblance once. Pam’s expression said she knew, and now Francie. A swell of anxiety mushroomed up through her body, compressing her lungs, increasing her heart rate. How much longer could she hide the truth? She couldn’t believe Gil hadn’t seen it for himself. What would happen when he did? What about Abby? Ruffles licked her ankle, and she reached down and scooped up the puppy, taking comfort from the warm furry body. Lord, I don’t know what to do. I can’t go and I can’t stay. Help me find a way that won’t hurt the ones I love.
She doubted such a way existed. And she had only herself to blame.
Chapter Nine
The VFW hall was buzzing with activity Saturday morning when Julie arrived. The kitchen was full of cooks already infusing the air with wonderful smells. Tables and chairs were being put up in the main area and the stage was being decorated with potted plants and a hand-painted backdrop created by a member of the church. She checked her list again, making final adjustments. Two acts had withdrawn. Ed and Becky Zimmerman due to a case of flu, and Jeff Easton and his granddaughter because of stage fright. Thankfully it wouldn’t impact the lineup too much, and the shortened schedule would be welcome. She’d been afraid the show was running too long.
Veteran Arthur Coker was busy working with the wires and microphones needed on the stage. This was the first chance she’d had to see the newly donated sound system, and the sight of it stopped her in her tracks. It was huge, taking up a large space along the wall. “Art, will this thing be ready for this afternoon? I’d like to run a sound check before dress rehearsal.”
“No problem.” He straightened his rail-thin body and flashed a smile that made his dark eyes twinkle even more than usual. “It’s a sweet system. Shouldn’t have any trouble hearing anyone with this baby.”
Julie smiled and nodded, but inside she was worried. The speakers looked as if they could blast the entire audience through the roof. She scolded herself for her ungrateful attitude. The system had been donated by the owner of the local hardware store.
Nancy strolled by and stopped at her side. “Quite a blessing, isn’t it?”
“More than I’d expected from a hardware store.”
“Oh, that didn’t come from the store. Adam Holbrook, Tom Durrant’s son-in-law, had that sent from his family company in Atlanta.”
“It’s very generous of him.”
“He jumped right in when he heard about the old system not being big enough to handle the show.”
She brushed off her concerns. In her short time in Dover, she’d come to accept that people here were quick to lend their hands and their resources to help. She’d have to trust that the others would do their job. She had enough on her plate.
Dress rehearsal began on time. Jacob Kelly’s duet with his daughter, Anna, was the lead act. They took the stage and lifted their microphones from the stand. But as they started to sing, a loud screech filled the air and the lights went out in the building.
Julie’s heart sank. There wasn’t time for any complications. The dinner started in a few hours. The kitchen needed power to prepare the meals. She went in search of Art, who was fiddling with the new sound equipment.
His thick brows were pulled together in a deep frown. “I think you’d better put a call in to the Montgomery boys. This new system has too much power for our wiring.”
“But Gil just rewired the entire building.”
“I know, but he hadn’t counted on this top-of-the-line gadgetry.”
She made a quick call to Gil, who assured her he and Linc would be right over. Half an hour later she found them in the back hall pulling wires and hooking up another metal box.
“How long will this take?”
“Almost done.” He flashed a smile over his shoulder.
She exhaled a sigh of relief and rested a hand on his arm. “You’re my hero.”
Linc coughed loudly. “So does that make me Robin to his Batman?”
She grinned. “You’re heroic, too. Thank you.”
Thankfully no additional glitches occurred. The dress rehearsal went smoothly, and the sound system worked perfectly. Satisfied all was in order, Julie slipped away to get ready for the evening, returning to the hall as guests were arriving for the dinner. She stepped into the kitchen and saw Francie at the counter waving at her.
“How are my guitar players doing? Is Abby nervous about tonight?”
“She was. We could hardly hear her singing in rehearsal, but we adjusted the microphone and I think she’ll be okay.”
“I have to admit I’m anxious about it. She’s so shy.”
“I know, but Gil has been bolstering her confidence. As long as he’s there, she should be fine.”
Before she knew it the dinner was almost over and the acts were lining up. She handled a few unexpected changes, shuffled some props and laughed at a couple of humorous onstage mishaps, but so far each act had been delightful. No matter what the talent, seeing fathers and daughters together warmed hearts. Now it was Gil and Abby’s turn.
They took the stage in their matching lavender checked shirts—something Gil wasn’t thrilled with, but he’d graciously accepted his daughter’s choice. They took their seats onstage, both carrying their guitar. Julie tried to quell the nervous bubbling in her stomach. She noticed that Gil had rearranged their positions since the rehearsal. Both chairs were angled toward each other and not facing front. Gil leaned close to Abby and whispered in her ear. She nodded and positioned her little guitar. Gil strummed the first chord, then they began to sing. Abby kept her eyes either on her guitar strings or on her father. She sang out loud and sweet. The combination of Gil’s rich baritone and Abby’s sweet child’s soprano was poignant. Tears filled her eyes, her heart swelled, pressing painfully against her ribs. Never had she been so proud of anything in her life. Watching Gil and Abby was the most beautiful sight she’d ever seen.
“Thank you.”
Julie heard Francie whisper into her ear, but she was too emotional to respond and could only nod.
“You’ll never know what this means to me and to my son.”
The rest of the show went on without a hitch. The judges, Pastor Jim Barrett, choir director, April Craig, and the youth minster, Jake Langford, took the stage to announce the winners. Third place went to Steve and Bonnie Mullins for their juggling act. Second place went to Gil and Abby. Willie Burns and his daughter Candy took first place for their tap dance.
Abby beamed with delight when she accepted the small trophy. They took their bows, then hurried off the stage and came directly to her. Gil grinned like a little boy. “How about that? Second place.”
Abby gave Julie a hug, then one to her grandmother. “We got a prize.”
Francie pulled out her smartphone and swiped it. “I want a picture of this moment.” She motioned father and child together. They gripped their guitars, the genuine plastic trophy held proudly between them.
Julie fought back tears. Her simple idea to enter the talent show had reaped more rewards than she’d ever imagined.
Francie motioned her forward. “Come get into this picture.”
Her throat tightened. She couldn’t be photographed with Abby. She might as well put up a billboard announcing the truth to the whole town.
“No. That’s sweet, but I don’t photograph well. I really need to make sure everything is under control backstage. I’ll see y’all later. I might be late. There’s a lot of tearing down to do.”
She tried to ignore the look of disappointment on Gil’s and Abby’s faces and the knowing glance Francie had given her. Every day her secret became harder to bear. She consoled herself with the thought that this was Gil and Abby’s moment. She said goodbye and turned to go, only to have Gil take her arm and pull her aside.
“Julie, what is it? I thought you’d be thrilled that we won a prize. None of this would have happened without you. Why don’t you come and celebrate with us? We’re taking Abby for ice cream.”
The Nanny's Secret Child Page 13