by Tara Randel
He started to rise but Bridget’s voice stopped him.
“Mr. Wyatt?”
“Yes?”
“Thanks.”
“Anytime, kiddo.”
Wyatt grabbed his wallet and keys then locked up the cottage. They walked to his truck in silence, Cruiser bounding beside them. Once they’d gotten settled inside, Bridget said, “I’m gonna be in trouble when Jenna is finished being worried about me, aren’t I?”
“Pretty much.”
“That’s gonna stink.” She sighed. “What I did is kind of like what your brother did. I probably got Abby in trouble for asking her to keep a secret.”
“Maybe next time you’ll talk to Jenna instead of running off.”
“I guess.”
“Don’t make your sister promise anything she’ll get in trouble for.”
“Okay,” came the small voice in reply.
Wyatt smiled. Jenna was bound to have plenty of worry time in the future.
* * *
JENNA GLANCED AT the clock for the fiftieth time in the past half hour. Where were they? By the time she’d paced the living room floor yet again, the doorbell rang. Heart pounding, she ran into the foyer, swinging the door wide open.
Wyatt stood under the porch light, Bridget at his side. Both faces held solemn expressions.
Cruiser barked from the truck bed.
“Thank goodness.” Jenna pulled Bridget into a tight embrace. After a few seconds, the youngster’s tense body relaxed and her thin arms circled Jenna. Abby ran down the hallway, joining in the hug. Before long, the girls were hugging and whispering to each other.
Bridget looked at Jenna. “I’m sorry.”
Jenna ran a hand over the girl’s soft hair. “I know, sweetie.” She swallowed hard. “Why don’t you and your sister go to your room? I’ll be there soon.”
Hands clasped, the twins scurried off.
Wiping her moist eyes, Jenna met Wyatt’s gaze. “Come in.”
He took a step inside. Once Jenna closed the door behind him, she found herself in Wyatt’s arms. Unable to speak, she relaxed to the rhythmic motion of his hand stroking her back. She held on tight, drawing in his strength and warmth.
“Thank you,” she whispered, taking a step back.
He shrugged.
“I can’t believe she ran away, but I’m glad she went to you.”
“I think she was working off a little bit of frustration.”
“C’mon.” Jenna led him to the living room and they both took a seat on the couch. “She is so much like her mother. Headstrong and fearless.”
The corners of Wyatt’s lips tipped up. “Headstrong for sure.”
Jenna sank back into the cushions. “She’s only ten. I don’t even want to think about what she’ll be like in her teens.”
“She’s still trying to juggle her emotions. It’s tough to do in the real world when school and friends interfere.”
“I thought she was hiding something from me.” Jenna glanced at him, searching his face. “Did she...confide in you?”
“Yes. She’s having trouble adjusting. Not only in her classes, but with the other kids too.”
“Maybe I should have talked to her before laying down the law. It’s hard being a disciplinarian.”
“Even if you’d tried to get the truth out of her, I think she needed a third party to talk to. Sometimes kids don’t want to confide in their parents.”
“I so wanted to make things different for the girls.” She ran a shaky hand through her hair. “When I was growing up, I didn’t have a parent to confide in. The foster parents weren’t bad, for the most part, but I held a lot inside.”
She stopped herself from revealing more. He didn’t need to hear about her troubles, didn’t need him to think of her as needy.
“Jenna, you aren’t going through anything other parents haven’t been through. You’ll survive this rough patch. Bridget’s a good kid.”
“I know.” She took a deep breath. “I just don’t want her to hate me.”
He took her hand in his. “She doesn’t. She was lashing out. You were the closest target.”
She looked down at his tanned, capable hand. She couldn’t deny the relief she felt, sharing this situation with Wyatt. His calm, steady demeanor went a long way in soothing her doubts and worries about parenting. For once, she was glad to have a sounding board. Raising the girls solo was the toughest job she’d ever had.
“So I haven’t scarred Bridget for life?”
His soft chuckle made her heart shift. “I think you’d have to do a lot worse.”
“Trust me, I feel bad, but I understand what you’re saying.”
“Good.”
Silence fell between them. Jenna suddenly went tongue-tied, unable to think of a thing to say until Wyatt broke the tension.
“This is off topic, but can I ask you a favor?”
“After what you did tonight, I’d be unable to say no.”
“You might after I ask.”
“Ask away.”
“My folks invited me over for dinner next Saturday. It’s their anniversary. Anyway, my brother said I should bring a date and I was wondering...are you free?”
Jenna was so shocked that he would ask her, so pleased she wanted to squeal with delight. With effort she managed to answer calmly, “I don’t have any plans.”
“Great. Good.” He gave her a warm smile. “They’ve been bugging me to get a life. I know it’s last minute, but I could use a little moral support.”
“Moral support? You mean this isn’t a date,” she teased.
“Sure, I mean, it’ll be good to go with someone who isn’t after me to change my life.”
Meaning no romance.
“And you can bring the girls. My folks will love them.”
Definitely no romance.
“I’m sure they’ll be excited.”
Wyatt ran his palms up and down his denim-clad thighs. “Okay then.” He stood. “I should get going.”
Jenna rose and walked to the foyer. As she reached for the doorknob, Wyatt said, “Jenna, some advice?”
She faced him. “Please.”
“Keep loving them, just the way you are. They’ll always remember your love.”
Her throat went dry as tears misted in her eyes. “I can do that.”
He reached out to run a finger over her cheek, catching a single teardrop as it escaped. His gaze held hers, dark and mysterious in the dim light.
“Then you’re miles ahead.”
Jenna stared into Wyatt’s eyes, splayed her hand over his steady heartbeat. The foyer suddenly seemed cramped. The air heated. They stood toe to toe, so close she could feel his soft breath on her skin. His firm fingers circled her arms, drew her closer. He lowered his head, but neither of them made the next move. Unable to stand the suspense any longer, she stood on tiptoes to brush her lips over his.
It didn’t take long for him to return her kiss with enthusiasm. His hands moved into her hair, drawing her closer. She circled her arms around his neck, lost in the sensation of Wyatt kissing her senseless. How right this felt. A deep part of her connected with him on a level she’d never experienced with any other man. Her heart expanded. For a guy who claimed he didn’t get emotionally involved, his kisses said otherwise. There wasn’t anything more involved than sharing a toe-curling kiss.
Gently breaking the connection, Jenna took a step back, her skin cooling at the loss of Wyatt’s warmth.
Jenna crossed her arms, hugging herself. “I need to check on the girls.”
Wyatt nodded, his dark eyes burning with an emotion she didn’t dare decipher. “I understand,” he finally said.
She held back a shuddering sigh. “Thanks again.”
Wyatt opened the door, took a step and stopped. Jenna held her breath when he turned back to her. “You’re a good mother, Jenna. Don’t ever think otherwise.”
She watched as he went to his truck and Cruiser jumped into the cab. She waited until he’d pulled out of the driveway and driven down the street before locking the door. She squared her shoulders, pushing down the unexpected feelings Wyatt brought out in her. Now for a nice long chat with Bridget.
To her surprise, Bridget, already in her pajamas, came toward her. Silently, she took Jenna’s hand and led her into the living room.
“I’m sorry,” Bridget said.
“Me, too.”
Surprise registered on Bridget’s face. “Why are you sorry?”
“I should have talked to you before coming down so hard.”
“I don’t think moms work that way.”
Jenna’s eyes welled up again.
“You’re supposed to make sure I’m doing good in school. And I shouldn’t be mad that you have to work.”
“Is that what’s bothering you?”
“Well, some of the kids have been kinda mean. About you not being my real mom.”
Jenna tamped down her anger. She’d forgotten how tough it was to be motherless. Forgotten how cruel children could be about the most heart-wrenching problems in life. “I’m sorry you’re going through this, Bridget. I wish you’d told me.” Jenna took a seat on the couch, pulling Bridget onto her lap. “It’s never easy being the new girl in school. Whenever I moved to a new foster home and had to switch schools, I was always the odd person out.”
“Does it get better?”
Jenna ran a hand over Bridget’s soft hair. “In time. You’ll find your special friend, just like I found your mother. And about those mean kids? Just walk away from them. Drives them crazy if they think you aren’t upset.”
Bridget looked down.
“Anything else?”
Picking at her PJ bottoms, Bridget said softly, “I’m afraid you’ll get busy with your catering or go back to your cooking show and leave us behind.”
Jenna circled her arms around Bridget’s slender shoulders and hugged her close. “Never.”
“Promise?”
“Promise.”
They sat in silence for a long while, Jenna drinking in the little girl smell of soap and crayons. She may not have a chance for anything romantic with Wyatt, but she vowed to protect her relationship with the twins.
“What do you say I tuck you into bed now?”
“You aren’t going to yell at me?”
“Sure I am. But not until tomorrow.”
Bridget grinned. “Meet you in the kitchen for cereal and a scolding.”
CHAPTER ELEVEN
THE NEXT WEEK flew by. Caught up in a flurry of activity, Jenna managed to keep an eye on the girls while getting the business up and running. Nealy helped her with behind-the-scenes projects, like setting a date for the soft opening and inviting local businesses, store owners, associations, churches, anyone who would benefit from Jenna’s catering skills.
They’d also gotten details from Max about the engagement party, which he’d scheduled the night after the opening. His plan entailed taking Lilli for a romantic walk on the beach to pop the question as the sun set. After she said yes—he had no doubt he’d get an affirmative answer—they’d make their way to the public beach pavilion close to downtown.
In the meantime, Jenna and Nealy would work their magic to stage the surprise party. Jenna’s head swam as she tried to come up with innovative recipes as well as old favorites to wow the guests at both the opening and her friends’ engagement party, but she was excited and happy.
About Wyatt’s invitation, however, she was a wreck.
She’d never been invited to meet the family of any man she’d dated. True, Wyatt made it clear he only wanted her there for support, but still, the idea of being introduced to his parents made her tense. Unlike Jenna, Wyatt had grown up in a loving, intact home. The closest she’d come to a real home with her mother was just before the social worker took her from their dingy apartment. Although she’d risen above her past, the old insecurities never failed to get to her when she walked into the home of a happy family.
She placed a hand over her stomach to calm the butterflies. “You can do this,” she whispered. If anything, she’d rally for the girls. She wanted to be a good example, wanted the girls to know that no matter what kind of home life you came from, you counted. Letting them see her own uncertainty wasn’t an option.
Since inviting her to his parents’ anniversary dinner, she’d heard from Wyatt once, when he called to tell her what time he’d pick them up. She knew he’d been around, though. At some point during the week, he’d stopped by to finish the girls’ play set. She’d called to thank him, but got his voice mail. Rubbing her head, she stared at her closet and forced her brain to focus on one question. What to wear to the party?
She perused her wardrobe, unable to settle on an outfit. Since this wasn’t really a date, she didn’t want to come off too fancy. Yet it was dinner, a special occasion, so she needed to wear something accordingly. After going back and forth between three different dresses, she finally settled on a flowered print dress, which was fitted to the waist then flared out around her legs. Once she added a strappy pair of sandals, she loved the fun, flirty look. She took extra time on her makeup and hair, hoping Wyatt would like the finished product.
The girls were excited too. Bridget insisted they make a fancy dessert for the occasion. How could Jenna say no? Her relationship with the girls had moved into a new, tentative phase. They were all striving to make the family dynamics better. Bridget promised to let Jenna know if the bullying at school continued. Abby, having been brought into the loop, promised to keep an eye on Bridget. If they needed help, the twins would confide in Jenna and let her, the adult, handle it.
When the doorbell rang, Jenna took one last check in the hall mirror before rushing to answer it. Her breath hitched at the sight of Wyatt, dressed in a dark blue shirt, which brought out the color of his eyes, and black slacks. The sun shone on his dark hair. A welcoming smile curved his lips. Before she had a chance to speak, the girls ran up behind her to greet him.
“Mr. Wyatt. We made dessert.”
A rare twinkle lit his eyes. “You do know my parents are providing the food,” he said, over their heads, to Jenna.
“Have you known me to show up at a party without food?”
“Not yet.”
“It’s chocolate cake,” Abby went on to say. “With whipped cream and chocolate chips inside.”
Bridget tugged at Jenna’s arm. “We have to hurry before the topping melts.”
“Okay, okay.”
She glanced at Wyatt. He smiled. “You look beautiful.”
Pleased by the admiration in his eyes, she said, “Give me a sec and we’ll be ready to leave.”
He nodded. Jenna tried to ignore the shiver teasing her skin as he talked to Abby in a low voice.
With the girls chattering up a storm, Wyatt took the cake holder while Jenna locked up. Better safe than sorry.
Before long they’d reached his parents’ home in a neighborhood of one-story ranch-style houses. The landscaped lawn was immaculate, with bright pink and white impatiens lining the front porch in full bloom. The driveway was filled with cars.
“Really?” Wyatt muttered.
Jenna glanced at him.
“There are more cars here than just my brothers. My mother probably decided to ask other family members to stop by.”
“And that bothers you?”
“No, I mean, it’s my folks’ party. They deserve lots of company to celebrate. I just haven’t been to a fami
ly gathering in a long time.”
He parked by the curb and killed the engine.
“We’re here?” Bridget asked, bouncing about in the backseat.
“Yep.” Wyatt climbed out and opened the back door for the girls. “My parents’ house.”
The girls waited in the driveway while Wyatt helped Jenna from the car. “Thanks.”
She looked at him curiously. “For what?”
“The moral support.”
“I told you we’re happy to be here.” Jenna bit back her disappointment. Still, what had she really expected him to say when he’d made it clear his emotions were off-limits?
“I know I’ve shut a lot of friends out of my life. Even my family. It means the world to my mother that I agreed to come today.”
Jenna picked up the cake holder from the car seat and stepped to the sidewalk. “I promise, the girls and I will do our part.”
Closing the door, Wyatt fell into step beside her. Before they reached the porch, the front door flew open and an attractive woman, who Jenna remembered as Wyatt’s mother, greeted them with a big smile.
“Welcome, welcome.”
Wyatt introduced Jenna and the girls and soon they were swept into the house, surrounded by extended family members. Someone took the cake from Jenna’s hands, replacing it with a glass of iced tea.
Wyatt’s father threw an arm around his wife’s shoulders. “Liz is so happy you could make it. She’s a fan of your show.”
“Bryce.” Liz batted at her husband’s chest.
“She’s even whipped up a few of your recipes.”
Liz’s face colored. “I’m nowhere near your talent, but I try.”
“Please, Mom,” a tall, handsome man said as he joined them. “You’re one of the best cooks I know.” He winked at Jenna. “No offense.”
“None taken. It’s good to know people actually use my recipes.”
“I’m Wyatt’s brother, Josh.”
“Good to meet you.”
“And where is your date, son?” Liz asked, looking around the living room.
“She couldn’t make it.”
“Did you even invite her?”