Love Returned

by Mildred Colvin

  Megan wiped tears from her eyes and gave Shelly the best smile she could muster. “I know. But that really isn’t what I wanted to talk about. Sometimes I wonder if I’m going crazy. I’ve been having dreams.”

  “Dreams?” Shelly pulled another chair close to Megan and scooted into it. “What kind of dreams?”

  “About the baby.” Megan passed a trembling hand over her eyes to wipe away any remaining moisture. “I always dream about him near his birthday, but that was a month ago. They should have stopped by now. I think it’s Randy that’s keeping him in my mind. He looks so much like I think my little boy would. They’re about the same age, and he’s such good friends with Derek. Just like our sons would have been if I could have kept him.”

  “Megan, he isn’t your son.” Shelly spoke with conviction. “Randy is Scott’s son. You don’t know he’s adopted. I’ll bet Scott would laugh if you even suggested such a thing.”

  Her sister was right, but it still hurt more than Shelly could ever know. Not knowing where her baby was or if he were happy and cared for burned a hole in her heart. Did his parents love him? Were they kind to him? Did they play with him? Take him to Scouts? So many questions and no answers.

  “Come on.” Shelly headed back to the sink. “These dishes won’t get done by themselves.”

  While Shelly washed and stacked dishes in the drainer, Megan wiped the table, counters, and stove. Shelly didn’t want to hear any more of her crazy ideas, so she kept her thoughts to herself, letting her sister lead the conversation.

  A truck nosed into the driveway just outside the kitchen window and stopped. Shelly smiled at Megan. “Look who just pulled in.”

  Megan peeked out to see Scott and Randy jump down from the truck. She looked at Shelly. “I take it you were not expecting them?”

  “No, but I’ll bet Derek was.”

  Megan turned back to the window. Sure enough, Derek ran to meet them. He and Randy ran off to the back yard, leaving Scott alone.

  “He’s coming to the house.” Shelly crossed the room to open the back door. She stepped out on the deck that ran the length of the house. Megan heard her speak to Scott before they came inside.

  “Megan.” Scott sounded surprised. “I didn’t know you would be here.”

  I’ll bet you didn’t. Jealousy stabbed Megan’s heart. How often did Scott come to see Shelly?

  She forced her lips to turn up at the ends. “I decided a roast beef dinner sounded better than anything I had in the freezer.”

  He laughed. “That must be why Randy likes to come over.”

  “I can imagine.” Megan glanced at Shelly. She stood back with the hint of a smile on her face.

  Shelly’s smile widened as she turned to Scott. “We’ll have to invite you and Randy over for Sunday dinner sometime. I don’t know if Megan has invited you or not, but we’d love to have you join us for church next Sunday. I think Mother plans to fix meat loaf.”

  Scott shook his head even as he smiled at Shelly’s bribe. “Thanks for the invite, but I haven’t been to church in so long, I wouldn’t know how to act.”

  “Oh, nonsense.” Shelly waved his words aside. “You went to church with us that first day we met you.”

  Scott shrugged. “That’s true, but it didn’t feel like church. We wore shorts and sandals and sat on the beach watching the boats go by.”

  “True, but we also worshipped God and sang His praises.”

  Scott dipped his head before he looked up. “I was raised in church. I’m a believer, Shelly. Just a very lukewarm one. After my wife died, I had a hard time singing at all, let along praise to God. It seemed easier to stay home.”

  Shelly and Scott had much in common. Only Brent’s death had brought Shelly closer to the Lord while Scott’s grief carried him away from church. Maybe Scott would prefer taking Shelly to dinner Friday night. But if so, why had he asked Megan?

  Scott opened the back door. “I’ll get out of your way and come back for Randy in about an hour if that’s all right.”

  “There’s no hurry, Scott.” Shelly held the door. “We enjoy having Randy here.”

  As soon as his truck door closed, Shelly turned to Megan. “He’s nice, isn’t he?”

  “Yes, I think so.” Megan hesitated. Every time she saw Scott and Shelly together she wanted to lay claim to him. She wanted to tell Shelly she couldn’t have him. But she had no hold on Scott. If he and Shelly hit it off, she should be glad for them. After all, she neither needed nor wanted a man in her life.

  “But he’s still angry with God.”

  “Who is?” Megan stared at Shelly. “Scott? He’s put his past behind him. He told me that.” But Shelly was right. He hadn’t completely given up his wife or he wouldn’t avoid church.

  “Be careful, Megan. He’s very good looking and quite charming, but please don’t rush in where you’ll regret later.”

  “What are you saying?”

  “You and Scott.” A smile played at the corners of Shelly’s mouth. “I saw the way he looked at you. And I believe you are just as aware of him. He may be a Christian, but he admitted he's lukewarm. You need to go slow and pray before you leap into something neither of you are ready for.”

  “I’m going out with him Friday night.”

  “Then I’m right.” Shelly gave her sister a quick hug. “I love you, Megan. Be careful and don’t get hurt.”

  ~Eight~

  Megan answered the door Friday evening, and Scott’s smile wrapped around her heart.

  “Wow, I knew you were beautiful, but....” He whistled.

  Megan’s pulse throbbed at the base of her neck. She’d never felt such attraction to a man. Not even Jason, and that frightened her. A short laugh covered the flutter in her middle. “You’ve never seen me in a dress before.”

  He shook his head. “Not true. You wore a blue dress Sunday and you looked beautiful. You wore blue jeans on our walk and you were beyond beautiful.”

  Megan wished for thicker skin to hide the blush warming her cheeks. She shook her head and closed her eyes. “Men!”

  Scott’s chuckle said her lack of finesse in handling his flattery didn’t bother him. At least she hoped not. She grabbed her purse and headed for the door. “I’m ready if you are.”

  After the short drive to Columbia, Scott pulled to a stop outside a new restaurant Megan hadn’t seen before. From the nice appearance, she expected the food to be appealing as well. The hostess seated them at a table for two.

  The waiter took their orders and left. Megan looked across the table. “Where’s Randy? Surely you didn’t leave him home alone?”

  Scott chuckled. “No, he’s visiting a friend, and his friend’s grandmother.”

  “My mother?” Megan’s eyes widened. Her mother always kept Derek while Shelly worked, but this was the first she’d heard of her allowing Derek to have a friend over.

  Scott didn’t seem to notice her surprise. “Yes, she suggested the boys do their homework together. I don’t know how much studying they’ll do, but I imagine Derek’s video games will get a good workout tonight.”

  “Probably so.” The boys would enjoy this night, but no more than Megan would. She glanced around the dining room with muted lights and soft music floating in the background. Their table sat in a back corner giving her a feeling of privacy. She smiled at Scott. “This is very nice.”

  “I thought you’d like it.” His smile filled her with warmth.

  Within minutes of placing their order, the waiter returned with tossed salad, dressing, and crackers. When they were alone again, Scott bowed his head before Megan understood his intention.

  “Father, we thank You for the food You provide.”

  A bit belatedly, Megan looked down. While Scott prayed, she regained composure. He told Shelly he was a Christian who’d grown cold after the death of his wife. Praying in public was not the act of a man who’d turned his back on God. Megan shoved Shelly’s warning to be careful to the back of her mind.

  “I’m
glad you came with me.” Scott looked across the table. “I enjoy exploring the unknown, but I don’t like to do it alone.”

  Scott’s thoughtless comment hit Megan as a slam. She forced a smile. “I see. So my role in this adventure is to hold your hand and make sure you don’t get lost?”

  Scott chuckled. “Why do I get the feeling I said something wrong? If so, I didn’t mean it the way it sounded. I don’t think I’ll get lost, but just in case, I’d welcome holding hands with you.”

  A quick flush covered Megan’s face. She hadn’t been flirting, only reacting. Just the thought of holding hands with Scott sent her blood thrumming through her veins. They needed a safer topic of conversation.

  The amused light in Scott’s eyes and his quick grin let her know he noticed her reaction. He took a sip from his water while the waiter set their dinners on the table. When he left, Scott gave Megan a smile. “Randy’s excited about the pumpkin contest and hayride next month. What does that entail?”

  Glad for the change of subject, Megan lifted her gaze to Scott’s. “Every year our October pack night moves to the outdoors with a hayride. Actually, two wagons will be used.”

  “Two?” Scott questioned. “This must be a big event.”

  Megan laughed. “Yes, it is. All the parents come and bring the entire family. Sometimes even grandparents and aunts and uncles. The carved pumpkin contest is just one of the fun events.”

  “Sounds like the kids will have a blast.”

  “Kids and adults. Even stodgy history professors.” Megan giggled.

  Scott frowned. “Stodgy, huh? Will you sit with me and hold my hand on the hayride?”

  “In case you get lost?”

  He chuckled. “No, because I want to hold hands with the prettiest Scout leader I’ve ever met.”

  Megan’s gaze flew to Scott’s teasing grin. Her heart took off as if she were running a race. She took a deep breath, willing it to settle down. “That depends.”

  “On what?”

  “On whether—” She swallowed and looked at the fork in her hand so she could continue. “On whether you will be my date for the entire evening.”

  When Scott didn’t answer, she chanced a look at him. He sat motionless, staring at her. She’d been far too bold. A chill swept through her heart. Then his slow smile spread, warming and melting her insides. “I am definitely holding you to that. I can’t think of anyone I’d rather have for my date.”

  Megan’s eyes widened, but Scott didn’t retract his statement. He wanted to date her? Maybe he liked her rather than Shelly. Hadn’t Shelly told her that? He watched her with one side of his smile a little higher than the other, and the thaw reached her mouth so her lips tilted up at the corners.

  Finally she found her voice. “Good. Shall I pick you up or would you rather meet me there?”

  Scott laughed. “Call me old fashioned if you want, Megan, but do you mind if I pick you up?”

  “No, that would be fine except I’ll have to go early so it’d probably be better if we meet there.” Megan stuck her fork in the potato on her plate and stuffed a bite in her mouth before she said anything else embarrassing.

  Scott chuckled. “All right, but I will see you home afterward.”

  “And hold my hand on the hayride.”

  “And every other chance I get.” Scott’s gaze crept over her face, and he smiled as if he enjoyed what he saw.

  The rest of the evening went by faster than Megan liked. After they left the restaurant, Scott drove by the university. Megan seldom went near the campus as it held so many painful memories. Tonight however, with Scott beside her, the ghosts of her past seemed to flee.

  “What made you want to teach in a university?” Megan settled back for the ride when they passed the city limits of Columbia and headed north toward home.

  “I like kids, and I’ve always wanted to teach. I thought I’d stick with high school, but history is my field, and I needed more depth than I could get on a secondary level.” He glanced at her and smiled. “College kids range from eighteen to eighty, so there’s always plenty of variety. Sometimes I have to convince my older students I really do know as much or more history than they.”

  Megan laughed. “Don’t feel bad. I have the same problem, and my students are all under ten.”

  When Scott nosed his truck into her driveway, Megan wished they were just starting the evening. He turned off the ignition and silence descended.

  “I’m not ready for this night to end.” He shrugged. “But I still have to pick up Randy, and I don’t want to cause any problems there. Derek’s a good kid. I’m glad he and Randy are friends.”

  She nodded. “Yes, I am, too.”

  Megan’s heart beat double time as Scott walked around the truck and opened the door on her side. What was it about a man playing the part of a gentleman that made a woman feel so cherished? She slid from the truck and walked beside him to the house, her hand tucked securely in his.

  At the doorway he stopped. “I’ve got to go, but I’ll see you Monday night.” His lips touched hers in a fleeting kiss that left her wanting more.

  Scott backed off the porch. “Thanks, Megan, for the best time I’ve had in years.”

  “Yes, me, too.” What more could she say? His long strides were already eating the distance to his truck. Megan watched him back out of her driveway then turn toward her mother’s house. She unlocked her door, went inside, and collapsed on the couch while her breath whished from her lungs. Her head spun as she absorbed the emotional evening with Scott Landis. Wow!

  ~*~

  Megan shoved the desk drawer closed. No stamps and one couldn’t pay bills without stamps, which meant a trip to the post office. Bagheera rubbed against her leg. She lifted him for a brief snuggle. “Sorry, fella, but I’ve got business to take care of this fine Saturday morning. Then, I think I’ll go see my big sister. What’s your opinion on that?”

  Bagheera mewed when she set him back to the floor. She laughed, taking his answer as a complaint. “Sorry, but the bills have to be paid.”

  Megan drove to the post office then to the house on Walnut Street. She followed the sound of the chugging washer to the utility room where she found Shelly sorting a mountain of clothing.

  Megan poked her head in the door. “Are we behind on our laundry?”

  Shelly swung around and spread her fingers over her heart. “Megan, don’t do that. I can’t hear a thing with the washer and dryer both running. I’m surprised Mom didn’t warn me you’re here.”

  “I didn’t see her or Derek, either.”

  “They’re around here somewhere.” Shelly grinned. “How’d your date go last night?”

  Megan’s eyes narrowed as she studied her sister. “Didn’t you see Scott when he picked Randy up?”

  “Of course. We had quite a little talk, but he didn’t tell me anything about your date.” Shelly laughed. “It isn’t as if I could ask him how you liked him, is it?”

  “I thought you wanted me to be careful.” Megan frowned. “How can I feel anything for him if I’m keeping my distance?”

  “I’m sorry, Megan. I was afraid you’d get hurt.”

  “And you aren’t now?”

  “Well, yes, but maybe not in the same way.” Shelly stuffed a handful of white clothes into the washer and closed the lid. “Come on, let’s go where we can hear ourselves think.”

  Megan followed her sister to the living room and sat on the sofa. Shelly sank into a recliner, bringing the footrest up to lean back. “Ah, it feels good to relax.”

  “What changed your mind, Shelly? Did something happen last night that I should know about?” What was her sister not saying?

  “Nothing happened. Derek invited Randy to church tomorrow so when Scott came I invited him, too, and he said he would think about it. He said Randy could go if he wants to.”

  Megan’s heart lifted at Shelly’s news. “He voluntarily prayed before we ate last night. I don’t think he’s turned against God at all. He’ll
be in church, maybe not this Sunday, but soon.”

  “Do you like him?”

  Megan nodded. “I like Scott very much. I enjoyed the evening with him much more than I expected.” She gave a short laugh. “I didn’t want it to end.”

  A sound at the wide, open doorway leading into the hall caught Megan’s attention. She and Shelly turned at the same time. Their mother stood in the doorway, a puckered frown on her face. She entered the room and sat on the opposite end of the sofa from Megan.

  If she’d heard their conversation, she didn’t say so. Not that it mattered. They hadn’t been telling any secrets.

  Her mother looked across the sofa at Megan. “So are you keeping company with the college professor now?”

  Megan had fought guilt for years after her baby was conceived. She’d done nothing wrong with Scott and knew it, but still her mother’s words burned her heart.

  She lifted her chin. “I went out to dinner last night with Scott Landis. If you had something against me doing that, why did you allow his son to stay here?”

  An expression flickered in the older woman’s eyes that Megan couldn’t read. “I scarcely knew he was here. The boys played in Derek’s room most of the evening.”

  Of course that didn’t begin to answer Megan’s question, but she didn’t expect anything better. She stood. “Well, it’s been nice visiting with you. I need to pick up some groceries.”

  Shelly stood. “You don’t need to go, Megan.”

  “Yes, I really do. I’ve got cleaning to do and you have laundry. I can let myself out.”

  She headed for the front door and Shelly followed her. At the door, Shelly touched her arm. “Don’t let Mom get to you. She loves you more than you know.”

  Megan forced a smile. “She would have to. I’m sorry, Shelly, but I really do need to go.”

  At home while she cleaned, she alternated between looking out the window and listening for the phone. Finally she stopped. If Scott wanted to call, he would. If he didn’t, she didn’t care.

  She was cleaning the bathroom when the phone rang. Megan ran to the living room and grabbed the receiver. “Hello.”