Love Returned

by Mildred Colvin

  The ride back to Banner Hills was quiet and before long, Randy’s head rested against Megan’s shoulder. Although tempted to pull him close and hold him, she didn’t. He might wake and pull away.

  Scott stopped in front of her house and grinned at her and Randy. “If you’ll sit tight for just a second, I’ll come around and get him off you.”

  Megan smiled. “He’s so sweet, I hate to disturb him.”

  “Yeah, most kids are sweet when they’re asleep.” Scott grinned as he stepped down from the truck.

  He opened the passenger door and resettled Randy so Megan could slide out under the steering wheel. She circled the truck and walked with Scott to the porch. She waited while he unlocked the door. He turned to her and pulled her close.

  His arms were warm and comforting. She wanted to stay within their circle forever. He held her and pulled back slightly. “I love you, Megan. You know that, don’t you?”

  She nodded, not trusting her voice.

  “Can you say the same?” He sounded insecure, but determined.

  Her heart overflowed with love. “Of course I love you, Scott. I’ve never loved anyone as much as I love you.”

  His head lowered, and her lips met his in another kiss. This time when he pulled away, he brought a small box from his pocket and handed it to her. “Merry Christmas.”

  The street light reflected off the red Christmas paper, and a huge gold bow dwarfed the cube in Scott’s hand. Megan’s breath caught, but she accepted his gift and tore the paper away to reveal a jeweler’s box. Her heart pounded. She looked at Scott.

  He grinned. “Open it.”

  Her hands trembled as she lifted the lid. A heavy silver chain lay inside. Her breath rushed from her lungs. When she didn’t touch the chain, Scott picked it up and cradled the bracelet and charm. A silver cupid dangled from the chain.

  Scott looked into her eyes and gave his heart-stopping half grin. “The cupid has two meanings. One is a tribute to your expertise with a bow and arrow.”

  His head lowered taking her lips in another sweet kiss. “I think you can figure out the other meaning.”

  In the circle of Scott’s arms, Megan felt cherished in a way she’d never felt before. Strangely, she was relieved Scott hadn’t proposed and given her a ring as she’d first thought. Her heart still pounded from that fright. She rested her head against the rough texture of his coat for an all-to-brief hug.

  “Will you put the bracelet on my wrist?” As he complied, she spoke. “I have gifts for you, too, but I’m ashamed to give them to you now.”

  “Ashamed? Why? I know what you got Randy, and I know he’ll love it.”

  “Yes, but you don’t know what I got you.”

  Scott pulled her close again. “Megan, I love you. I’ll love whatever you give me even if it’s a lump of coal.”

  She giggled. “It’s not much better. Will Randy be all right in the truck if we step in the house to get them?”

  “He’ll be fine.” Scott glanced at the truck. “Looks to me like he’s still asleep.”

  Scott waited in the living room while Megan brought two packages from her bedroom. Bagheera attached himself to Scott, purring in feline contentment as Scott held him and rubbed his belly. Megan smiled when she saw her cat. She shook her head. “Bagheera doesn’t like just anyone. He’s always been a one-person cat.”

  Scott grinned. “I’m special.”

  Don’t I know it? She handed the packages to Scott. “The big one is Randy’s.”

  Scott set Bagheera off his lap. The large black cat walked away his head held high as if insulted. Megan sat beside Scott on the sofa to watch him open his gift.

  He tore the paper and tossed it aside. Megan wadded it in her hands. After receiving such a wonderful gift from Scott, she couldn’t imagine what he would think of her practical choices.

  A wide grin spread his mouth as he pulled motorcycle goggles and leather gloves from the box. “I plan to put these to use as soon as possible. Thank you very much.”

  “Do you really like them?” Megan took a glove from his hand and showed him the lining. “It has fur to keep your fingers warm.”

  Scott laughed. “I can’t think of anything I’d rather have had. Yes, I love them almost as much as I love you.”

  Megan accepted his kiss of thanks while her heart beat out the age-old rhythm of love.

  When he pulled away, he looked around her living room. “Where’re all your Christmas decorations?”

  “Decorations?” Megan blinked. How had he gone from kissing her to talking about decorations? “I don’t have any.”

  Scott’s eyebrows lifted. “What do you mean, you don’t have any?”

  “I live alone. There’s no reason for me to put up a tree.” In spite of her efforts, bitterness crept into her voice. If Randy hadn’t been taken from her, she would have decorated inside and out. But she saw no reason to bother when no one would enjoy her effort.

  Scott stared at her and then shrugged. “The way I see it, you have two choices. You can come and help us decorate our house Saturday afternoon, or Randy and I will help you decorate yours. Which will it be?”

  Megan smiled. “What time do you want me? I don’t think Bagheera would know what to do with blinking lights.”

  Scott laughed. “Why don’t you show up about noon with a dessert of some kind, and I’ll whip up the best pot of spaghetti you’ve ever eaten.”

  She nodded. “I’ll be there.”

  ~Fifteen~

  Megan hung the last ornament on the tree and turned to find Scott standing two inches from her with a twinkle in his eye and a sprig of greenery in his hand. He held it above her head.

  She backed up but stopped when a branch touched her back. “That wouldn’t be mistletoe, would it?”

  He nodded, took a step forward and grinned. “None other.”

  Surely he wouldn’t kiss her in front of Randy. She looked from one side to the other before finding Randy leaning against the doorframe watching. A huge grin brightened his face. A slow burn started in her cheeks.

  “Scott!”

  Her objection might as well have been a request for all the notice Scott took. He leaned toward her, still holding the mistletoe in place above her head.

  “Aren’t you supposed to be watching the spaghetti?” Megan couldn’t get away. A step either way might knock the tree down.

  Scott shook his head, coming ever closer. “Spaghetti’s ready. I took it off the stove.”

  His smooth baritone surrounded her while his spicy aftershave drew her even closer. One more inch and she’d be in his arms. Warmth from his body reached for her, and she swayed. Then Randy giggled.

  Scott dipped his head for a quick peck on her cheek and straightened laughing.

  “Oh.” Megan’s cheeks flamed, and her pulse raced. Disappointment and relief warred inside.

  “I’ll do better when there’s no audience.” Scott stepped back after his whispered promise.

  Randy ran across the room and snatched the mistletoe from his dad. “Megan, I want to give you a Christmas kiss, too.”

  Megan laughed. “Now that’s an offer I can’t refuse.”

  Every Christmas for the last nine years had left a yawning hole in her life because her son wasn’t there. This year would be different. Randy stood in front of her, his expression open and accepting. What would he say if he knew she was his mother? Oh how she longed to tell him. Fear kept her quiet. She couldn’t afford to lose the two people who meant the most to her.

  Randy’s kiss on her cheek brought tears to her eyes. She hugged him close, not wanting to let go. He squeezed with youthful zeal, and she relished the pressure of his small arms around her neck.

  “Ready to eat?” Scott stood to the side with a strange expression on his face. A deep, intense watchfulness as if he knew but didn’t want to say anything. The look disappeared when he flashed a smile at Megan. “I didn’t intend to start a kissing marathon. The spaghetti will get cold.”

&nb
sp; “Either way, I’m sure it’s good.” Megan kept an arm around Randy’s shoulders while they walked to the kitchen.

  The mood lightened as they ate heaping plates of spaghetti with garlic bread and butter. Megan placed a small square of her homemade brownies in each of three bowls with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.

  Scott finished his and groaned. “We’ll have to watch a movie now.”

  Megan laughed. “Or take a walk around the block.”

  “Maybe later.” Scott patted his stomach. “That brownie was good.”

  “So was the spaghetti. I can never tell the best time to take it from the stove, so mine’s usually a little too soft.” Megan stood, took Randy’s plate, and put it on hers.

  Randy shoved his chair back. “I’ll pick something out.”

  He ran from the room, and Megan laughed. “He doesn’t seem to be bothered by overeating.”

  “Ah, youth.” Scott shook his head. “He can eat more than I do.”

  “Your spaghetti sauce was good. I’ll have to get your recipe.” She stood and started stacking their plates.

  “No need.” He grinned. “I poured it from a can. Next time you want some, let me know and I’ll whip you up another batch. You can bake more brownies.” Scott scooted his chair back and crossed to the sink. “I’ll wash. You want to fill the drainer?”

  “Sounds good to me.”

  They worked well together and finished quickly. Megan glanced around the kitchen. Scott’s house looked clean and neat, yet lived in. She could find no fault in his parenting skills. Obviously, he and Randy worked, played, and lived together well.

  “How about that movie now?” Scott turned from wiping out the sink.

  He caught Megan’s hands, and leaning against the counter pulled her in front of him. “I’m glad you came. Decorating, the spaghetti, nothing would have been the same without you. Randy had twice as much fun, too.”

  Megan loved Scott more than she’d ever imagined was possible, and to think he returned her love was almost beyond her ability to fathom. She smiled, lifting her gaze to his eyes. “I’m glad I came, too.”

  Scott tugged until Megan leaned against his chest. His lips covered hers in a kiss so sweet it took her breath away. He whispered. “Let’s go watch the crocodile hunter.”

  “What?” Megan pulled away laughing. The man wove a spell of love around her so tight, she never wanted to leave, and then he said some of the weirdest things. “What crocodile hunter? How do you know what he’s picked?”

  “Trust me, I know my son. Right now he thinks Crocodile Dundee is hilariously funny and a real hero all rolled into one. It’s hard to compete with such a guy.”

  Megan slipped her arm around Scott’s waist and walked out of the kitchen with him. A smile tugged her lips. “You don’t have to compete. No fictitious character could possibly compare with Scott Landis.”

  Scott’s quick grin and kiss set her pulse racing.

  ~*~

  Megan counted off on her fingers the scouting events of each month. October had been the hayride. The special Thanksgiving Pack Night was in November, and in December they’d had a Christmas party. The Cub Scouts held their Pinewood Derby in January. Randy and Derek had worked hard, each carving their own small race car from the kit provided by the Scouts, although neither boy came in first.

  After the Pinewood Derby playoffs, Megan helped with the pack’s Blue and Gold Banquet at the end of February. Then a kite flying competition in March and the Rain Gutter Regatta in April took them from the cold wind and ice of winter into spring.

  Megan stroked Bagheera’s black fur and smiled. She’d enjoyed Scouting more this year than ever because of Scott and Randy. So many wonderful memories. Each month she grew more attached to Randy and more in love with Scott.

  Scott occasionally hinted at a permanent relationship, but Megan never pushed for a commitment. She was happy to spend her days and months close to the two who had come to mean everything to her. Finally, she’d been granted a time of enjoyment she’d assumed had been forever lost. She thanked God for what He’d returned and feared any change that might take it away again.

  Such as Shelly’s wedding. Megan leaned her head back and smiled. Shelly and Joe had surprised everyone by eloping last month. So Mother lived alone now Shelly and Derek moved into Joe’s house. But every time Scott mentioned marriage, Megan changed the subject.

  “What will I do if he asks me to marry him?”

  She whispered the words, but Bagheera jumped from her lap and walked, head and tail held high, from the room.

  “Sure, bail out when my questions become hard.” What did Bagheera know anyway? What could she do? She’d continue the relationship she valued with Scott and make sure she didn’t do anything to jeopardize the closeness they shared. What else could she do?

  Next on her list of Scouting activities was the annual Cub Scout graduation tonight. She called after Bagheera. “Since you refuse to listen to my insecurities, I’ll leave you here alone tonight while I go out with Scott.”

  Megan stopped her car in the crowded lot at the church. Folding chairs made four neat lines across the lawn. Scott stood in the center of ten constantly moving boys. They were full of energy tonight.

  A homemade portable bridge sat in front of the chairs. She and Scott would escort their boys to the bridge, and they would walk across to their new den leader. The ceremony symbolized their advancement and was one that had become tradition in their Pack.

  Scott looked up as she drew near and grinned. “About time you got here.”

  “Hey, guys.” Megan included the boys as well as Scott in her smile. “Are you ready for tonight? Everyone remember your lines and what you’re supposed to do?”

  “Yeah.” The boys all nodded.

  “Good. Let’s find our place then. I think Tim’s trying to get started.”

  Megan fell into step with Scott as the boys ran ahead. He didn’t touch her, but his presence did. If he suggested they leave now for their date in Columbia, she’d be tempted to go and forget the graduation ceremony. She stood on one side of her boys while Scott stood on the other side.

  Joe’s den carried in the United States flag and posted it. After the pledge to the flag, the boys took turns reading a poem on what it means to be an American.

  The Tigers, Wolfs and Bears each gave skits. After that, Tim called the boys by name. “Tyler Collins.”

  Megan shook Tyler’s hand, and he walked across the bridge. Each boy shook her hand and then Scott’s before they stepped out into their second year of Webelos. Joe and his assistant waited at the opposite end to welcome them.

  “Derek Judson.”

  Derek grinned when he shook her hand.

  “Randy Landis.”

  A rush of pride filled Megan’s heart as Randy shook her hand. He didn’t smile. His expression said he took his graduation serious. The urge to hug him was strong. But she couldn’t show favoritism.

  After all five dens had crossed the bridge Tim called the boys together for a short talk and then dismissed them. The boys scattered and parents called for their sons as they left. Scott reached for Megan’s hand. She focused on his smile.

  “You know Randy’s going to spend the night with Derek, don’t you?”

  Megan nodded. “Yes, Shelly told me. She said Derek and Cody are excited about having the three of them together.”

  Scott’s grin widened. “Yeah, Randy, too.” He shrugged. “Me, too. This will be the first night we’ve gone out that I’ll be able to stay past ten o’clock.”

  “Don’t forget I’ve still got a few more days of work at school before I’m free for the summer. I turn into a very cranky teacher if I’m kept up too late.” Megan laughed and glanced at her watch. “It’s seven-fifteen now, which gives us about four or five hours until my curfew. Why don’t you get Randy settled while I go home and change out of my Scout uniform?”

  “Great idea.” He squeezed her hand and turned away.

  Megan sp
oke to a few parents on her way to the parking lot. She’d gone out with Scott several times over the past months, but something about tonight felt different. He had a look in his eyes that excited and frightened her. She could do nothing but face whatever came. More than likely, she was just excited at the thought of their date and spending several hours of uninterrupted time with Scott.

  Megan slipped into a deep blue dress that should be appropriate for wherever Scott planned to take her. The double layered broomstick-pleated skirt fell almost to her ankles and felt soft and free around her legs.

  She’d repaired her makeup and brushed her hair when the doorbell rang. Bagheera ran in front of her, almost tripping her, when she hurried to the door. At his scolding meow, she apologized, then promptly forgot him and opened the door. Scott wore a suit. She’d never seen him dressed so formally before, not even for church. His cologne, mixed with his own masculine scent, filled her senses.

  He brought his hand from behind his back. A long stemmed rose wrapped in floral paper took her by surprise. He kissed her as he stepped through the door. “Why don’t you put this in water so we can go?”

  “Thank you, Scott.” Megan’s hands shook as she clipped the end of her rose and put it in a vase. Scott had never given her flowers before. In fact, no one had. Her heart filled with love for him so great it frightened her.

  “You ready?” Scott approached from behind, his hands on her upper arms.

  He turned her to face him, the intensity in his eyes thrilling and filled with love. With slow movements suggesting he had all evening, he lowered his head. His kiss was long and sweet. Megan slipped her arms around his waist and responded as she’d never responded to him before.

  When they broke apart, he rested his forehead against hers. His voice sounded low and rough as if he found it hard to breathe. “I think we’d better get out of here.”

  Megan nodded. How easy it would be to lose control with Scott. She stepped back and headed for the door with him following.

  Scott took the highway south to Columbia as Megan expected. His upbeat mood eased the apprehension she carried. He turned on the radio and sang along with several Country Western stars. His voice would have kept the best songs off the charts, but he didn’t seem to care. Megan laughed and joined in with the ones she knew.