“I’m praying for you, Daddy.”
Matt coughed to cover the emotion her words caused. “You keep praying.”
As soon as Matt lay across his own bed he remembered. He’d planned to talk to Becka about Heather all right. He was going to explain to her all the reasons why he and Heather weren’t a good match. Well, that certainly hadn’t happened. Instead, he’d left the impression he wanted to make Heather his wife. Did he? Becka thought he didn’t trust the Lord enough. Maybe she was right.
He looked at the phone on the table by his bed. If he did what his kids wanted, he’d call Heather now and propose. He laughed at the absurd thought.
He should walk away forget he’d ever met Heather. Of course, he still had to finish the room on the daycare, and the kids needed a safe place to stay while he worked.
Without thinking of the consequence, he picked up the phone. After punching in the numbers he’d memorized, he waited until she answered.
“Heather, it’s Matt.” He took a deep breath. “Listen, I meant what I said about us being friends. So would you consider going out to dinner with me Friday evening?”
After a silence she asked, “Are you inviting the kids?”
“No, let’s see if we can find babysitters. I’d like to get better acquainted.”
“With your friend?”
“Yeah, with my friend.” He closed his eyes. What was he doing? “Will you go with me?”
Matt’s heart thumped loud in the silence until he heard her voice again. “Yes, Matt, I’d love to go with you.”
He hung up with a smile.
~*~*~*~
~Twelve~
Monday morning Heather followed the straggling preschoolers outdoors to the playground. Her sneakers crunched through the cushioning rocks as she zeroed in on Jan.
“Don’t swing so high, Katie.” Jan called to a four-year-old who always pushed the limits. When the swing slowed, she turned to look at her boss. “Everything all right?”
Heather laughed. “What are you? A wannabe mind reader? I come outside sometimes.”
“Sure, but you usually don’t have such a determined look about you. What gives?”
“I thought you might like to earn some extra money. If you aren’t interested, I’ll ask someone else.”
“Oh, you’ve decided to give me a raise. Pay me what I’m worth.” Jan got a smug look on her face.
“Not exactly. It’s more of a second job.”
Jan let out a dramatic sigh. “Figures. So, what’s this job?”
“I’m going out Friday evening and need a babysitter for four kids at my house. The pay is good, and you can eat anything you want.”
Jan laughed and as quickly sobered. “Hey, wait a minute. I happen to know you only have three kids.”
Heather shrugged. “So there’s a couple of extra ones.”
At that moment Kristi tugged on Heather’s pant leg and lifted her chubby arms. “Uppy, Heavy.”
Jan’s eyebrows lifted. “Who’s Heavy? You or her?”
Heather laughed. “That’s what she started calling me today.”
“Heavy isn’t very complimentary.” Jan’s eyes danced. “Maybe you should teach her to call you Mommy.”
“Jan!”
“Oh, come on, Heather. She’s one of those extras you mentioned, isn’t she, because you’re going out with her dad? And by the way, your math stinks. Three plus two does not equal four.”
Kristi squirmed to get down, so Heather let her go. “Kristi, Candace, Ricky, and Gary make four. Brad and Becka will be at puppet practice at church. So, will you help me out?”
“Sure, but I do have one question. One babysitter for your combined kids makes me wonder how serious this is getting.”
“Are you kidding?” Heather gave what she hoped was an amused laugh. “With six kids total, would anyone in their right mind get serious? No, we’re only friends who want some quiet time away from the kids.”
“Heather, I really appreciate you asking me, and it isn’t just for the money.” Jan grinned. “I can’t wait to see how a woman dresses for a date with a guy who’s just a friend. This should be quite enlightening. Tell you what. I’ll even stay an hour later on Friday to close and bring the kids with me, so you can go home and get ready. Or is an hour enough time?”
“An hour will be plenty of time. Thank you, Jan.” Heather gathered her dignity about her and headed for the house.
By five, Heather found herself watching for Matt. When he showed up at six o’clock, his children were the last pickup and were playing outdoors.
“Hi.” He strode across the playground. “You got a key for me? I’d like to get some work done on your room tonight. Send Brad over if he wants to help.”
“Sure.”
While Matt rounded the kids up, Heather got the key and met him at his Bronco. He took it with a grin. “Thanks. I finished the other job, so I’ll be here tomorrow to work full time.”
“Can I help, Dad?” Becka stuck her head out the car window.
“Not this time, hon. I don’t plan to work long.”
Becka sat back in her seat, arms folded, her lower lip out.
Heather hid her smile. “I could watch Kristi if it would help.”
“No, that’s fine. I only want to see what needs to be done.”
“Okay.” Heather stepped back as he closed his door and started the vehicle.
He waved through his open window. “See you later.”
As he drove away, she realized he hadn’t mentioned Friday evening, yet that was all she could think about.
~*~
Matt’s hammer and saw filled the daycare with loud noises just as his presence filled Heather’s heart with longing. She steered clear of the new room partly to avoid seeing Matt, but also to quell the knowing looks Jan sent her way every time Matt spoke to her. Although Brad had joined Matt a couple of hours ago, and Jan had already gone home, when the phone rang late Wednesday she gladly escaped to her office.
“Hello, Heather.”
“Howard.” Surprised by his voice, she said, “I haven’t heard from you in a while.”
“I’m sorry. I’ve been gone on business for a few days. It came up rather sudden, and I didn’t have time to let you know.”
“That’s all right.” She hadn’t even missed him. Of course she didn’t mind.
“Let me make it up to you. I’m free this Friday. Why don’t we make an evening of it? I’ll pick you up around seven.”
“Oh, I’m sorry, Howard, but I can’t. I have plans for Friday evening.”
“Break them.”
Matt stuck his head in the door. He started to speak, saw her on the phone, and stepped back. He leaned against the doorframe to wait.
“No, that won’t be possible.” Heather turned away from Matt, afraid her expression might reveal more than she wanted him to see. “Listen, it’s been nice talking to you. I have someone here I need to speak with. Thank you so much for calling.”
Never before had she hung up on anyone, and she didn’t understand what made her ignore Howard’s voice. Maybe later she’d feel bad, but now she turned to Matt with a smile.
“Well, have you finished already?”
He chuckled. “Not quite. It is quitting time, though, so if you’d like to take a look….”
He motioned with his head, and she obediently stood and walked down the hall before him.
“I’m impressed.” Heather looked around the large room that had been roughed in with two-by-fours early that morning.
“Look, Mom, it’s got windows and siding now.” Brad acted as if he’d done all the work as he pointed out the changes with a wide grin. “Pretty neat, huh?”
“Very neat. You’ve done a great job.”
Matt coughed behind her. She turned to see him hiding a smile. “We’ve got a question. You’ve already got two outside doors, which should satisfy fire codes, but since this room faces the side street and there’s no door on this side of the house, would
you like one placed there where Brad’s standing?”
Brad pointed out the spot with a flourish.
Heather laughed. “I think that’s a great idea. I plan to use this room for naptime since it’s away from the front door. An emergency exit would be wonderful.”
“That’s what I thought.” Matt’s gaze caught and held hers until she turned away flustered.
“Yes, well… Didn’t you say it’s quitting time? Brad did you ride your bike?”
“No, I walked.”
“Why don’t you help Matt secure things here while I help Becka round up our various children and then you can ride home with us.”
“I thought I’d walk downtown.”
“Brad, why?” Had he made no progress after all? Heather resisted the urge to hold her son close to keep him in her sight so she’d know he was safe. “What about your homework?”
“I don’t have any, Mom. Honest, I don’t.”
Lord, please don’t let me lose him. She hadn’t prayed in so long. The words sounded strange even in her mind. Maybe that was her problem. How could she expect more from Brad than she was willing to give herself?
She turned from the conviction gripping her heart. “I don’t want you to go downtown, Brad, because of the influence of the guys who hang out there. I know you need to decide right and wrong in your own life, but I’d like for you to come home with us tonight.”
Brad hesitated. He glanced toward Matt who continued to pick up tools as if he couldn’t hear their conversation. When Brad’s gaze returned to Heather, her hopes dashed. From the stubborn tilt of his chin she knew what he’d chosen to do.
“Like you said, it’s my decision. I won’t be gone long.” He grabbed a broom and started sweeping debris into a pile on the floor.
Heather turned away, but not before she saw the look of concern on Matt’s face.
~*~
Friday at five, Heather drove home alone. Matt hadn’t worked at the daycare all day, which meant Brad hadn’t been there either. She hoped to find him at home.
She unlocked the door and stepped into the living room. A quick glance at the TV showed a dark screen. No bag of chips or drinking glass littered the coffee table and no size ten shoes had been kicked off by the door.
Her heart sank as she made her way to the bedroom. Brad had come home early Wednesday night as he’d promised, and he’d stayed home last night. She hadn’t realized until that moment how much she wanted him involved in church activities. The puppeteers had a practice tonight. She prayed Brad would be home in time to attend.
In her bedroom, Heather gathered the clothing she planned to wear for her date with Matt. She stepped into the hall and headed toward the bathroom. As she pushed the bathroom door open, Brad leaned out of his bedroom.
“Hey, I didn’t hear you come in. I thought we had prowlers.”
Her heart leapt to her throat. “Oh, Brad, you startled me. Have you been here all the time?”
“Since school got out. Why?”
She smiled. “Because, young man, you usually leave a trail behind you, and I didn’t find a mess in the living room.”
He grinned and jerked his thumb over his shoulder. “Don’t worry, Mom, it’s all in here.”
“Whew.” She wiped her hand across her forehead. “You had me worried.”
He laughed. “Where are the munchkins?”
“At daycare. Jan’s bringing them at six.”
“Oh, yeah, tonight’s your big date with Matt.” He gave her a steady look. “Are things heatin’ up with you two?”
“Heating up?” Heather shook her head. “If you mean are we more than friends, the answer is no. We wanted to spend a quiet evening with the rare chance to talk to another adult.”
“Yeah, I guess that makes sense.” His brows drew together. “But, you know, Mom, if you want to take it to the next level, it’s all right with me.”
“The next level?”
“Yeah, you know, marriage. I mean Matt’s an okay guy. He’d probably be a good stepdad. You aren’t too old yet, and I figure you’re gonna get married someday, so you might as well marry someone we all like.”
Heather didn’t know whether to laugh or cry; she smiled instead. “Thanks for your vote, Brad, but I think I’d better concentrate on getting us in a decent house before I start looking for a husband.”
Brad shrugged. “I don’t know, Mom. This place could be worse. If you’re happy, I guess you can put up with a lot of stuff. Besides Matt has a bigger house.”
“It’s still a rental.” Heather couldn’t think beyond the word happy. Could she be happy with Matt? Would the kids be happy together? Could they pool their incomes and live in a three-bedroom rental and be happy? Three girls in one room, three boys in another with Matt and her in the third? What if they had a baby?
“No!”
“Huh?” Brad gave her a puzzled look.
Heather shook the image of half a dozen kids begging for food while she stood by a casket holding a crying baby. She focused on her son’s face. “Nothing. I need to take a shower before the kids show up.”
“Okay, I gotta get my homework done before practice tonight. Pastor Claude’s real fussy about that.” He stepped back and closed his door.
Heather finished her shower and dressed then went back into her bedroom to fix her hair and apply a touch of makeup. She stood leaning over her dresser with a pale pink lip-gloss in her hand when she heard car doors slam outside. Within seconds the front door opened, and children’s voices broke the silence. Someone tapped on her closed door.
“Who is it?”
“Becka.”
“Come on in. I’m about finished.”
Becka slipped in and closed the door. “Wow.”
Heather smiled at the young girl she’d come to love. “Keep that up and I’ll get the big head.”
“Oh, no. You look great. You’re so beautiful, Dad’s gonna swoon.” Becka looked serious enough to make Heather laugh.
“I don’t think we need to worry. Is everyone here?”
“Yes, Jan’s in the kitchen fixing supper for the little ones. Brad and me will eat sandwiches at practice. Dad just dumped a puzzle out for the kids.” She held her hand beside her mouth and whispered. “I think he’s nervous.”
He couldn’t be any more nervous than she was. She brushed Becka’s words aside. “Oh, don’t be silly. Why would he be? We’re only friends.”
“Yeah, that’s what he says, too.” Becka sported an impish grin. “I don’t believe either of you.”
A car horn sounded outside before Heather could respond.
“Oh, that’s for us.” Becka ran to the door. “Where’s Brad?”
Brad’s door opened, and he stepped out in the process of putting on his jacket. “I heard someone honk. Hey, Becka, we’d better go. Bye, Mom.”
“Bye, Heather.”
“Bye, you two be good.”
Their voices blended as they promised, “We will.”
Heather stood in her doorway with a short hall separating her from Matt. She could hear his lower voice along with the children’s and, she took a calming breath. They were only friends. Matt didn’t want to be more, and he was right. She forced her muscles to relax as she stepped forward.
~*~
Matt parked his SUV in The Mansion’s parking lot. While he came around to her side, Heather stared at the well-lighted old house built after the Civil War. Set back from the street, the three-story Colonial rose with regal splendor from an expansive landscaped lawn. Walking lights lined each side of the sidewalk leading to the front door with a warm yellow light flooding the wraparound front porch in a welcoming glow.
“I thought you might like it here.” Matt opened the door for her.
Heather hesitated. “Matt, are you sure? This is pretty exclusive.”
He grinned at her confusion. “You mean expensive, don’t you?”
She stood between the door and the vehicle, unsure if she should leave its familiar shabb
iness. A shiny black car pulled to a stop a couple of spaces away. The couple, who seemed to be arguing, left their vehicle and strode toward the mansion.
Heather had been inside The Mansion once with Darrell for one of their early anniversaries. She couldn’t even remember which one. He decided it was too expensive to return. Even Howard had not brought her here. At least, not yet. She met Matt’s gaze as he waited for her response. Light from the grounds illuminated his face, and his eyes sparkled with amusement. She frowned at him. “Expense is something we should consider.”
He chuckled and took her arm. “Come on, Heather. Let’s enjoy tonight. I can afford to splurge a little. My friend is worth every penny.”
She allowed him to pull her from the shelter of the car door. His warm touch on her waist as they walked toward the restaurant distracted her so she only murmured, “Wait until you see the prices.”
The luxurious furnishings inside did nothing to ease Heather’s concern. She frowned at the candlelit chandelier hanging in the center of the foyer as if it were somehow to blame. Matt should not spend his hard-earned money on her. He had children to support and a house to buy. He didn’t want to continue living in a rental any more than she did.
When they were seated, Matt smiled across the table. “There’s only one rule tonight.”
“You agree we should share a plate?”
He laughed at her tasteless joke, the lines radiating from the corners of his eyes deepening. “There is merit to that idea.”
She glanced at the menu the hostess placed in front of her. “There are no prices on this, so now do you believe me?”
“I requested a guest menu for you. I told you, money is not the issue here.”
“Then why share a plate?” Her voice broke at the gleam in his eyes and the hint of a smile on his lips. The image of the two of them sitting close enough to reach the same plate brought color to her cheeks, so she looked away.
“We’ll try that sometime, but not tonight.” With a soft chuckle, he picked up his menu.
Heather fanned her face with hers. “Wait, you said there’s one rule.”
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