Always You (A Magnolia Falls Novel)

by Ruth Roberts

  After she had finished crying, Diana moved off his lap and sat next to him.

  Zack handed her a cup of coffee, then opened the bag and pulled out two muffins, handing her one. They were still warm. Surprisingly, she felt like eating. She raised the muffin to her nose and inhaled the amazing scent. She took a bite and closed her eyes. “Mmm, I’ve missed these. I must have tasted every muffin in New York City looking for something that came even close, and nothing ever did.”

  “Same here. But I’d figured the difference was you.”

  “Me?” She asked, confused.

  “I figured the reason Ray’s muffins tasted so good was because every time I had them I was with you. It was always you who added extra flavor to my life.”

  Diana smiled. “You’re just trying to make me feel better. Besides, I don’t know if I believe your theory,” she said.

  Zack leaned closer to her. “There is one way we can prove my theory.”

  This was what she had missed most about Magnolia Falls, Zack. There was no use denying it. No matter how hard she tried, she had never gotten over him. Now, he was so close. She knew what he was offering. All she had to do was lean forward, and his lips would be on her. A big part of her wanted nothing more than to be kissed by Zack, while another part of her was afraid. She had survived losing him once. She didn’t think she could survive it a second time. Zack must have seen something in her eyes, perhaps the fear shown brighter than her desire, because he backed away. She should be relieved. But all she felt was disappointment.

  “I just wanted you to know I’m here anytime you need me.” He smiled at her and took a drink of his coffee.

  “I’ll remember that next time I’m in the mood to test a theory,” she said.

  He smiled and, changing the subject, said, “This office looks the same as when we were kids.”

  “It does. Maybe that’s why it’s so hard for me to be here. There are so many memories.”

  “You could make it your own. Redecorate and put your stamp on it. I know your dad wouldn’t mind.”

  “Maybe I will. I think that’s the only way I’ll be able to work here.”

  Zack finished his coffee and muffin. “I’d better get back to work. I have a full day of patients to see.”

  They both stood up. Diana leaned up on her tiptoes and placed a kiss on his cheek. “Thanks for everything,” she said.

  He looked into her eyes, reached for her hand, and pulled her to him, slowly. He pulled her into his arms. “Anytime, Kitten.” He leaned towards her, his eyes on her lips. She was reaching up for him, when he pulled away. “I’m sorry. We shouldn’t do this. It’s been a difficult morning for you, and here I am, taking advantage of the situation. It won’t happen again,” he said.

  Diana was fuming. “Do you really think I’m some brainless female who would allow herself to be taken advantage of? I might be sad and distraught, but I am not vulnerable. I do not allow myself to be vulnerable. Not anymore.”

  “I’m sorry, Diana. That’s not what I meant.” He ran his fingers through his hair. “Look. This just isn’t right. It’s not the right time.”

  Diana turned cold. She walked away from him and back to her desk. “I think you should leave now. I’ll pick up the girls from school today. I’ll drop Cassidy off at your place after school.”

  “Diana, I—”

  She put up her hand to stop him. “You have made yourself perfectly clear,” she said in a tone that indicated the conversation was over. Thankfully, he understood and left.

  ***

  Zack pulled his truck into his drive way and sat there for a moment staring blindly ahead. So much for good intentions. The minute he’d seen her with tears streaming down her face all he wanted to do was hold her in his arms and soothe the tears and hurt away. She looked so vulnerable sitting behind her father’s large desk, staring at their picture, pain radiating off her.

  He almost kissed her. He had to get a grip and stay away from Diana Mathison. Falling in love with her was not an option. Did he ever really fall out? After today he didn’t think so.

  ***

  Zack’s visit had managed to take Diana’s mind off her parents and onto other things, namely him. To get her mind off him she decided to get to work. She called Mrs. Morrow into her office to go over their cases and get familiar with them.

  “Joe from Hartford has been handling things, but he is swamped and glad you are here to take over. You know he and your dad were golfing buddies, and he stepped up right away to help out.”

  “That was very nice of him, I will have to take him and his wife out to dinner to thank them personally.”

  “That’s a good idea. I’ll set it up.” Diana smiled, Mrs. Morrow was nothing but efficient, and she wouldn’t let anyone get out of doing something they should. She handed Diana the first file from the stack on her lap. “This is a simple estate planning case. Mrs. Button has decided to change her will again.”

  “Who is she mad at this week?”

  “Her son forgot his parents’ anniversary and was bold enough to remind her his father has been dead for twenty years so there hasn’t been an anniversary in that long a time. She got furious and called me to cut him out.”

  “So who does she want to put in the will this week?”

  “Her second cousin’s daughter.”

  Diana laughed. “Okay. So, you scheduled her to come in end of next week to sign, right?”

  “Absolutely. By then she will have changed her mind.”

  They both laughed and went on to the next file.

  CHAPTER NINE

  Diana left the office at two fifty-five and sped to the elementary school to pick up Jessica and Cassidy. Zack could pick them up the rest of the week. Since this was their first day of school, she wanted to be there to see how it went. Next week would be a whole different ballgame because she had several court appearances. So far it didn’t seem Liz was going to be much help. She was still pouting over Logan being there. After their pleasant breakfast the day before Diana had thought Liz was resigned to him being there. Apparently, when she realized how much she had eaten she changed her mind and her attitude. Diana had to give him credit though. So far he hadn’t let Liz get away with much.

  She pulled up in front of the school. Jessica and Cassidy jumped into the backseat.

  “Hi, girls. How was your first day of school?”

  “It was so much fun. I got to hold a baby tiger,” Cassidy said.

  “Oh really?” They had tigers at school? Was that safe? “Why were there tigers in school?”

  “Because the man from the zoo brought the baby animals to see what kindergarten is like,” answered Cassidy, matter-of-factly.

  “I see,” Diana said. “What about you, Jessica?”

  “I didn’t want to hold it,” she said with a catch in her voice.

  Diana looked at her in the rearview mirror and saw her sister with a long face. “Why not, squirt?”

  Jessica just shrugged, and Cassidy answered for her. “The baby’s momma died so he is an orphan.”

  Diana’s stomach dropped. That’s why Jessica was so upset. For someone who prided herself on award-winning opening and closing statements in court, she couldn’t find the words to make her baby sister feel better. “How about we stop for ice cream on the way home?” She asked instead. What a cop out.

  “Yay! We love ice cream, don’t we?” Cassidy nudged Jessica, and she just nodded her agreement. One bite of triple chocolate fudge would put a smile back on her face, if only for a little while.

  ***

  They walked into Cherry on Top ice cream parlor and walked straight to the counter. Mandy Owens, one of Diana’s former schoolmates and Liz’s friend, was the owner. Diana knew this, but decided dealing with Mandy was worth it if Jessica smiled. To her surprise Mandy came around the counter and pulled her into a big bear hug. “I am so sorry about your parents. I was at the funeral, but there were so many people I couldn’t get to you to give my condolences.”r />
  Diana awkwardly returned the hug. “Thank you,” she said, trying to hide the bewilderment from her voice.

  Apparently she didn’t do a very good job because Mandy pulled back. “I wasn’t sure you would want my condolences, and I’m sorry about that, too. I have only myself to blame. I was such a brat when we were in school together,” she said.

  Diana was shocked. First Liz, now Mandy? Did all mean girls regret their actions once they grew up? She had never believed so. She thought once mean always mean. “Thank you. I appreciate it, and I’m glad you were at their services.”

  Mandy patted her arm and gave her a warm smile before turning to the girls. “I made some new flavors today, and I need some taste testers to see if they are any good. Do you girls know anyone who is really good at eating ice cream?” She asked.

  “We can be your taste testers. We love ice cream, don’t we, Jessica?” Cassidy asked. Again, Jessica nodded. Though this time a slight smile touched her lips.

  “Great, sit down, and I will bring you the flavors.”

  Mandy disappeared behind the counter and set out several small testing cones on a tray, filling each with different flavors and then brought the tray to their table. There must have been twenty miniature ice cream cones on the tray. Diana groaned. This would definitely make the girls sick.

  “Relax. It takes ten of those to be the equivalent of one scoop.” Mandy laughed as she walked back behind the counter.

  It was a bit disconcerting Mandy seemed to know what Diana was thinking.

  Mandy returned with a cup and set it in front of Diana. “For you. Is peach still your favorite?”

  “Yes, it is, thanks.” How did she know that?

  There weren’t any other customers in the store so Mandy sat with them. “I heard your class had a man from the zoo bring some baby animals for you to see. Did you girls have fun?”

  “I got to hold a baby tiger. His momma died, so he is an orphan, just like Jessica. But I told Jessica I can share my momma with her if she wants. I don’t have a daddy either so I’m half an orphan, right?”

  Mandy and Diana looked at each other, both at a loss as to what to say. Thankfully Mandy recovered faster. “Cassidy, sweetheart, you still have a daddy. You don’t see him as often as before, but I’m sure he still loves you very much and will see you whenever he can. Jessica, honey.” She put her finger under Jessica’s chin and raised her face. “You will never be an orphan in Magnolia Falls. Just ask Diana, when her mom went away the whole town stepped in to be her mommas, and that’s exactly what we will do for you now. Not only do you have two great sisters who will always be there for you and will take care of you, but you have me, and Jillian, and everyone else. Anything you need, come to us, and we will be here for you. Isn’t that right, Diana?”

  “It is,” she agreed, tears choking her voice. “When my mom left, and daddy was traveling so much I never felt like an orphan. The people in this town were my family.”

  “Does that mean I have lots and lots of mommas and daddy’s now?” Jessica asked.

  “It sure does, including me,” Mandy said.

  “Do I have to call everyone ‘mommy?’” She looked confused.

  “No, squirt, you can call everyone by their names. They won’t mind,” Diana said.

  “That’s right. My name is Amanda, but everyone calls me Mandy.”

  “What about me? Can I call you Mandy?” Cassidy asked.

  “You sure can.” Mandy pinched Cassidy’s nose before she stood to help the customers who walked in.

  “Is it okay if I still miss momma and daddy?” Jessica asked.

  “Yes, it’s perfectly okay. I miss them, too,” Diana said.

  “Do you still miss your first momma?”

  “No, squirt. I don’t. Do you know why?”

  Jessica shook her head. “Because your momma was the best mom in the whole world, so I didn’t need my first mom anymore.”

  “She was the best mom.”

  Cassidy concentrated on her ice cream during the exchange between them, but Diana noticed a worried expression cross her face. “You okay, Cassidy?”

  “What if my daddy never comes back just like your mom?” she asked Diana without looking up. Big blue eyes looked up at her, eyes she had inherited from her absent father.

  “I don’t think that will happen because I know your daddy loves you, but if it did then you would have a whole town of daddy’s too, and you have your Uncle Zack.”

  Cassidy nodded. “He is the bestest uncle in the whole wide world. He gives me puppies, and he makes pancakes for breakfast, and today he said we can have whatever I want for dinner because my mom isn’t home so she won’t know.”

  Diana cringed at what she would choose for dinner and eyed the ice cream guiltily. She would have to be sure to have them over for dinner a couple of nights a week and send leftovers home with them. Cat might be gone, but Logan was there, and his cooking was wonderful. She was sure he wouldn’t mind having a few more people for dinner.

  CHAPTER TEN

  “No! No! No! No! No!” This could not be happening. Diana pulled the car over onto the side of the road and jumped out. It probably wasn’t a good idea to sit in a car with smoke billowing out from under the hood. She rubbed her hand across her forehead and looked down the road both ways. No one in sight. Of all days for her cell phone to die. The social worker from Child Protective Services was coming to the house to check on things. She could not be late. She looked over at the car. There was less smoke, but it was still not safe to drive. With no alternative, she pulled the strap of her bag across her body and started the trek home.

  Ten minutes into her walk she was sweating. Her neat hair she had twisted and pinned into a bun this morning had fallen down, and her favorite red pumps were eating up her feet. Could this day get any worse? She knew she probably shouldn’t ask that question. Her mother had always told her not to borrow trouble.

  Finally, she heard a vehicle approaching from behind her. She turned around and watched as a motorcycle approached. She was not about to hold out her thumb. If it were someone from Magnolia Falls, they would recognize her and stop. At least she hoped they would. Not that she could ride on a motorcycle, but maybe the rider had a working cell phone she could borrow.

  The driver slowed down and parked ahead of her. She started walking toward him. In one fluid motion he got off the bike and stood facing her. She hesitated for a moment. With the dark helmet on she had no idea who it was. She had never heard of anyone in town with a motorcycle.

  She clutched the strap on her bag and suddenly wished she hadn’t put it across her body. At least she could have swung it at him and use it as a weapon if she had to. She kept moving forward a bit slower. The driver finally reached up and pulled off his helmet, and the breath she had been holding whooshed out of her. Of all of the people who should happen by at that particular moment, it was Zack. She had never been so happy to see him or so annoyed with him.

  “You could have told me it was you instead of standing there wearing a dark helmet looking all menacing,” she said.

  “What are you doing walking down the road all by yourself? You should have stayed with the car and called for help.” He put his helmet on the handle bar of the bike and crossed his arms across his broad chest. She pulled her eyes up to his. He was actually glowering at her.

  “I would have if my phone weren’t dead. Can I borrow yours to call someone?”

  “I never bring it with me when I ride my bike. Hop on and I’ll give you a ride.” He opened a small compartment at the back of the bike and pulled out another helmet.

  She stared at it as he held it out to her. “No way am I getting on that bike.” She shook her head.

  “It’s either that or walk and from the looks of those shoes you won’t be getting far on foot.”

  “I’m wearing a skirt. I can’t get on the back of a bike wearing this.” His eyes went to her legs as she tugged on the red skirt that fell several inches above
her knees. It was shorter than what she was used to wearing, but being around Liz always made her feel frumpy so she had compensated by wearing the suit her friend had talked her into buying last year. Not that showing a few more inches of leg would matter. People’s eyes would always go to Liz when they were in a room together. Diana could be completely naked, and they still would have eyes only for her stepsister.

  ***

  Zack had nearly lost control of his bike when he caught sight of a sexy behind in a red skirt walking down the road. Then she had turned around, and his anger flared. The little idiot was walking down the street in a red skirt that hugged every delicious curve. Didn’t she know how dangerous that was? Now she was refusing to get on his bike?

  What was he supposed to do?

  Leave her on the side of the road where she would be easy prey for anyone with nefarious ideas? No way. She was getting on that bike if he had to throw her over his lap and hold her there the whole way.

  He set the helmet on her head and fastened it. “You don’t have a choice, kitten. I’m not leaving you here alone, so you can either get on my bike willingly or—”

  “Or what?” He had made her mad. She was beautiful when she was spitting fire at him.

  “Save us both the trouble and get on.” He grabbed his helmet and put it on.

  “Oh all right.” She stomped over to him. “But not a word of this to anyone. Ever.”

  He was glad she couldn’t see his smile because she hated being laughed at. He flipped down his face cover and swung his leg over the back of the bike. He nearly swallowed his tongue when he saw those long legs exposed as she hiked up her skirt to get on behind him. Feeling her bare thighs hugging him was even worse. He had serious doubts he could drive without running them off the road and into a ditch.

  Her arms came around him loosely then quickly tightened when he took off. The irony was he had taken his bike out for a long drive to clear his head of Diana Mathison. Now here he was with her body wrapped around him. He had a sinking feeling she was wrapping herself around more than just his body. His heart felt oddly cocooned in the palm of her hand as she laid her head on his back.