A Mother for Cindy

by Margaret Daley

  YOURS, MINE AND OURS?

  Young widow Jesse Bradshaw is content to be a loving mother to her son, a devoted granddaughter, a doll maker and the keeper of a gaggle of pets. She can’t imagine having anything more in her already crowded life—until jaded Nick Blackburn and his daughter move in next door. Cindy needs a mother’s love, something the wealthy businessman can’t provide for his precious child. Jesse tries to use her matchmaking skills to find a suitable wife for the workaholic widower, but what can she do when she realizes she is Nick’s perfect match?

  Originally published in 2005

  A MOTHER FOR CINDY

  MARGARET DALEY

  CONTENTS

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Epilogue

  CHAPTER ONE

  Peace at last.

  With a deep sigh Jesse Bradshaw sank into the chair at her kitchen table. After the hectic past hour getting her son off to visit his friend Sean O’Brien, she now had time to read her daily verses from the Bible and collect herself before starting her day.

  Dear Heavenly Father, please help me to make it through—

  Honk! Honk!

  Jesse bolted from her chair, nearly toppling it to the tile floor, and raced for the door. Not again. Stepping outside, she scanned her backyard and found that her geese had a large man who was holding a crying little girl, trapped by the edge of the lake. As Jesse hurried toward her pet geese, the one overriding impression was the anger carved into the stranger’s face. He tried to shield the child from the irate birds that flapped their wings, hissing and honking their displeasure at their space being invaded.

  “Step away from the nest,” Jesse shouted across her yard that sloped to the lake behind her house.

  “What do you think I’ve been trying to do?”

  The man’s anger was momentarily directed at her as she neared him. His dark gaze drilled into her while Fred darted at him and nipped his leg. The stranger winced and held the little girl up higher to keep the geese from attacking her.

  “I’ll get their attention. You run.”

  “My pleasure,” he agreed between clenched teeth at the same time Ethel took her turn at his other leg.

  “Daddy, Daddy, make them go away! I’m scared!” The child hugged her father tighter and curled her legs around him so they weren’t a dangling target for the geese.

  “Everything’s okay, Cindy.” He awkwardly patted the child’s back while glaring at Jesse, clearly conveying his own displeasure.

  “Fred! Ethel!” Jesse put herself between the geese and the man with the little girl. She waved her arms like a windmill and jumped up and down, yelling the pair’s names in her sternest voice, hoping none of her neighbors saw this undignified display.

  Thankfully Ethel calmed down and waddled toward her nest. Fred, however, would have nothing to do with her. He focused on the stranger, who was trying to back away. Flying around Jesse, Fred went for the man’s leg again. Jesse threw herself in front of the goose. She got nipped on the thigh.

  “Get out of here,” she whispered loudly. Pain spread from the sore place on her leg as she continued to come between Fred and the intruders.

  Carrying his daughter, the man hurried across the yard, a limp to his gait. At the edge of her property, he threw a glance over his shoulder, an ashen cast to his dark features. Jesse shivered in the warm spring air. This man was definitely not happy with her geese—or her.

  Fred settled down as the two people moved farther away. After giving one final loud honk, he toddled back to Ethel and stood guard, his beady black eyes watching the pair disappear inside the house next door.

  So those were her new neighbors, staying in the Millers’ summer home.

  Jesse headed for her back door, rubbing the reddened area on her thigh. Everyone in Sweetwater knew to stay away from her backyard while Ethel and Fred were guarding their nest. They could be so fierce when their home was invaded.

  With all the activity at her own house, she’d forgotten about her new neighbors who’d moved in two days ago. She supposed she should bake them some cookies and welcome them to Sweetwater—oh, and warn them about her geese.

  Shaking her head, she stepped into her bright kitchen and came to a stop just inside the door. Her grandfather sat at the table, his gray hair sticking up at odd angles, a scowl on his face.

  “Those geese could wake the dead,” he muttered into his cup of coffee while taking some sips.

  “I’m sorry. I know you went to bed late last night. But someone was in our backyard. You know how they get with strangers.”

  Her grandfather’s head snapped up, and he regarded her with a pinpoint gaze. “Not the Hawthorne boys trying to steal their eggs again?”

  “Nope. Our new neighbors.” Jesse eased onto the chair next to her grandfather. “And I have to say I don’t think I made a very good first impression.”

  He peered at the clock over the stove. “It’s barely eight. Awfully early to be paying us a visit.”

  “I don’t think that’s what they were doing.”

  His bushy dark brows shot up. “What kind of neighbors do we have?”

  “Gramps, that’s what I intend to find out later this morning.”

  * * *

  Several hours later at her neighbor’s house, Jesse pressed the bell and waited and waited. When the door finally swung open, she hoisted up the plate of chocolate chip cookies, as though it was a shield of armor, ready to give her welcoming spiel. The words died on her lips.

  The man from earlier filled the entrance with his large frame. He wore a sleeveless T-shirt and shorts that revealed muscular legs and arms. Sweat coated his body and ran down his face as he brought a towel up to wipe it away. When her gaze traveled up his length, power came to mind. Her survey came to rest on his face. Her smile of greeting vanished along with any rational thought.

  Earlier she hadn’t really had time to assess the man who had been partially hidden by his daughter. The impression of anger and the need to get the man and his daughter to safety had been all she had focused on. Now her attention was riveted to him. His rugged features formed a pleasing picture and only confirmed his sense of power—and danger. When she looked into those incredibly dark-brown eyes, she felt lost in a world only occupied by them.

  One of his brows arched. “Come to finish me off?”

  His deep, raspy voice broke the silence, dragging Jesse away from her thoughts, all centered around him. “No.” She swallowed several times. “No, I brought you and your family some cookies.” She thrust the plate at his chest, nearly sending her offering toppling to the porch at his feet.

  With a step back, he glanced down at the plate of cookies.

  “They’re chocolate chip,” she added, conscious of the fact that he was now staring at her. Not one hint at what was going on in his mind was revealed in his expression. “I wanted to welcome you to Sweetwater—properly.”

  Finally he smiled, deep creases at the corners of his eyes that glinted. The gesture curled her toes and caused her heart to pound a shade faster. My, what a smile! His wife sure was a lucky woman.

  “And earlier wasn’t a proper welcome?”

  “I’m sorry about not warning you concerning Fred and Ethel. Everyone knows to stay away from my backyard at this time of year. I meant to. But you know how it is. Time got away from me what with the order I needed to fill.” Realizing she was babbling, she clamped her
mouth closed, trying not to stare at his potent smile that transformed his face.

  “Fred and Ethel are pets?”

  “I raised Fred after a pack of wild dogs got his mother and father. A friend gave me Ethel for Fred. He really can be a dear.”

  “A dear? I don’t think our definition of a dear is the same.”

  Despite his words, amusement sounded in his voice, and Jesse responded with a grin. “Well, not at this time when he’s playing he-goose. You know males and their territory.”

  The man laughed. “I suppose I do.” He took the plate and offered her his hand. “I’m Nick Blackburn and I’m sure my daughter and I will enjoy these cookies.”

  No wife? Jesse wondered, slipping her hand within his and immediately feeling a warmth flash up her arm from his brief touch. “I’m Jesse Bradshaw. Are you and your daughter going to be here long?”

  “Two months.”

  She remembered the little girl’s pale face and plea to her father. “Is your daughter okay?”

  “Cindy is happy as a lark now that she’s sitting in front of the television set watching her favorite show.”

  “How old is she? I have a son who just turned eight.”

  “She’ll be seven later this summer.” He stepped to the side. “Please come in.”

  When she’d come over to his house, she’d had no intention of staying. She still had that order to complete. “I’d better not. I can see I interrupted your exercises.”

  “Your interruption gave me a good reason to call it quits.”

  Again she looked him up and down, assessing those hard muscles that could only have come from a great deal of work. He had to exercise a lot or his body wouldn’t be in such perfect shape. She began to imagine him pumping iron, sweat coating his skin. When she peered into his face, she found him staring at her, and she blushed. She didn’t normally go around inspecting men.

  “Well, uh,” she stammered, searching her mind for something proper to say, “I’d like to say hello to your daughter and explain about Fred and Ethel.” Jesse stepped through the threshold into his house. She felt like Daniel going into the lion’s den, as though her life were about to change.

  “Would you like a cup of coffee or iced tea? I think Boswell made some yesterday.”

  “I’ll take a glass of iced tea if it’s not too much trouble.”

  He gave her a self-mocking grin. “I’m not great in the kitchen, but I believe I can pour some tea.”

  “Is your wife home?” Boy, that was about as subtle as a Mack truck running someone over.

  He turned and headed toward the back of the house, still limping slightly. “No, she died.”

  “Oh,” Jesse murmured, feeling an immediate kinship with her new neighbor. Her husband had been deceased for the past four years and she still missed him.

  She followed Nick into the kitchen and stood by the table. He took two glasses from the cabinets and retrieved a pitcher from the refrigerator. After pouring the tea, he handed her a glass and indicated she take a seat.

  He tilted the glass to his mouth and drank deeply of the cold liquid. “This is just what I needed. It’s unseasonably warm for the end of May.”

  “Are you from around here?”

  “No, Chicago.” He massaged his thigh.

  “I noticed you’re favoring your right leg. I hope Fred or Ethel didn’t cause that.”

  “No. I just overextended myself while exercising. Sometimes I take my physical therapy a step too far.” He shrugged. “I guess you can’t rush Mother Nature.”

  Jesse chuckled. “I agree. Some forces have their own time frame.”

  “Like Fred and Ethel.”

  “Definitely forces to be reckoned with.”

  “Yes, I have a few bruises to prove that.”

  “I really am sorry. As I said earlier, I’ve been working hard to finish my latest order and before I realized it, two days had passed since you all moved in. I should have come over that first day and warned you.”

  “Well, consider us warned.” Nick sipped some more tea, draining his glass. “Do you want any more?”

  Jesse shook her head, realizing she hadn’t drunk very much. She watched him go to the refrigerator and refill his glass. He still favored his right leg. “You said something about physical therapy. Did you have an accident?”

  A shadow clouded his dark eyes, making them appear almost black. His jaw tightened into a hard line. “Yes.”

  A naturally curious person, Jesse wanted to pursue the topic, but his clipped answer forbade further discussion. “Are you here for a vacation?” she asked instead.

  “Yes.” Again a tight thread laced his voice.

  “This is a nice place to take a summer vacation. Do you fish?”

  “No, never had the time.”

  “Maybe Gramps can take you and your daughter out fishing one morning. He loves to show off his gear and favorite spots on the lake.”

  Nick didn’t respond. He made his way back to the table and eased down onto the chair across from Jesse. “I’m afraid I’ve lived in the big city all my life. The great outdoors has never appealed to me.”

  “Then why did you come to Sweetwater?”

  “The Millers are friends of mine. Since they weren’t going to use the house this summer they offered it to me. It met my needs.”

  She opened her mouth to ask what needs but immediately pressed her lips together. Nick Blackburn was a private man who she suspected had opened up more in the past fifteen minutes than he usually did. Whereas anyone meeting her for the first time could glean her whole life history if he wanted. She wouldn’t push her luck. Besides, he would be gone in two months.

  “Daddy, I’m hungry. When’s Boswell gonna be back?” Cindy asked, entering the kitchen. She came to a halt when she saw Jesse sitting at the table with her father. Her eyes widened, fear shining bright in them.

  “Don’t worry. I left Fred and Ethel at home.” Jesse smiled, wanting to wipe the fear from the little girl’s expression. “I came over to bring some cookies and to tell you how sorry I am about my geese this morning. When they’re guarding their nest, they can be extra mean.”

  “I just wanted to pet them.” Cindy’s eyes filled with tears. She stayed by the door.

  “They don’t like strangers much, especially right now. Maybe later I can introduce you if you want.”

  Horror flittered across Cindy’s face. “No.” She backed up against the door.

  “That’s okay. Do you like animals?”

  The little girl hesitated, then nodded.

  “Do you have a pet?”

  She shook her head.

  An uncomfortable silence descended, charging the air as though an electrical storm was approaching. Jesse resisted the urge to hug her arms to her. “Maybe you can come over and meet my son and his dog, Bingo.”

  “He has a dog?” Cindy relaxed some.

  “Yes, a mutt who found us a few summers ago.”

  “Found you?”

  “Or, rather Fred and Ethel. You thought their racket was loud this morning. You should have heard it when Bingo came into the yard. I found him hiding under a bush, his paws covering his face. Of course, you would think that would teach him a lesson. Oh, no. Bingo still tries to play with them. They won’t have anything to do with him.”

  “Not too smart. I’ve learned my lesson after only one encounter. Stay away from the geese,” Nick said with a laugh.

  “Actually, Bingo is pretty smart. Nate has taught him a lot of tricks. Maybe you can get Nate to show you, Cindy.” Jesse felt drawn to the little girl who seemed lost, unsure of herself.

  “Can I, Daddy?”

  “Sure, princess.”

  “Great. Nate will be home later this afternoon. Come on over and I’ll introduce you to my son and Bingo. I promise you Bingo is nothing like Fred and Ethel.”

  “Do you have any other pets?” Cindy took several steps closer.

  “I’m afraid I could open my own zoo and charge admission wh
ich I probably should since it costs so much to feed them all. Nate has a fish aquarium and a python as well as three gerbils.”

  “He does!” Cindy’s big brown eyes grew round. “He’s lucky.”

  “I don’t think he feels that way when he has to feed them. You should hear him complaining.”

  “I wouldn’t mind doing that if I had a pet.” Cindy’s hopeful gaze skipped to her father.

  “Princess, we’ve talked about this. We live in an apartment. Not the best place for an animal.”

  Cindy sidestepped to Jesse and whispered so loud anyone in the kitchen could hear, “Daddy’s never had a pet. I think one would be good for him. Don’t you?”

  Nick looked as uncomfortable as the silence had felt a moment before. He raked his hand through his dark straight hair that was cut moderately short. “I have enough on my plate without having to take care of a pet, too.”

  “But I’d do that, Daddy.”

  “Cindy, I don’t think we should bore our guest with this.”

  The firmness in his voice brooked no argument. The little girl’s mouth formed a pout, her shoulders sagging forward.

  “Well, I’d better be going before Gramps wonders where I disappeared to. Come over after three, Cindy. Nate should be home by then.” Jesse stood.

  Nick rose, too. “Let me show you to the door.”

  “That’s okay. I know this place well. I often visit when the Millers are here. I’m glad since they’re going to be gone this summer that someone is going to be living here. I hate seeing this old house go to waste.”

  Nick smiled, the gesture reaching deep into his eyes. “Thanks for the cookies. I know I’ll appreciate them.”

  His warm regard sent a shiver up her spine. She backed away. “Welcome to Sweetwater,” was all she could suddenly think of to say. Her mind went blank of everything except the man’s smile. Before she made a fool of herself, she rushed from the kitchen, relieved he would only be here for a short time.