The Swear Jar

  “Yes, Duncan.” She sounded so sleepy, it calmed him down too.

  They settled back against the pillows. He held onto her as she drifted off to sleep. He was upset by her story and needed time to think about what she had told him. He hated Hank. He fell asleep watching her hold her bent index finger to her lips. He sighed, falling into a deep sleep.

  He awoke to muffled sounds. It was early morning. She wasn’t in bed with him. In the daylight, he looked at her bedroom. There was a wooden dresser with a large mirror and a blue slider rocking chair in a corner. There were two nightstands with lamps, on each side of the bed. The bed was only a full-sized bed. The comforter and sheets were soft cotton and had a floral pattern with pinks and blues.

  The walls were stark white, without any decoration. He was surprised at how little of her personality showed in this private space. Her dresser held pictures of Diana, Ben and Anne. There was a jewelry box as well as a few knickknacks. His attention was drawn to her walk-in closet. He heard quiet shuffling. He sat up against the headboard and waited. When she appeared, she had on her pajama top and panties. He was a little disappointed she wasn’t naked. She was startled at first and then she smiled.

  “I was trying to be quiet. I hope I didn’t wake you,” she said.

  She held some casual clothes. She came over and sat on his side of the bed.

  She kissed him. “Good morning, sweetheart. Did you sleep well?”

  “I did. I was waking up anyway. What are you doing?”

  “I was going to take a shower and go to the gym. Want to come? I can bring a guest.”

  “I was thinking of taking you to breakfast at Lynn’s Café, but I’ll go to the gym with you. Meara, I have two questions I should have asked you yesterday.”

  “Go ahead. Ask.”

  “Is this the bed you shared with Hank?” he asked, uncomfortably.

  “No. I got rid of that bed soon after Hank passed away. This bed and that dresser are furniture my parents gave me years ago. Hank and I were never together in this bed. You’re the only one.”

  “Really?”

  “Yes, Sir Duncan. You’re the only one to have your way with me in this bed,” she blushed.

  He stroked her cheek. “Good.”

  “What’s your other question?”

  Blushing himself, he squeaked, “Are you still on the pill?”

  She laughed and hugged him. “Yes, I’m still taking it. You poor thing, you must have been worried. I thought I would finish this cycle and then decide if I wanted to keep taking it.”

  “I wasn’t worried. I wanted to make sure you were protected.”

  “I’m still not convinced I could get pregnant.”

  “Can I ask you another question?”

  “I thought it was only two?” She crossed her arms.

  “I thought of another one. Or is there a limit?” He teased.

  “Go ahead.”

  “Do you regret not having children with Hank?”

  “No.” The answer came quickly.

  “Do you regret not having children?”

  The answer came slowly this time. “I don’t know. I’m not sure I would be good at it. Anne tries my patience. I’m not sure I was meant to be a mother.”

  “I see how you are with Anne, the children at the library and even those boys at the beach. You would make a great mother.”

  “Thank you, Duncan. I would like to believe that. I don’t think motherhood is in my future.” She dropped her head.

  He lifted her chin. “Don’t rule anything out. I never believed I would love someone as much as I love you. And here I am. With you in my life, I believe anything is possible.”

  “Are you saying you’d have a baby with me?” Her eyes clouded.

  “If we decided that’s what we want to do, then yes,” he replied.

  Her eyes filled with tears. “I never thought I would find someone who loved me for me. You’re crazy, but wonderful. We should slow down on the major life changing events and work on little things first. Like the gym and breakfast.”

  He laughed. “You win for now. What do you suggest?”

  “A shower.” She held up her hand. “Correction, showers, plural. Down boy. Lower those eyebrows of yours. Then a light snack and off to the gym. You can go first in this shower, go second or use the hallway bathroom’s shower. You’re my guest, it’s your choice.”

  “You go first and I’ll follow. Can I stake out a space on your bathroom sink for my stuff? I’m staying all weekend.” Crossing his arms, he tried to look tough.

  “Yes, put your stuff in the bathroom. I’ll give you space in the dresser. I moved your suit into the closet. We’ll have to go food shopping at some point. Or is the trip to the gym the only time we’ll be seen outside of the house?” She smiled.

  “There’s that dimple. Are you sure you want to go to the gym? There are several other things we could do right here to get a good workout.” He kissed her.

  “There’s plenty of time for that. Let’s have some fun in town today.”

  “Meara?”

  “Yes, Duncan?”

  “I’m sorry about your father. Do you want to talk about it?”

  “Thank you, Duncan. I don’t want to talk about it now. I may tell you more some other time. Not right now, I’m too happy to be sad. You know what food I have, so help yourself. There should be coffee somewhere. I’ll be quick.” She kissed him.

  She bounded off to the bathroom. The sound of water signaled she was in the shower. He was tempted to join her. He wanted another chance to lather her body like he had at the Shore house. He took a deep breath and shook his head. She made it clear she wanted to go out. He pulled on his underwear and t-shirt. He unpacked his bag and set the clothes out on the bed. He found his suit in her closet, hung close to the door. She had pushed aside her clothes to make room for his. He smiled. She wanted him there.

  The last item out of his overnight bag was the Skeeball teddy bear. He propped the bear against the pillows. It was the right place for the bear. With one last longing look at the bathroom door, he padded out to the living room. The Swear Jar on the fireplace mantel had more coins and bills in it than the last time he had seen it. His grin reflected in the mirror behind the Swear Jar. She had been busy and Anne would be pleased.

  He set up the coffee maker in the kitchen. He found her tea and set up a cup for her. He inhaled the sweet scent of her flowers sitting on the kitchen counter. He padded back down the hallway. He passed the hall bathroom. It was as bland as Meara’s bedroom. He peeked into the bedroom across the hall. It held a twin-sized bed and a small dresser. The bed had a brightly colored blue comforter with a row of rainbow colored pillows. This must be the spare bedroom and the usual guest was Anne.

  The last room along the hallway looked like an office. A small desk held a computer and pictures of Diana and Meara as children, Diana, Ben and Anne, and probably her parents. There were no pictures of Hank. There were shelves against the wall. They held children’s books as well as novels. He recognized the authors, realizing they had similar tastes. She had a collection of classics as well.

  There were other shelves filled with stuffed animals and puppets. They called to him. He marveled at her collection of teddy bears and puppets. Each inhabitant looked like it belonged and each one had a special spot. He could tell she loved each one dearly.

  “The chipmunk over there is my favorite,” she said from behind him.

  He jumped. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to snoop. I saw the shelves from the door and I had to come in. I hope you don’t mind.”

  He had forgotten how quickly she took showers. He turned to see her standing in the doorway. A towel wrapped around her came to mid-thigh, revealing her shapely legs. She had on a pair of flip flops. Her short hair was wet, but neatly combed. Her breasts were threatening to pop out of the towel. He caught his breath.

  “I don’t mind,” she replied. “I didn’t find you going through my underwear or paying my bills onlin
e. The first would creepy, but I would appreciate the second.”

  “I’ll avoid the first one. I prefer to let you choose your own underwear. I’ll stick to taking them off you. I’m not so good at paying my own bills, so I’ll leave that one to you too. What’s so special about the chipmunk?”

  “Chippy is my first puppet. Diana bought him for me as a gift. I can make him look like he’s plotting mischief. Let me show you.” She maneuvered the chipmunk’s head and arms.

  “That’s wonderful! People who can bring imagination into children’s lives are magical people. Each one of these stuffed animals and puppets means something to you.”

  “Yes. They deserve to be loved and to be treated kindly. Then they can share their magic with me. They’re my friends.” She returned the chipmunk to the shelf, gently placing him in his spot.

  He held her in his arms. “You deserve to be loved and to be treated kindly. I’ve seen your magic. I hope to always been deserving of your love.”

  She looked into his eyes. “I’ve seen your magic. You see right into my soul. It should frighten me, but it doesn’t. I want you to keep looking until there’s nothing but you and me. That’s all that matters. I’ll try not to run if I get scared. And I’ll bite my tongue when I get upset. I love you, Duncan.”

  “I love you too. I told you, if you do run, I’ll follow you. And don’t bite your tongue. Say what you want. I can take it. And if I can’t, you can make it up to me.” He grinned evilly and reached out for her.

  She danced away from him. “If I let you, we’ll never get out of here today! Off to the shower! Get going!”

  She pulled him towards her bedroom. He was busy watching her towel come loose. She held it closed and smirked.

  “Show me where I can stick my stuff in your drawers. That sounded dirty. Or is my mind in the gutter?”

  “Your mind’s in the gutter.”

  “It’s the towel you’re wearing. It’s not leaving much to the imagination.”

  “I think you need a cold shower.”

  “I think you’re right.”

  They stood at the foot of her bed. He scooped up his clothes and put them into her dresser. She was pointing to the Skeeball teddy bear by the pillows.

  “You brought him?” Her voice trembled.

  “Yes, he’s ours,” he said softly.

  She had tears in her eyes. He kissed away her tears. They smiled at each other.

  “I should go take a shower.” He kissed her dimple.

  “Help yourself to towels. I set out a few for you.”

  “I’ll see you in a few minutes.”

  Chapter Thirty-Eight

  Duncan showered and dressed quickly. He put on sweatpants, a t-shirt and sneakers. He combed his hair and brushed his teeth. He happily spread his things out on Meara’s bathroom sink. He could get used to sharing space with her. She needed to pack an overnight bag for his house. He wondered what she would say if he asked her to move in with him. Raising an eyebrow, he wondered if he could move in with her. She would probably say he was delusional. He walked down the hallway, catching her sticking her nose in the vase of flowers.

  “Are they better than Russell’s roses?” he asked mischievously.

  “Yes, they are. Wait a minute. Did you have something to do with Russell’s roses?” She whirled in his direction, hands on hips and nose scrunched.

  “Maybe. He got it wrong, didn’t he?” He suppressed a grin.

  “You told someone to tell Russell roses, didn’t you? You bad, bad boy.” She wagged a finger at him.

  “I thought you didn’t like bad boys,” he said.

  “You’re changing the subject. You told someone to tell Russell roses, didn’t you?”

  “Guilty.”

  “Someone told you I was getting flowers from other guys. So you submarined Russell too?”

  “Guilty.”

  “Who’s the mole at the library?” she asked indignantly.

  “Can I plead the Fifth on that?”

  “I’ll let you get away with it since it’s worked in our favor so far. You’re a sneaky man, Sir Duncan. Did you know I gave away the roses after the meeting?”

  “I saw some ladies leaving with flowers. I was wondering what happened. I also noticed Sherrie left with the other flowers.”

  “Yes. I’m partial to flowers from a certain someone.” She stuffed her nose into the flowers again.

  “Good.” He had a huge grin on his face.

  She poured a cup of coffee for him while he poured a cup of tea for her. They munched on the sandwiches he had made the previous night. They chatted comfortably at the kitchen counter. She explained why she joined the gym.

  “Diana and Ben will close the pool soon. This gym has an indoor pool. It’s family-oriented, rather than a meat market like some other gyms. They have yoga classes and racquetball. The people are nice. I hope you’ll like it.”

  “I’ve been thinking of joining a gym. I should get some exercise. I used to play racquetball years ago. Maybe I’ll join too. Ready to go?”

  They cleaned up and headed for the door. Standing in front of the Jeep, she handed him the keys.

  “We have an audience. Anne’s on the back porch.” He tilted his head.

  “I thought she might be looking for us. Anne! Come over here!” She waved.

  Anne ran, looking like she was going to bust. “Good morning! Mom said I shouldn’t bother you.”

  Meara’s cheeks turned pink. “Duncan will be here all weekend. It’s important you knock and wait for us to answer.”

  “I understand. I won’t bother you. I promise.”

  Duncan held up his hands. “You’re never bothering us, Anne. Sometimes, adults need time to be together. What are you doing this afternoon? Aunt Meara and I are going to the gym, then we’re getting something to eat, but this afternoon is open.”

  Her face beaming, Meara squeezed his arm. Smiling, Anne danced for joy. He had made their day.

  “We’re keeping the pool open until next weekend. It’s really warm today. Can we go swimming?”

  “Done. When we get back, we’re going swimming.” He shook Anne’s hand.

  “I’m going to tell Mom. I’ll see you soon, Duncan!” Anne ran off.

  Meara sighed. “Thank you, Duncan. Notice she didn’t say goodbye to me.”

  “I know how much you mean to each other. I can share you with your family.”

  She kissed him. “I love you.”

  He kissed her back. “I love you too. Let’s go check out the gym.”

  “Remind me to buckle up. The first time you drove, you hit every pothole on purpose.”

  “The night of the painting? You made me nervous for two reasons. You were hurt and you were cute.”

  “I made you nervous? Do I still make you nervous?” She touched his cheek.

  “Not really. If I start to feel nervous, I’ll pull over and drag you into the backseat and relieve my tension. Sound like a deal to you?”

  “Maybe I should drive.”

  “Nope, I’ve got the keys. Unless you want to wrestle me for them?” He grinned wickedly.

  “Why do I feel like my boyfriend is insane?”

  “Because you drive me crazy.” He laughed, slapping her on the butt. “Get in!”

  True to his word, they spent their day like he said they would. Their first stop was the gym. In the workroom, the guys greeted Meara cheerfully and sized up Duncan critically. She led him through her routine. She used the recumbent bicycle, the treadmill, and a few weight-lifting machines. Impressed, he tried to keep up. He noticed the guys who vied for her attention were younger than him. He also saw was she wasn’t interested in them. She only had eyes for him.

  The guys were disappointed when she took his hand to continue the tour. She showed him the racquetball courts and yoga room. When she showed him the indoor pool, she was drooling. She really did love swimming. Before they left, he joined as a member. He was going to keep an eye on the gym guys. As they drove to Lyn
n’s Café, she chatted about how they could go to the gym before work and on weekends. He chuckled, hoping he would survive today’s gym visit.

  Arriving at the café, they were greeted heartily by Lynn, the owner. She showed them to their favorite booth at the back of the café. Lynn appreciated their desire to keep out of the public eye.

  She also liked to tease them. “Where have you been? It’s been lonely in here without a visit. Don’t they give you lunchtime at the library?”

  “We’ve been away, Lynn,” Duncan stated simply. “But we’re back and starving. We had a workout at the gym.”

  Lynn handed them menus. “Do you even need a menu? Or do you want the usual?”

  Duncan and Meara looked at each other and laughed.

  “The usual,” Meara said. “Are we that predictable?”

  “No, you’re just used to the best food in town. Or anywhere for that matter,” Lynn chuckled. “I’ll be right back with your food.”

  Duncan’s stomach rumbled as Lynn placed a plate in front of him. Meara and Lynn couldn’t help laughing. He rolled his eyes. Meara held his hand. Lynn shook her head, leaving them alone.

  “Remind me to pack a snack for you in my purse.” She touched his cheek. “Thank you for a lovely day.”

  “It’s not over yet. We promised to spend time with Anne. We’ll have to stop at my house. I forgot to pack my swimsuit.”

  “I forgot how good Lynn’s sandwiches are,” she murmured.

  He smiled. “Thank you for bringing my favorite sandwich to me yesterday. I knew you weren’t so mad at me when I saw it.”

  “I was nervous you were going to break it off with me.”

  “Not a chance.” He took her hand. “I’m not letting that dimple out of my sight.”

  She giggled. He looked around. They were alone. He slipped into her side of the booth. He took her face into his hands and kissed her dimple. He ran his hands along the side of her neck.