by Rachel Burns
Mr. Schmidt was waiting for Sean with a grin on his face. “Hello, Sean. We have lots of work to do. Twins means twice as much cake.”
Chapter 6
Adam knocked on Samantha’s door and waited.
The door opened, and Jonah was smiling at him. A wonderful smell was tickling his senses too, making him feel hungry.
“I did my homework.”
“Well then, let me see it.” Adam stepped in and closed the door behind him.
“I’ll be right out Mr. Clark. My soup is cooking. I just need a minute to stir it.” Samantha went back into the kitchen.
“That smells wonderful. I’ll bet your mommy is a great cook.”
“She’s the best.” Jonah nodded at Mr. Clark as if he’d spoken the gospel truth. “The table is already set, but I can show you my pictures at my desk in my room.” Jonah took hold of Adam’s hand and led the way.
“Sure.” Adam followed Jonah into his room. They walked past a table that was set for two. Adam felt a little stab in his heart. He wished that there were a third setting for him. He also wished that it would be a given that he ate with them.
Adam was putting the cart in front of the horse again. He needed to wait. This might not be love, but melancholy. The news that he couldn’t father a child had hit him hard. He needed to recover from that before he started a serious relationship.
Samantha didn’t deserve a man who didn’t know his own heart. She’d already suffered from that once already. He was responsible for her.
Jonah let go of Adam’s hand once they were in his room.
The apartment was furnished with simple things, but Jonah had a lot of cool things in his room. He guessed that they were gifts from his father. Probably bought instead of spending time with his son.
“My mom brought me a set of artist’s pencils home from work this afternoon. I practiced all weekend. She said it paid to invest in quality pencils.”
Adam recognized the set. It was the starter set. He knew what it cost. He had a feeling that she’s splurged to get them.
“I use these pencils too. Take very good care of your tools. Keep them sharp and keep them in a safe place.”
“I will,” Jonah promised.
Adam ruffled Jonah’s hair. “That’s a good boy.” He looked over the pictures that Jonah had made. He had talent, and if he practiced, he could get very good at this.
Adam had always imagined that he’d have talented children. He’d wanted to pass on the things that he’d learned in life to a child and enrich their lives.
“Hi,” Samantha smiled at Adam and Jonah. She wished that Richard would take time for their son like this. Richard had never been in Jonah’s bedroom in this apartment. They’d been living here for three years.
“Supper is ready. You wouldn’t care to join us, would you Mr. Clark. I made soup.”
“Trust me, Mom. He wants to. He already told me that it smells really good.” Jonah was very confident in his mother’s cooking skills.
“Really? Like I said, it’s only soup. I’m sure you’re used to eating things that are a lot more fancy.”
“I loved to join you two. If you have enough,” he added, not wanting to take anything away from them.
“No, I have more than enough. That’s not a problem.” She spun around to set another place at the table.
Adam felt that the table looked right. It had looked too empty with only two bowls on it. This was a table set for a family now.
He stayed standing until Samantha came with the heavy pot of soup. She set it down, and then he pulled a chair out for her.
Jonah was watching what Mr. Clark did. Even with his five years, he knew that this was the kind of man a boy should look up to and copy.
The men sat down, and Samantha put soup in their bowls. They ate together and talked. Adam asked if he’d be allowed to dunk the bread into his soup.
Samantha laughed and nodded. They had a comfortable and satisfying meal.
When it was time for Jonah to go to bed, they both brought him into his room and helped him get ready for bed. Adam read him a story, and Samantha stared at Mr. Clark, wishing that he wasn’t just a visitor. It would be nice if he could stay forever.
Adam stood in front of Samantha, wracking his brain. What did he have to do or say so he could see her again? It was clear to him that he loved her.
He didn’t want to go home. He wanted to go in her bedroom, make love to her and fall asleep with her in his arms. Tomorrow morning they could wake up and send Jonah off to school. Then they’d both have to go to work. And then in the evening, they’d all come home and eat together. Every day would be the same, and every day would be wonderful.
“Would you consider getting a cup of coffee with me some time. Whenever it would be convenient for you,” Adam asked like a nervous teenager.
“Oh,” Samantha had longed for him to say something like that. She felt a strong pull to the gorgeous and talented man. “I wish I could, but I can’t. I’m not sure where things stand between my husband and I. If there is a chance at reconciling, then I have to take it. That would be best for Jonah. I know he’d love to have both of his parents together again.”
“I see.” Adam bit back what he wanted to say. He’d never get her to like him if he pointed out how unlikely and unhealthy that would be for both her and Jonah.
“If you ever change your mind, let me know. The offer stands. Good night.” He opened the door and looked at Samantha, wishing that he could say something that would get her to change her mind.
“The door opened,” Mr. Romano called out. Aunt Ruth had been sitting beside him staring at the closed door too.
Mr. Johnson sprang to his feet and ran to the penthouse door. He slipped into his jacket and raced down the stairs. He wanted to be in the lobby before Mr. Clark came down.
The night watchman took off for his break. He’d pump Mr. Johnson for information when he came back.
There was simply something about this building that made everyone care for everyone else.
The night watchman went up to his apartment and helped his wife put their children to bed.
“Good night,” Samantha could see that she’d hurt Adam’s feelings. “I really like you. You’re a great person. Thank you for spending the evening with us, but I still have hope that our family will get back together. You understand, don’t you?”
“Of course.” Adam understood, but it didn’t seem likely.
They lingered in the door awhile longer. Neither said a word, but thousands of words went through their minds.
“I’ll deliver the portrait when it finished.” Adam smiled at her. Somehow it felt wrong to move away from this door.
“Thank you.” Samantha hated seeing him go. It had been so nice having him here for supper and to bring Jonah to bed. It had been like she’d pictured family life when she was a kid.
“Thank you for the meal. I honestly enjoyed it.”
“You’re welcome. We enjoyed your company.”
Adam went to the elevators and pushed the button. He heard the door softly closing behind him. He missed her already.
Adam told himself that she probably wouldn’t have wanted him if she knew the truth anyway. He was setting himself up for the fall.
In the lobby, he glanced at his drawing. He’d immediately felt a pull to this building.
Mr. Johnson was standing at the door, holding it open when they heard a scream. Mr. Clark stopped dead in his tracks.
“Dr. Kennedy is delivering twins,” Mr. Johnson explained.
“That’s my doctor,” Adam said, surprised.
“Yes, he lives here. The entrance to his office is around the corner.”
“Does he often deliver babies here?”
“No, that’s Gina and Alexander Adams. They live here. She wanted to deliver at home, and this was the compromise.”
“I see.” Adam smiled. He’d already noticed that this wasn’t a normal building. The people here were close to one another.
“How is Jonah coming along with his artwork?” Mr. Johnson asked.
Adam’s face lifted up with pride. “Fabulous. He has talent.”
Mr. Johnson saw the parental pride in Mr. Clark’s eyes. He hoped that everything would work out between the two of them. The fact that they’d taken so long to say goodbye was a good sign. “Will we be seeing you around here again?” he dared to ask.
“I’m afraid not. I asked her out, but she wants to get back together with her ex-husband. She said that it would be better for Jonah.”
“What?” Mr. Johnson couldn’t believe what he was hearing.
Adam shrugged.
“We’ll see about that.” Mr. Johnson couldn’t believe that Mrs. Beaumont was throwing a wrench in his plans. She deserved better than her ex-husband. He wouldn’t stand idly by and watch her make the same mistake again.
Adam grinned. “She’s very loyal.”
“To a fault. He cheated on her while they were married. He came home one day and kicked her out so he could be with a younger woman, who he then kicked out for yet another woman a year later. He’s on the third woman since his wife. He picks Jonah up late every time. He doesn’t like going upstairs, so he makes them wait here in the lobby. When he brings Jonah back, he expects her to wait down here for him again. What does she see in him?” Mr. Johnson had gone to so much trouble to get the last lonely soul in his building happily paired up, and she was barricading herself against his help.
Was the last match going to be the hardest?
“She deserves better.” Adam patted Mr. Johnson on his shoulder and left.
Upstairs, Aunt Ruth was fit to be tied. They’d been able to hear what had been said in the hallway. She was shocked to hear the woman turning down her nephew.
Ruth said goodbye to the gentleman and went home to talk to her nephew. She’d probably have to comfort him too.
Why didn’t young women today see a gem when it was directly in front of them?
Chapter 7
Samantha couldn’t sleep. She wasn’t sure if she hadn’t done everything wrong this evening. She wanted to get back together with Richard, so Jonah could have a real family.
Still, this evening had felt like a real family should.
Adam hadn’t complained about the simple meal. She’d even had the feeling that he’d enjoyed it.
He’d praised her for the meal. That had been a great feeling. She wished that she could feel that way every day.
Besides, he’d only asked her out for a cup of coffee. He hadn’t gotten down on one knee and presented her with a ring, although, that would have been nice.
A man like him probably had lots of women to choose from: women who were famous and talented like he was. Chances were that he just wanted to be friends. She interpreted too much into it, and she’d made a fool out of herself.
There was no need for her to worry about it ever again because he was never going to want to see her again. He’d bring the portrait over and leave quickly. It would be a very uncomfortable moment for everyone. Jonah would want him to stay, and he’d want to show him his drawings.
Adam would be nice about everything and look at each of Jonah’s drawings and make comments. He was so nice.
She didn’t feel lucky anymore. Meeting Adam made it clear what she denied herself back then when she’d married Richard. She’d married her high school boyfriend hoping that he wasn’t finished growing up. She always thought that he would one day, but instead of growing up, he got more and more immature.
What if she remarried him, and Jonah saw how terrible he treated her and became exactly like his father?
What was she thinking? Richard treated her like a doormat every other weekend while Jonah watched and learned. She needed to stand up for herself.
Maybe Richard would like her better if she did?
It was worth a try.
Ruth stood in front of the paintings, looking at Samantha and especially at Jonah. She’d lost the love of her life in the Vietnam War and had never found someone worthy to take his place in her heart. That was until recently.
A certain gentleman had paid her a visit. He had information for her about her nephew, telling her that Adam couldn’t have children.
Ruth had placed her hope for future generations in Adam, and now he couldn’t have any children.
He was such a talented young man. It was a tragedy that he wouldn’t be able to pass on his abilities and his family name.
When Mr. Romano told her his plan, she’d jumped at the opportunity.
Adam had been so melancholy since his girlfriend left. Now, she knew the whole story. She’d left him because he couldn’t give her children, and Samantha didn’t want him because she hoped that her no good ex would take her back.
The last couple of weeks had been hard on Adam. He needed to have a shoulder to cry on. Not her old wrinkly ones but young ones, like Samantha had.
Ruth’s eyes moved to Samantha’s beautiful face. Adam was the catch of the century, and two women had shot him down this month.
He didn’t deserve that.
Adam wasn’t about to give up on Samantha. He had another chance. When he delivered the painting, he’d tell her that he hadn’t been able to think about anything other than her. He’d confess that he lied about needing the photographs of their eyes that he’d taken with his cell phone.
He’d beg her to give him a chance. If they got to know each other and didn’t like each other, then they could still go their separate ways, but how would they know if they never tried?
The portrait was packed up and ready to deliver. He called Samantha on her cell to ask if she and Jonah had time.
She told him that he could come over whenever he wanted because they’d be home.
It was Saturday, and he knew that Jonah would be with her this weekend. He told his aunt what he was thinking, and she assured him that she’d babysit if Samantha agreed to go out with him. Everything was set up.
He arrived with the painting and showed it to Mr. Johnson.
“It’s beautiful. You captured them perfectly.” Mr. Johnson could see that the picture had been painted with love as well as talent.
“Thank you. I wanted it to turn out exactly as it did. I hope she’ll cherish this forever. I have a suspicion that Jonah is going through a growth spurt. He’s a good eater. It was good that I got him beforehand.”
Mr. Johnson nodded at Adam, thinking that Mr. Beaumont wouldn’t have a clue about when Jonah was growing or not.
“If you need anything this afternoon or this evening, let me know. Perhaps you’ll need a babysitter. The weather is quite lovely for a stroll in the park.”
“My aunt told me she’d like to babysit. It would be a chance for them to get to know each other. I hope I can get Samantha to agree to go out with me.”
“I’ll keep my fingers crossed.” Mr. Johnson meant that. He wanted to see her in a healthy relationship.
“Thank you.”
Once again, Adam stood in front of Samantha and Jonah’s door and knocked. That felt wrong. In his heart, it felt like he should be able to walk in.
Why did he see them as his family when he’d never gone out on a date with Samantha?
He worried that he just wanted her because he wanted to be a father to the amazing Jonah.
Then Samantha opened the door, and it became clear that he was in love with her. “I missed you,” he blurted out.
Samantha nodded and let him in.
Jonah charged at him. “You’re finally back. I have so much to show you.”
Adam knelt on the floor in front of Jonah. “I have a picture to show you too. I hope you’ll like it.” He revealed the painting, and Adam’s forehead wrinkled up.
“Don’t you like it?” Adam asked him.
“I thought you were going to be in the portrait too?”
“No,” Samantha corrected him. “It was just a family portrait.”
“But I like Adam, and he likes me too. Why can�
��t he be my dad?” Jonah was clearly confused. Why was it that something that was so obvious to him was so difficult for adults to understand?
“Things don’t work that way, honey.” Samantha knelt down beside Jonah and smiled at him. His little world was so cut and dry, if only things were truly that easy.
Jonah started to cry. “Why not? Dad has new girlfriends all the time. The new one he had last weekend played cards with me. You can find somebody new too.”
“I don’t need someone new. I have you. You’re the man in my life.”
“But I want a dad, and mine doesn’t like me. Adam does. This doesn’t make sense.” Jonah ran to his room with fat tears streaming down his tiny face.
Adam stood up and laid the portrait on the table. Samantha could look at it later. It was clear that she had other problems that she needed to handle at the moment that were more important.
“I’m sorry I caused so many problems. I didn’t mean to,” Adam apologized.
“I know you didn’t. The portrait is beautiful. Thank you.” Samantha didn’t know what to do. She stood standing perfectly still, debating with herself, which man needed her the most at the moment.
“I finished the portrait last week already. I went directly to work on it after I left you. I didn’t mean to play games with you. I thought that if I came back too soon, I’d be making it obvious that I’d fallen in love with you at first sight, so I lied about the picture I’d taken. It didn’t have red eyes.”
“You can’t love me.” Samantha stopped him.
She had no clue, Adam thought. “Nonsense, it’s as easy as breathing. I hope you can work out things with your son.”
Adam went to the door and lingered hoping that she’d stop him.
Samantha’s breath caught in her throat. She wanted to hear that she was lovable. It was something that she hadn’t heard in a very long time.