He didn’t know why things hadn’t worked out before, but that no longer mattered. Blaming Roz for every mistake she’d made didn’t work for him any longer. He wanted her and needed her just as much as he needed the blood pumping in his veins. Maybe more.
Stepping into the converted ballroom, he scanned the crowd. A jazz ensemble was playing a slow, romantic song and many couples swayed to the music. The room was dimly lit, so it was difficult to see clearly. And then he saw her. She was in the arms of another man, smiling into his face. An ache hit his heart so hard, it felt as if a five-hundred-pound weight had been dropped on his chest. Could he be too late?
They turned, and Paul got a glimpse of the other man’s face. Russell Danielson, Joni’s brother and Nathaniel’s chosen husband for his mother. The kid had told Paul he’d planned to get them together. Paul hadn’t believed Nathaniel would be able to pull it off. He’d been wrong. More important, he hadn’t thought Roz would be interested in seeing another man so soon.
Why had he thought that? Did he really believe Roz was going to wait around for him to figure out what he wanted? Especially since he hadn’t been clear that he wanted her. In fact, he’d done the opposite. He’d told her that he wasn’t interested in revisiting the past. That he would never allow himself to love her again. Was it so unexpected that she would look to someone else for love? Not that he thought she and Russell were in love. Still, he didn’t like seeing another man with his arms around her.
He didn’t fight for her last time. When he’d learned that Roz was planning to marry Terrence, he should have come home. He should have done whatever it took to convince her that he loved her and that they belonged together. Instead, he’d let his pride get in the way and he’d done nothing. Over the years, he’d grown angrier and more bitter.
Not this time. He might not be the world’s smartest man, but he wasn’t a fool either. There was no way he was going to stand aside and watch her walk away with another man. He was going to do whatever it took to win Roz’s heart.
He took a step, determination driving him. A small hand gripped his and he stopped. Looking down, he saw Suzanne’s smiling face. Megan stood next to her, her eyes wide with surprise. She let out a little squeal then jumped up and down, clapping her hands. “You’re here, Uncle Paul.”
“I told you he was coming,” Suzanne said, nudging her sister. “You just didn’t believe me.” Suzanne turned shining eyes to him. “I believed you were coming, and here you are. You look just like a prince. Are you going to dance with me now?”
“And me?” Megan asked.
“Absolutely,” Paul replied, noticing for the first time that the room was filling up with children and teenagers. He spotted Nathaniel with Bobby, but his nephew’s eyes were glued to his mother and he didn’t see Paul. Grinning, Nathaniel poked Bobby in the side and then pointed at Roz and Russell. Apparently, he thought his plan was working. Paul hated to disappoint the kid, but he was going to be the one who won Roz’s love.
“We’re coming in here so we can dance with our moms and dads,” Megan said.
“And special people. Mom asked Dr. Rick to be our special person, but I want you to be my special person,” Suzanne said.
“Mine, too,” Megan added. “We like Dr. Rick because he’s nice, but we love you.”
Paul’s throat suddenly felt clogged with emotion and he could barely speak above a whisper. He cleared his throat. “I love you girls, too. And I would be honored to be your special person.”
“And Mommy’s,” Suzanne added. “Don’t you want to be Mommy’s special person, too?”
Paul looked back at the dance floor. “Yes. I definitely want to be your mom’s special person.”
The song ended and the overhead lights switched on. Mayor Devlin stood on a makeshift stage and spoke into a microphone.
“Thank you all for coming to our inaugural Sweet Briar ball, capping off our first ever Sweet Briar harvest festival. The feedback I’ve received from visitors and business owners alike has been remarkable. In short, the festival was an unqualified success. We could not have done it without your support. I’m not going to make a long speech, but I do want to recognize Charlotte Shields and thank her for all of her hard work.”
There was prolonged applause and cheers. Charlotte joined the mayor on the stage and accepted a bouquet of flowers before waving and stepping back so the mayor could continue with his remarks.
“Now it’s time for the mother and son and father and daughter dances.”
“And special people,” Megan called out.
“And special people,” the mayor added. “And for those of you with more than one child, don’t worry. There will be seven special dances. If that’s not enough for people to dance with their kids, I’m going to suggest some of you get hobbies.”
There was laughter and then parents and kids began to seek each other out. Nathaniel raced to Roz and led her off the dance floor. The girls ran to greet them and Paul followed.
She was so beautiful. He’d never get enough of looking at her. She was smiling at something Nathaniel said, her face glowing with joy. Then she looked at Paul and stumbled, freezing for the tiniest moment. Her smile faded and her nose wrinkled in confusion. Clearly, she hadn’t expected him to return. That reaction hurt, but he knew he’d earned it. He also knew it would take time and effort to gain her trust. Whatever it took, whatever she needed, he was willing to do.
Nathaniel looked from Roz to Paul. “Hey, Uncle Paul. I didn’t know you were here.”
“I’m a little late.” Paul turned from his nephew to look at Roz. “You look absolutely beautiful.”
She smiled and the nerves that had been churning his stomach diminished. “Thank you.”
He wanted to say more, but before he could, the music began to play. Nathaniel took Roz’s hand. “Are you ready to dance with me?”
“Of course.”
“No. Wait. That was wrong.” He bowed a little at the waist. “May I have this dance, Mom?”
Roz’s pleased smile warmed Paul’s heart. He watched proudly as Nathaniel led his mother to the floor.
“I understand that I’m supposed to be a special person,” Rick said, joining Paul and the girls. “But since your uncle is here, I don’t know if my services are needed.”
“We’re dancing with Uncle Paul,” Suzanne confirmed, grabbing Paul by the hand. Megan quickly grabbed the other one.
“How about we take turns? You can dance with me and Dr. Rick,” Paul suggested.
“Okay,” the girls answered in unison.
Paul danced with Suzanne while Megan danced with Rick. When the song ended, they switched partners. Each girl was ecstatic to dance in the big room with him and chattered happily, filling him in on their night. They’d eaten desserts and drunk frothy punch. As promised, Nathaniel had danced with each of them twice. He’d even convinced Bobby to dance with them once. But they each claimed it was so much better to dance with him. He enjoyed it, too, but he had a feeling he was being set up. Not that he minded.
When the second dance ended, Nathaniel escorted his mother back to Paul. The girls giggled and stared. Megan asked, “Aren’t you going to dance with Mommy? She’s special.”
“Of course I’m going to dance with your mom.”
“Girls, this dance is for parents and kids so—” Roz started, but he cut her off. He wasn’t going to let her wiggle out of this dance when he was dying to hold her in his arms and feel her body pressed up against his.
“—and special people,” Paul added, his eyes searching her face.
“You don’t have to,” Roz said. He saw the wariness in her eyes. The doubt. He’d done that to her. And he’d have to fix it. Starting with this dance.
He mimicked Nathaniel, bowing at the waist. Rising, he extended his hand. “May I have this dance?”
“Say yes,” Suzanne urged.
Roz looked at her children, who were grinning broadly. Megan even gave her a little push. Several people who were standing nearby watched, as well. Good. He may as well let all the other men in Sweet Briar know Roz was unavailable. She nodded and he released a relieved breath. “Yes. I’d love to.”
Taking her by her hand, he led her to the dance floor, then took her into his arms. She held herself stiff for a moment and then breathed out a sigh before relaxing against him. Her breasts were soft against his chest and his heart skipped a beat. It felt so good to hold her in his arms. So right. He truly believed she was made for him. Or rather, they were made for each other. They fit together like puzzle pieces. Two halves of a whole. The thought didn’t seem as ridiculous as he’d once believed.
He pulled her more snugly against his chest and her delicate scent wafted around him. As usual, she wasn’t wearing perfume, but she didn’t need it. Her own heady scent had him wishing they were alone and he could show her just how much she meant to him.
He closed his eyes and let the music carry him away. The song ended and people around them moved and switched partners, perhaps to dance with a different special person. Roz started to step away, but Paul tightened his hold on her. She leaned back and looked at him, puzzlement in her beautiful brown eyes. “One more dance?”
She nodded, then lay her head on his shoulder. Oh, yeah. They were meant to be together. They had a few details to iron out, but the future was looking bright. Very bright indeed.
Chapter Eighteen
Roz sighed. She could stay in Paul’s arms forever. She felt so right there. So loved. Of course, those feelings were only an illusion, but wasn’t every woman allotted at least one fantasy in her lifetime? On a perfect night like this, she would pretend that it wasn’t only a dream and that Paul shared her feelings. For this fleeting moment in time, she wouldn’t worry about what the future held or try to figure out where—if anywhere—they would go from here.
She didn’t squelch the hope that being this close to Paul stirred in her. Paul had come back to Sweet Briar for the ball. Surely, that had to mean something. If he didn’t care about her, would he have come back? She wanted to say yes, but she knew that wasn’t necessarily true. He’d promised the girls he’d come back and he’d kept that promise. He’d also committed to dancing with her, hence the dance they were now sharing. But he’d only promised one dance. They were on their third.
She inhaled deeply, and his scent floated around her before settling in her heart like rose petals landing on the soft earth. Her heart was full and she realized just how deeply she loved him. It made no sense to pretend that she could put this love behind her and find a way to love someone else.
There had to be hope for them. If he couldn’t see it yet, then she’d show him. One thing was certain—she wasn’t going to let him walk away from her without a fight. She’d fought cancer and won. She’d fight for Paul’s heart and she’d win that battle, too.
The music ended and she reluctantly pulled out of Paul’s arms and away from the warmth of his body. She glanced into his eyes, surprised by the longing she saw there. It mirrored hers. “Thanks.”
“The pleasure was all mine,” Paul said.
“No, it wasn’t. I enjoyed those dances. And I wouldn’t mind a few more.”
“We’ll definitely have to make that happen.”
“The sooner, the better,” she said with a smile.
Wrapping his arm around her waist, he led her to the kids, who were watching every move they made, broad grins on their faces.
“Looks like the ball is about over,” Paul said. “You guys ready to go home?”
“Can we say bye to our friends first?” Megan asked.
“And I want to get some cookies for the road,” Nathaniel added.
“Okay,” Roz replied. “Just make it quick.”
The kids scurried away, leaving Roz alone with Paul. Her skin tingled where his hand rested on the small of her back. Nothing in the world could make her step away from him.
“Thanks for coming,” she said. “I know that, with everything going on, this wasn’t the most convenient time for you to be here.”
“I’ve got people who can handle the business in my absence.”
“But—”
“No buts. I’m exactly where I want to be and doing exactly what I want to do.”
Before she could ask him what he meant, Nathaniel skidded to a stop in front of Paul, his sisters right behind him. “We’re ready to go.”
“I’m parked near the door,” Roz said as they walked through the center.
“Lucky you. I’m at the far end of the lot.”
They all walked to Roz’s car. Paul opened the door and held it for her.
“I want to go with Uncle Paul,” Megan said.
“Me, too,” Suzanne piped up, grabbing his free hand.
“Okay,” Paul said before she could reply. “I’d like the company.”
“I’ll ride with you, Mom,” Nathaniel said, climbing into the passenger seat.
“See you at home,” Paul said, closing her door.
Home. She liked the sound of it. She didn’t want to read too much into one simple word, but hope went coursing through her veins.
“I’m glad Uncle Paul is back,” Nathaniel said. “I missed him.”
“So did I,” Roz confessed.
“It feels good when he’s around. I like the way he helps me protect you and Megan and Suzanne.”
Mixed emotions crashed through Roz. She was proud that her son wanted to take care of her and his sisters. At the same time, she was also sad that he felt compelled to take on the responsibility at his age. Thank goodness he was willing to accept another man’s help. He could have resented Paul’s presence, but he didn’t. Nathaniel loved Paul and liked being around him. Paul had become more than her son’s role model. He’d become Nathaniel’s hero. Truthfully, Paul had become her hero, too.
She pulled into the driveway and waited as, once more, Nathaniel opened her car door. They’d been in the house about five minutes when Paul parked his car behind hers. Despite the amount of sugar they’d consumed, the girls had fallen asleep on the ride home, so she carried Suzanne to her room while he carried Megan. Nathaniel followed, said good-night and went to his room.
Paul placed Megan on her bed and removed her shoes, then went to the dresser and pulled out two pairs of pajamas. “Need help?” he asked Roz.
“Nope. I’ve got it.”
“I’ll meet you downstairs in a minute, then.”
“It’ll take me a couple of minutes to change.”
One corner of his mouth lifted. “I was kind of hoping you would keep on that dress a little while longer. I really like it.”
Warmth flowed through her veins like honey. “Only if you leave on that tuxedo.”
“Deal.”
Ten minutes later, she joined Paul in the living room. Soft music played from a Bluetooth speaker. He’d dimmed the lights and candles flickered from where he placed them around the room. A vase of red roses was in the center of the coffee table. A wrapped box was beside it.
“What’s in the box?”
He laughed. “It’s a present.”
“For me?”
“Yes. I brought gifts for the kids, too, but since they’re asleep they won’t get to open theirs until tomorrow.” He handed her the package. “Since you’re awake, you can have yours now.”
The box was heavier than she thought it would be. Her mind raced as she began to peel away the tape to remove the paper. Although the suspense was killing her, anticipation was part of the pleasure. When the last of the tape was removed, she took off the paper. “A cuckoo clock.”
“Yes.” He was grinning from ear to ear.
“It’s just like the one I saw when we went on the boat ride.”
“It is
the one we saw. I noticed how much you liked it, so I went back and got it for you.”
She couldn’t think of the words to express her emotions. “Thank you. I love it so much.”
“You’re welcome. You deserve to have something you wanted so much.”
She smiled broadly. What could she say to something like that?
He offered her a mug of hot chocolate. He’d gone so far as to add whipped cream and bits of chocolate. Lifting the mug to her mouth, she took a sip and moaned.
“I take it that you like it.”
“Yep.” She took a seat on the sofa. First the gift and now her favorite beverage. If she didn’t know better, she would think Paul was trying to seduce her. They sipped their drinks in silence, enjoying each other’s company.
When they finished, he took her cup, placed it on the table and then held her hand. He stroked his fingers over her palm and tingles raced up her spine. “I missed you.”
“Really?”
“Why do you sound so surprised?”
“I’m not just surprised. I’m confused about what’s going on between us. We kissed like it meant something, but a minute later you were adamant that we weren’t in love and didn’t have a future together.” She considered mentioning Kristin but decided she didn’t need a third person in the room. The other woman didn’t really have anything to do with Roz and Paul’s relationship.
“I wasn’t sure what I felt. The girls were talking about us getting married and that kind of talk made me a little nervous then.”
“I understand. You have a business to focus on.”
“Then, Roz. I wasn’t sure then. I know exactly what I want now.”
“And what is that?”
He smiled at her. “Don’t you know?”
She shook her head, her heart thumping against her rib cage. She needed to hear him say it.
“You. I want you. I love you, Roz. I fell in love with you when I was a boy. We were too young to make a lasting commitment. Too young to follow through. For years I tried to get over you. I’d even convinced myself that I hated you. But that was a lie. I’ve never stopped loving you. And I don’t think I ever will. I don’t want to.”
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